# Best Gas Sport Compacts Ranked By Horsepower

> Top 5 gas-powered sport compacts ranked by horsepower: Honda Civic Type R leads at 315 HP.
- Title: Best Gas Sport Compacts Ranked By Horsepower · Jalopnik
- Summary: Top 5 gas-powered sport compacts ranked by horsepower: Honda Civic Type R leads at 315 HP.
- Keywords: honda civic type r, volkswagen golf r, toyota gr corolla, hyundai elantra n, subaru wrx, horsepower, sport compacts, gas powered, Jalopnik
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2304506/best-modern-gas-powered-sport-compacts-ranked-by-horsepower
- Author: Chris Tsui
- Published: 2026-11-09T04:25:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: honda civic type r, volkswagen golf r, toyota gr corolla, hyundai elantra n, subaru wrx, horsepower, sport compacts, gas powered, cars, culture
## What are sport compacts?
Sport compacts are affordable, front- or all-wheel-drive cars with hatches, trunks, and back seats.
## Why are they popular now?
Inflation-adjusted, sport compacts are in a golden age with models from Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Subaru, and Hyundai all under $50,000.
## Subaru WRX: 271 HP
Subaru WRX makes 271 hp from its turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, available with manual or CVT transmission.
## Hyundai Elantra N: 276 HP
Hyundai Elantra N makes 276 hp with manual transmission, 286 hp with N Grin Shift boost system.
## Toyota GR Corolla: 300 HP
Toyota GR Corolla makes 300 hp from its turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, starting at $41,815.
## Honda Civic Type R: 315 HP
Honda Civic Type R makes 315 hp with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, starting at $49,990.
## Volkswagen Golf R: 328 HP
Volkswagen Golf R makes 328 hp with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, starting at $51,320.
## Key takeaway

The Honda Civic Type R leads with 315 horsepower, followed by the Volkswagen Golf R at 328 HP, Toyota GR Corolla at 300 HP, Hyundai Elantra N at 276 HP, and Subaru WRX at 271 HP.