10 Performance Sedans That Are Criminally Underrated

In a market that favors trucks and SUVs, and the occasional supercar, performance sedans usually slip through the cracks. These fun four-door machines offer a rare blend of speed, style, and daily usability, but many of them do not get the respect that they deserve.

They are typically overshadowed by flashier coupes and the latest high-riding crossover, but in reality, some of the best cars that you can buy right now are often overlooked. Here are 10 performance sedans that are criminally underrated, and while you may not have heard of some of them, they deserve a second look.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. Models are listed in descending order, from the lowest used value to the highest.

2006-2009 Saab 9-5 Aero

Average Used Price: $4,819

The 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 Aero is considered the last of the true Saabs before GM tightened up its grip on the brand. As such, the 9-5 Aero was a sedan that never truly got the credit that it deserved. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder made up to 260 horsepower, and when it was paired with a manual transmission, it delivered the driving that enthusiasts craved.

Comfortable, understated, and loaded with safety features, the Saab 9-5 Aero could hang with its German rivals in real-world performance, but it was often overlooked by shoppers. However, you can now own this hidden gem for far less than $10,000.

2009-2014 Acura TL SH-AWD

Average Used Price: $9,832

Many critics and buyers dismissed the 2009-2014 Acura TL for its ugly beak-like grille, but don’t let its unique looks fool you. Under its hood is a venerable V6 engine that sends more than 300 horsepower to all four wheels using the brand’s Super-Handling AWD system. Better yet, this sporty sedan could be fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

In addition to its performance, this version of the TL was quite agile for its size, and inside, it swaddled its five occupants with plenty of comfort and tech-savvy features. Ultimately, who wouldn’t want an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a stick shift? We would. Fortunately, you can buy one for around $10,000 or less, but the manual-transmission ones cost more.

2017-2019 Ford Fusion Sport

Average Used Price: $14,718

We will admit that the Ford Fusion isn’t the most enticing sedan in the used automotive market, but it’s more exciting to drive than you might think. If you choose the Fusion Sport trim, you’ll get a practical sedan that’s packed with a 2.7-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Those are numbers that put it in line with entry-level luxury rivals.

It also comes equipped with all-wheel drive as standard equipment to keep the power usable in all conditions, while a subtly aggressive design meant it flew under the radar. Unfortunately, the Fusion Sport was discontinued after a few years, but it was a short-lived sleeper that deserved more attention.

2016-2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

Average Used Price: $20,029

Infiniti has always been known to produce some of the most luxurious sedans and SUVs on the market, but the public may not know that its Q50 midsize sedan used to pack a lot of heat. Opting for the Red Sport 400 trim level gives you a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine under its hood, which delivers 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. That kind of power is good for 0-60 mph times of around 4.7 seconds, making this rather sedate sedan quite the rocket.

Inside, the Q50 Red Sport features a driver-centric cockpit with sport seats, a 16-speaker Bose surround-sound system, and a twin-touchscreen infotainment system. However, it looks a little dated by today’s standards. Regardless, the Q50 Red Sport is worth some consideration if you’re looking for a sporty sedan with plenty of power.

2021-2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line

Average Used Price: $20,400

The Hyundai Sonata is an excellent choice for a family sedan, thanks to its comfortable ride and efficient engine. However, those looking to spruce things up should check out the Sonata N Line, which is equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that produces nearly 300 horsepower and over 300 pound-feet of torque. That kind of power turns the commuter-friendly sedan into a thrilling driving machine.

In addition to the added power, the Sonata N Line also features aggressive styling elements like a blacked-out grille, quad exhaust outlets, and unique 19-inch wheels. Overall, the Hyundai Sonata N Line offers a compelling blend of performance, style, and technology, making it a strong contender for anyone’s shopping shortlist.

2018-2021 Mazda6 2.5 Turbo

Average Used Price: $21,594

Although the Mazda6 was always touted as a near-premium mid-size sedan, it had its sporty charm. Mazda gave the sedan the power it deserved with the addition of a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That engine setup was paired with a chassis already praised for its sharp handling and balance.

This turbocharged version of the Mazda6 delivered real-world pace with a sports-sedan poise, all wrapped in one of the world’s classiest designs. But since it didn’t have a Mazdaspeed badge or all-wheel drive, it flew under the radar. Now, you can get one of Mazda’s best-kept secrets by finding a Mazda6 turbo on the used market.

2009-2015 Jaguar XFR

Average Used Price: $21,994

Although driving enthusiasts typically pick the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63, Jaguar has a super-sedan that could hang with both of those competitors and, in some cases, outcharm them. The XFR’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8 pumped out 510 horsepower, which was enough to launch the car up to 60 mph from a stop in only 4.5 seconds with a soundtrack that only a Jaguar could deliver.

In addition to its modern performance, the Jaguar XFR blended British character with its sleek and understated design that aged far better than many rivals. Despite its capability, the XFR was barely on the radar for most buyers, which was further held back by Jaguar’s reputation for spotty reliability. But for anyone who can look past that, the XFR remains one of the most charismatic and overlooked performance sedans of its time.

2005-2014 Chrysler 300C SRT8

Average Used Price: $23,675

It’s easy to overlook the Chrysler 300 for being a boring old full-size sedan, but if you choose the right spec, like the SRT8, you may be surprised. Under its hood is a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which is enough power to propel the large sedan up to 60 mph from a stop in only 5.2 seconds.

In addition to all this power, the 300C SRT8 also exudes plenty of class, which is characterized by its aggressive styling elements like a sculpted front bumper, real spoiler, and large 20-inch wheels. So, while it may not look like much from the outside, a closer look at the 300C could reveal a far sportier ride than you might assume.

2015-2018 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design

Average Used Price: $24,145

Before Volvo leaned heavily into being a luxury brand, the S60 T6 R-Design showed that the Scandinavian brand could build a genuinely sporty sedan. Its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine used both a turbocharger and a supercharger to deliver 302 horsepower (which was later increased to 316), giving it a uniquely eager driving character.

Paired with an all-wheel drivetrain and a stiffer suspension, the R-Design had the grip and composure to rival most German sport sedans, while its clean styling and supportive seats added a distinctly Nordic flavor. However, Volvo’s reputation for safety and comfort meant that most buyers overlooked how sporty and engaging the S60 really was.

2022-2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance

Average Used Price: $54,101

If you’re looking for a luxury sedan with some serious firepower, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is it. Underneath its unassuming sheetmetal lies a powerful naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that sends 472 horsepower to the rear wheels, which is enough power to rocket the sedan up to highway speeds in just over four seconds.

But power isn’t the only thing the IS 500 has, as its interior is stacked with plenty of tech-savvy features and is very comfortable to boot. However, the rear seat could use a little more room. Regardless, if you want the ultimate luxury sedan sleeper, this is it.