Sports cars are built for speed. But their dynamic performance doesn’t necessarily need to come at a price in all other respects.
After testing a full range of cars, using our step-by-step methodology, we selected the six choices below, based on value for money as well as expert evaluation of attributes such as safety and (of course) performance. Our picks all offered superb handling, along with acceleration that provided a thrill. And while three of the group had rear-wheel drive, often considered to deliver a classic sports car experience, the others were sporty enough, despite delivering power through their front wheels.
A fine sports car can be affordable. Several of our picks cost no more than around $30,000, at least in the base models we priced below. But we also included cars that cost much more, and offer a further step-up in performance – and, in one case, in luxury as well.
Two of those pricier picks are new performance editions of longtime cars – the Honda Civic, one of our picks in small cars; the Hyundai Sonata, a midsized sedan; and the Nissan Z, the sports car that dates back to the 1960s.
(If you’re interested in a broader look at the new vehicle marketplace, check out our full list of the Best Cars of 2025.)
Best Sports Cars of 2025
Best Overall: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Best for Luxury: Acura Integra Type S
Best for Value: Ford Mustang
Best for Safety Features: Hyundai Sonata N Line
Best for Performance: Nissan Z Nismo
Best for Daily Driving: Honda Civic Type R
Best Overall: Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Price: $28,895
- Mileage: 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Balanced handling
Cons
- Low horsepower
Starting at $28,985, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is among the most budget-friendly sports cars. Its output of 181 horsepower is relatively low. But it shines in handling and agility, with a smooth six-speed manual transmission and near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
For 2024, Mazda updated the power steering system to improve precision. The Miata is a rear-wheel drive car.
The cabin is comfortable, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, padded armrests and bucket seats. But you’re not buying a Miata for the space. The small sports car seats two people and its tiny trunk can hold just about a week’s worth of groceries.
Best for Luxury: Acura Integra Type S
- Price: $52,600
- Mileage: 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Pros
- Track-ready performance
- Powerful engine
Cons
- High starting price
Launched in 2024, the Acura Integra Type S is a performance-tuned version of the Integra compact car. The $52,600 four-passenger sport sedan is pricey, but it delivers on its promise of race-track-ready credentials.
This Integra pairs a 320-horsepower turbo with a six-speed manual transmission for sharp handling and an exhilarating ride. The Type S is a front-wheel drive car.
It comes well-equipped for the price, with features to make seating more comfortable. The comfort touches include a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and a manually adjustable front passenger seat.
You also get luxuries like suede upholstery (albeit made from synthetic materials), heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Type S has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in Amazon Alexa.
Best for Value: Ford Mustang
- Price: $31,920
- Mileage: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Pros
- Affordable starting price
- Composed ride
Cons
- Expensive to upgrade from the base engine
With a price that starts at $31,920, the 2025 Ford Mustang offers overall value that’s rivaled only by the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The base model delivers a respectable 315 horsepower, delivered via rear-wheel drive, along with composed handling and a planted ride. Still, you may be tempted by the Mustang’s more expensive trims that deliver up to 500 horsepower.
The four-passenger pony car stands out for its cabin quality, 13.2-inch touch screen and segment-leading cargo space. The front seats are supportive at high speed and comfortable on long drives, but the rear seats may feel cramped.
Best for Safety Features: Hyundai Sonata N Line
- Price: $35,500
- Mileage: 27 mpg (combined city/highway)
Pros
- Excellent array of safety features
- Surprisingly powerful, especially for the price
Cons
- Stiffer ride than many competitors
The amped-up version of Hyundai’s Sonata midsize sedan packs in a lot of safety features. Those include such less-than-universal enhancements as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, which alerts the driver to potential collisions when reversing out of a parking space, and high beam assist, which automatically switches the headlights between high and low beams based on weather and traffic conditions.
The car also delivers an unexpected wallop of power. Though it’s no Honda Civic Type R or Ford Mustang, the N Line delivers a decent 290 horsepower via a turbo-four engine and boasts a sport-tuned suspension to match.
Priced from $35,000, the N Line offers an attractive value proposition: a capable, comfortable ride with sporty styling, lots of safety features, and a sufficiently thrilling, if somewhat stiff, ride.
Best for Performance: Nissan Z Nismo
- Price: $65,750
- Mileage: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Pros
- Unmatched power
- Race-car elements
Cons
- Very expensive
Nissan debuted the high-performance Nismo version of its Z sports car to an eager audience of enthusiasts in 2024.
