1. 2022 Mazda Miata
2022 Mazda Miata / Credit: Mazda
- Price: $27,650
- Body Style: 2-seat convertible
- Horsepower: 181
- What We Like: Fantastic price; simple controls; light and agile
- What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars; small cabin
The Miata is a playful 2-seater convertible that provides a lively
ride whether equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission or the
optional 6-speed automatic. This roadster is sporty and agile around
curves. Inside, the Miata features well-bolstered seats on soft cloth
upholstery.
All trims come with the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a
7-inch touchscreen. Upper trims add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and
navigation. Standard safety features include blind spot warning (BSW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB).
2. 2022 Toyota GR86
2022 Toyota GR86 / Credit: Toyota
- Price: $27,700
- Body Style: 4-seat coupe
- Horsepower: 228
- What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
- What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars
The spry Toyota 86 isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s
plenty of fun to drive. It draws 228 horsepower from a flat-4 engine
paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 86 stands out for its
agility and responsive steering. Despite its budget price, the cabin has
a mix of quality materials and rigid plastics. Its front seats are
supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class,
seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android
Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
3. 2022 Subaru BRZ
2022 Subaru BRZ / Credit: Subaru
- Price: $27,995
- Body Style: 4-seat coupe
- Horsepower: 228
- What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
- What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars
The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same as the Toyota GR86; they’re
built side-by-side. The choice between the two comes down to brand
preference. The GR86 only gets a slight edge because of its lower price.
Like the GR86, the Subaru BRZ stands out for its agility and
responsive steering. It isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but
it’s plenty of fun to drive. Its flat-4 engine is paired with a 6-speed
manual transmission and puts down 228 horsepower.
The cabin has solid build quality and simple controls, leaving the
driver’s attention on the road ahead. Its front seats are supportive and
comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the
back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an
infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
4. 2022 BMW 2 Series
2022 BMW 2 Series / Credit: BMW
- Price: $36,350
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe or 5-seat sedan
- Horsepower: 255
- What We Like: Good standard engine; low price; best performance bargain from BMW
- What We Don’t: Not much
The 2 Series is offered in two body styles: a 2-door coupe and a
4-door sedan that is called, confusingly, the Gran Coupe. BMW redesigned
the coupe for 2022 and eliminated the convertible option. The Gran
Coupe is more affordable and spacious, but the coupe is more upscale and
fun to drive. Coupe models seat four people with very little room in
the second row.
BMW is known for making sporty cars, so it shouldn’t be surprising
that the 230i Coupe has one of the highest horsepower ratings of any
entry-level luxury car. Its standard turbo-4 engine produces 255
horsepower.
The base 2 Series has a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a healthy array of advanced
driver-assist systems (ADAS).
5. 2022 Chevrolet Corvette
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray / Credit: Chevrolet
- Price: $60,900
- Body Styles: 2-seat coupe or convertible
- Horsepower: 490-495
- What We Like: Astonishing performance; great price; midengine design; beautiful interior
- What We Don’t: Huge appetite for gas; small trunk
The iconic Corvette has sported a dramatic midengine configuration
since 2020, which puts it in the company of exotic sports cars costing
hundreds of thousands of dollars more. With its potent 490-horsepower
6.2-liter V8 engine, acceleration is otherworldly. The midengine layout
and performance-tuned chassis mean the Corvette feels exhilarating
around the track yet stays balanced on everyday drives.
The Corvette has a striking interior design accented with leather and
other premium materials. Seats are well-bolstered and supportive. All
trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and an
infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
6. 2022 Audi A5
2022 Audi S5 Coupe / Credit: Audi
- Price: $46,000
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe or convertible; 5-seat sedan
- Horsepower: 261-444
- What We Like: Premium quality inside and out; comfortable and quick; nice range of engines in A5, S5, and RS 5
- What We Don’t: Heavier and slower than a dedicated sports car
The A5 is a well-built luxury small car with an impressive ride and
stylish interior. Delivering between 261 horsepower and the top-tier RS
5’s 444 horsepower, the A5 is agile and handles well. All trims come
with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The A5 is a bit large to match the handling of dedicated sports cars
like the Audi TT, but the tradeoff is more space and comfort. Its
top-notch cabin features a modern look accented with leather upholstery,
supportive seats, and premium materials.
