Driving thrills with very little compromise
We’re huge devotees of rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars simply because they tend to be more dynamic and thrilling to drive. Before the ‘80s, RWD was the dominant drivetrain, but due to the fuel crisis and advancements in front-wheel drive (FWD) technology, RWD cars started to take a back seat. By the late ‘90s, most American automakers were building more FWD than RWD vehicles. FWD vehicles were more fuel efficient and more tractable in winter, but they were generally not as much fun to drive. How times have changed.
Technology such as suspension tuning, torque vectoring, and performance engineering has made today’s FWD cars surprisingly wonderful to drive. For 2025, several standout models have taken the FWD formula and injected it with performance, sharp handling, and personality. Whether you’re looking for a sport compact, a family sedan, or even a small crossover, these four front-wheel-drive cars prove that fun and function can coexist. Here’s a look at four 2025 FWD vehicles that are genuinely a blast to drive.
2025 Acura Integra Type S
Acura
Who would’ve imagined the second coming of the Integra would be better than the original? Well, that’s exactly what has happened. The regular Integra is impressive, but it’s the Type S variant that truly thrills driving enthusiasts. The 2025 Acura Integra Type S ($51,800) is the pinnacle of performance in Acura’s front-wheel-drive lineup and shares much of its underpinnings with the Honda Civic Type R but with premium appointments and more power.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission with rev-matching keeps driver engagement high, and the limited-slip differential ensures that the power is put to the pavement without excessive wheel spin. Where the Integra Type S shines is in its balance. It’s as at home on twisty roads as it is on the daily commute. Acura has tuned the adaptive suspension for both comfort and performance, while the chassis remains taut and responsive. The steering is impressively sharp, turn-in is immediate, and the exhaust note is satisfyingly aggressive. You’d never guess a FWD car could be this much fun.
2025 Honda Civic Si
Honda
The 315-horsepower 2025 Honda Civic Type R isn’t on this list because it’s more or less the more “affordable” version of the aforementioned Acura Integra Type S. But that doesn’t mean the 200-horsepower Honda Civic Si ($30,250) isn’t incredible to drive. It inherits the accessible performance legacy of the Civic Si that’s been around since 1986, but is now bigger, quicker, and more mature. You could argue that it’s less juvenile than the Type R, and you’d be right. It might just be the perfect daily driver for sensible enthusiasts.
Honda
Powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four making 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, the Civic Si may not be the most powerful car on this list, but its lightweight chassis and well-tuned suspension make it incredibly fun to toss. The Si’s slick 6-speed manual transmission is standard, enhanced by rev-matching for perfectly executed downshifts. The Si even gets a standard limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, and nicely matched and very progressive brakes. Even with front-wheel drive, torque steer is well managed, and the car feels planted and eager through turns. Add in the Civic’s wonderfully sporty and ergonomic interior, along with excellent visibility, and you have a driver’s car that punches well above its price tag. Learn more here.
2025 Kia K5 GT
Kia
Kia’s K5 GT ($33,290) is surprisingly thrilling, especially when compared to its less-than-exciting Optima predecessor. The K5 GT is proof that FWD midsize sedans can still be exciting, especially when they’re equipped with a potent engine, bigger brakes, unique suspension tuning, and fatter rubber than its lesser-trimmed K5 brethren. For 2025, the K5 GT continues to push the boundaries of what a family-friendly four-door can do.
Kia
This stylish sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that puts 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque on tap. It sends that power to the front wheels via a quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its size, the K5 GT handles impressively well. The steering is quick, and the suspension keeps body roll in check. The ride is firm but not upsetting. It’s a bit more composed than raw, but for drivers who want something stylish, spacious, and fun to drive, the K5 GT delivers. It’s more civilized than a hot hatch but still a compelling sports sedan that can take the family along for a ride. Learn more here.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet
The words “fun to drive” and “Chevrolet Trax” might not typically go together, but the 2025 Trax ($20,500) model has undergone such a dramatic transformation compared to the first-generation that it’s earned a rightful place on this list. While it’s not a performance vehicle in the traditional sense, the redesigned Trax brings a level of agility and affordable charm that’s unexpected in the budget crossover segment.
Chevrolet
The 2025 Trax comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes just 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. While that may not sound thrilling, the Trax’s light 3,014-lb curb weight and nimble chassis make it surprisingly responsive around town. Its steering is well-weighted, the ride is composed, and there’s a genuine sense of connection to the road that’s rare in small crossovers. Chevy has clearly paid attention to the Trax’s driving dynamics, and it shows. Combine that with a comfy interior and a huge 11-inch touchscreen on higher trims, and you have a fun-to-drive commuter that doesn’t break the bank. Learn more here.
Final thoughts
Front-wheel-drive cars have come a long way, and the 2025 model year proves that excitement and engagement don’t require power to the rear or all four wheels. Whether you’re carving corners in a Civic Si, blasting through gears in an Integra Type S, or simply enjoying the playful demeanor of a Chevrolet Trax, these vehicles prove that driving fun isn’t relegated to sports cars that drive the rear wheels only. So if you’ve written off FWD as merely functional, think again — because these four cars are more than up to the task of scratching that driving fun itch.