Our Favorite Sport Sedans under $45,000 You Can Buy Today

At this point, sedans have been losing market share for nearly a decade now. While manufacturers ponder how they can turn small hatchbacks into crossovers and as SUV sales rise, the sedan segment is shrinking, as nameplates like the Nissan Maxima and VW Passat depart the US market. But that doesn't mean prospective sedan buyers are out of luck, especially if they're looking for a sporty sedan.

Manufacturers across the spectrum continue to pump out legacy sedan nameplates while a few introduce new EV sedans. But cars aren't getting any cheaper these days, making true performance sedans like BMW's M3 hard for many enthusiast consumers to obtain. So, in an effort to show that fun sedans are still available at a reasonable price point, we've compiled a list of our favorite sport sedans under $45,000.

Genesis G70

Genesis has become a staple in the luxury market, and upscale crossovers like the GV70 are its best-selling models. But the company actually makes some very competent sedans as well. A supple but backroad-willing suspension and predictable handling characteristics help the luxurious sedan prove itself against German sedans. Even in four-cylinder trim, the G70 is handsome looking and features competitive power levels, all with a plush leather interior too.

Genesis G70

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder; 252 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Price: $40,525
Curb Weight: 3699 lbs.

BMW 330i

The Ultimate Driving Machine is a phrase seared into every car enthusiast's memory, but the days of lightweight, flingable E30 sedans are long gone. However, the 3-Series sedan has stuck around and still uses the tried-and-true formula of front-engine, rear-wheel drive. Compared to the big-brother M3, the regular 3-Series continues to represent the nameplate well, with balanced handling and a torquey inline-four. It has become a rather expensive car though, as the base model 330i barely qualifies for this list.

BMW 330i

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-four; 255 hp, 295 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
Base Price: $44,795
Curb Weight: 3709 lbs.

Volvo S60

Volvo's primary focus is safety, but that hasn't precluded the company from producing some engaging chassis. As the company moves toward SUVs and crossovers, Volvo has retained a gem of a sedan in the S60. A simple interior with a turbocharged, mild hybrid electric powertrain makes for a quiet ride and efficient power delivery. It may not be the fastest choice on this list, but it makes up for that in confident handling and a smooth ride.

Volvo S60

Engine: 2.0-liter intercooled turbocharged four cylinder, gas/mild hybrid electric; 247 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Price: $42,395
Curb Weight: 3777 lbs.

Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic Si fits all the sedan criteria: four doors, five seats, and a lot of turbocharged fun. We recently drove the Acura Integra (which features the same powerplant) and were pleasantly surprised by how much torque is delivered on the low end. It's good that Honda mandated its 6-speed manual in the Si because it's one of the more satisfying shifters around today. The only gripe we have with the Civic Si is its lack of heated seats, which is minor.

Honda Civic Si

Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-four; 200 hp, 192 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Base Price: $29,595
Curb Weight: 2937 lbs.

Audi A3

Audi's most affordable model is actually one of its most fun. Sure, it's not the five-cylinder RS3, but it's still a turbocharged, Quattro AWD-available, compact sedan with a vaguely sport-tuned suspension. The Volkswagen group has relied on the turbocharged 2.0-liter formula for some time now, and this newest DNVB version provides a sweet torque hit, though its horsepower figure isn't segment-leading. Even so, the tune-ability of these cars could make for an even more hardcore A3, should you desire more power.

Audi A3

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-four; 201 hp, 221 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Base Price: $36,495
Curb Weight: 3509 lbs.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Though we think the Audi A3 is a solid choice, Volkswagen's Jetta GLI is arguably the more cost-effective pick. With more power and a manual transmission available, Volkswagen's best performance model deal is certainly the Jetta GLI, if you like front-wheel drive. VW recently overhauled its infotainment system and interior touch points so prospective buyers will experience the company's newest interior style. Notably, both transmission choices are worthwhile, with a receptive manual shifter or a rapid-fire dual-clutch available.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-four; 228 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual/7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Base Price: $32,680
Curb Weight: 3266 lbs.