All trims get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and the MIB
infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The A5 has good safety
ratings and an array of available driver assistance equipment.
7. 2022 Porsche Cayman
2022 Porsche 718 Cayman / Credit: Porsche
- Price: $60,500
- Body Styles: 2-seat coupe
- Horsepower: 300-493
- What We Like: Arguably better than the 911 at half the price; refined midengine design; agile
- What We Don’t: You can get more horsepower for less money
The 718 Cayman distinguishes itself with its energetic performance.
It’s one of the top selections in its class if you’re looking for a
sports car with responsive handling.
Additionally, this Porsche offers enough customization options for
buyers to create a car that’s the perfect match for their needs. Be
warned, though, that prices climb quickly with each option. A new Cayman
with a few upgrades can easily cost over $100,000.
Engines range from the base 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder to
the 493-horsepower 6-cylinder in the GT4 RS, although that model is
almost $150,000. For comparison, a base Corvette has 490 horsepower and
costs around $60K.
8. 2022 Ford Mustang
2022 Ford Mustang / Credit: Ford
- Price: $27,205
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe or convertible
- Horsepower: 310-760
- What We Like: Great performance bargain; huge horsepower available
- What We Don’t: Interior build quality and overall driving experience are not as refined as in other sports cars
With its vast lineup of potent powertrains, there’s likely a version
of the iconic Mustang that’ll suit your lifestyle. Its base trim pairs a
310-horsepower turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual transmission; a
10-speed automatic is available.
The Mustang has plenty of space for passengers up front, but adults
will feel cramped in the back. If technology is high on your list, opt
for a trim with the SYNC3 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen.
It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
9. 2022 Chevrolet Camaro
2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS / Credit: Chevrolet
- Price: $25,000
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe or convertible
- Horsepower: 275-650
- What We Like: One of the least expensive sports cars; great handling and strong engine lineup
- What We Don’t: Small interior with poor visibility
Like its arch-rival, the Ford Mustang, the Camaro is one of just a
handful of modern cars with a muscle-car heritage. The Camaro’s
accessible pricing also makes it a standout; it’s one of the least
expensive sports cars you can buy.
The Camaro delivers an exciting drive, whether you choose the
standard 275-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the V6, or the
robust V8s. The Camaro dials up the intensity with its impressive
handling and athleticism.
The Camaro’s cabin is comfortable, but its interior quality is not as
good as its competitors’. Front-row passengers get supportive seats and
plenty of elbow room, but the rear seats are best left for children.
The Camaro comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot
spot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen.
10. 2022 Porsche Boxster
2022 Porsche Boxster / Credit: Porsche
- Price: $62,600
- Body Style: 2-seat convertible
- Horsepower: 300-394
- What We Like:
Convertible version of the excellent and agile Cayman; doesn’t cost
much more than the Cayman; better performance than the 911 convertible
for far less money
- What We Don’t: Gets pricey with options
The 718 Boxster is a small convertible with sharp steering and agile
handling. Buyers can choose among three powertrains paired with a
6-speed manual transmission and RWD. A 7-speed automatic transmission is
available.
The top-of-the-line engines and options can double the price of the
car, so buyers will need to exercise caution if they’re on a budget.
Seating is supportive and comfortable even on longer drives. Apple
CarPlay, satellite radio, and an easy-to-use infotainment system with a
7-inch touchscreen are standard, but Android Auto is not available.
11. 2022 Dodge Challenger
2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock / Credit: Dodge
- Price: $30,825
- Body Style: 5-seat coupe
- Horsepower: 303-807
- What We Like: Iconic styling; large interior and trunk; comfortable to cruise in; massive available V8 engines
- What We Don’t: Heavy; not very agile
The Challenger is a beefy sports car with an impressive lineup of
robust engine options, starting with the base model’s 303-horsepower V6
and climbing right up to the 807-horsepower supercharged Hellcat models.
