Sports cars move fast, thrill drivers and attract a lot of attention, some of it from your local law enforcement. Luckily for you, there are plenty of cars on the market that manage to perform like sports cars while looking like your run-of-the-mill daily driver. Each of the seven undercover sports cars we found offers a valuable combination of a robust engine and masterful handling. And, with just one key exception, these undercover sports cars offer more room for passengers and cargo than a typical performance vehicle.
If you don’t know much about the 2015 Mazda3, it’s easy to dismiss as just another compact commuter car. After all, Mazda emphasizes that it has a great price, excellent fuel economy and solid safety scores. The Mazda3 also offers a choice between sedan and hatchback body styles, which is nice but not exactly thrilling. However, reviewers say that the Mazda3 is one of the best-handling cars in its class, with responsive steering and strong stopping power. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 horsepower, but reviewers suggest the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which makes a peppy 184 ponies. Critics agree that the six-speed manual transmission will deliver the most fun, but the six-speed automatic shifts smoothly.
The 2015 Nissan Juke is a subcompact SUV that seats five. The average onlooker probably wouldn’t take the Juke terribly seriously thanks to its pugnacious profile, but experts say that the base Juke offers good acceleration and handling. The Juke Nismo performance models, though, are a whole different story. “Nismo” stands for Nissan Motorsports, and only certain Nissan models are chosen to wear this badge. The 188-horsepower Juke Nismo is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. A tuned version of the same powerplant produces 215 horsepower in the Juke Nismo RS. Both offer a six-speed manual transmission that’s available only with front-wheel drive; selecting the automatic (CVT) opens up the all-wheel drive option.
The Ford Focus, long appreciated by reviewers for its sporty handling and functional yet attractive interior, is another offering that comes as either a sedan or a hatchback. For the best performance, though, bypass the base models and go straight to the 2015 Ford Focus ST, available only in hot hatch form. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired to a six-speed manual transmission, although reviewers note that the ST’s manual isn’t particularly happy or efficient when traveling in slow-moving traffic. A few exclusive exterior styling details and a set of Recaro front sport buckets distinguishes the 2015 Focus ST from the masses, but otherwise, it’s likely to be overlooked and underestimated.
According to reviewers, the 2015 Kia Sportage offers a surprisingly fun driving experience for an affordable crossover. The Sportage provides accommodations for five occupants, with enough standard features to keep everyone happy, although critics note that the suspension tuning and sharp steering can make the ride somewhat harsh. Experts say that, unlike most SUVs in this class, the driver really gets the best deal. Those who bypass the Sportage’s base engine in favor of the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine are rewarded with an impressive 260 horsepower, which comes with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2016 Volvo S60, an upscale sedan with room for five, is bright and fresh-faced, but not especially sporty-looking. It’s available with a range of engines starting at 240 horsepower, but for a true undercover sports car experience, reviewers suggest the T6 R-Design trim, with 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, courtesy of a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. If you can score a limited edition S60 Polestar, the same engine is tuned for an output of 345 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Though lower trim levels of the Volvo S60 come standard with front-wheel drive, the R-Design and Polestar models come firmly planted at all four corners.
Even in base form, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers impressive capabilities and a comfortable ride both on- and off-road, according to reviewers. But for a true sleeper, go for the top-end Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. This model features exclusive exterior elements that betray its “undercover” status to those in the know, but the average bystander won’t be expecting 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque out of a midsize SUV. The secret is the SRT’s 6.4-liter V-8 engine, which reviewers say has phenomenal power and is well-matched to its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Critics add that the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT features a cabin trimmed in high-end upholstery and loaded with plenty of standard features.
Now that you know the right undercover sports car for you, use the U.S. News Best Price Program for guaranteed savings on a new car, SUV, truck or luxury vehicle. Also be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest automotive news, car deals and shopping advice.
9 Most Fuel-Efficient 3-Row Luxury SUVs
12 Most Fuel-Efficient 3-Row SUVs
21 SUVs with the Best Towing Capacity
15 Best Cars for Tall People
11 Best Luxury Cars for Tall People
Best Minivan Deals in June
2019 Best Cars for the Money
2019 Best Cars for Families
2019 Best Vehicle Brand Awards
7 Undercover Sports Cars
Sports cars move fast, thrill drivers and attract a lot of attention, some of it from your local law enforcement. Luckily for you, there are plenty of cars on the market that manage to perform like sports cars while looking like your run-of-the-mill daily driver. Each of the seven undercover sports cars we found offers a valuable combination of a robust engine and masterful handling. And, with just one key exception, these undercover sports cars offer more room for passengers and cargo than a typical performance vehicle.