The Most Underrated Performance Cars of the Last Decade

Over the past decade, the automotive world has been dominated by headline-grabbing supercars, hypercars, and high-performance EVs. Names like the Ferrari 488, Porsche 911 GT3, and Tesla Model S Plaid have rightfully earned their place in the spotlight. However, lurking in the shadows are a handful of exceptional performance cars that never quite received the recognition they deserved. These underrated machines offer thrilling driving experiences, innovative engineering, and surprising value—yet they remain overlooked by enthusiasts and critics alike.

Today, we shine a light on these hidden gems—the most underrated performance cars of the last decade.

1. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2016-Present)

When it comes to sports sedans, the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 have long been the default choices. But in 2016, Alfa Romeo unleashed the Giulia Quadrifoglio—a car that not only matched but, in many ways, surpassed its German rivals.

Why It’s Underrated:

• Engine: A Ferrari-derived 2.9L twin-turbo V6 producing 505 hp (later increased to 533 hp in the 2020 refresh).
• Handling: One of the best-balanced chassis in its class, with near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
• Driving Dynamics: Sharper steering and more engaging feedback than its German counterparts.
• Exclusivity: Despite its brilliance, sales lagged behind the M3 and C63 due to Alfa’s shaky reliability reputation.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio is a driver’s car in the purest sense—yet it remains criminally underappreciated.

2. Lexus RC F (2014-2022)

Lexus has always marched to the beat of its own drum, and the RC F was no exception. While the world obsessed over turbocharged V8s and hybrid hypercars, Lexus stuck with a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8—and it was glorious.

Why It’s Underrated:

• Engine: A 467-hp V8 that revs to 7,300 RPM, delivering a spine-tingling exhaust note.
• Build Quality: Impeccable Lexus craftsmanship with a plush, well-appointed interior.
• Track Capability: The 2019 “Track Edition” shed weight and added carbon fiber for sharper handling.
• Underdog Status: Overshadowed by the BMW M4 and Audi RS5, but more characterful than both.

The RC F was a swan song for big, naturally aspirated engines—and it deserved more love.

3. Cadillac ATS-V (2016-2019)

Cadillac’s attempt to take on the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 was bold—and shockingly successful. The ATS-V combined American muscle with German precision, yet it never gained the same following.

Why It’s Underrated:

• Engine: A 464-hp twin-turbo V6 with a broad torque curve, making it brutally quick.
• Handling: Magnetic Ride Control and a near-perfect chassis made it one of the best-driving sedans of its era.
• Value: Priced competitively against the M3 but depreciated faster, making it a bargain today.
• Brand Perception: Many enthusiasts dismissed it simply because it was a Cadillac.

The ATS-V was proof that America could build a world-class sports sedan—but few paid attention.

4. Honda Civic Type R (FK8, 2017-2021)

Hot hatches are a niche market, and the Civic Type R was often overshadowed by the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS. Yet, the FK8-generation Type R was a masterpiece of front-wheel-drive engineering.

Why It’s Underrated:

• Performance: 306 hp from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, with razor-sharp handling.
• Track-Ready: Adaptive dampers, a limited-slip differential, and Brembo brakes made it a giant-killer.
• Practicality: Still a usable daily driver with a spacious interior and hatchback versatility.
• Polarizing Styling: The aggressive looks turned some buyers away, but they masked an incredible machine.

The FK8 Type R was one of the best driver’s cars of the decade—yet it never got the mainstream acclaim it deserved.

5. Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 (2017-2022)

Infiniti’s Q60 Red Sport 400 was a stunning grand tourer with a twin-turbo V6 and sleek coupe styling. Yet, it was largely ignored in favor of the Audi S5 and BMW 440i.

Why It’s Underrated:

• Engine: A 400-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with smooth, effortless power delivery.
• Design: One of the best-looking coupes of the decade, with flowing lines and an aggressive stance.
• Luxury: A well-appointed interior with premium materials and advanced tech.
• Driving Experience: More GT than track weapon, but still engaging and rewarding.

The Q60 Red Sport 400 was a hidden gem in a sea of German dominance.

6. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (2015-2020)

The Shelby GT500 stole headlines, but the GT350 was the purist’s choice—a track-focused Mustang with one of the greatest engines ever made.

Why It’s Underrated:

• Engine: A 5.2L “Voodoo” flat-plane crank V8 revving to 8,250 RPM, producing 526 hp.
• Handling: MagneRide suspension, massive brakes, and a Tremec 6-speed manual made it a driver’s dream.
• Exclusivity: Only produced for five years, yet often overlooked in favor of the GT500.
• Soundtrack: One of the best-sounding engines of all time.

The GT350 was a modern classic—yet it never got the same hype as European exotics.

Conclusion: The Unsung Heroes of Performance

These cars prove that greatness doesn’t always come with a flashy badge or a million-dollar price tag. Whether it was due to brand bias, polarizing styling, or simply being overshadowed by more mainstream rivals, these underrated performance cars deserved far more recognition than they received.

For those in the know, they represent some of the best driving experiences of the last decade—hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered by true enthusiasts.

Which of these underrated cars do you think deserved more love? Let us know in the comments!