How do you envision a car? Is it just a utility machine to get you from Point A to Point B, or do you think of your car as a statement of your personality? What if it could be both stylish and practical? That would be a dream scenario.
Car shopping is an awful task for most people. Finding something that meets their needs and their budget is always a challenge. Since price is difficult to pin down, we took that out of the equation here and compiled a list of vehicles, from SUVs to sedans, that are both stylish and fun to drive.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from various manufacturers and authoritative sources.
2025 Mini Cooper Hardtop
Retro Vibes And Personality Inside And Out
- Base Trim Transmission
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7-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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161 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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184 lb-ft
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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29/38/32 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Mini
- Model
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Cooper Hardtop
- Segment
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Subcompact Luxury Hatchback
The Mini Cooper Hard Top makes this list for being one of the few cars on the road that is instantly recognizable. If you want style and personality, the Mini Cooper has that in spades. For 2025, this small SUV has been redesigned with a “bulldog” appearance and a cleaner, more minimalist exterior design. Yet it still has that distinctive British Mini look. Some call it quirky, I call it retro. The styling cues are noticeable both inside and out, with a lot of garish features found inside, too. If you want a car that expresses personality, this is it.
And, from behind the wheel? Definitely fun! And adequately quick. Activate Go-Kart mode and the car screams “Yahoo!” back at you as the enormous central screen transforms into a sports car-like display.
– William Clavey, TopSpeed Journalist
From a driveability standpoint, the aforementioned personality shows in how the Mini drives, too. Who doesn’t like go-karting? Driving a Mini always feels like driving a go-kart. It is also easy to maneuver and park, making it ideal for urban dwellers.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe
Diverse Engine Options + European Styling
- Base Trim Engine
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3L I-6 Mild Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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375 HP @5500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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369 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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19/25/21 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lithium ion (Li-ion)
- Make
-
Mercedes-Benz
- Model
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GLE-Class Coupe
Yes, this coupe is expensive. But to get all the things like performance and looks, plus the luxury of a Mercedes, comes at a price. Some view their car as a status symbol, and that’s why the GLE-Class makes this list. It has all the styling you want, especially as a coupe, where the design is more athletic and offers a unique aesthetic.
A wide array of engines is available, all featuring a mild-hybrid system for increased performance and efficiency. Choices range from a standard turbocharged four-cylinder to a powerful V8 in the GLE 580 and a potent plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. There’s even an AMG offering, which has blistering fast acceleration.
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2025 Honda Civic Si
Genuine Sporty Enthusiasm On A Budget
- Base Trim Engine
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1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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200 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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192 lb-ft
- Make
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Honda
- Model
-
Civic Si Sedan
- Segment
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Compact Hatchback
If you were making a Venn diagram of affordability and fun-to-drive, the two circles would overlap heavily. It’s true, the appeal of the 2025 Honda Civic Si is its combination of a fun-to-drive manual transmission and standard performance features, balanced with everyday usability and respectable fuel economy.
The car is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, which clearly proves Honda understands what enthusiasts really want. And boy, is this still one of the best manual gear levers available in any car.
– William Clavey, TopSpeed Journalist
Engaged driving is rare these days. The Civic Si is the epitome of this with its six-speed manual, limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned suspension. It checks all the boxes anyone could want on driveability.
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2025 BMX X1
Athletic German Comfort At Its Finest
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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7-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
241 HP @4500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
24/33/28 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
BMW
- Model
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X1
With the BMW X1, you get a stylish and practical luxury subcompact SUV with premium features and a compact yet versatile design. The squatty design adds to the athletic performance, yet each styling cue showcases refinement and European elegance associated with BMW. If you want an affordable car that is also a status symbol, the X1 is a contender.
There is a standard and a performance-oriented engine, both with turbos. Having a base engine with a turbo is a plus, but when you add that to the sharp handling and overall athleticism of this small crossover, you understand why it’s made this list.
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2025 Land Rover Defender
Rugged British Refinement Never Looked So Good
- Base Trim Engine
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Ingenium 2L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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ZF 8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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296 HP @5500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
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Land Rover
- Model
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Defender
- Segment
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Midsize SUV
The distinctive, boxy styling holds up through the years as it pays tribute to the Land Rover’s history. While Land Rover is a luxury brand, the Defender is not fussy and showcases rugged styling that is ready to get some dirt on it.
