A sports car delight need not be at a rip-off price. For the ideal mix of pace, prowess, and practicality, a whisker under $30K could be the sweet spot for a four-door sports car. These Sedans are fast and furious while still being able to be used as daily drivers. These budget sports sedans offer the perfect balance for weekend warriors or anyone wanting a more enjoyable drive during the daily grind.

This means four-door sports cars without the inherent utility of four doors. Unlike a traditional coupe, they offer plenty of passenger space, a cushy ride, and sufficient cargo capacity for day-to-day duties. However, don’t mistake practicality for blandness these things are performance-oriented, with turbocharged motors, sport-tuned suspensions, and agile handling to make any drive exciting.

If you’re in the market for a cheap, fast sedan, then the trick is achieving the proper compromise between speed, comfort, and value. Yes, 30 grand. And in 2025, you can experience, even if it is in the car of the future bizarro land, an exhilarating 0-60 sprint, razor-sharp handling, and impressive horsepower for the price of filling up a gas tank. On everything from turbo four-cylinders to naturally aspirated V6s, these models provide remarkable driving experiences at a relatively low cost.

Add a low price limit of $30,000, and you can access some of the most interesting sports sedans on the market, combining power, efficiency, and modernness. This list has a car that will surely quench your need for speed and free up your wallet, whether for an all-wheel drive capability, a manual transmission, or tech!

Now, let’s look at the 10 best sports cars (with four doors) for under 30K in 2025—each capable of effortlessly bringing a smile to your face when you step down on the throttle.

The stable of sub-$30K four-door sports cars is a handsome bunch if you’re looking for an exciting drive without a hefty price tag. They combine performance, practicality, and affordability, which makes them ideal for any car buff and daily driver. A corresponding model can be had if you desire forced-induction power, sharp handling, or sporty styling.

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Top 4 door sports cars under $30k

Moving to the enthusiasts, the Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX, and Mazda3 Turbo are particularly appealing, with their dynamic driving manners and stiff suspensions. On the other hand, the balancing act of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI or the Hyundai Elantra N Line is a more forgiving way to go fast while being comfortable doing so.

#1. 2025 Honda Civic Si

Price: 28,500
Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 200 hp
Torque: 192 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Why It’s Worth It: Sporty handling, engaging manual transmission, excellent reliability.

Honda Civic Si For the compact sedan buyer looking for fun, affordability, and involvement, the Honda Civic Si is a great choice. At about $28,500, the Civic Si continues Honda’s combined sport and daily use tradition. It is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. This power is shoveled to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission, one of the few cars in its class with a proper stick option. The rev-matching system works seamlessly with the precise shifter to make gear changes smooth and enjoyable.

However, the Civic Si’s handling is more important than its powertrain. It has sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, and lively handling on curvy roads. However, there’s more to it than just performance, as the Civic Si is also reputed for its excellent reliability and fuel economy, making this a great long-term purchase. Inside the cabin is a digital gauge cluster, sporty seats, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.

#2. 2025 Subaru WRX

Price: $29,900
Engine: 2.4L turbocharged boxer-4
Horsepower: 271 hp
Torque: 258 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
Why It’s Worth It: AWD, rally car performance, and aggressive styling

The Subaru WRX is among the most popular vehicles, and people know about cars and driving. It is equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged boxer engine and 271 horsepower. All trim levels are all-wheel driven, making the car suitable for all weather conditions. The vehicle is known for its sharp handling and balance, providing a fantastic feeling from every riding trip.

The traction delivery is unequal and improved by Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. As a sports vehicle, WRX is designed to look aggressive from the outside, it comes with a large hood scoop to feed the intercooler, wide fenders, and big wheels. The 2025 model is estimated to cost $29,900.

#3. 2025 Mazda3 Turbo

Price: $29,500
Engine: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 250 hp (with premium fuel)
Torque: 320 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Why It’s Worth It: Premium interior, sharp driving dynamics, available AWD.

The Mazda3 Turbo takes sports car performance and adds some luxury for 2025. At its heart, the 2.5L turbocharged engine packs up to 250 EPA Horsepower and delivers power quickly. With its low-end torque, these figures allow for linear power delivery, swift acceleration, and a rewarding driving experience.

The standard all-wheel-drive system, which is available, adds stability, making it a sure-footed performer in virtually all conditions. The Mazda3 boasts a premium interior featuring high-quality materials, a driver-oriented design, and lots of technology, including an attractive infotainment setup. Its steering and handling are precise and well-judged, making it one of the best-driving compact sedans.

#4. 2025 Hyundai Elantra N Line

Price: $27,000
Engine: 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 201 hp
Torque: 195 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT
Why It’s Worth It: Sporty design, responsive steering, affordable performance.

The Hyundai Elantra N Line is one of the most affordable sports sedans on the market, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face. Acceleration is brisk, and performance engages with its 1.6L turbocharged engine, which is good for 201 horsepower.

The base will engage driving enthusiasts with its 6-speed manual gearbox, while the optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic provides rapid shifts for those inclined towards the automatic side of driving. The Elantra N Line has a more aggressive appearance with distinct N Line badging, a sport-tuned suspension, and sharp steering for the more performance-minded types.

#5. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GTI

Price: $29,800
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 228 hp
Torque: 258 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
Why It’s Worth It: German engineering, refined ride, fun-to-drive factor.

