Summary

• Sports sedans offer a combination of luxury, cargo space, and powerful engines, making them ideal for families who want performance without sacrificing practicality.
• The 2023 Mazda3 is an underrated option with upscale interior, sporty handling, and a turbocharged engine for an affordable price.
• The 2023 Dodge Charger offers a range of trims with varying levels of power, making it a versatile choice for those seeking an exhilarating American muscle car experience.

What do you do when you don't want to sacrifice vehicle performance for your family car? You get a sports sedan. Jokes aside, these performance cars have mustered quite a market for themselves, and it's easy to see why:

Sports sedans offer the luxury associated with classic sedans and offer more cargo space than coupes, roadsters, or supercars. They usually come with a potent engine, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive and will have most of the driver-assist and safety technology available. All while, the entire family can enjoy a trip in the car comfortably, while you, behind the wheel, can still get a sporty and spirited drive, as the nimble chassis will be always more responsive than a large family SUV.

For the most part, they seem like a sensible option for anyone who is looking for something that can quench their thirst for power while also addressing their needs for family transportation. Still, the question begs to be answered: Which are the best sports sedans in 2023? This article tries to find the answer.

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10 2023 Subaru WRX

MSRP: $30,605

For those who want an affordable all-wheel-drive sports sedan with crisp handling, and nice, usable performance, the 2023 Subaru WRX might be the answer. Being one of the most entertaining vehicles in its class, the WRX embraces its rally racing roots, with less refinement than the rest of its class, giving the raw nature that only makes it more appealing for driving enthusiasts. To make things even more fun, the five-seater comes with a five-speed manual, which connects to a 2.4-liter flat-four turbo engine with all-wheel drive, delivering a respectable 271 horsepower.

Specs And Performance

The sport handling, the great looks, the rawness, considerable power, and the combined MPG of around 21-22 make the WRX one of the best deals in the sports sedan category that won't break the budget while embracing true driving pleasure. On the downside, the automatic comes with better safety features, and the rawness of the car (like prominent road and wind noises) might make everyday use a bit less comfortable. But still, it's affordable, sporty, and really fun.

On another note, the biggest problem would be the missing STI version. Subaru phased out its ultimate version of the WRX in 2021, truly creating a massive gap in the model's lineup. Still, who knows, they might relaunch the trim in a few years if we're lucky.

9 2023 Mazda3 Turbo Plus

MSRP: $34,000

Sports sedan ownership doesn't necessarily have to hurt your wallet. Easily the most underrated Mazda of 2023, the 3 is available both as a hatchback and a sporty sedan for the 2023 model year. With its upscale interior and fairly sporty handling, you get a total of seven trim levels, including the Premium Plus Sedan Automatic AWD, which sports a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine.

Specs And Performance

The AWD turbo engine pumps out a respectable 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Nowadays, this might not be so impressive for the seasoned car enthusiast, but the i-Active system with direct torque to the tires might be just enough power for those drivers who want more thrill to their daily commute. Sure, it won't pin you to the driver's seat, but it will be more than enough for a bit of fun from time to time.

The Mazda is also a reasonable option for the driver who's looking for fuel economy. With a combined 29 MPG, the Mazda3 promises on that front as well. On the flip side, some drivers may be turned down by the often less-than-intuitive infotainment system and the tight rear seats. Still, all in all, if you are looking for a sporty drive and an interior that's on the border of luxury cars, then the Mazda 3 is a hard deal to beat for the price.

8 2023 Dodge Charger R/T

MSRP: $43,970

Let's be honest; there aren't too many choices if you want to combine the practicality of a five-seater and the exhilarating experience you get from a true American muscle car. You might have one option: The Dodge Charger. Built on the same platform since 2005, the Charger has received several updates, and by 2023, it was available in nine trims. Simply put, there's a Charger out there for everybody.

When we're talking about muscle cars, there will only be one thing on everybody's mind: performance. To that end, the nine trims offer enough power to meet every driver's needs. Still, things become really interesting if you opt for a model with eight cylinders.

