Best Luxury Sport Compact Cars
This list contains performance versions of sedans and coupes in the subcompact luxury category. Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best sport compact cars based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.
Top Ranked Luxury Sport Compact Cars at a glance
1
2026 BMW M2
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$69,550
EPA MPG
19 combined
C/D SAYS: With compact dimensions, big power, and an available manual transmission, the M2 delivers visceral enthusiast thrills in a modern package. Learn More
2
2026 Acura Integra Type S
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$54,695
EPA MPG
24 combined
C/D SAYS: Delivering the track-ready dynamics of the Honda Civic Type R in a more mature package, the Acura Integra Type R is a hot hatch for professionals. Learn More
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3
2026 BMW 2-Series
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$43,050
EPA MPG
26–30 combined
C/D SAYS: The small and nimble 2026 BMW 2-Series coupe punches above its weight. Learn More
4
2026 Audi S3
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$53,295
EPA MPG
26 combined
C/D SAYS: The Audi S3 takes the blueprint of the A3 subcompact luxury sedan and ramps up the performance with more power and tighter suspension. Learn More
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5
2026 Audi RS3
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$67,395
EPA MPG
23 combined
C/D SAYS: The pint-sized Audi RS3 packs the same sports-sedan punch as the brand's larger and more expensive RS models. Learn More
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6
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$57,750
EPA MPG
23–25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class sports sedan bundles admirable performance in a tidy, sharp-looking package. Learn More
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