10 Best Performance Sports Sedans You Can Buy Under $50K For 2024 Driving Thrills

Are you willing to buy a performance sports sedan within a curated budget? Well, now you can find some of the best picks for less than $50,000 for the 2024 season. These honorable mentions are best-in mileage and offer impressive features under $50,000. We, our gearhead friends, have highlighted the 10 best-performing sports sedans that you can ride and follow your passion.

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Top 10 Performance Sports Sedans Under $50,000

Gearheads know that sport sedans are one of the special leagues of cars that typically blend aggressive styling and high-performance engines under a curative budget. For a budget under $50,000, some iconic drives such as the Mazda Miata MX-5, Toyota GR86, and the best-selling Hyundai Elantra N offer great drives and add spark to your regular driving passion.

#10. 2024 Hyundai Elantra N Turbo ($35,200)

• Performance Rating: 8.4/10
• Powertrain: 2.0L Inline-4 Turbocharged
• Horsepower: 276 HP
• Torque: 289 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed manual
• Top Speed: 155 MPH

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is a race-inspired performance engine division different from the regular Elantra N. The 2024 Elantra N features Hyundai’s N-series engine, which is powered by a 2.0L Inline-4 turbocharged engine that generates 276 HP and 289 lb-ft of torque. The car is equipped with an 8-speed manual transmission system and offers front-wheel drive as a drivetrain. This car is ideal for those who are fans of N-series engines and want a reliable drive, and it offers optional packages with a few standard features.

#9. 2024 Genesis G70 Sport Advanced ($48,849)

• Performance Rating: 7.6/10
• Powertrain: 3.3L V6 Turbocharged
• Horsepower: 368 HP
• Torque: 376 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Top Speed: 170 MPH

The 2024 Genesis G70 Sports 4D sedan revs up with 368 horsepower. The car’s front fascia appears dynamic and follows elegant design shapes, causing it to turn heads whenever it passes. The cabin feels luxurious when getting behind the wheel. Drivers who want power and performance simultaneously can look out for this as a better contender than their rivals.

#8. 2024 Honda Civic Si 4D ($29,826)

• Performance Rating: 8.0/10
• Powertrain: 1.5L inline-4 Turbo
• Horsepower:  200HP
• Torque: 192 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Top Speed: 137 MPH

Honda is renowned for the reliability and versatility of its engines. With the same dignity, the manufacturers revealed the 2024 Honda Civic Si, which will now get a hybrid version in the future. You can enjoy the thrills of a modern Civic on the street, which has good handling and great fuel economy. The car feels like a minor outback when it comes to interiors, as the upholstery does not align with the current pricing. But you can get additional feature upgrades, which would feel extensive.

#7. 2025 BMW 230i XDrive ($42,375)

• Performance Rating: N/A
• Powertrain: 2.0L inline-4 Twin-Turbocharged
• Horsepower: 255 HP
• Torque: 295 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed sport automatic
• Top Speed: 130 MPH

Finally, a car that would represent the upcoming BMW fans of the next generation. The 2025 BMW 230i xDrive is a lineup from the next-gen 2-series models. According to CarandDriver, the car would be equipped with an RWD drivetrain and offer two trim levels: 230i and 230i Xdrive. The premium 230i Xdrive would be the best choice, as it would cost around $40,000. With the 230i Xdrive, BMW tries to deliver best-in-class performance and upgraded features.

#6. 2024 Subaru WRX GT AWD ($43,290)

• Performance Rating: 7.5/10
• Powertrain: 2.4L Flat-4 
• Horsepower: 271 HP
• Torque: 258 lb-ft
• Transmission: CVT
• Top Speed: 134 MPH

The 2024 Subaru WRX GT is impressive on paper and gives tough competition to its rivals, such as the Hyundai Elantra N and the Honda Civic. According to Edmunds, the car comes with a 2.4L flat-4 engine that produces 271 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. The car’s bold and stylish shape makes it a perfect choice to drive. Subaru is well-known for its rally-inspired tuned engines, which can be used both on and off the road.

