[RANKED] THE BEST ENTRY-LEVEL SPORTS SEDANS
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past two decades, you know that SUVs have taken over the automotive industry. For the most part, manufacturers of commercial vehicles continue to focus on including more SUVs in their lineups.
As a result, we have fewer and fewer hatchbacks, coupes, minivans, and of course, fewer sedans. However, the latter seems to be a type of car that has better endured the dominance of SUVs, especially the sports sedan segment, mainly thanks to performance car enthusiasts.
When we refer to enthusiasts, we mean buyers that, aside from performance, look for the practicality of a daily driver. And this is precisely something that many coupes and SUVs simply can’t deliver, especially in the sports segment.
So without any further ado, here’s our list of the best entry-level sports sedans you can currently get in 2022.
2022 Porsche Panamera
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The Panamera is the best sedan for those looking for the performance of a sports car with the practicality of a daily driver Pros: Punchy base turbo V6 engine, sports car handling, versatile hatchback-like body style Cons: Pricey options, clumsy interior controls, interior ergonomics could improve |
The Panamera has become one of the key models in Porsche’s lineup by combining the brand’s sporty characteristics with the practicality of a four-door body. As a result, the 2022 model receives a notable update, with slight design tweaks and significant performance improvements.
The chassis was intervened to improve dynamism. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is among the modified elements, enhancing ride comfort through greater attention to damping. In addition, a Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) system is also implemented to control body roll and lateral movements.
At the design level, the most important novelty is that now all versions include the optional Sport Design front as standard on the previous model.
The interior of the Porsche Panamera is exceptionally luxurious with many sporting features. It’s also highly technological and ergonomic thanks to its sloping center console and sports steering wheel with easy access to car functions and comfortable rear seats.
The base rear-wheel-drive Panamera comes with a turbocharged 2.9-liter engine capable of producing 325 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque.
2022 BMW 3 Series
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The 3 series is, for some, the segment’s quintessential sedan—thanks to its cohesive blend of luxury and performance at a reasonable price Pros: Strong yet refined powertrains, sharp ride & handling, spacious cabin and trunk Cons: Pricey, questionable styling, manual transmission is gone |
For 2022, the BMW 3 Series features slender headlights positioned higher and a new light signature for daytime running lights. It also has a new bumper with a large central air intake. However, there won’t be many changes to the twin-kidney grille.
There will be some novelties in the rear, although more discreet, with a new bumper and a new internal architecture of the light clusters.
On the other hand, the interior of the new BMW 3 Series will be notably different, with a more technological design that could be very similar to that of the BMW i4. In addition, it will equip the new version of the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system through a 14.9-inch screen, from which all vehicle functions are controlled. It will also feature 12.3-inch fully digital instrumentation.
An important novelty in the mechanical section will be the arrival of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 3-series (330i) comes with a powerful yet smooth engine. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The Giulia isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the most fun-to-drive and stylish sports sedans you could buy Pros: Gorgeous styling, excellent driving position, athletic driving manners Cons: Stiff ride, limited rear space, lacks cubby storage |
The Alfa Romeo Giulia continues to be a dynamic reference in the segment of sports sedans. For 2022, it’s reinforced with more standard equipment, at least in the US market.
Thus, the Italian sedan arrives from the factory with numerous driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control, high-beam assistance, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, or front and rear parking sensors.
Likewise, the comfort elements are increased: heated rear seats, wireless charging base, air ionization system, and navigator. In addition, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps and dark grille are standard on the Sprint, Veloce and Quadrifoglio trims.
Mechanically, there’s no change in sight, which is why the Giulia still relies on a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque in the Lusso and Ti trims.
The Quadrifoglio Verde trim features a powerful 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter mounts the 2.9 V6 biturbo engine, with 510 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.
2022 Tesla Model 3
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The base model 3 is not the most athletic sports sedan. Still, its technology and improved range make it one of the most desirable Pros: Improved range, rear-wheel drive, top-notch overall tech Cons: Questionable build quality, the interior look and feel could be better, noisy cabin at high speeds |
The most accessible trim level of the Tesla Model 3 receives an exciting update for 2022 to be an even more competitive option in the sports sedans segment.