The Challenger emphasizes power, so it’s heavier and less agile than
others in its class.
The interior is well-built and spacious, but its cabin looks less
opulent than its rivals do. It seats five people comfortably. All trims
get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Uconnect 4 infotainment system
with a 7-inch touchscreen.
12. 2022 Toyota Supra
2022 Toyota Supra / Credit: Toyota
- Price: $43,290
- Body Style: 2-seat coupe
- Horsepower: 255-382
- What We Like: Nice blend of power and agility
- What We Don’t: Basically a rebadged BMW; no manual transmission
Toyota raised the bar when it revived the Supra in 2020. Its base
255-horsepower turbocharged engine is faster than you’d expect from a
4-cylinder. For even stronger acceleration, opt for the 382-horsepower
inline 6-cylinder engine.
The Supra feels controlled around turns and absorbs bumps in the
pavement for a smooth ride. An 8-speed automatic transmission and RWD
are standard. Leather upholstery, muted colors, and plush seats give the
cabin a sleek look, though any buyer familiar with recent BMWs will be
able to tell that it was designed in Bavaria, not Japan. (Toyota based
the Supra on the BMW Z4 as part of a cost-saving arrangement between
Toyota and BMW.)
Available tech features include Apple CarPlay, a smartphone charging pad, and an infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display.
13. 2022 BMW 4 Series
2022 BMW 4 Series / Credit: BMW
- Price: $45,800
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe or convertible; 5-seat sedan
- Horsepower: 255-503
- What We Like: Nice mix of comfort and performance; powerful engines available, especially in the M4
- What We Don’t: Not as luxurious as Audi and Mercedes; more expensive and less agile than the BMW 2 Series
The bold design of the BMW 4 Series, with its oversized BMW kidney
grille, matches its available power. Buyers can choose between a
255-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder in the 430i, a 382-horsepower
turbocharged inline-6 in the M440i, and the M4’s twin-turbocharged
inline-6 making 473 horsepower in the standard M4 or 503 horsepower in
the M4 Competition. The 4 Series can’t match the agility of the 2
Series, but it does have more space and more available power.
Supple synthetic leather seats complement the 4 Series’ handsome
interior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and a user-friendly
iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen are standard.
13. 2022 BMW 4 Series
2022 BMW 4 Series / Credit: BMW
- Price: $45,800
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe or convertible; 5-seat sedan
- Horsepower: 255-503
- What We Like: Nice mix of comfort and performance; powerful engines available, especially in the M4
- What We Don’t: Not as luxurious as Audi and Mercedes; more expensive and less agile than the BMW 2 Series
The bold design of the BMW 4 Series, with its oversized BMW kidney
grille, matches its available power. Buyers can choose between a
255-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder in the 430i, a 382-horsepower
turbocharged inline-6 in the M440i, and the M4’s twin-turbocharged
inline-6 making 473 horsepower in the standard M4 or 503 horsepower in
the M4 Competition. The 4 Series can’t match the agility of the 2
Series, but it does have more space and more available power.
Supple synthetic leather seats complement the 4 Series’ handsome
interior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and a user-friendly
iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen are standard.
14. 2022 Audi TT
2022 Audi TT / Credit: Audi
- Price: $50,500
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe; 2-seat convertible
- Horsepower: 228-394
- What We Like: Good fuel economy; available as a coupe or convertible; upscale design; high-performance S and RS models
- What We Don’t: Can’t match the performance of rivals
Distinguished by its rounded styling, the Audi TT is a lively
all-around performer. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
channels 228 horsepower to the pavement via a 7-speed automatic
transmission. The combo is good for a 0-60 mph sprint of 5.2 seconds.
The nimble TT comes standard with Audi’s Quattro AWD system for enhanced
foul-weather prowess. The biggest knock on the TT is that it can’t
quite match the performance of key rivals.
