No. 9: 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5 out of 10 (Details Below)
The 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is No. 9 on the list of best sports cars. Starting price is $26,950. The Coupe comes standard with a powerful, 348-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine. Reviewers recommend the eight-speed automatic transmission over the standard six-speed manual for better performance.
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
MSRP: $26,950 (Details Below)
Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. Budget buyers will find its standard features and warranty attractive. Automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, satellite radio, and push-button start are included. Hyundai sweetens the deal with a five-year/60,000-mile warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
No. 8: 2017 Nissan 370Z
U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8 out of 10
Number eight on the list is the performance-driven 2017 Nissan 370Z. Quick out of the starting gate, the 370Z has a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine with 332 horsepower. Base price is $29,990, with a choice of trims up to the 370Z Roadster Touring Sport, starting at $48,100.
2017 Nissan 370Z
MSRP: $29,990 (Details Below)
Reviewers note the 370Z has a lack of standard tech features. The 370Z includes cloth seating, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, push-button ignition, four-speaker stereo, and a USB port. The upgraded tech and infotainment features will cost an extra $7,000. The 370Z gets an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway with the standard manual transmission.
No. 6 (Tied): 2017 Subaru BRZ
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2 out of 10 (Details Below)
Subaru may be known for its wagons, but it has a car worthy of No. 6 on the list of best sports cars. The 2017 Subaru BRZ has been retooled inside and outside, and reviewers like the results. Power-up with the 205-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and manual transmission at $25,495.
2017 Subaru BRZ
MSRP: $25,495 (Details Below)
Choose the automatic transmission with the Limited trim for $1,100. The BRZ has many standard features, including a rearview camera, Bluetooth, hill-start assist, an eight-speaker sound system, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a 6.2-inch touch-screen display with the Starlink infotainmet system. Upgrade to the Limited trim at $27,645 and get LED fog lights, heated front seats, keyless access, push-button ignition, and more.
No. 6 (Tied): 2016 Dodge Challenger
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2 out of 10 (Details Below)
Feel like a kid in the candy store when you explore the Dodge Challenger, tied for No. 6 in best sports cars. The MSRP is $27,190 for the 2017 SXT base trim and $26,995 for the 2016 base model with 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Choose from over a dozen trims between the two model years and get a classic muscle car with modern amenities.
2016 Dodge Challenger
MSRP: $26,995 (Details Below)
Take your family and friends for a ride, since the spacious Challenger comfortably seats five. Features include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an infotainment system with a 5-inch touch screen and six-speaker audio system, a USB port, and dual-zone automatic climate control. In the 2017, trims with the V8 engine include “active exhaust,” which allows you to quiet the car with the push of a button, or keep it roaring when you want.
No. 5: 2017 Toyota 86
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5 out of 10 (Details Below)
The 2017 Toyota 86 is fun to drive, but also delivers good fuel economy, which is golden for a sports car. The starting price for the No.5 ranked sports car is $26,255, and optional features will not price a loaded 86 off the charts. Choose the 86 for its well-appointed, comfortable front seats and athletic handling for cruising.
2017 Toyota 86
MSRP: $26,255 (Details Below)
The 86 has only one trim. Its standard, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with 200 to 205 horsepower, produces 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway with manual transmission. Fuel economy improves slightly with automatic transmission. Interior features include a rearview camera, a USB port, Bluetooth, eight-speaker stereo-system with 7-inch touch screen, and HD radio. Navigation is available with an upgraded audio system.
No. 4: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6 out of 10 (Details Below)
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider the No. 4 best sports car, is a sleek, fuel-saving powerhouse and can be purchased for $24,995. A fully-loaded Spider can go beyond $30,000. The two-seater roadster comes with a 160-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider
MSRP: $24,995 (Details Below)
The automatic transmission is available for $1,000. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the Spider is 26 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. Interior options include a manual convertible soft top, Bluetooth, four-speaker stereo-system, two USB ports, and a push-button start. Available advanced safety-assistance features include a rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring.
No. 2 (Tied): 2017 Ford Mustang
U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7 out of 10 (Details Below)
The 2017 Ford Mustang grabs the American spirit with its classic styling, powerful performance and bold attitude. The starting price for the No. 3 sports car is $25,185. The Mustang is equipped with a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, and manual transmission. The V6 with convertible trim starts at $30,685.
2017 Ford Mustang
MSRP: $25,185 (Details Below)
The Mustang is offered in several trims and can push past $60,000 for loaded models. Buyers will like the comfortable interior, matched with tech features, including a rearview camera, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. Included tech allows you to record the Mustang’s performance data, and the MyKey system, which allows parents to pre-set speed and other controls for young drivers.
No. 2 (Tied): 2017 Chevrolet Camaro
U. S. News Overall Score: 8.7 out of 10 (Details Below)
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, at No. 2 in the sports car rankings, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Camaro offers four engine options and several trims. The base 1LT model starts at $25,905 for the coupe and $31,905 for the convertible. It is equipped with a 275-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro
MSRP: $25,905 (Details Below)
The LT boasts 22 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. For even more power, explore trims with the V6 and V8 engines. The LT has a good mix of standard features including the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Consider the Camaro 2LT, at $30,405 for the coupe, which includes more features and upgraded tech and infotainment package.
No. 1: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0 out of 10 (Details Below)
Cruising into the No. 1 spot among sports cars is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a roadster made for weekend fun. Drop the top and take to the open road with confidence, as the Miata earns top fuel estimates in its class. The Miata is priced at $24,915 for the base, $28,600 for the MX-5 Miata Club, and $30,065 for the top-end Grand Touring.
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MSRP: $24,915 (Details Below)
The Miata’s 155-horsepower 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, produces a light, fast car. Reviewers prefer the six-speed manual for its excellent maneuvering. The Grand Touring includes well-appointed materials, high-tech features, and advanced safety-assistance features, which are optional on lower-end trims. The Miata seats two comfortably, but trunk space is limited.
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These Are the Best Sports Cars $30,000 Can Buy
A sports car can be fun, fast, and flashy, but it doesn’t have to fail you financially. Explore the top nine best new sports cars under $30,000. U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on extensive industry research, analysis of automotive expert reviews, plus safety and reliability data. Let’s ride!