Affordability in the automotive world is definitely relative, especially when you consider that the average new car price is hovering around the $50,000 mark these days. However, the good news for driving enthusiasts is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun. For 2025, there’s still a fantastic selection of sports cars, sporty sedans, and hot hatchbacks that deliver thrilling performance without emptying your wallet. Many of these vehicles come from trusted brands known for both value and driving pleasure, like Mazda, Honda, and Toyota. From iconic roadsters to exciting newcomers, here are some of the best cheap sports cars you can buy in 2025, all for under $50,000.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price: $30,515
The Mazda MX-5 Miata remains the quintessential affordable sports car. Starting at just over $30,000, the Miata offers pure driving joy in a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive package. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower, providing ample power for spirited road or track driving. The standard six-speed manual transmission is a delight to use, offering crisp, short throws that enhance the engaging driving experience. Whether you choose the classic soft top convertible or the retractable hardtop RF model, the Miata delivers an unmatched open-air thrill and nimble handling that makes every drive an event. For those seeking an entry point into affordable sports car ownership, the Miata is an enduring and excellent choice.
Toyota GR86
Price: $31,135
Alt text: Toyota GR86 in red showcasing its sporty coupe profile, a cheap best sports car option.
Slightly edging out the Miata in price but packing a bit more punch, the Toyota GR86 is another fantastic rear-wheel-drive sports car bargain. Starting at around $31,000, the GR86 boasts a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine, producing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This translates to noticeably more power than the Miata, offering quicker acceleration and a more robust feel. Like the Miata, a six-speed manual transmission is available, along with an automatic option. The GR86’s fixed roof design contributes to a stiffer chassis, enhancing handling precision. If you’re looking for a cheap best sports car with a focus on sharp handling and a bit more power than the Miata, the GR86 is a compelling contender.
Honda Civic Si
Price: $31,400
Alt text: Honda Civic Si sedan in blue, highlighting its sporty yet practical design as a cheap best sports car.
The Honda Civic Si continues to be a top pick for those seeking a sporty and practical sedan that doesn’t break the bank. Priced just above $31,000 for the 2025 model year, the Civic Si provides a great balance of fun, affordability, and everyday usability. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. While it might be slightly less powerful than some other sporty sedans, the Civic Si compensates with its engaging driving dynamics, thanks to features like a limited-slip differential and a slick six-speed manual transmission. It also comes well-equipped with comfort and tech features, making it a versatile cheap best sports car option for daily driving and weekend fun.
Volkswagen GTI
Price: $33,190
Alt text: Volkswagen GTI hatchback in red, showcasing its iconic hot hatch silhouette, a cheap best sports car.
The iconic Volkswagen GTI remains a benchmark in the hot hatchback segment, and it’s still available at an accessible price. Starting at $33,190, the GTI offers a potent combination of performance and practicality. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 241 horsepower and a generous 273 pound-feet of torque, delivering strong acceleration and a fun-to-drive character. While the manual transmission is no longer offered, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic provides quick and responsive shifts. The GTI’s front-wheel-drive chassis is well-tuned, providing confident handling and a playful attitude. For those wanting a cheap best sports car that’s both thrilling to drive and highly practical for everyday life, the GTI is an enduring favorite.
Subaru BRZ
Price: $33,380
The Subaru BRZ is essentially the Toyota GR86’s twin, sharing the same platform and powertrain, making it another excellent cheap best sports car choice. Like the GR86, it features a 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, offering a similar rear-wheel-drive driving experience. The BRZ distinguishes itself slightly with standard Subaru StarLink infotainment and EyeSight driver-assistance technology, even on manual transmission models. For those looking for added performance, the BRZ tS trim offers track-focused upgrades like STI suspension and Brembo brakes, albeit at a higher price point. However, the base BRZ, starting at $33,380, provides the same engaging driving dynamics and affordability as the GR86, giving buyers a choice based on brand preference and features.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback
Price: $33,515
Alt text: Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback in gray, demonstrating its classic muscle car styling in an affordable sports car package.
The Ford Mustang is an American muscle car icon, and the EcoBoost Fastback model keeps the dream alive for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Starting at $33,515, the Mustang EcoBoost delivers impressive performance thanks to its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces a substantial 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than many of its rivals on this list. While it comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (no manual option here), the EcoBoost Mustang offers a compelling blend of muscle car heritage and modern performance at an affordable price. For those seeking a cheap best sports car with classic American styling and strong straight-line performance, the Mustang EcoBoost is a great option.
