2020 Kia Stinger GT
USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Performance Score: 8.6/10
The Kia Stinger is equipped with many small luxury car hallmarks, including standard leather seating and a long list of standard features. But the spicy Stinger GT trim has some sports car hallmarks as well, such as the sharply raked roof and flat-bottomed performance steering wheel.
The Stinger GT comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine making 365 horsepower. The GT also has responsive braking and sharp, engaging handling characteristics. The GT’s Brembo brakes and limited-slip differential ensure a thrilling driving experience.
2019 Tesla Model 3 Perfomance AWD
USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Performance Score: 9.4/10
Remember this figure: 100% torque at zero RPM. This is what allows many electric cars to accelerate so quickly. With a maximum of 271 horsepower, the Tesla Model 3 Performance with all-wheel drive isn’t the most potent car on this list. However, the electric drivetrain allows the Model 3 to jump off the line with breakneck speed, yielding a zero-to-60 time of 3.2 seconds.
The Model 3 has an all-electric range of 322 miles, though multiple zero-to-60 sprints will incur a hefty penalty on mileage. Then again, who cares when you can impress your friends with such lightning-quick acceleration?
2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
USN Overall Score: N/A | Performance Score: 8.7/10
Alfa Romeo is a brand with a storied history in auto racing and performance – even Enzo Ferrari got his start with Alfa. The Giulia sport sedan conjures up those vintage Alfas with its grille design, as well as the available Quadrifoglio and its signature four-leaf clover emblem, which dates back to 1923.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes 505 horsepower. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a torque-vectoring rear differential. Drivers can use the DNA drive mode system with Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency modes. The result is a wickedly fast and stylish four-door sports car – with an impressive automotive pedigree, to boot.
2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody
USN Overall Score: 7.4/10 | Performance Score: 7.8/10
There’s some irony to the fact the Dodge Charger – a four-door car – is on this list, as the original vehicle was a two-door muscle car. While the Challenger has taken the reins as the company's two-door muscler, the Charger certainly hasn’t been ignored. Over the years, Dodge has packed the Charger with serious power and performance upgrades, culminating in the Charger Hellcat Widebody.
The Charger Hellcat boasts a supercharged Hemi V8 engine, which produces an absurd 707 horsepower. That’s all well and good for drag racing, but sports cars also need to corner well – and that’s where the Widebody shines. It has a sport-tuned suspension, wider wheels, and a wider track, allowing it to corner with impressive agility. On or off the drag strip, it’s sure to thrill drivers and passengers alike.
2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback
USN Overall Score: 8.8/10 | Performance Score: 8.7/10
The hotly-anticipated RS 7 is on the horizon for Audi performance fans, but for now, the RS 5 Sportback brings the heat. The RS 5 has a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, kicking out 444 horsepower harnessed via paddle shifters. It can go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, with a Nürburgring-friendly top speed limited to 174 mph.
The RS 5 puts power to the road through Quattro all-wheel drive with a sport rear differential. The available Dynamic package adds RS Sport Suspension and Dynamic Ride Control. These features allow the driver to personalize their driving experience and carve corners with aggression and accuracy.
2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Competition
USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Performance Score: 8.9/10
The 8 Series was originally a super-coupe from the 1990s. BMW has since resurrected the 8 Series, offering coupe, convertible, and four-door coupe body styles. As such, the four-door variant of the 8 Series is really a four-door sports car – especially when we’re talking about the M8.
The M8 Gran Coupe features a twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 600 horsepower, or 617 horsepower in the available Competition trim. The Competition tier can rocket the M8 Gran Coupe from zero to 60 mph in just three seconds, and the M differential adjusts torque split between the two rear wheels in real time.
2020 Porsche Panamera GTS
USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Performance Score: 9.6/10
Now in its second generation, the Panamera is refined, upscale, and fast. There are more powerful versions of the Panamera available – including the Turbo and and Turbo S E-Hybrid – but the GTS wins the prize for all-around great driving dynamics. Its twin-turbocharged V8 makes 453 horsepower, and hits zero-to-60 mph in 3.9 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 181 mph.
The GTS features unique styling cues, including dark accents and wheels. Porsche Traction Management routes power to the road, while Porsche Active Suspension Management utilizes an air suspension to manage the Panamera’s heft around corners.
2020 Subaru WRX STI
USN Overall Score: 7.3/10 | Performance Score: 7.7/10
Within the Subaru lineup, the BRZ is perhaps the more traditional sports car, but the WRX STI is the faster and more powerful performance machine – and yes, it has four doors. The WRX’s base turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 268 horsepower, while the STI variant puts out 310 horsepower with an aggressive snarl that will wake the neighbors.
The WRX STI only comes with a manual transmission, while the standard all-wheel drive makes it a potentially sensible car in the snow. The WRX received some updates in 2019, including a retuned suspension and improved shifting and steering feel.