The Tesla Model 3 is the great rival to beat in the segment of electric sedans. However, its new competitor, the BMW i4, does not make it easy.
Considering the movements of the competition, Tesla did not sit idly by. The rear-wheel-drive variant of the Model 3 increases its range from 278 miles to a more than respectable 305 miles for the WLTP cycle.
The powertrain of the Tesla 3 comprises a single motor and rear-wheel drive powered by a 62.3kWh battery pack. This guise generates 283 horsepower and 302 lb-ft, mated to a single-speed direct-drive transmission.
The equipment of the Tesla Model 3 RWD 2022 includes eight airbags, assisted parking with a camera, heated electric seats, warning and lane change assist, wireless charger, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detector, electronic folding mirrors, driving mode selector, and premium upholstery.
2022 Volvo S60
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: This Volvo boasts a unique style and desirable features, but enthusiasts of sports sedans will find the satisfaction they seek in the S60 competitors Pros: Engaging to drive, upscale interior, sophisticated Nordic styling Cons: The base powertrain feels passive, clumsy infotainment system, the sport suspension feels a little rough for a luxury car |
The Volvo S60 is a sedan that has been present in its third generation since 2019, standing out in terms of design as it is elegant and sporty.
However, the 2022 S60 has a lot of competition within its category. Other premium brands also offer luxury models that are equally sporty and technologically advanced as the Volvo.
The S60 has excellent equipment and features to enhance the driving experience, including a Polestar Performance Optimization Kit, molded plastic mats, an aluminum bike rack, a load carrier, a dog harness, a Volvo Cars-designed roof box, and various child seats to choose from.
The Volvo S60 Momentum carries a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, generating 254 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The S60 in its hybrid version carries a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, with the addition of an electric motor that together generates 405 horsepower and 382 pound-feet of torque and all-wheel drive. The Polestar has the same block but rises to 416 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque in its most potent option.
2022 Genesis G70
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The G70 is a fun to drive and luxurious sedan with a value-oriented approach that can’t be looked down on by rivals Pros: Pleasant driving demeanor, upscale cabin, one of the sports sedans that give you more bang for your buck Cons: Tight rear seat, not as refined as the Europeans, underwhelming base engine |
The Genesis G70 is a sports sedan that offers excellent driving enjoyment at a much lower cost than Germans rivals like the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedez Benz Class C. Notably, the G70’s strongest areas are an incredible chassis and a relatively luxurious cabin.
For 2022, the image of the G70 was renewed inside and out. They started with a larger and more premium-looking infotainment screen and a luxurious interior with an outstanding build quality and a driver-focused layout.
The cabin is replete with top-shelf materials and many easy-to-use standard features. Unfortunately, the rear seats and trunk have limited space, and a small luxury car’s gas mileage is below average. Still, there’s little else to complain about regarding the G70.
The G70 is packed with technology and driver assistance, such as standard lane departure warning, lane stay assist, and standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.
The heart of the 2022 G70 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that generates 252 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending the power to the rear wheels or to an optional all-wheel drive.
2022 KIA Stinger
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The Stinger plays the value card against its premium rivals but still requires some work to close the gap Pros: Bold exterior styling, great value for the money, the new 2.5 engine delivers a satisfying punch Cons: Nervous handling when pushed hard, the interior could use some refinement, lacks the luxury badge from some of its rivals |
Not carrying a premium logo doesn’t mean that the Stinger goes unnoticed. Upon its arrival on the market in 2017, this Korean grand tourer proved to live up to the demands. For 2022, the KIA came up with a new “small” engine option for the GT-Line version of the Stinger.
Now the 2.0-liter turbo engine in the Stinger EX goes down in history, leaving the new 2.5-liter turbo engine as a prelude to the Stinger GT, which keeps its turbocharged V6 intact.
