Hot hatches are not dying. Although the segment has grown smaller compared to its glory days a decade ago, the performance-focused hatchback segment still has life.Toyota, Mercedes-AMG, Audi, and more are still producing cars that offer models blending the practicality of a conventional hatchback with mighty dollops of performance. These are some of the hatchbacks that offer practicality and the ability to reach 60 mph in less than five seconds.For this article, we've only included currently available/in-production models. This means that older cars like the Ford Focus RS or BMW's M140i, which can reach 60 mph in less than five seconds, haven't been included. Entries have been ranked from the slowest to the fastest. Toyota GR Corolla 0-60: 4.9 seconds 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Performance and EngineOnly one manual, all-wheel-drive hot hatch is still available in the United States: the Toyota GR Corolla. It is one of four of Gazoo Racing's thoroughbred performance offerings and is among the most powerful of the bunch. It bests the outputs of its GR Yaris cousin, which employs Toyota's impressive G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine, although the GR Yaris is down by 20 hp in comparison. However, the engine alone does not allow for sub-five-second sprints.The potent three-banger engine's efforts are compounded by the Toyota GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, which allows for variable torque distribution. Two Torsen limited-slip differentials, one at the front and one at the rear, further aid straight-line sprints by helping the driver find footing when putting power down as the G16E-GTS engine screams its way to its 7,200 rpm redline. A recent addition to the Toyota GR Corolla's package is Toyota's relatively new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic transmission, which should only act to aid drivers looking to achieve that sub-five-second 60 mph sprint. Still, Toyota was convinced that the manual would be the fan favorite.The GR Corolla only just slips into this list, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, but what's impressive is that the Toyota achieves this feat with just three cylinders, and 1.6 liters of capacity. Almost every other car here earns its place with 25% extra engine capacity, and an extra cylinder to boot, so the mechanical wizardry of Toyota's little hot hatch should not be underestimated. BMW M135i xDrive 0-60 < 4.7 seconds 2025 BMW M135i White Front Angled View DrivingAlthough not as potent as the BMW M140i, which debuted a few years ago but never made it to the United States, the BMW M135i xDrive is a hatchback that should not be taken lightly despite its unassuming appearance. The M135i xDrive is the pinnacle of BMW's 1 Series hatchback lineup, powered by one of its TwinPower – meaning it has twin-scroll turbochargers –- inline four-cylinder engines, that feeds an impressive power output to all four corners thanks to BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which is a significant reason why It's able to complete a sprint from standstill to 60 mph in less than five seconds.When it debuted, BMW threw the kitchen sink at the athletic hatchback. Suspension was refined and revised to allow for better cornering dynamics and ability by introducing hardware like new mounts while optimizing existing software and hardware. The TwinPower four-banger's efforts were vocalized through a twin-tailpipe exhaust system that offered less back pressure and was transferred into the cabin through the audio system's speakers. Affordable, well-appointed, and athletic, the BMW M135i xDrive hatchback might not be a true, full-fat M-car in the eyes of some, but it's certainly a thoroughbred hot hatch, no doubt about it. Mercedes-AMG A35 0-60 < 4.7 seconds Mercedes-Benz-A35_AMG-4Two A-Class hatchbacks exit within Mercedes-AMG's stables. One sits among the fastest and greatest hot hatches of the modern automotive world, while the other is its lesser-powered sibling that serves as the opening act of AMG's A-Class offerings, dubbed the Mercedes-AMG A35. Playing somewhat of a second fiddle to the highest-ranking A-Class range, it's still an impressive performance offering powered by a capable turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing just over 300 hp and capable of setting an equally impressive 0-60 sprint time.The German automaker's A35 is more affordable and approachable than the more powerful A-Class model. While on par with the BMW M135i xDrive, the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC is arguably a more alluring package, thanks to its striking exterior design and sporty interior layout. Audi S3 Sportback 0-60 < 4.7 seconds Audi-S3_Sportback-2025-4Audi's recent revisions to the Audi S3 Sportback have resulted in the most powerful iteration of this Sportback model ever. Compared to earlier renditions, the latest version of the Audi S3 Sportback receives sportier tuning for its 2.0 TFSI engine and seven-speed transmission. Higher starting torque is offered during a launch, which is achieved by compressing the clutch pack with more force, while the gearshifts under full load have been reduced, all to improve responsiveness.Beyond adjustments to the power unit and transmission, the Audi S3 has also