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SUVs and crossovers may dominate immediately’s roads, however they don’t all the time ship the fun of driving. If you happen to’ve ever missed the way in which a automotive used to really feel—balanced, responsive, and related to the street—you’re not alone. That’s the place sports activities sedans are available in.
Mixing sharp dealing with, on a regular basis consolation, and simply the correct amount of energy, these four-door performers provide one thing many new autos have forgotten: pleasure. And the perfect half? You don’t must lay our a fortune to expertise it. We’ve rounded up a few of the finest sport sedans underneath $30,000 that remind you what driving was meant to really feel like.
How We Discovered Them
To create this record, I used Autotrader, Automobiles.com, and Client Stories to seek for used sports activities sedans bought in America for underneath $30,000. When doable, I centered on newer mannequin years. Some emphasize sportiness extra, whereas others prioritize luxurious. Most are compact, though some midsize choices are included as effectively.
Sports activities sedans might have taken a again seat to different segments in recent times. Nonetheless, they’re nonetheless a horny selection for a lot of consumers, particularly those that need to drive one thing extra distinctive than the whole lot else on the street.
Acura TLX
Mixing Honda engineering with premium supplies, the Acura TLX gives sharp dealing with and a refined experience. Earlier fashions got here with both a 2.4-liter inline-four or a 3.5-liter V6 — the latter making 290 hp and providing optionally available Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The V6 variations particularly give off that traditional sports activities sedan really feel, with out sacrificing reliability or consolation.
Used V6 TLX fashions from 2018 to 2021 usually fall between $18,000 and $29,000 on Autotrader.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
If you’re in search of a contemporary Italian sports activities sedan out there in America, the fashionable Giulia could possibly be the perfect selection. Launched in 2017, it’s now in its ninth mannequin 12 months. Praised by Client Stories for its sports activities car-like dealing with, the Giulia is obtainable with both rear- or all-wheel drive.
Though a extra highly effective engine is obtainable, given the $30,000 worth cap, we’re specializing in its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower. Whereas some 2017 fashions are listed as little as $13,000, one can count on newer fashions to be priced nearer to $30,000, based mostly on listings from Automobiles.com.
Audi A3
Launched for its present era in 2022, the Audi A3 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 hp. In response to Client Stories, the A4 was initially out there with both entrance or all-wheel drive. Nonetheless, front-wheel drive wasn’t supplied after 2024.
Client Stories talked about the A3’s acceleration, braking, dealing with, and gas financial system amongst highlights. A Automobiles.com search confirmed that 2022 to 2024 A3s vary from round $18,000 to $30,000.
Audi A4
If you happen to want extra space than the A3, Audi’s bigger A4 often is the better option. The present iteration of the Audi A4 has been available on the market since 2017 and options two 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines — one producing 190 hp and the opposite 252 hp. In 2018, Automobile and Driver recommended the A4 for successfully mixing sporty and luxurious aims, in addition to its spacious inside and spectacular dealing with. Each front-wheel drive and Audi’s famend Quattro all-wheel drive system can be found.
Though Audi initially offered a six-speed handbook transmission, it was discontinued after the 2018 mannequin 12 months and represented solely 5 % of A4 gross sales within the U.S. Subsequently, you usually tend to discover A4s with the opposite transmission possibility — a seven-speed dual-clutch automated. An Autotrader search confirmed that used 2017 A4s begin round $14,000, whereas 2020 to 2022 fashions are sometimes priced nearer to the $30,000 vary.
BMW 330i
For a lot of, when the time period “sports activities sedan” is talked about, the legendary BMW 3 Collection is the primary automobile that involves thoughts. Though a number of spectacular sedans have gone head-to-head with the three Collection, it stays a key participant within the phase. In response to Client Stories, its 2019 redesign introduced dealing with and gas financial system enhancements over its predecessor.
The 330i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp. With optionally available xDrive all-wheel drive, Automobile and Driver reported the 330i to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Based mostly on an Autotrader search, anticipate 2019 to 2021 fashions to vary in worth from $18,000 to $30,000.
Cadillac CT4
The CT4 changed the ATS in Cadillac’s lineup and gives European dealing with in an American package deal. Launched for the 2020 mannequin 12 months, Client Stories lauded the CT4’s match and end, braking, and front-seat consolation.
The bottom mannequin comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 hp. Each rear and all-wheel drive can be found. Costs for used CT4 sedans begin at round $20,000 per Automobiles.com itemizing.
Genesis G70
Genesis launched its G70 sport sedan for 2019, positioning it because the model’s competitor to the 3-Collection and A4. Initially, the usual engine featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 252 hp with the automated transmission and 255 hp with the handbook. For these wanting extra energy, the optionally available twin-turbocharged V6 generates 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in simply 4.7 seconds. The G70’s spectacular mixture of efficiency and luxurious has earned it a spot on Automobile and Driver’s 10 Greatest Record in addition to the Editors’ Selection lists.