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | Performance Score: 9.7/10
Say what you will about Porsche making an all-electric sedan, but one thing is true about this German automaker: It manages to bake its performance heritage and DNA into every SUV, crossover, and sedan it makes. The German automaker has proven that the Taycan will carry on this trend.
Despite the fact there is no combustion engine, the top-performing trim is called the “Turbo S.” It uses two electric motors – one at the front and one at the rear – for all-wheel drive and a combined output of 750 horsepower. With a claimed zero-to-60 time of 2.6 seconds, the Taycan definitely deserves the title of four-door sports car.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S
USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Performance Score: 9.0/10
In the sports car world, the letters “GT” stand for “Gran Turismo,” or “Grand Touring” – an Italian term for a high-performance car that’s also comfortable enough for long trips. In this sense, the four-door version of the AMG GT is actually more faithful to the spirit of a GT than the two-door variation.
The most hardcore version is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S. Thanks to its twin-turbocharged V8 engine, it will rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. An available adaptive suspension further enhances performance, specifically cornering abilities.
2020 Honda Civic Si Sedan / 2019 Type R Hatchback
USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Performance Score: 8.7/10
The Honda Civic is one of our top rated compact cars. It’s spacious and has an upscale interior for the class, but what if you crave more excitement? The Civic sedan is available as the Si, while the hatchback can be had in the even hotter Type R variant.
The Civic Si features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 205 horsepower, and the Type R’s turbocharged four-cylinder ups the ante with 306 horsepower. While the Si is a bit of a sleeper, the Type R has bold, aggressive styling cues, including a massive rear wing and an aggressive-looking trio of exhaust outlets.
2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
USN Overall Score: N/A | Performance Score: 6.7/10
Though the CLA is one of the smallest members of the Mercedes lineup, it has a world-class interior and the latest infotainment technology. It also offers two solid performance options: The AMG CLA 35 and the AMG CLA 45.
The AMG CLA 45 is the hotter of the two versions, and features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting 375 horsepower out to 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the CLA for 2020, and it is expected to hit showrooms stateside later in the year. Among other upgrades, the new CLA 45 will feature a “drift mode” that allows it to scoot around like a rear-wheel-drive sports car.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is your prime source of up-to-date car information. If your ideal four-door sports car car wasn’t included on the previous slides, take a look at our new car rankings. If a super-fast SUV is more your thing, check out our ranking of the fastest SUVs on the market right now.
If you’re looking to get the most for your money – even for a four-door sports car – take a look at our 2020 Best Cars for the Money award winners. By checking those, you could find a car that’s a ton of fun, but also a tremendous value!
If a different type of car, truck or SUV is more your speed, take a look at our new car rankings and reviews and used car rankings. These are designed to answer the questions buyers ask when they’re shopping for a new ride.
Our best lease deals and best financing deals pages can also help you make an informed and budget-friendly decision.
Once you’ve made a decision on the right vehicle for you, be sure to use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the cheapest prices in your area. Shoppers who use the program save an average of more than $3,000 off their new car.
The Best Four-Door Sports Cars of 2020:
- 2020 Kia Stinger GT: USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Performance Score: 8.6/10
- 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD: USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Performance Score: 9.4/10
- 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: USN Overall Score: N/A | Performance Score: 8.7/10
- 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody: USN Overall Score: 7.4/10 | Performance Score: 7.8/10
- 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback: USN Overall Score: 8.8/10 | Performance Score: 8.7/10
- 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Competition: USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Performance Score: 8.9/10
- 2020 Porsche Panamera GTS: USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Performance Score: 9.6/10
- 2020 Subaru WRX STI: USN Overall Score: 7.3/10 | Performance Score: 7.7/10
- 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S: USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | Performance Score: 9.7/10
- 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S: USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Performance Score: 9.0/10
- 2020 Honda Civic Si Sedan: USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Performance Score: 8.7/10
- 2019 Honda Civic Type R Hatchback: USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Performance Score: 8.7/10
- 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: USN Overall Score: N/A | Performance Score: 6.7/10
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When “Fun” Grows a Second Set of Doors
Sports cars are the ultimate expression of driving enjoyment, but they aren’t always the most sensible vehicles. A typical sports car has two doors and a pretty useless rear seat – if it has a second row at all. Luckily, the auto industry is evolving, and there are a growing number of vehicles you could actually call “four-door sports cars.”
Nissan might call the Maxima a “four-door sports car,” but it’s time we held ourselves to a higher standard. The Maxima just doesn’t match up with the cars on this list. Some of the following vehicles are four-door versions of super-coupes, like the Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupe. Others are hotted-up sedans, such as the Subaru WRX STI. No matter which vehicle piques your interest, just know they are fun, fast, and functional.
Read on to learn about the best four-door sports cars for 2020.