23 Japanese Sedans with Sports Car Performance

When you think of high-performance cars, sports cars often come to mind. However, many Japanese sedans offer impressive speed and agility that rival even the best sports cars. In this article, we’ll explore 23 Japanese sedans that combine practicality with exhilarating performance, proving you don’t need a sports car to experience the thrill of the road.

Nissan Maxima

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The Nissan Maxima is often dubbed a “four-door sports car” for good reason. It features a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 300 horsepower, paired with a sporty suspension setup. The Maxima’s agile handling, quick acceleration, and luxurious interior make it a standout in the sedan segment.

Toyota Camry TRD

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The Toyota Camry TRD is a performance-focused variant of the popular Camry. It boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, and enhanced brakes. With its aggressive styling and sporty exhaust note, the Camry TRD offers an exhilarating driving experience.

Mazda6

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The Mazda6 combines elegant design with sporty performance. Its available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine generates up to 250 horsepower, offering brisk acceleration and responsive handling. The Mazda6’s driver-centric cockpit and precise steering contribute to its engaging driving dynamics.

Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX
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The Subaru WRX is renowned for its rally-inspired performance. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine producing 268 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, the WRX delivers exceptional grip and acceleration. Its sporty suspension and aggressive styling further enhance its performance credentials.

Lexus IS 350 F Sport

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The Lexus IS 350 F Sport features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 311 horsepower. Its sport-tuned suspension, aggressive styling, and advanced driver-assistance systems make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a blend of luxury and performance.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

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The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 stands out with its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 horsepower. Its dynamic handling, sharp steering, and luxurious interior make it a strong contender in the performance sedan category.

Acura TLX Type S

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The Acura TLX Type S marks a return to performance for Acura. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generates 355 horsepower, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The TLX Type S offers thrilling acceleration and precise handling.

Honda Accord 2.0T

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The Honda Accord 2.0T features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 252 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its responsive handling, quick acceleration, and comfortable ride make it a well-rounded performance sedan.

Toyota Avalon TRD

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The Toyota Avalon TRD adds a sporty edge to the full-size sedan. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 301 horsepower, and it features sport-tuned suspension, enhanced brakes, and aggressive styling. The Avalon TRD combines performance with comfort and space.

Mazda3 Turbo Sedan

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The Mazda3 Turbo Sedan offers a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with up to 250 horsepower. Its sharp handling, sporty design, and premium interior make it a compelling choice for those seeking a compact performance sedan.

Subaru Legacy GT

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The Subaru Legacy GT features a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 260 horsepower. Its standard all-wheel drive, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features make it a practical yet sporty option.

Lexus GS F

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The Lexus GS F is a high-performance luxury sedan with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 467 horsepower. Its sport-tuned suspension, aggressive styling, and luxurious interior make it a formidable competitor in the performance sedan market.

Infiniti Q70

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The Infiniti Q70 offers a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower. Its refined interior, smooth ride, and powerful engine make it a strong choice for those seeking a performance-oriented luxury sedan.

Acura RLX Sport Hybrid

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The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid features a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 377 horsepower. Its advanced hybrid system, precise handling, and luxurious interior make it a unique performance sedan.

Honda Civic Type R (sedan variant)

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The Honda Civic Type R is known for its track-ready performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 306 horsepower. Its aggressive styling, sport-tuned suspension, and precise steering make it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Nissan Skyline 400R

Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R
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The Nissan Skyline 400R is a high-performance sedan with a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine producing 400 horsepower. Its advanced technology, sporty design, and exceptional handling make it a standout in the performance sedan segment.

Toyota Crown Athlete

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The Toyota Crown Athlete features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 241 horsepower. Its sleek design, advanced safety features, and responsive handling make it a popular choice for those seeking a sporty yet refined sedan.

Lexus LS 500 F Sport

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The Lexus LS 500 F Sport offers a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 416 horsepower. Its sport-tuned suspension, luxurious interior, and advanced technology make it a top choice for performance and luxury.

Infiniti M56S

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The Infiniti M56S features a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower. Its sporty suspension, aggressive styling, and powerful engine make it a compelling performance sedan.

Mazda RX-8 (four-door coupe)

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The Mazda RX-8 is a unique four-door coupe with a rotary engine producing 232 horsepower. Its lightweight design, sharp handling, and sporty characteristics make it a fun-to-drive performance sedan.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

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The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a rally-inspired sedan with a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 310 horsepower. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system, aggressive styling, and sporty suspension make it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Lexus IS 500

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The Lexus IS 500 features a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower. Its sport-tuned suspension, aggressive styling, and luxurious interior make it a top choice for those seeking a high-performance sedan.

Toyota Mark X GRMN

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The Toyota Mark X GRMN features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 318 horsepower. Its sporty design, advanced technology, and responsive handling make it a standout in the performance sedan market.

This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.

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Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

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