Based mostly on my analysis, discovering a late-model V6 sport sedan for underneath $30,000 is difficult. Nonetheless, the Genesis is probably going probably the greatest choices for these searching for V6 energy and efficiency on this worth vary. A Automobiles.com search confirmed V6-powered G70 beginning round $22,000 for used 2019 fashions, whereas the four-cylinder G70 begins as little as $16,000.
Honda Civic Si
A used 2022 to 2024 Civic Si Sedan gives a possibility to amass a performance-oriented Civic for underneath $30,000. Automobile and Driver recommended the Si for its experience and dealing with. Powering the Si is a 1.5-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine that delivers 200 hp, that includes front-wheel drive and a six-speed handbook transmission.
The Si options Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Bose audio system, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by bodily controls to attenuate distractions. A Automobiles.com search revealed that the 2022 to 2024 Civic Si Sedan ranges in worth from $25,000 to $30,000.
Infiniti Q50 (2020 to 2024)
For many who choose six-cylinder energy, the 2020 to 2024 Infiniti Q50 gives a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers both 300 hp or 400 hp, relying on the trim. In response to Client Stories, the Q50 is seemingly enjoyable to drive and options superior security techniques and easy energy supply.
An Autotrader search confirmed that used Q50s from 2020 to 2024 begin round $20,000 and go as much as $30,000.
Jaguar XE
For these searching for a British tackle a sports activities sedan, the elegantly styled Jaguar XE was produced from 2017 to 2020 and boasts sharp dealing with and a nice experience. Client Stories notes that the XE is obtainable with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a supercharged V6 engine, or a diesel engine. Like its Mercedes and BMW rivals, it options both rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
In response to a search on Autotrader, the Jaguar XE is priced between $13,000 and $26,000, relying on the 12 months and mileage.
Lexus GS
The ultimate era of Lexus’s midsize GS sedan was produced from 2013 to 2020. One of many largest choices on this record, Client Stories highlighted its experience, dealing with, and inside house. In response to Automobile and Driver, the GS’s trunk holds as much as 18 cubic toes of cargo, 5 cubic toes greater than its Mercedes E-Class competitor. Each rear-wheel and all-wheel drive have been out there. For these searching for extra efficiency, the GS350 F Sport provides a sport-tuned suspension.
Per an Autotrader search, pricing ranges from $16,000 for 2013 fashions with lower than 100,000 miles to almost $30,000 for examples from 2016 to 2019.
Mercedes C300
Redesigned for 2022, many of the used fashions from the most recent C-Class era will exceed the $30,000 worth cap. Thus, we’re specializing in the earlier era, which was produced from 2015 to 2021. In response to Client Stories, agile dealing with, out there driver help tech, and a quiet experience are amongst its strengths.
An Autotrader search confirmed that 2019 to 2021 variations promote from $16,000 as much as $30,000.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima has lengthy marketed itself as a “four-door sports activities automotive,” and it nonetheless delivers on that promise. With a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine making 300 hp and front-wheel drive, the Maxima balances sporty driving with on a regular basis consolation. It’s additionally loaded with upscale options like a dual-panel sunroof, premium audio, and Nissan’s security tech suite.
Look forward to finding used Maxima SR or Platinum trims from 2019 to 2022 for between $20,000 and $29,000, relying on mileage and situation.
Subaru WRX (2022 to 2024)
The Subaru WRX was redesigned for the 2022 mannequin 12 months and is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces as much as 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed handbook transmission is obtainable, and all-wheel drive comes commonplace.
Automobile and Driver praised the WRX’s experience high quality and refinement and clocked a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. A Automobiles.com search exhibits used 2022 to 2024 Subaru WRXs beginning at $23,000.
Toyota Camry XSE V6
Whereas the Camry may not scream “sports activities sedan,” the XSE V6 trim actually earns a spot on this record. With a 3.5-liter V6 making 301 horsepower and a 0–60 time of round 5.8 seconds, this model brings actual muscle underneath the hood. It additionally gives Toyota’s well-known reliability and a snug, roomy inside, making it a sensible possibility for many who need each energy and peace of thoughts.
Used XSE V6 fashions from 2018 to 2023 sometimes vary from $22,000 to $30,000, in accordance with CarGuru listings.
Embracing Sports activities Sedans
You don’t want a six-figure supercar — or perhaps a brand-new experience — to recapture the enjoyment of driving. These sport sedans provide stability, suggestions, and elegance with out breaking the financial institution. Whether or not you’re carving corners in your commute or simply trying to escape the appliance-like really feel of immediately’s crossovers, one in every of these automobiles could possibly be precisely what you’re after.
The open street remains to be calling. These sedans simply occur to reply it higher than most.
