2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC
$48,400 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The 2018 Mercedes SLC comes in two distinct flavors: the SLC 300, with a 241-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the AMG SLC 43, with an eager 362-horsepower twin-turbo V6. The AMG model can propel the roadster from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Both models of the SLC feature a hardtop convertible design, blending the cold weather shelter of a coupe and the open-air freedom of a drop top. When retracted, the roof consumes nearly half of the SLC's 10 cubic feet of trunk space.
In our ranking of luxury sports cars, the SLC earns a spot near the bottom of the list due to an aging design and a cabin that’s cramped even by sports coupe standards. On the plus side, the SLC gets better fuel economy than many rivals and features exquisite interior finishes.
2018 Audi TT Roadster
$47,450 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
Coupe versions of the 2018 Audi TT seat four, but opt for the TT Roadster and you’ll only get two. The back seat is sacrificed to make room for the power-folding soft top, which can operate at speeds of up to 31 mph, opening or closing in less than 10 seconds.
The TT Roadster packs a 220-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It isn’t as strong as some rivals’ engines, but it’s peppy enough to get you around town. It comes standard with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a large, customizable display screen that replaces a traditional instrument panel. Leather upholstery also comes standard.
Despite its wealth of standard features, it holds a spot in the lower half of our ranking of luxury sports cars.
2019 Jaguar F-Type
$60,750 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
The 2019 Jaguar F-Type announces itself with a rumbling exhaust note and supercar looks. There are five engine options, ranging from a 296-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder to a pair of commanding, supercharged V8s. If you want excellent fuel economy, get the four-cylinder. For fun, opt for the V6 or V8 options.
It is available in both coupe and roadster models. The F-Type is one of a dwindling number of cars that can be fitted with a manual transmission, though an eight-speed automatic is included on most models. Choose one of the car’s more powerful engines and you can also get all-wheel drive.
The 2019 F-Type earns a spot in the lower half of our luxury sports car rankings. Though the F-Pace has performance chops, it’s held from a higher ranking by a clunky infotainment system that’s not up to class standards. Still, the Jaguar coupe has a classy interior with standard leather upholstery and the ability to upgrade the cabin with higher grades of finishes.
2019 Fiat 124 Spider
$24,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider proves you don’t need several hundred horsepower to have a good time behind the wheel. The lightweight two-seat roadster is fitted with either a 160 or 164-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, while a six-speed automatic is available.
Like the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, with which it shares a platform, the 124 Spider makes the most of its power with exceptional balance and handling. Its interior is a tight fit for taller drivers, but that’s not uncommon in the class. There’s no power option for the convertible’s soft top, but it doesn’t need one. Raising or lowering the roof is as simple as flipping a latch and flicking the roof up or down.
In our ranking of sports cars, the 124 Spider holds a midpack spot. Compared to many rivals, its fuel economy is outstanding.
2018 Acura NSX
$156,000 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The 2019 Acura NSX features a wildly complex gas-electric hybrid powertrain that provides world-class performance. Its three electric motors and twin-turbo V6 work together like a symphony to produce a total of 573-horsepower. That power flows to each of the 2-seat coupe’s four wheels, as needed, for maximum performance.
Our luxury sports car ranking shows the second-generation NSX holding a spot in the lower half of the list. In the brutally competitive luxury sports car segment, the Acura’s not-so-intuitive infotainment system and a few weak interior details are enough to keep the car from rising higher.
Unlike some rivals, no gymnastics are required to get in and out of the NSX. Its interior is comfortable enough for a full-day drive. Handling is exceptional, with an electronically controlled drive mode system that tunes the powertrain, exhaust, suspension, and steering for different conditions.
2018 Mercedes-Benz SL
$88,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL is the spiritual successor of one of the brand’s iconic models. While it has evolved from the original “sport lightweight” 1954 300SL “Gullwing” coupe, it is still the company’s flagship roadster. Today’s SL is a luxurious 2-seat convertible with a power-retractable hardtop.
Power options range from the base 362-horsepower V6 in the SL 450 to the massive V12 in the AMG SL 65, which cranks out 621-horsepower. The SL is positioned more as a touring car than a snarling sports car, so the power is delivered in a smooth, refined manner as the car is launched from zero to 60 mph in as little as about four seconds.
In U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of luxury sports cars, the 2018 SL fills a spot about halfway down the list. Most SL models aren’t as athletic as rival luxury sports cars, though few competitors can touch the level of luxury the SL’s interior achieves.
2019 Porsche 718 Boxster
$59,000 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
If you’ve ever thought that a true sports car could not be powered by a four-cylinder engine, you haven’t been behind the wheel of the exquisite 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster. The Boxster’s family of available four-cylinder turbocharged engines produce 300 to 365 horsepower. The most powerful can send the roadster from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 3.9 seconds.
The roadster features a power soft top that can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph. Its interior is roomy for a 2-seat sports car and is lined with some of the finest materials you'll find in the class.
In our ranking of luxury sports cars, the Boxster earns a spot in the top half of the list.
2019 Porsche 718 Cayman
$56,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman is essentially a coupe version of the 718 Boxster, right down to the engine options and interior. The Cayman’s price tag is about $2,000 lower than the Boxster’s, however, even though its performance specs are nearly identical.
With both the Cayman and the Boxster – both midengine cars – you have to get a bit creative when you travel. The cargo area is divided between a rear cargo area and a front trunk (or frunk). The Cayman has significantly more room under its rear hatch than the Boxster has in its trunk, but neither are very big.
The 718 Cayman earns a spot in the top half of our luxury sports car ranking.