#5. 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe ($46,803)

• Performance Rating: 7.9/10
• Powertrain: 5.0L V8 
• Horsepower: 480 HP
• Torque: 486 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Top Speed: 155 MPH

The 2024 Ford Mustang comes in five different trim levels. However, I prefer the GT Premium over the other trim levels. This American sports muscle giant comes with impressive handling and resonates with the same visceral spirit as the original Mustang GT. Under the pricing, consumers would also receive high-tech interiors with racing-inspired upholstery. The 2024 GT shares the engine and platform with previous generations of Mustangs.

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#4. 2024 Mercedes CLA 250 4Matic ($43,270)

• Performance Rating: 8.0/10
• Powertrain: 2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
• Horsepower: 221 HP
• Torque: 258 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed manual
• Top Speed: 149 MPH

It’s great to see a Mercedes on the list. This 2024 Mercedes CLA 250 is one of the most affordable Mercedes cars in the lineup, which you can dream of owning in your garage. People who like to drive Mercedes-Benz will never enjoy doing the same. The car features a precise 2.0L inline-4 engine that makes 221 horsepower. The car resonates with people who want a fast, reliable, and performance-oriented engine under the hood. then CLA 250 is the right choice for you.

#3. 2025 Toyota GR86 (29,000)

• Performance Rating: 8.2/10
• Powertrain: 2.4L Inline-4
• Horsepower: 228 HP
• Torque: 184 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed manual
• Top Speed: 140 MPH

This beautiful machine is a combination of Toyota’s reliability and advanced technology. With its improved driving style and handling, the car has gained a global fan base. According to Edmunds, the car would be powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that generates 228 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque. The manufacturer has not confirmed an official release date, but it will be available during the summer break.

#2. 2025 Acura Integra ($33,000)

• Performance Rating: 7.4/10
• Powertrain: 1.5L Inline-4 Turbocharged
• Horsepower: 200 HP
• Torque: 192 lb-ft
• Transmission: CVT
• Top Speed: 135 MPH

The new Integra might not be similar to that of the older generation model. The 2025 Acura Integra resurrects the same essential features as those from the Honda Civic. If you look into the specs, the car shares some of its elements with the parent brand. The car has a 1.5L inline-4 turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Overall, these figures are impressive, especially when pricing is considered. However, it would lack punch because it is not even fast when you hit the accelerator.

#1. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2D Sport ($29,056)

• Performance Rating: 7.9/10
• Powertrain: 2.0L Inline-4
• Horsepower: 181 HP
• Torque: 151 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Top Speed:  137 MPH

The 2024 Mazda Mx-5 Miata is one of the top contenders on the list. Do you know why? Because this car provides everything that a driver requires while driving on the road and making sharp turns. Since its debut in 1989, the car still has a rage to glorify its legacy. It is a small, compact, and inexpensive two-door car with one of the most fuel-efficient performances you will ever buy.

2024’s Best Performance Sedans You Can Get for Under $50,000

• 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2D Sport | $29,056 | Top Speed: 137 mph
• 2025 Acura Integra | $33,000 | Top Speed: 135 mph
• 2025 Toyota GR86 | $29,000 | Top Speed: 140 mph
• 2024 Mercedes CLA 250 4Matic | $43,270 | Top Speed: 149 mph
• 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe | $46,803 | Top Speed: 155 mph
• 2024 Subaru WRX GT AWD | $43,290 | Top Speed: 134 mph
• 2025 BMW 230i XDrive | $42,375 | Top Speed: 130 mph
• 2024 Honda Civic Si 4D | $29,826 | Top Speed: 137 mph
• 2024 Genesis G70 Sport Advanced | $48,849 | Top Speed: 170 mph
• 2024 Hyundai Elantra N Turbo | $35,200 | Top Speed: 155 mph

Conclusion:

Every car has its own glory and destined path. Many would go for the styling, and some would go for the mileage. But only a few exist that offer both performance and mileage. Some cars, like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, offer decent power but impressive mileage. In contrast, the Genesis G70 has performance-oriented characteristics. It is up to you to express your preferences; even the hybrid Mercedes CLA 250 may entice you to reconsider.