This article is part of a directory: Best Cars of 2024
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While they may still be popular in other parts of the world like Europe, hot hatches are rare in the USA. These cars rely on their small size to get the most out of engines that would be deemed average in larger vehicles, all while still delivering a modicum of practicality. With turbocharged powertrains, often available manual transmissions, and city-centric, nimble handling, they are extremely fun to drive. However, their diminishing numbers mean that you don’t get a lot of choice when looking to buy. To help you determine which of the select few are worth your hard-earned money, here is our list of the best hot hatches of 2024 in the USA.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Base MSRP
$30,530
Fuel Economy
23/32 MPG
Horsepower
241 hp
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Base MSRP
$35,900
Fuel Economy
28/37 MPG
Horsepower
300 hp
2023 Volkswagen Golf R
Base MSRP
$44,740
Fuel Economy
20/28 MPG
Horsepower
315 hp
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Base MSRP
$44,795
Fuel Economy
22/28 MPG
Horsepower
315 hp
2023 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop
Base MSRP
$32,900
Fuel Economy
22/31 MPG
Horsepower
228 hp

Characteristics of Hot Hatchbacks

As a dying breed, the few remaining hot hatchbacks all have quite a few things in common. This is what has kept them popular even as many buyers move towards flashier or more modern and trendy body styles and configurations:

What to Consider Before Buying a Hot Hatch

A turbo-powered hatchback is a very niche vehicle to be investing in. It’s not as classically appealing as a sports coupe nor as practical as mainstream crossovers. But that’s not to say there aren’t any advantages. In fact, there is a breakdown of the pros and cons to these pop culture outliers:

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What are the fastest hot hatches in the USA?

The fastest hatchbacks are remarkably athletic, with their small size, low weight, and accurate handling all contributing to an exciting driving experience. The quickest of the lot is the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, which races from 0 - 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

What’s the most fuel-efficient of the 2022 hot hatches?

A high-performance hatchback is still a very frugal vehicle compared to larger and higher-powered rivals from the coupe or sedan segments The top performer in this regard is the Hyundai Veloster, which can get estimates of 28/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined.

Are hot hatches safe?

Sports cars are not generally very safe cars, although more premium models do come with a lot of advanced driver-assistance systems. Hatchbacks seldom get the best technology, and their unusual design, being both short and tall, can create some hazards you should be aware of, like heightened rollover risk. This means that general safety is worse than you’d get from a sedan or more rugged SUV.