Best Sport Compact Cars for 2024 and 2025

Looking for the best sports compact car? To help you narrow down your choices, we study the top models and performance features of the best sport compact cars, and here are some of the top contenders for compact cars, ranked by their strengths.

Honda Civic Type R

The reigning king of hot hatches, the Type R boasts a turbocharged 306-hp engine, sharp handling, and a track-ready suspension. It’s not the most comfortable daily driver, but it’s exhilarating on the open road.

Feature Specification
Engine 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower 306 hp
Torque 310 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed manual
Drive wheels Front-wheel drive
Fuel economy 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
0-60 mph 5.1 seconds
Top speed 169 mph
Starting price $40,150

Toyota GR Corolla

This newcomer aims to dethrone the Civic Type R with its even more powerful 300-hp turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and aggressive styling. Early reviews praise its agility and performance, but its practicality is somewhat limited.

Feature Specification
Engine 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged G16E
Horsepower 300 hp at 6300 rpm
Torque 273 lb-ft at 3000-5500 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual
Drivetrain All-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differentials
Fuel economy 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
Curb weight 3,241 lbs
0-60 mph 5.2 seconds
Top speed 169 mph
Starting price $36,295

Hyundai Elantra N

A more affordable alternative to the Type R and GR Corolla, the Elantra N offers impressive performance for its price. Its 276-hp turbocharged engine, responsive handling, and comfortable interior make it a well-rounded choice.

Feature Specification
Engine 2.0L turbocharged I4
Horsepower 276 hp (281 hp with N Performance Package)
Torque 311 lb-ft (324 lb-ft with N Performance Package)
Transmission 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain Front-wheel drive
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 5.3 seconds (manual), 5.1 seconds (N Performance Package with dual-clutch automatic)
Top speed 155 mph (electronically limited)
Fuel economy 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway (manual), 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway (dual-clutch automatic)
Curb weight 3,425 lbs (manual), 3,523 lbs (dual-clutch automatic)
Starting MSRP $30,495

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The GTI might not be the most powerful car on this list, but it delivers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience with its 241-hp turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and comfortable interior. Its starting price is lower than some competitors, making it a good value proposition.

Feature Specification
Engine 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower 241 hp
Torque 270 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel economy 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds (manual), 6.2 seconds (automatic)
Top speed 145 mph
Seating capacity 5
Cargo space 17.4 cubic feet behind rear seats, 30.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded
Starting price $30,545

Subaru WRX

The WRX’s turbocharged 271-hp engine and standard all-wheel drive make it a fun and capable performer, especially on twisty roads and in winter weather. While its interior isn’t the most luxurious, it offers good value for its price tag.

Feature Specification
Engine 2.4L turbocharged BOXER 4-cylinder
Horsepower 271 hp at 5600 rpm
Torque 258 lb-ft at 2000-5200 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual or CVT
Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) 18 mpg / 24 mpg / 21 mpg (manual)
0-60 mph 5.4 seconds (manual)
Top Speed 145 mph (manual)
Seating Capacity 5
Cargo Capacity 12.3 cubic feet
Starting MSRP $30,600 (manual)

Mini Cooper JCW GP

This limited-edition Mini Cooper packs a 301-hp punch and delivers a thrilling driving experience thanks to its sharp handling and aggressive suspension. However, its high price tag and limited availability make it less practical than some other options.

Feature Specification
Engine 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower 317 hp
Torque 332 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 5.0 seconds
Top speed 165 mph
Fuel economy (city/highway) 23 mpg / 31 mpg
Seating capacity 4
Starting price ₹ 80,00,000 (approx.)

Mazda3

The Mazda3 strikes a great balance between sportiness and practicality. Its available turbocharged engine provides ample power, while its hatchback and sedan body styles offer good cargo space. The interior is also comfortable and well-equipped.

Feature Specification
Engine 2.0L 4-cylinder or 2.5L 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed automatic or manual
Drive wheels Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Fuel economy Up to 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway (2.0L)
Fuel economy Up to 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway (2.5L)
Seating capacity 5
Trunk space 13.2 cubic feet
Starting MSRP $22,250

Honda Civic Si

The Si offers a sportier driving experience than the standard Civic, but it doesn’t sacrifice too much practicality. Its available hatchback body style provides decent cargo space, and the interior is comfortable and well-equipped.

Feature Specification
Engine 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower 200 hp
Torque 192 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed manual
Drive wheels Front-wheel drive
0-60 mph 6.7 seconds
Top speed 141 mph
Fuel economy (city) 26 mpg
Fuel economy (highway) 36 mpg
Fuel economy (combined) 31 mpg
Starting price $31,100

Volkswagen Golf R

The Golf R delivers hot hatch performance with hatchback practicality. Its 315-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive make it a blast to drive, while its spacious cargo area and comfortable interior make it a good choice for everyday use.

Feature Details
Engine 2.0L turbocharged TSI I4
Horsepower 315 hp
Torque 295 lb-ft
Transmission 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain All-wheel drive
0-60 mph 4.1 seconds
Top speed 155 mph
Fuel economy 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
Starting price $41,290
Seating capacity 5
Cargo space 19.9 cubic feet

Acura Integra Type S

The new Integra Type S brings back the iconic nameplate with a focus on luxury and performance. Its 306-hp turbocharged engine provides ample power, while its refined interior and comfortable ride make it a great choice for luxury-minded drivers.

Acura-Integra-Type-S
Feature Details
Engine 300-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
Drivetrain Front-wheel drive
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 5.5 seconds (automatic)
Top Speed 141 mph (estimated)
Fuel Economy (EPA) 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (automatic)
Seating Capacity 5 passengers
Cargo Space 12.3 cubic feet
Curb Weight 3,800 lbs (estimated)
Starting MSRP $36,800

BMW M240i

The M240i offers a blend of luxury and performance that’s hard to beat in this segment. Its turbocharged 382-hp engine delivers thrilling acceleration, while its comfortable interior and high-quality materials make it a joy to spend time in.

Feature Specification
Engine 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-6
Horsepower 382 hp
Torque 369 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 4.3 seconds
Top Speed 155 mph (electronically limited)
Fuel Economy (EPA) 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
Curb Weight 3,717 lbs
Seating Capacity 4 passengers
Cargo Space 13.8 cubic feet
Starting MSRP $49,545

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

The CLA 35 combines sleek coupe styling with a powerful 302-hp turbocharged engine and a luxurious interior. While not as practical as some other options, it offers a unique blend of style, performance, and comfort.

Feature Details
Engine 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower 302 hp
Torque 295 lb-ft
Transmission 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drive All-wheel drive
0-60 mph 4.6 seconds
Top speed 155 mph
Fuel economy 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
Starting price $47,150

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