It was worth the wait: The two-seater produces an astonishing 420 horsepower and adds a stiffer chassis, stronger brakes and Recaro sport seats for the ultimate racing experience. Like the regular Z, the Nismo has rear-wheel drive.
But, of course, there are caveats. For one, the Nismo is by far the most expensive car on this list, starting at $65,750. Also, its trunk may be too tiny for your daily driving needs. Its cabin does come loaded with safety features and such technology as Amazon Alexa.
Best for Daily Driving: Honda Civic Type R
- Price: $45,595
- Mileage: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Pros
- High horsepower
- Versatile cabin
Cons
- Expensive
The Honda Civic Type R is a souped up version of the brand’s midsize sedan, featuring a 315-horsepower turbo paired with a six-speed manual transmission for a balanced, nimble drive.
It arrives at the party well-prepared, boasting a multilink rear suspension, a triple-outlet exhaust, Brembo brakes and performance Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Like its less sporty cousins, the Type R is a front-wheel drive car.
Enthusiasts will appreciate the Datalogger feature that records lap times and other data to wring more performance out of the car.
At $45,595, the car may seem like a splurge, but it also functions well as for daily driving. Like the standard Civic, the Type R is comfortable, practical and loaded with technology and safety features.
The Money.com reports that sports cars are known for their speed, but that doesn’t mean they have to come with a hefty price tag. After thorough testing and evaluation, we have selected the top six sports cars that offer both value for money and expert performance. These picks all boast exceptional handling and thrilling acceleration, with a mix of rear-wheel and front-wheel drive options.
Contrary to popular belief, a fine sports car can be affordable. In fact, some of our top picks are priced at around $30,000 or less for their base models. However, we have also included higher-priced options that offer even more impressive performance and luxury features. Two of these pricier picks are new performance editions of well-known cars – the Honda Civic, one of our top picks in the small car category, and the Hyundai Sonata, a midsized sedan. We also have the Nissan Z, a classic sports car dating back to the 1960s.
For a comprehensive look at the best cars on the market, check out our full list of the Best Cars of 2025. But for now, here are our top picks in each category:
Best Overall: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Starting at just $28,895, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. While its 181 horsepower may seem low compared to other sports cars, its balanced handling and smooth six-speed manual transmission make it a joy to drive. Plus, with a rear-wheel drive and near-perfect weight distribution, the Miata offers a true sports car experience. The cabin may be small, but it’s comfortable and well-designed.
Best for Luxury: Acura Integra Type S
For those looking for a more luxurious sports car, the Acura Integra Type S is a top choice. Priced at $52,600, this four-passenger sport sedan is on the higher end of the spectrum, but it delivers on its promise of track-ready performance. With a 320-horsepower turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission, the Type S offers powerful handling and an exhilarating ride. It may be a front-wheel drive car, but it still delivers on its promise of race-track credentials.
Best for Value: Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a classic sports car that offers both value and performance. With a starting price of $27,155, it’s one of the most affordable options on our list. But don’t let the price fool you – the Mustang packs a punch with its powerful engines and agile handling. Plus, with a variety of trim levels and options, you can customize your Mustang to fit your budget and preferences.
Best for Safety Features: Hyundai Sonata N Line
Safety is always a top priority, even in sports cars. That’s why we’ve chosen the Hyundai Sonata N Line as our top pick for safety features. Priced at $33,300, this midsized sedan offers a range of advanced safety technologies, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It also boasts impressive performance with its 290-horsepower turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Best for Performance: Nissan Z Nismo
For those seeking the ultimate performance experience, the Nissan Z Nismo is the top choice. Priced at $45,790, this sports car offers a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine and six-speed manual transmission for an exhilarating ride. It also features a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes for improved handling and control. Plus, with its sleek design and luxurious interior, the Z Nismo offers a well-rounded sports car experience.
Best for Daily Driving: Honda Civic Type R
Last but not least, the Honda Civic Type R is our top pick for daily driving. Priced at $37,895, this compact car offers a perfect balance of performance and practicality. Its 306-horsepower turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission provide a thrilling ride, while its spacious interior and ample cargo space make it a practical choice for everyday use. Plus, with its front-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension, the Civic Type R offers a fun and agile driving experience.
Source:Read More