Volkswagen Jetta GTI earns that title for a reason. With an output of 228 horsepower from its 2.0L turbocharged engine, this provides plenty of power for quick acceleration and an exciting drive!

A standard 6-speed manual transmission is an excellent alternative to the 7-speed DSG automatic, which offers shifts as quick as a flick of an eye. It matches a well-balanced chassis with adaptive dampers and an upscale interior with a sporty flair in a package that isn’t quite a performance sedan but cozy and close enough. If you want performance and daily comfy, then you want the GTI.

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#6. 2025 Toyota Camry TRD

Price: $30,000
Engine: 3.5L V6
Horsepower: 301 hp
Torque: 267 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Why It’s Worth It: Powerful V6 engine, track-inspired suspension, aggressive styling.

Toyota Camry TRD Midsize sedan can be sporty, too. It is powered by a 3.5L V6 that churns out 301 horsepower and is capable of impressive straight-line speed. The TRD body kit, sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes contribute to a more aggressive, capable road presence.

The interior of the Camry TRD also has unique red accents, but otherwise, it follows a pattern of sporty seats and an easy-to-use infotainment system. A naturally aspirated V6 is a rare engine choice in this price range, making the Camry Special.

#7. 2025 Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo

Price: $29,700
Engine: 2.0L variable compression turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 248 hp
Torque: 273 lb-ft
Transmission: CVT
Why It’s Worth It: Fuel-efficient turbo engine, sharp handling, spacious cabin.

This time, it’s not only a Nissan Altima with a historic name, but the company’s prototype also packs an impressive new variable compression turbo engine that dynamically switches between power and efficiency.

Its 248 horsepower offers strident performance without compromising fuel efficiency. A sport-tuned suspension in the SR trim and paddle shifters help sharpen its handling and lend more of a sporty vibe to its CVT. The Altima SR VC-Turbo strikes a nice balance between performance and practicality with a roomy, comfy cabin.

#8. 2025 Dodge Charger SXT

Price: $29,900
Engine: 3.6L V6
Horsepower: 292 hp
Torque: 260 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Why It’s Worth It: Muscle car looks, spacious interior, rear-wheel drive.

If you still want the aesthetic of a classic muscle car, the Dodge Charger SXT delivers. The 3.6L V6 engine is smooth and packs 292 horsepower under its hood. The Charger has an undeniably sporty character, further enhanced by rear-wheel drive, and keeps a commanding presence with its bold exterior design and aggressive stance.

While space inside provides roominess for everyday use, the Uconnect infotainment system for more precise, but it still offers compatibility with newer devices. Charger SXT is a good option for a muscle-car sedan that feels old-school.

#9. 2025 Kia K5 GT

Price: $28,700
Engine: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 290 hp
Torque: 311 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Why It’s Worth It: Strong acceleration, bold design, excellent tech features.

The Kia K5 GT is Powered by a 2.5L turbo engine producing 290 horsepower, one of the quickest in its price range. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission enables rapid gear changes, further enhancing the car’s sporty driving character.

The K5 GT, too, comes with an attractive interior that boasts quality materials, a sizable touchscreen display, and high-tech safety features. It looks as fast as it drives, with an aggressive exterior that features a signature tiger-nose grille and LED lighting.

#10. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu RS

Price: $27,500
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 250 hp
Torque: 260 lb-ft
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Why It’s Worth It: Sporty yet comfortable, decent power, modern styling.

Chevrolet has brought a blend of practicality and performance to the table with the Chevy Malibu RS. It packs a punch with its turbocharged 2.0L engine that generates 250 horsepower, putting it near the top of the midsize sedan power chart.

Power is delivered through a 9-speed automatic, and a sport theme is employed, complete with blacked-out trim and a rear spoiler. It also features a roomy interior, an easily used infotainment system, and driver-assistance technology, allowing it to be an all-rounder daily driver with sporty tendencies.

Conclusion

There is no shortage of exciting four-door sports cars for less than $30K. With performance in mind, the cars on this list have the best performance for the least amount of money, whether you want more power, better handling, or more everyday comfort.

For those who want all-wheel drive and rally-inspired haste, look no further than the Subaru WRX, which offers turbocharged goodness with plenty of grip. The entry-level Dodge Charger SXT dazzles with a brash muscle-car look and V6 brawn, while the Honda Civic Si is the ultimate in high-revving, stick-shift bliss. The Mazda3 Turbo combines sporty handling and premium comfort, while the Volkswagen Jetta GLI delivers German engineering on the cheap.

Those who want to remain practical without giving up the fun will find it in the Hyundai Elantra N, which delivers real performance in a stylish and aggressive package. Unplugged, All-Wheel Drive — The Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo offers a world-first variable compression turbocharger and available AWD for additional flexibility. For a more balanced, everyman’s option, the Toyota Camry TRD serves up V6 power in a reliable package, or look to the bold Kia K5 GT for a solid blow to the 0-60 mph podium.

Given so many quality options, the best way to decide is based on your preferences and driving style. Whether you need a little AWD grip, some muscle car charisma, or turbocharged efficiency, one of these cars should tick every box. The next step? Try out your faves with a spin to see what suits you!

What is the best four-door sports car under $30K? Let us know in the comments!

10 Best 4-Door Sports Cars Under $30K in 2025 Worth Every Penny