2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
$25,730 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
The Mazda Miata remains at the top of our sports car rankings this year, and the updated model is better than ever – featuring a new-for-2019 more powerful engine.
The Miata is a very well-rounded sports car. You can opt for the standard soft-top or upgrade to the hard-top RF variant. All models offers engaged handling, quick acceleration, a well-appointed interior, and an easy-to-use and modern infotainment system. It’s also extremely affordable, starting at around $25,000 for the base model and just over $32,000 for the RF Club.
2019 Ford Mustang
$25,845 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Mustang ranks near the top of our sports car rankings and offers a model for everyone. There are two main trim levels: the EcoBoost and GT. Additionally, there are a few special edition trims – like the commemorative Mustang Bullitt edition. The standard model comes with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that is quite fuel-efficient for the class. You can also upgrade to one of the Mustang’s V8 offerings, which offer horsepower ranging from 460 to 526. The standard engine is just fine, but if you really want a sports car experience, upgrading is the way to go.
The Mustang isn’t just a good performer. It also provides a comfortable, smooth ride and a modernly appointed interior with a throwback vibe. However, like many sports cars, interior space is sub-par.
2019 Chevrolet Camaro
$25,000 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Chevy Camaro offers a lot of what its competitors offer: great handling, powerful engine options, and comfortable front seating. However, many competitors offer a more refined interior. But don’t get me wrong, the Camaro is still a great sports car. In fact, it ranks in the top tier of our sports car rankings. Plus, it’s slightly less expensive than the higher-ranking competitors.
The 2019 model has been slightly refreshed. It now features updated styling and a more modern infotainment system. It still offers the same, powerful engine lineup. You can opt for a four-cylinder, V6, or V8 – and you’ll get horsepower ranging from 275 to 650.
2019 Volkswagen GTI
$27,595 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10
The GTI is technically not a sports car. In fact, its ranked among our compact cars. However, once you get behind the wheel, it certainly drives like a sports car. The GTI is fun to drive and its handling is crisp. The 2019 variant has 228 horsepower, an upgrade from the 2018 model year.
Because the GTI isn’t a sports car, you’ll benefit from a lot of the features sports cars generally don’t offer. For example, the GTI can easily and comfortably fit four. It also offers up to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space – much more than many sports cars.
2018 Ford Focus ST
$25,075 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
I doubt you associate Ford’s affordable, compact car – the Focus – with being “sporty.” However, the Ford Focus ST rivals many sports cars. The Focus ST has 252 horsepower and is priced right in line with many other vehicles on this list (about $25,000).
It comes with a six-speed manual transmission that is smooth to shift and you’ll enjoy agile handling dynamics. The Focus ST also comes with a high predicted reliability rating and a solid safety score.
2019 Dodge Challenger
$27,295 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
If you’re in the market for a sports car that offers blistering acceleration and over-the-top power, look no further than the Dodge Challenger. With a budget of $30,000 there’s not need to upgrade past the base model, which can certainly hold its own. However, the all-new the top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Redeye boasts an unmatched 797 horsepower (which comes at a price of nearly $70,000). The Challenger is less agile than its competitors, which might be the trade-off is power is the priority.
The Challenger not only leads the class in power, but it also makes a great family car. It leads the class in back-seat and cargo space. Passengers will also enjoy its comfortable, quiet interior and intuitive infotainment system.
2019 Honda Civic Si
$24,300 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
The Honda Civic is another car you’re probably surprised to see on this list. However, this sporty compact car can certainly hold its own. The Si has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 205 horsepower – right on par with many of the base models on this list. Its handling is also well-balanced and it’s easy to maneuver.
And much like the Focus and GTI, you’ll get a lot of “bonus” features you might not get in a traditional sports car. The Si offers plenty of cargo space (11.9 cubic feet in the coupe and 14.7 in the sedan) and exceptional fuel economy.
2019 Fiat 124 Spider
$24,995 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
The Fiat 124 Spider was designed alongside the Mazda Miata, so they are quite similar. However, the 124 Spider falls short in terms of comfort, handling, and power.
The base spider comes with 160 horsepower and you can upgrade to get 164. It may not handle as well as the Miata, but it holds its own in the sports car class, nonetheless. It’s a great daily driver because the top fold downs easily and it offers an extremely comfortable ride.
2019 Subaru BRZ
$25,795 | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10
The Subaru BRZ ranks toward the bottom of our list of sports cars, but it’s still a great option for a fun-to-drive car. It comes standard with a 205-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The engine is peppy and the handling is responsive. But unfortunately it falls short in terms of interior and cargo space.
New for 2019, Subaru is offering the 2019 BRZ Series.Gray, which offers an even sportier exterior aesthetic. It comes with black 17-inch alloy wheels, black exterior badges, black foldable mirrors.
2019 Toyota 86
$26,455 | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10
The Toyota 86 delivers engaging handling and easy-to-use interior features. The sports coupe comes standard with rear-wheel drive, and its impressive handling dynamics will put you at ease when taking tight turns.
Unfortunately, this sports car falls flat in just about every other respect. Although the engine provides up to 205 horsepower, you’ll feel a lack of power when you drive it. Additionally, the 86’s fuel economy is below-average for the class.
2019 Nissan 370Z
$29,990 | USN Overall Score: 7.3/10
The Nissan 370Z is ranked at the bottom of our sports car rankings due to a few reasons. Competitors offer more comfortable seats, a more modern and well-appointed interior, and better fuel economy. However, the 370Z’s engine is powerful enough and it has an intuitive infotainment system.
The 370Z comes in both coupe and convertible variants and gets up to 350 horsepower. For 2019, Nissan’s updated the trim lineup – the 370Z now comes in base, Sport, Sport Touring, and Nismo trims.
More Shopping Tools from U.S. News & World Report
Not sure which sports car is right for you? Check out our affordable sports car rankings to view other models. You can also use our compare tool to compare rankings and see how your top contenders stack up.
And when it comes time to buy, use our Best Price Program to get the best deal on your new car purchase.
In addition to savings off MSRP, getting the best interest rate on your car loan can save you thousands. Compare rates from up to four lenders with MyAutoloan to get the best deal.
Best New Sports Cars Under $30,000
- 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata | $25,730 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2019 Ford Mustang | $25,845 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2019 Chevrolet Camaro | $25,000 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10
- 2019 Volkswagen GTI | $27,595 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Ford Focus ST | $25,075 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
- 2019 Dodge Challenger | $27,295 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 2019 Honda Civic Si | $24,300 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
- 2019 FIAT 124 Spider | $24,995 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 2019 Subaru BRZ | $25,795 | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10
- 2019 Toyota 86 | $26,455 | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10
- 2019 Nissan 370Z | $29,990 | USN Overall Score: 7.3/10
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Which Affordable Sports Car Is Right for You?
If you’ve dreamed of a brand-new sports car but assumed it was never financially viable, you may want to think twice. There are plenty of sports cars priced under $30,000 that will satisfy your convertible dream, need for speed, or race-car-handling ambitions.
We’ve compiled a list of the best sports cars on the market for under $30,000. We used our U.S. News Best Cars scoring data in combination with each car’s manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) to compile this list. Keep in mind that the scores on our site are updated frequently, so the scores mentioned in this slideshow may not match the scores in our reviews.
Read on to discover which affordable sports car is right for you.