Cadillac CT5

It might not be the fiery CT5-V Blackwing with a roaring V8, but the base model CT5 remains a quick sedan with a lot of character. Built on GM's Alpha platform, the CT5 blends cushioned Cadillac characteristics with an engaging chassis and a 50/50 weight distribution. Plus, GM's 10-speed automatic is surprisingly quick to shift and responds well to hard driving, meaning you might not miss the lack of a manual option. At about $40,000 starting, it's a great deal in the face of its German competition.

Cadillac CT5

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-four; 237 hp, 258 lb-ft
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Base Price: $39,590
Curb Weight: 3724 lbs.

Subaru WRX

Subaru's WRX has been around so long that it has become a classic sport sedan choice. With symmetrical AWD and a 2.4-liter flat-four engine, the newest WRX retains most of its heritage in a tweaked chassis, though it loses the Subaru rumble because it doesn't have unequal-length headers. Visually, the WRX is divisive, as it now packs plastic cladding and a more angular shape. At a $31,000 price point, the WRX is a screaming deal for the power level and all-surface capability.

Subaru WRX

Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-four; 271 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Base Price: $31,625
Curb Weight: 3401 lbs.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

This might be the most beautiful model on the list. After all, what else would you expect out of Turin? The Giulia barely makes the list at $44,000, but it has a slightly above-segment power punch with 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. This makes up for the fact that even modern Alfa Romeos aren't exceptionally reliable, and that the Giulia is a bit heavy. Still, Alfa is becoming a truly premium brand, as demonstrated by the maturity of the Giulia.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled SOHC 16-valve inline-four; 280 hp, 306 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Price: $44,o75
Curb Weight: 3650 lbs.

Hyundai Elantra N

As a connoisseur of front-wheel drive, the Hyundai Elantra N is perhaps the most fun FWD car to date, save for the Honda Civic Type R. It's a rambunctious, loud, and sharp version of a generally mundane Elantra, with some cool exterior colors to match. Plus, you can get it with a slick 6-speed manual transmission, though the 8-speed dual-clutch isn't bad. As with most of Hyundai's products, its interior infotainment isn't shabby, either.

Hyundai Elantra N

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4; 286 hp, 289 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Base Price: $34,015
Curb Weight: 3300 lbs.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

We'd be remiss to not include an electric car on this list, even if its design makes you wonder if it's truly a sedan. Hyundai's Ioniq 6 would generally be excluded from this list, but the company is going to offer a Standard Range version that falls below $45,000. With 149 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, it'll likely have that fun electric torque off the line, while still providing around 240 miles of range. And it's quite a bit lighter than its AWD counterparts.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Battery: 53 kWh 480V lithium polymer, single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor; 149 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: One-speed direct drive
Base Price: $42,715
Curb Weight: 3935 lbs.

Toyota Camry TRD

Don't scoff at the Camry—I mean it. Toyota continues to sell the Camry TRD and it drives differently than the regular Camry. With stiffened suspension, heavier steering, and 19-inch wheels, it's a true performance edition and it even has a small wing to that effect. It's no slouch either, given its 3.5-liter V6 boasting 301 hp. Best of all, it still looks like a Camry, so you won't get a second look in traffic.

Toyota Camry TRD

Engine: 3.5-liter 24-Valve DOHC V6; 301 hp, 267 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Price: $34,380
Curb Weight: 3575 lbs.

Lexus IS 350 F Sport

The Lexus IS model line has been around since 1999 and, though it's rarely been the most exciting option, it remains alive today thanks to a consistently comfortable, smooth, and predictable driving experience. Offered in four-, six-, and eight-cylinder versions, the IS line offers stable handling and a padded interior as its leading characteristics, though occasionally confused shifts from the automatic transmission and aging infotainment mark its pitfalls. Even so, a 200-mile loop of Upstate New York in a 2022 IS 350 F Sport accentuated its performance prowess through adequate braking, immense grip, and a sleek look. Please forgive us for including this vehicle that is so close to the $45k mark.

Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6, with dual Variable Valve Timing; 311 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic
Base Price: $45,310
Curb Weight: 3748 lbs.