4 Driver's Cars That Don't Look Like It

4 Driver's Cars That Don't Look Like It originally appeared on Autoblog.

Thrills don’t have to equal big horsepower or menacing looks

When you see a Ferrari 296GTB, a BMW M2, or a mid-engined Corvette Stingray in your rearview mirror, you know those cars are capable of mindblowing performance based on their looks alone. Even a Volkswagen GTI shows off its power and handling prowess through some obvious visual cues, but not every good driver’s car comes with big air intakes, a dramatic spoiler, flared fenders, or a roaring exhaust. Fun doesn't have to come in a boisterous package.

Some of the most engaging vehicles to drive are quietly competent and hide their capabilities behind conservative styling and modest badging. They might not have a twin-turbo V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, or downforce bits festooning the exterior, but they’re no less worthy of respect for what they can do in the everyday world. For enthusiasts who want something fun but understated, there are hidden gems in today’s market. These four cars might not look like driver’s cars, but they deliver a driving experience that’s better than anyone might expect

2025 Mazda3 Sedan

The 2025 Mazda3 sedan ($24,150) is one of the best-kept secrets in the compact car segment. Not only has it aged remarkably well during its current 4th generation, but it's one of the best driver's sport sedans around, regardless of price. More understated than its racy hatchback sibling, the Mazda3 sedan travels under the radar. Our favorite is the Carbon Turbo with its 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that provides 250 horsepower on premium fuel. You can even outfit it with all-wheel drive for better grip, and no one will guess how good it is to drive.

The steering in the Mazda3 sedan is sharp and communicative, the suspension is firm but composed, and the body control is better than many European sedans priced way higher. It's tossable, composed, and quick. It's just too bad you can't get it with the six-speed manual transmission anymore, as it made the Mazda3 sedan even better to drive than it already is. Even in base form, the Mazda3 delivers crisp turn-in and minimal body roll. The six-speed automatic transmission, while a bit old-school, is well-tuned and snappy. We've threaded many a traffic needle with the Mazda3 sedan, and we can attest that it's a blast to drive. Learn more here.

2026 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan

2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan Honda

The 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid ($29,295) is one of the best sleepers made today. With conservatively handsome looks, it appears muted compared to its insane Type R sibling. But don't make the mistake of thinking a miserly hybrid four-door is a shrinking violet because the 200-horsepower Civic Hybrid is quicker than the sporty Civic Si. It will launch to 60 in barely more than six seconds and take on turns with great steering and handling. Behind that exterior lies one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive sedans you can buy today.

2022 Honda Civic Honda

The Civic Hybrid responds to inputs better than many sports sedans that cost a lot more. The chassis feels taut and agile, and the suspension tuning is incredibly well-balanced. The steering, while on the light side, is precise and consistent. Even the direct drive transmission responds quickly and simulates gear shifts well enough that it doesn’t dull the experience. While we prefer the Si's manual transmission, there's no mistaking the Civic Hybrid for a boring experience behind the wheel. Quite the opposite, actually. For less than $30k, you get great efficiency and serious fun every time you drive it. Learn more here.

2026 Chevrolet Trax

2025 Chevrolet Trax Chevrolet

Yes, the Chevy Trax. It’s not fast, it’s not luxurious, and it certainly doesn’t scream “driver’s car” when you see it on the road. Sure, it's an attractive compact crossover, but no one would guess how rewarding it is to drive. The steering, handling, and balance belie its 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine. After all, it only produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, but it's not about the power. Grab the steering wheel and toss it into a turn. The Trax responds remarkably quickly, and you actually get steering feedback, crisp turning, and great on-road composure. We've had more fun driving the seemingly tame Trax than cars with twice as much power.

2025 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax's chassis feels light on its feet, steering is tight and well-weighted, and the suspension does an admirable job of keeping the body in check without feeling too stiff. You can hustle the Trax through corners with confidence—something you can’t say about many budget crossovers. It’s also low-slung for a crossover, giving it a more car-like feel behind the wheel. Few budget crossovers can claim these accolades, but the Trax is a winner for a pittance. Learn more here.

2025 Mazda CX-50

You didn't see this one coming, either, didja? The 2025 CX-50 ($30,500) isn't just family-friendly; it delivers some of the best steering we've ever experienced in any vehicle at any price. Mazda makes no secret of building driver’s cars (remember "Zoom Zoom"?), but the CX-50 doesn’t exactly shout about its performance. At first glance, it appears to be just another rugged-looking unibody SUV. But get behind the wheel, and you’ll find one of the sharpest-driving crossovers you can buy. Even with the base engine, a non-turbo 2.5-liter four with 187 horsepower, the CX-50 turns sharply and handles predictably. You'll ask yourself often, "This is an SUV??"

You can still get its understated looks but opt for the turbocharged engine, and you get another level of performance: up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. It feels muscular off the line and carves up curves like a lower-slung sporty car. Combine that with Mazda’s standard i-Activ AWD system and a quick-shifting 6-speed automatic, and you’ve got a crossover that feels dialed in whenever you call upon it. You'll forget it can haul kids and gear just like its less rewarding competitors. Learn more here.

Final thoughts

Not a single one of these practical vehicles will be mistaken for a sports car based on their looks, but underneath the skin are carefully engineered chassis, powertrains, steering, brakes, and suspension bits that lead to seriously fun driving experiences. That's why we love each one of them, because they don't shout it from the asphalt. They also give us hope that the automotive industry is more than capable of delivering fun for less. In an age where many cars are tuned purely for comfort or efficiency, these under-the-radar driver’s cars are a breath of fresh air. None of them will break the bank, nor will they break your little driving heart.

4 Driver's Cars That Don't Look Like It first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 25, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.