Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 05/19/2023

With such a wide array of cars on the market today, there’s something for everyone. And if you want a practical car that looks great, these are a handful of the sportiest-looking non-sports cars on the market today.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback is the best-looking car without the performance punch

The GR Corolla is here now, but the basic Toyota Corolla Hatchback might look even better. With sweeping curves, those angry LED headlights, and a massive frowning grille, the Corolla Hatchback looks like an angry bulldog.

However, the performance beneath is more cuddly kitten than rage-filled canine. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder Toyota engine under the hood makes just 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The CVT focuses on efficiency over performance, 

Toyota Prius (and Prius Prime) – Sports car looks and hybrid efficiency

The 2023 Toyota Prius ditches the boring, bizarro-world styling for a true hot hatch aesthetic. It borrows bold styling cues from its Corolla Hatchback cousin, with the mini-minivan proportions of the prior Prius models.

Of course, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains aren’t sports-car thrilling, though the 220 horsepower Prius Prime is worlds better than what the Prius used to be. And with the potential for a GR Prius in the near future, the hybrid may find itself in enthusiast’s hands sooner than you think.

KIA EV6 – Looks great, but too big to be athletic

Looking like an oversized hot hatch, the KIA EV6 certainly commands attention. The angular headlights and sloping nose certainly make it look like a sports car from the front. Around back, the LED taillights are molded into a spoiler-esque design. From any angle, this car looks spectacular.

However, its base EV performance sits at just 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. And though the EV6 GT offers a staggering 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque, the size and weight of this EV puts it well outside of sports car territory.

Volvo S60 – A sleeper with soft suspension

The current Volvo S60 is a festival of rectangles, but somehow we can’t help but think this car looks incredible. With an aggressive stance, the S60 sits low and wide, and the proportions make it look like a European muscle car. That said, the S60 is a front-drive-biased car that weighs over two tons. And without the Polestar kit, it’s a softly-sprung luxury car with nothing in the way of sporty intentions.

Mazda3 (and Mazda3 Hatchback) – 1 of the best-looking non-sports cars on sale today?

We’re back to hatchbacks now, but both the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback have genuine sports car looks. An aggressive face and wide fenders make the Mazda3 look like a low-slung sports car. It’s got better handling than most economical compacts, but it’s far from a sports car.

Power is ample but not exhilarating, delivering 191 horsepower from a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine.

Volkswagen Arteon – Underrated and versatile

Unfortunately, this is the last year of the Arteon, as its EV replacement, the ID.7, comes next year. But for one more year at least, we get to enjoy the beauty that is Volkswagen’s sportback sedan. The horizontal grille lines play perfectly with the LED headlight design. And the Sportback proportions make it look more like an Audi RS 5 than an oversized Golf.

While it shares a handling platform with the GTI, it’s stretched in both directions and is considerably heavier. It also lacks sport suspension and, as a result, fails the test as a sports car. Still, you can’t deny that it looks great, even if the sports car chops aren’t there.

Which car is your favorite? Did we leave anything out?

Style is always subjective, but I truly love the style each of these cars brings to the table. But what do you think? Which of these stunning non-sports cars would you put in the driveway? And are there any great-looking cars out there that you think we missed? Let us know in the comments!