Specs And Performance

On that end, the first real challenger (no pun intended) is the R/T pack, starting at $43,980. It comes with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine rated at 370 hp. However, if we’re talking about performance, you can also get the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody for $87,540. This beast boasts a best-in-class 797-horsepower, 6.4-liter supercharged Hemi V-8 engine that can push the car past the 200-mph mark. To top that off, the Jailbreak variant of the Redeye ups the power to 807 horsepower.

The SRT Hellcat trim offers a thrill like no other. The devastating acceleration, the thunderous V8 rumble, and the supercharger whine all comes at a price. Namely, these SRT variants struggle to reach a combined economy of 15 MPG. You may also have to be prepared to see single digits if you want to floor it.

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7 2023 Acura TLX Type S

MSRP: $55,750

Those drivers that are looking for a sleek style, Japanese reliability, and strong performance should be able to pick any trim of the TLX, as all of them deliver pretty well on all the fronts mentioned above. Still, for the driving enthusiast, the TLX Type S will be the one to pick. And a pretty obvious one at that.

Specs And Performance

The Type S features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that also features rev-matching downshifts, high-performance chassis bracing, 20-inch wheels, rear diffuser, and four-piston front Brembo brakes. And the 3.0-liter turbo V-6 pumps out 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. And what the Type S might lack in sheer power, it makes up for in the overall driving experience. The Type S line has always been associated with exceptional driving qualities, top-notch suspension, great handling, and exceptional braking.

However, the crisp handling and the stiff chassis also come with a drawback: the car isn't focusing on passenger comfort. Still, it's one great-handling sports sedan that will surely put a smile on your face every time you step on the gas pedal. And the sharp handling will also be a massive game-changer whenever you take a spirited drive on a back road.

6 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

MSRP: $60,995

The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing aims to seamlessly combine remarkable performance and everyday ease, positioning it as a leading preference for enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive package. Also, for the price point, it can be reasonably easy on the wallet. On the other hand, the sporty feel and respectable power would make you think that you are driving a car three times the price.

Specs And Performance

Those looking for performance will see the Blackwing Manual standing out, commencing at $60,995 and featuring a 3.6-liter V-6 Twin-Turbo engine with rear-wheel drive. The estimated fuel efficiency for this CT4-V is approximately 15 MPG in urban settings and 23 MPG on highways.

There might only be one massive drawback when you're looking at the CT4-V Blackwing. For some, the V-6 might not match the rumble coming from the CT-5 Blackwing variant, even if its younger brother's handling and power delivery are equally smooth and magnificent. Also, those looking for a luxurious interior might be disappointed with what Cadillac has to offer.

5 2024 Audi RS3

Starting Price: $61,700

If you are looking for the most affordable model in the high-performance RS lineup from Audi, the RS3 can be your ticket into this world of driver-focused sports sedans. With a combined mileage of 23 MPG, exceptional handling, and smaller dimensions, this 401-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged beast with all-wheel drive gives even the purest sportscars a run for their money.

Specs And Performance

And to keep all that power at bay, the RS3 comes with a long list of driver assistance features, making all that power accessible to virtually every driver. The dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers a smooth feel that closely resembles the patience and technique required for manual cars but adds advanced robotic precision to the equation. One might say it offers the best of both worlds.

The RS3 can be seen as the middle ground within its competition as it offers more practicality than the BMW M2 coupe, and Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 comes at a less expensive price tag and more luxury than the Audi but also offers less driver's tech. Still, the true limitations of the RS3 would be its limited cargo and passenger space. However, if you can get past those facts, then, the deal is still pretty tempting.

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4 2023 BMW M3

Starting Price: $74,300

This luxury sedan is probably one of the best-driving and handling M3 ever since the legendary E46 M3 went out of production in 2006. The performance, the interior, and the handling of the 2023 M3 will probably be able to please even the most demanding BMW purist and will be a joy drive for every car enthusiast who wants an engaging drive and heaps of power. There's no doubt about it: this is still a fully-fledged M car.