The update has been subtle, only introducing small touches on the taillights and headlights to summarize its facelift. However, the most relevant aspect is an edge-to-edge LED light on the rear and a new wheel design.
In terms of performance, the Stinger makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, which is 50 hp and 51 lb-ft more than the previous engine. This difference in power is noticeable, above all, in quick starts and additions. I don’t deny that there is still a noticeable turbo lag. However, the eight-speed automatic transmission makes good use of that power.
2022 Cadillac CT4
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The CT4 has enough performance and the looks to make it a solid entry-level sports sedan Pros: Muscular styling, gutsy turbo engine, rear-wheel drive Cons: Tight rear seat, subpar interior materials, sluggish ten-speed transmission |
The 2022 CT4 is Cadillac‘s entry-level model for the sports sedan world with its two powertrain options. First, buyers can choose between 2 turbocharged four-cylinder engines: A 2.0-liter that generates 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.7-liter that puts out 309 horsepower and a torque of 348 lb-ft.
The smaller of the two engines is paired with an eight-speed automatic, while the bigger engine has a ten-speed. Rear-wheel drive is the standard, and no AWD is offered.
The CT4 has sharp and athletic handling that can compete with European sedan rivals. However, the cabin materials and ambiance don’t match luxury-brand competitors’ proper premium look and feel.
The base luxury model now comes with more standard driver assistance features, including automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.
All CT4s have an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest CUE software, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi access hotspot. In addition, Cadillac offers navigation on all models. It also comes with a 14-speaker Bose stereo system that replaces the car’s standard 8-speaker arrangement.
2022 Honda Civic Si
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The Civic Si isn’t the mightiest sport sedan, but its rewarding driver experience within reach it’s hard to match Pros: Sporty and fun driving manners, six-speed manual gearbox, great package of user-friendly tech Cons: Slower than the previous model, lacks lumbar support in front seats, average warranty |
The long-awaited 2022 Civic Si was recently unveiled. The new treatment that Honda gave it to improve its performance and overall quality make it an exciting option in its segment.
The styling of the Civic Si is sophisticated and with an aerodynamic silhouette. It boasts performance-inspired chrome exhaust trims and stands out with its glossy black boot deflector, sleek 18-inch matte black alloy wheels, and unmistakable Si emblem.
Inside, you’ll find racing-inspired Si seats, red stitching, and a unique honeycomb dash panel, which all make for an immersive driving experience. Plenty of space, plenty of amenities, and soft yet durable materials make the stylish interior comfortable for any trip. And for maximum visibility, the panoramic windshield and broad sightlines provide a clear view of what is happening around you.
It has innovative technologies in every corner such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose sound system, blind-spot information system. Its 200 horsepower, 192 lb-ft of torque 1.5 engine, combined with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential promises exceptional power and control.
2022 Dodge Charger
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The charger SXT offers performance and affordability to make this list but its safety features, quality of materials and looks set it far from the rest Pros: Strong acceleration, smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive Cons: Poor fuel economy, interior quality needs improvement, dull styling |
A strong powertrain, decent ride and handling, and roomy interior, all wrapped in an affordable package, makes the base model Charger (SXT) from Dodge a worthy contender in its segment.
The Charger’s base model could pass for just a family sedan without the aggressive power bulges and hood scoop from its top trims—especially since the performance numbers are unimpressive on paper. However, the SXT Charger feels surprisingly powerful.
The 2022 SXT Charge is by no means a luxury car, but it’s a pleasant place to spend time in, thanks to its cloth sports seats, seven-inch touchscreen, and sound system.
Interior quality could improve; however, you can’t really complain, considering the price tag of only $31,000. Features include manual dual-zone climate control and the basic Uconnect 4 infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The SXT RWD model has a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces a respectable 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets a power increase to reach 300 horses and 264 lb-ft of torque in the SXT AWD and GT models.
I wouldn’t really count the Tesla Model 3 as a sports car. Yes, it is quick in a straight line, but, not very quick around corners. Which is something a sports car has to be capable of doing.