Get Subtle Speed with 5 of the Best Sleeper Cars of 2023
Sometimes, you want to go fast without attracting attention. These five cars are all understated, but each move swiftly enough to plaster a smile across your face. From luxury sedans to hybrids and an unassuming crossover, these are some of the best sleeper cars of 2023.
Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered – A plug-in hybrid sleeper car
Chucking out a staggering 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque, the Volvo S60 Polestar is a barn-burner. Zero to 60 mph takes just over four seconds, while the all-wheel drive system effortlessly pushes that power to the ground. Underneath, Polestar Engineered suspension and brakes give the S60 the poise and precision of a much smaller sports car. All the while, you’re tucked into a luxurious sedan with classically understated Volvo aesthetics.
Genesis G70 3.3T
It’s hard not to look at the Genesis G70, so as a sleeper it may not be the best option. Still, it’s nowhere near as shouty as, say, a Civic Type-R. This, despite offering 55 more horsepower than the Japanese compact.
With the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 between you and the front bumper, the G70 delivers 365 horsepower through the rear-wheels for an exhilarating sports car experience nobody will see coming.
BMW M340i
While the M3 has the loudest grille design of all time, its little brother may be one of the best sleeper cars available today. The M340i is a step up from the base 3 Series in looks, but not by a wide enough margin to make that traffic cop follow you through town.
Little does he know that it has a BMW TwinPower turbocharged inline-6 powering things along. That motor churns out 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, according to Hagerty. Even better, M Sport suspension and brakes make it a capable canyon carver as well.
Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid
If you’re looking for a bit more space in your next sleeper car, the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is surprisingly quick. With the combined power of the electric and turbocharged engines offering 261 total horsepower, it’s 20 ponies above a Golf GTI in a much more understated package.
The H-Trac all-wheel drive system puts that power to the ground with ease. Acceleration to 60 mph takes just seven seconds – not bad for an economy-focused hybrid SUV.
Toyota Crown Hybrid MAX – The newest Toyota is an unexpected sleeper car
Toyota’s quest to ditch the ‘boring’ label continues with this stunner of a hybrid four-door. While the Crown’s looks may be divisive, the power from that Hybrid MAX powertrain certainly isn’t. With a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor system, the Crown makes a combined 340 horsepower. Zero to 60 takes just 5.7 seconds in this full-size sedan, putting it firmly in sleeper car territory with some of the best.
Compared to the other sedans here, the Hybrid MAX lacks the sporty chops of a firmer suspension. But for a comfortable cruiser that can lead the race between the lights, the newest Toyota sedan delivers.