There are three different engine offerings, including a four-cylinder, a six-cylinder, and an eight-cylinder. Having choices like that is a major reason why the Defender lands on this list, despite its higher price. The iconic look, plus the off-road ability, make it a rare find that is both refined and rugged.
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2025 Ford Bronco
You, Too, Can Own A True American Icon
- Base Trim Engine
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EcoBoost 2.3L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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275 HP @5700 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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315 lb.-ft. @ 3400 RPM
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
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Ford
- Model
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Bronco
- Segment
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Midsize SUV
Similar to the Defender, the Bronco has an iconic boxy shape and, like the Defender, is quite capable off the road. So, if you can’t quite afford the Defender and don’t need quite the luxury it offers, then the Bronco, with multiple, playful trims, is an option to consider. There are special editions and a robust aftermarket for parts to customize the Bronco.
Three different performance options exist, including the powerful and fun Raptor version. But most consumers will opt for one of two Ecoboost engines, one being a four-cylinder and one being a V6. The V6 with 330 horsepower seems like the right amount of power. Ford has created a cleverly-named all-terrain system called GOAT (go over any terrain). GOAT mode makes the Bronco enjoyable and confident for all road conditions, which is why it lands squarely here on this list.
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2025 Genesis GV70
Style Plus Features Equals Pure Joy
- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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300 HP @5800 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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22/28/24 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Genesis
- Model
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GV70
The Genesis brand as a whole has been on quite a run. Hyundai’s luxury brand has challenged its other Asian luxury rivals as well as the big names in Europe by offering vehicles that look amazing, like the GV70, but also have ample performance. The GV70 is quite possibly the best vehicle Genesis has offered recently, and that’s saying a lot as their product line is impressive overall.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard for any of the GV70 models. And there are two engine options, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a dual-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Both options offer ample power, but that twin-turbo V6 is the most exciting at 375 horsepower.
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2025 Hyundai Palisade
Near Luxury SUV At A Mainstream Price Point
- Base Trim Engine
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L Lambda II V6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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291 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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262 lb.-ft. @ 5200 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
19/26/22 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Hyundai
- Model
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Palisade
I had just mentioned how the Genesis brand (Hyundai’s luxury arm) was on a roll. Well, the same can be said for Hyundai, where, through a cohesive styling vision, its SUV lineup now has personality. The Palisade is a perfect example of how attention to styling cues at the grille and at the lighting can make a vehicle look like a luxury brand.
A powerful V6 provides strong towing capability but also a smooth, quiet ride. The Hyundai Palisade, with that V6 engine, is a confident daily driver or family hauler and weekend warrior.
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2025 Volvo XC90
Thor’s Hammer In SUV Guise
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
247 HP @5400 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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266 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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22/27/24 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Volvo
- Model
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XC90
Obviously, you don’t select a car based on its headlights. That would be frivolous. However, the Volvo headlights, known as Thor’s hammer, are some of the best-looking in the industry, and on the XC90, they really stand out. A small refresh brings a new grille that is focused on minimalism but also offers up a sleeker Thor’s hammer headlight style. It all just works.
The XC90’s mechanical components, driving feel, performance, comfort, and refinement are on par with the best Europe has to offer.
– William Clavey, TopSpeed Journalist
How does 27 mpg sound in a vehicle that also cranks out 455 horsepower? That’s what you get with the XC90’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine. Now that’s style and driveability for sure!
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2025 Mazda CX-50
Mazda Gets It Right In The Most Satisfying Way
- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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187 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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185 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
25/31/28 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Mazda
- Model
-
CX-50
I have been one of the biggest critics of the Mazda lineup, but I will also admit when they finally get something right. With both the CX-50 and the slightly larger CX-70, they are on the right path now. The modern style is not flashy, but it also separates the CX-50 from a crowded field of SUVs that all look alike. So, finally, there’s a contender that’s not a luxury brand that stands out, and it’s the CX-50.
Mazda has had a strong reputation for performance, and that shows through in the CX-50. That “zoom zoom” mentality lives on in the CX-50. They offer three engine configurations, all with AWD. There’s a standard, a turbo, and a hybrid, which gives the consumer plenty of choices. Here’s a tip: opt for the turbo!
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