improved its agility and stability through its torque splitter. This device electronically controls a multiple-pack clutch on each driveshaft to distribute the torque between the front and rear wheels. The suspension system has also been improved for greater cornering ability.While the RS3 might be the more obvious choice for those with a need for speed, the S3 caters to a very specific customer indeed. See, not every gearhead is after a lurid hot hatch that steals attention at every street corner, and that's where the S3 fits in. It's understated, almost to a fault, and therefore can masquerade as just another sensible commuter, until you hit that favorite back road on the drive home, where it finally gets to demonstrate its real worth. Volkswagen Golf R 0-60 < 4.6 seconds 2025 Volkswagen Golf R front 3/4Volkswagen's Golf R is one of the most popular models in the hot hatch segment, representing the peak of the German automaker's performance offerings, with its roots traced back to a supercharged Golf from the '80s. Beyond the revised styling that makes the Volkswagen Golf R more visually imposing, it also benefits from new forged wheels and a new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and a new smart voice assistant are powered by the most powerful iteration of Volkswagen's EA888 four-cylinder engine.Although turbocharged, the Volkswagen Golf R's engine is free from turbocharger lag, thanks to revised throttle management, and electronic throttle tuning. Another standout feature of the Volkswagen Golf R is the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with the R-Performance torque vectoring system, which further improves the hot hatches' performance potential. Rumor has it that a special edition Golf R with Audi's five-cylinder engine is in the works; a combination that would surely see this hot hatch rank considerably higher on this list, if and when it does materialize. Mercedes-AMG A45 S 0-60 < 3.9 seconds Mercedes-AMG A45 SRemember how we said that there were two A-Class hatchbacks in the AMG stable and that the A35 was merely something of an opening act for the range-topping model? This is a sibling of the Mercedes-AMG A35 we alluded to; the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. One of the quickest, most powerful, and most capable hot hatches available today. The Mercedes-AMG A45 S utilizes the same 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as its less-powerful sibling, but with significantly more power fed to all four corners - although sadly, it's forbidden fruit for US audiences.Recent revisions to the Mercedes-AMG A45 S include a revision of its exterior styling, including new headlights, an AMG-specific radiator grille, and a new badge. Interior styling has also changed, but the powertrain is still the main draw of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which features an eight-speed AMG Speedshift DCT transmission paired with the potent turbocharged Mercedes-AMG M139 engine, which is one of the most power-dense engines ever, and certainly the most potent four-cylinder available. MG4 EV XPOWER 0-60: 3.7 seconds 2023 MG4-XPOWER Green Front Angle DrivingEvery model up until this point has been an ICE model, but the MG4 EV XPower brings EV performance into the upper echelon of the hot hatch segment. Whereas other performance EVs, like the Ioniq 5 N, stretch their proportions to the point they become crossovers, the MG manages to just about sneak into hot hatch territory, and it's all the cooler for it. Like all entries so far on this list, this striking hot hatch employs an all-wheel-drive system, a brand-new system for the firm aimed at delivering improved traction while offering active braking on the inside of its wheels.A launch control system sends its muscular frame forward to 60 mph as quickly as some established sports cars. MG's latest electric performance offering, the MG Cyberster, will likely overshadow this feat. Here though, MG has concocted a car with sports car-level performance packaged in a hot hatch platform capable of ferrying an entire family, but once again, this spell-binding hot hatch is not to be found on American soil. Audi RS3 Sportback 0-60: 3.6 seconds 2025 Audi RS3 Sportback Green Front Angled ViewThe Audi RS3 Sportback is the quickest hot hatch available in 2026. Like the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, its all-wheel-drive system significantly contributes to its astounding 0-60 mph sprint times but benefits from the larger, award-winning, turbocharged five-cylinder DAZA engine. The most recent release features a slew of updates introduced to improve visual appeal and greater performance capabilities that are ready to give the BMW M2 a black eye. Visually, the new front bumper design is a telltale sign of its performance, while it's now iconic five-pot soundtrack is the real giveaway of what lurks beneath.An oversteer system initiated by steering angle further enhances dynamism rather than trying to break traction by abusing the throttle to get it sideways. The Audi RS3 Sportback is one of the greatest hot hatches in its segment, and it's awful that we don't have this hyper-hatch in America, although the sedan we do have hardly feels like a consolation prize.Sources: Audi, BMW, MG, Mercedes-AMG, Volkswagen, Toyota