Specs And Performance

Available in two trim levels and three trim levels, drivers can opt for real-wheel and all-wheel drive, with an available 3.0-liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that pumps out 471 horsepower from the base model and 503 horsepower from the RWD Competition and xDrive Competition trims respectively. The M3 has had a legendary status in the automotive world for over four decades now, and those who opt for this vehicle will know that they will get heaps of performance and crisp handling. The M3 lineup has created several automotive icons, so you probably won't go wrong with this one, either.

The combined MPG of the M3 hovers around 19 miles per gallon, which might be a problem for some. On a more serious note, a clear drawback would be the cramped rear seats. And, even on a more serious note, some people still can't get past the controversial front grill that seems to be here to stay.

3 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Starting Price: $81,960

Coming as a direct competitor for Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW, the 2023 Giulia takes its strongest cards and plays them with clear intentions. The Alfa Romeo shines where it matters, and the entire car exudes rich Italian heritage and racing pedigree. The sharp handling, the sophisticated interior and exterior design language, and the performance all pay homage to Italian sportscars.

And power is where the Giulia shines the best, especially with the model we're talking about now, the Quadrifoglio. This ultra-performance model offers an all-aluminum 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 that delivers 505 horsepower. And an engine sound you can't help, but love.

Specs And Performance

The Quadrifoglio provides a sharp driving experience, especially when compared to the competition, which are all longer and wider cars. And this is exactly both the curse and the blessing of the Alfa Romeo. The smaller vehicle is generally more responsive and nimble than the others but offers less space. Which, if you are more interested in performance than practicality, shouldn't be much of a problem.

Also, the elegant Italian design, while looks good, can't match the luxury of its competitors. Still, if you are looking for the real Italian experience in a five-seater, the Alfa Romeo should be your go-to sports sedan. The same rule applies if you are in the world of prestigious Italian esthetics. It's among the quickest cars in its competition, and probably one of the best-looking as well.

2 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

Starting Price: $93,495

Coming with a wide range of standard amenities, a powerful engine, and rear-wheel drive, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing makes owning a sports sedan pretty exciting. The Cadillac Blackwing doesn't necessarily offer refined European style or the most luxurious interior, but it comes with a lot of features that make it quite an appealing deal. In the case of the Blackwing trim, this is a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that delivers 668 horsepower.

Specs And Performance

Cadillac was always eponymous with American automotive luxury. Not that it never had performance-oriented models in its lineup, but with the Blackwing, it truly entered new territory. The "V" in the model series already stands for more power and a sporty feel, but the Blackwing takes everything to a new level. The handling is crisp, the V-8 purrs and rumbles as it should, and the acceleration is mind-blowing. Ideal if you want a sports sedan that you can also track.

Still. the interior simply can't keep up with the luxury standards of its European competition. Also, much of the driver assistance tech won't work with the manual. This means that if you're not on the more experienced side of driving, then the Blackwing might bring a few unpleasant surprises on the road if you're not careful enough.

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1 2023 Audi RS7

Starting Price: $127,800

If you want the best combination of raw power, spacious cabin, and cabin, all coupled with a luxurious design full of details, then the RS7 is something you need to look into. Available only in one trim level, The RS7 Sportback makes a true testament to what a real sports sedan should be. Aggressive front, sleek design, and a massive engine.

Specs And Performance

Boasting surprisingly enough cabin space and overall practicality, where the RS7 shines is the performance: the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 pumps out 591 horsepower. Couple that will all-wheel drive and surprisingly good handling for a vehicle of this size, and you have yourself a beast of a sportscast the entire family can enjoy. Especially if gas prices aren't a problem

The combined fuel economy of 17 MPG is an obvious downside; plus, it may lack the agility of its direct competitors, which is a shame, considering that we're truly talking about an exceptional sports sedan. Still, it's a fast car and also a good-looking one. And if you opt for this kind of power, fuel economy might not be the first thing on your mind to begin with.