11 Sportiest Car Brands

Which Brands Give You the Most Fun on the Road?

Let’s face it, while one would hope that all automakers strive to be the best at “everything,” the truth is, each company shines in different departments. There are, of course, some standouts that excel in more than one area. For this slideshow, we are focusing solely on performance.

We have compiled a list of car brands that boast the highest overall performance scores per U.S. News Best Cars scoring data. Regardless of how these brands fare in any other categories, they are the sportiest automakers on the market today. If power and agility are on the top of your list, you should find something here that suits your fancy.

This slideshow includes luxury and non-luxury brands, new and old. There are high performing brands for every budget, from Mazda to Tesla. Read on to learn which brands perform best. Perhaps you will discover that athletic vehicle you’ve been dreaming of. With any luck, you will likely find a sporty vehicle that also performs well in the other categories that matter most to you.

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No. 10 (Tie): Chevrolet

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.3 (Details Below)

The Chevrolet Corvette tops many lists when it comes to performance. The 2016 Corvette Z06 employs 650 horsepower and can pull off a zero to 60 sprint in 2.95 seconds. Some test drivers believe it even tops expensive, luxury European sports cars.

The Chevrolet SS and the Camaro both pack an impressive punch as well.

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No. 10 (Tie): Infiniti

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.3 (Details Below)

If you’re looking for an SUV with some muscle, the 2017 Infiniti QX50 brings 325 horses to the table. It also offers a superb blend of comfortable ride quality and sporty handling. If you need more space, the larger QX70 luxury midsize SUV is also a top performer.

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No. 7 (Tie): Cadillac

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.4 (Details Below)

The 2017 CTS’ engine lineup is surely one to contend with. If the top-of-the-line 420-horsepower V6 isn’t enough, look to the performance-oriented CTS-V. The supercharged 640-horsepower V8 is incredibly athletic, and the car handles impeccably. For plenty of power with more space and practicality, the CT6 is another stellar choice. 

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No. 7 (Tie): Land Rover

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.4 (Details Below)

With the potential for up to 550 horsepower in the SVR trim, the Range Rover Sport tops out at 162 mph and will tackle zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Just the standard supercharged V6 is potent enough for most, and there are additional engine options in between.

The larger Range Rover shares the same engine lineup, and both vehicles maintain unparalleled off-road prowess. Land Rover’s lineup provides an absorbing ride on pavement and confident handling.

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No. 7 (Tie): Audi

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.4 (Details Below)

The Audi Q7, ranked No. 2 in luxury midsize SUVs, comes with a robust V6 engine that provides instant acceleration. All Q7 models come with all-wheel drive. Agile handling and maneuverability is near best-in-class, especially with the available four-wheel steering.

The A8 super luxury car offers multiple engine choices and provides an exhilarating driving experience. The adaptive air suspension makes for supple ride quality. The S8 performance version boasts a whopping 605 horsepower.

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No. 6: Mini

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.5 (Details Below)

The Mini Cooper, with its sports car-like handling and peppy turbocharged engine options, is a thrill to drive. While not quiet or smooth, the Cooper carves corners with nimble perfection.

The larger Cooper Clubman is a better choice for those looking for a smooth, composed ride. It’s more practical, but still provides quick acceleration and confident handling.

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No. 5: BMW

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.6 (Details Below)

The BMW X3, No. 3 in luxury compact SUVs, offers a muscular turbocharged V6 engine. It mixes sporty handling with a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 4 Series, No. 2 in luxury small cars, can be equipped with an athletic, turbocharged 444-horsepower V6 engine. Test drivers praise the car’s precise handling and responsive steering.

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No. 4: Jaguar

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.8 (Details Below)

The Jaguar F-Pace is No. 2 in luxury compact SUVs. Reviewers compare its drivability to that of a sports car. The available supercharged 380-horsepower V6 will blast you from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

If you’re looking for a luxury midsize car, the XF offers potent engines, dynamic steering, and adept handling. Multiple driving modes allow you to tailor the car’s performance to your preference and needs.

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No. 3: Mazda

Brand Overall Performance Score: 8.9 (details Below)

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is our No. 1 ranked sports car. It was also the winner of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Sports Cars for the Money award. It boasts top-notch handling, precise steering, and responsive braking. Critics love the unparalleled manual transmission.

If you desire a more practical Mazda, the Mazda3 and Mazda6 both offer plenty of outstanding driving dynamics at very affordable prices.

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No. 1 (Tie): Tesla

Brand Overall Performance Score: 9.1 (Details Below)

The Tesla Model S provides extreme acceleration, due to the instant torque provided by the electric motor. The top-of-the-line P100D with Ludicrous Mode is capable of racing from zero to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, with Elon Musk saying it could drop to an even faster 2.4 seconds.

Tesla’s much larger and heavier Model X SUV is powered by the same drivetrain. Despite its seven-seat configuration and healthy footprint, it can achieve zero to 60 sprints in under 3 seconds.

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No. 1 (Tie): Porsche

Brand Overall Performance Score: 9.1 (Details Below)

Taking the top spot in our luxury midsize SUV rankings, the Porsche Macan offers sports car-like handling and muscular engine options. The base engine provides plenty of power, and the available twin-turbocharged 400-horsepower V6 is beastly, with almost no lag. The Macan comes with standard all-wheel drive and can handle moderate off-roading.

If a Porsche car is more your style, the Cayman is ranked No. 2 in luxury sports cars and is sure to impress. The Cayman thrills with brawny available V6 engines, exceptional handling, and responsive steering. Porsche also holds the No. 1 and No. 3 spots in luxury sports cars with the Boxster and 911, respectively.

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More Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Are you ready to buy the nimble vehicle you’ve been dreaming of? Head on over to the U.S. News Best Price Program to find a dealer near you and save some money on your new car.