The Best Affordable Sports Cars of 2025

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 five 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, 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 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

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

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

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 Performance: Nissan Z Nismo

• Price: $65,750
• Mileage: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway

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

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.