2018 Audi R8
$164,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The 2018 Audi R8 offers supercar performance with its 532-horsepower V10 engine, standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. If the base powertrain isn’t potent enough for you, Audi also offers the R8 V10 Plus, with 610 horsepower, racing shell seats, and an upgraded sport suspension.
You can get the R8 in both coupe and softtop convertible (Spyder) models. It features Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which replaces a traditional dial-covered instrument panel with a large, customizable flat-panel display. Don’t buy the Audi R8 if fuel economy is a concern, because with great power comes great thirst (14/22 mpg city/highway with premium gas). The Audi supercar also has a lower predicted reliability score than most class rivals.
In our ranking of luxury sports cars, the R8 in the top half of the list. Though its price is high, it’s a bargain compared to Italian rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette
$55,495 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette is America’s iconic sports car. The Corvette Stingray comes standard with a 6.2-liter 455-horsepower V8. The Corvette Z06 and ZR1 slap a supercharger onto the 6.2-liter V8, upping the power to 650 and 755-horsepower, respectively. Unlike some rivals, all Corvettes are rear-wheel-drive only.
The Corvette is one of few cars in the U.S. that you can pick up straight from the factory. Head down to Bowling Green, Kentucky, and your new car is delivered from the assembly line to the adjacent National Corvette Museum, where you pick up your keys.
The Corvette is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. While others in the class may have more opulent interiors than the Corvette, owners of previous generations of the car will see vast improvements compared to older models. Our ranking of luxury sports cars has the Corvette listed near the top of the class.
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT
$112,400 | U.S. News Score 9.0/10
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT isn’t the least expensive model in the luxury sports car class, but it is one of the best. With engine power ranging from 469 to 577 horsepower, a powerful stance, and an AMG-tuned exhaust, the GT is poised to announce your arrival wherever you go.
The GT is available in 2-seat coupe and convertible body styles. All models come with twin-turbocharged V8 engines that provide various levels of power output. While some rivals boast all-wheel drive, the GT family exhibits excellent grip and handling with rear-wheel drive.
Our ranking of luxury sports cars shows the GT near the top of the class.
As you would expect from a Mercedes with a $110,000-plus price tag, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG GT is outfitted with some of the nicest materials and finish details in the industry. Powerful Burmester premium audio systems are available for those times you’d rather hear music than the beautiful sound of the car’s AMG-tuned exhaust system.
2019 Mazda Miata
$25,730 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
Despite their tepid power output, previous models of the Mazda Miata have become the benchmark that all other affordable sports cars are measured against. For 2019, Mazda addressed the Miata’s power deficit, and the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata received a 17 percent boost in horsepower. It now makes 181-horsepower compared to the 155 from the 2018 model.
The 2-seat roadster is available in two models. The Miata soft top features an easy-to-open folding top that can be operated with one hand. New last year, the Miata RF features a targa-like design with an electrically operated hardtop. It commands about a $2,800 price premium over the soft top, and it can only be had in the Club or Grand Touring trims. Both styles of the Miata are available with automatic transmissions, though purists will tell you the quick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox is the one to get.
The MX-5 Miata holds the top spots in our ranking of sports cars and our ranking of convertibles.
Honorable Mention: 2019 Chevrolet Colorado
$20,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
You’re right, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado and its corporate sibling 2018 GMC Canyon aren’t sports cars, but they are 2-seaters in their base configurations. We thought we’d give them a place on this list – at least, an honorary one. The least expensive models of the trucks feature extended cabs, but no rear seats. They hold midpack spots in our ranking of compact pickups.
The Colorado starts at $20,500, while the pricing of the Canyon begins at $21,100. The base Canyon SL features a bit more standard equipment than the Colorado, including a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is optional on the Colorado.
Both trucks come standard with four-cylinder engines that provide the highest non-diesel fuel economy ratings in the class. Their cargo beds are deeper than those found on some rivals, making it easier to carry cargo.
Honorable Mention: 2018 Smart EQ fortwo
$23,900 | U.S. News Score: Not Ranked
Here’s another dark-horse candidate for best 2-seater. The tiny 2-seat Smart city car is now only available with an electric powertrain. Its base price is $23,900, though many customers will qualify for a $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which lowers its cost to the mid-teens. U.S. News Best Cars has not ranked the 2018 Smart EQ fortwo.
The Smart EQ fortwo can travel up to 124 miles on a single charge. While it does not have the ability to use DC fast chargers, it can be charged from empty in as little as three hours from a Level 2 240-volt charging station.
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12 Best 2-Seater Cars
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC - $48,400 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
- 2018 Audi TT Roadster - $47,450 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
- 2019 Jaguar F-Type - $60,750 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2019 Fiat 124 Spider - $24,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
- 2018 Acura NSX - $156,000 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL - $88,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster - $59,000 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman - $56,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Audi R8 - $164,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2019 Chevrolet Corvette - $55,495 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT - $112,400 | U.S. News Score 9.0/10
- 2019 Mazda Miata - $25,730 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
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The Best Cars for You and a Friend
Most cars sold in America seat at least four people. Some amazing cars only come with two seats, though. They are quick and agile sports cars with prices ranging from about $25,000 to more than $150,000. Personalize the top models, and they’ll take $200,000 out of your bank account.
We’ve searched the U.S. News and World Report rankings to find the best 2-seat cars you can buy today from mainstream automakers. They are shown on the following pages.
Note that our rankings are frequently updated as new information is gathered from the country’s top automotive journalists, so the scores you see on the following pages may not exactly match those seen on each vehicle’s comprehensive review page.