15. 2022 BMW Z4
2022 BMW Z4 / Credit: BMW
- Price: $49,900
- Body Style: 2-seat convertible
- Horsepower: 255-382
- What We Like: Top-down fun in a BMW; good price for a luxury convertible
- What We Don’t: Can’t match the performance of rivals
The Z4 blends luxury and performance in a little 2-seat roadster. The
base model gets a 255-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while
the 40i model comes with a 382-horsepower turbocharged inline
6-cylinder. While both trims may feel less athletic than rival sports
cars, they are balanced and controlled around winding roads and sharp
turns.
The Z4’s cabin features synthetic leather upholstery and nicely
bolstered seats. All trims come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
navigation, and the iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch
touchscreen.
16. 2022 Lexus RC
2022 Lexus RC / Credit: Lexus
- Price: $43,545
- Body Style: 4-seat coupe
- Horsepower: 241-472
- What We Like: Lexus reliability; comfortable, well-built interior; V8-powered RC F
- What We Don’t: Can’t match the agility of rivals
The RC comes with an impressive lineup of four powertrain options. A
241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is standard in the base RC
300, as is rear-wheel drive. Only one trim is available with AWD, the
RC 300 AWD, which is powered by a 260-horsepower V6. A stronger
311-horsepower V6 comes in the RC 350. A heart-thumping, 472-horsepower
V8 engine comes in the RC F trim. Still, the RC trails class rivals with
better steering and handling.
The cabin features soft seats and premium materials. All trims come
with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and an infotainment
system with a touchpad controller.
17. 2022 Jaguar F-Type
2022 Jaguar F-Type / Credit: Jaguar
- Price: $71,300
- Body Styles: 2-seat coupe or convertible
- Horsepower: 444-575
- What We Like: Raucous V8s
- What We Don’t: Not as refined as rivals and a whole lot more expensive
Rather than prioritizing maximum performance, the F-Type provides
elegance and grace — you get the thrills from tackling a mountain road,
not going all-out at a racetrack. That doesn’t mean the F-Type isn’t a
performance car. It’s seriously quick, especially if you choose its
optional 575-horsepower supercharged V8 engine. And it’s agile, even if
its poise won’t challenge a Porsche’s.
Comfortable, stylish, and still fun to drive, it’s a well-rounded
sports car, whether you choose the coupe or convertible. It just can’t
match the world’s best performance machines, especially at the price it
commands now that Jaguar has discontinued the cheaper engine options.
18. 2022 Mercedes C-Class
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe / Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz
- Price: $49,900
- Body Styles: 4-seat coupe or convertible; 5-seat sedan
- Horsepower: 255-385
- What We Like: Luxurious
- What We Don’t: Not as quick or agile as others in the class
With its array of body styles and powertrain options, the
Mercedes-Benz C-Class delivers a smooth and composed ride, though it
can’t compete with the performance of the cars from BMW and Audi. In a
ranking of sedans, the C-Class excels, but against other sporty coupes
and convertibles, it can’t quite keep up.
The cabin is quiet and roomy, with premium materials and plush seats.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and an infotainment system with a
10.25-inch display are standard.
19. 2022 Infiniti Q60
2022 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 / Credit: Infiniti
- Price: $41,750
- Body Style: 4-seat coupe
- Horsepower: 300-400
- What We Like: Standard twin-turbo V6; lively Red Sport 400 trim; good value
- What We Don’t: Interior refinement and performance aren’t at the level of competitors; design dates back to 2017; frustrating touchscreen
The Q60 stands out for its muscular powertrain lineup. Base trims
have a 300-horsepower turbocharged V6, while the top Red Sport 400 gets a
400-horsepower version of the same engine. That’s a lot of power for
the Q60’s low starting price. However, the Q60 has been around,
virtually unchanged, since 2017, and the years have only widened the gap
between the Q60 and the top-ranked sports cars and coupes in the class.
How We Ranked These Sports Cars & Coupes
At Carfax, data and value drive our vehicle rankings. In order to
choose the best sports cars, we looked at power, weight, interior space,
and, most importantly, the quality and performance a buyer gets for
their money. Our rankings are based on the latest 2022 models, but since
many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our
insights apply to used models as well.