Subaru WRX
Price: $33,855
Alt text: Subaru WRX in blue, highlighting its rally-inspired design and performance as a cheap best sports car sedan.
The Subaru WRX offers rally-bred performance and all-weather capability at a price point that’s only slightly above the Honda Civic Si. Starting at $33,855, the base WRX is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission (a CVT is optional). The WRX delivers strong acceleration and confident handling in various conditions. For buyers seeking a cheap best sports car with all-wheel drive and a more aggressive, sporty demeanor, the WRX is a compelling choice. For even greater performance, the WRX tS trim offers further upgrades, though at a significantly higher price.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Price: $33,940
Alt text: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI in gray, showcasing its refreshed design as a cheap best sports sedan.
The Jetta GLI is Volkswagen’s sedan alternative to the GTI, offering similar hot hatch performance in a more traditional sedan body style. Starting at $33,940, the GLI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive. The GLI received a styling refresh for 2025, enhancing its visual appeal. For those seeking a cheap best sports car in a sedan format with German engineering and a comfortable ride, the Jetta GLI is a solid option.
Acura Integra
Price: $34,195
The new Integra represents a more premium and refined take on the sporty compact car, sharing its platform with the Honda Civic but offering a step up in luxury. Starting at $34,195 for the 2025 model year, the Integra uses the same 200-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine as the Civic Si. However, the base Integra comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Civic Si is manual-only. A manual transmission is available on the Integra A-Spec model, which is priced higher. For buyers seeking a cheap best sports car with a more upscale feel and Acura’s reputation for reliability, the Integra is worth considering, especially if a manual transmission isn’t a priority in the base trim.
Mini Cooper S
Price: $34,375
Alt text: 2025 Mini Cooper S in yellow, highlighting its iconic compact hatchback design, a cheap best sports car.
The new Mini Cooper S continues to deliver the brand’s signature fun-to-drive character in a small, stylish package. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, the Mini Cooper S offers engaging performance and nimble handling. Starting at $34,375 for 2025, it’s a reasonably priced option for those seeking a cheap best sports car with a unique personality and premium features. The Mini’s compact size makes it ideal for city driving, while its sporty nature ensures fun on twisty roads.
Mazda3 Turbo
Price: $34,435
Alt text: Mazda3 Turbo hatchback in red, showcasing its sleek design as a refined cheap best sports car.
The Mazda3 Turbo offers a more mature and sophisticated take on the sporty hatchback. While not explicitly marketed as a “hot hatchback,” its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a robust 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, making it surprisingly quick. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option, and all-wheel drive is standard, providing confident traction in all conditions. Starting at $34,435 for 2025, the Mazda3 Turbo provides a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality, making it a compelling cheap best sports car for those seeking a refined driving experience.
Hyundai Elantra N
Price: $35,445
Alt text: 2024 Hyundai Elantra N sedan in blue, emphasizing its aggressive styling as a cheap best sports car.
The Hyundai Elantra N is a standout sporty sedan, packing serious performance into an affordable package. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, delivering exhilarating acceleration. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. While it’s front-wheel-drive only, the Elantra N is praised for its sharp handling and engaging driving dynamics. Starting at $35,445, the Elantra N offers near hot-hatch levels of performance in a sedan body, making it a compelling cheap best sports car for driving enthusiasts on a budget.
Toyota GR Corolla
Price: $39,995
Alt text: Toyota GR Corolla hatchback in white, showcasing its sporty stance as a high-performance cheap best sports car.
The Toyota GR Corolla is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated cars on this cheap best sports car list. This five-door hatchback features all-wheel drive and a potent turbocharged three-cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While initially offered only with a manual transmission, Toyota has added an eight-speed automatic option for broader appeal. Starting at $39,995, the GR Corolla delivers rally-inspired performance and hatchback practicality, making it a standout cheap best sports car for enthusiasts seeking thrills and versatility.
Nissan Z
Price: $44,110
Alt text: 2024 Nissan Z Heritage Edition in orange, highlighting its retro-futuristic design as a powerful cheap best sports car.
The Nissan Z brings a dose of retro-futuristic style and serious performance to the affordable sports car segment. Starting at $44,110, the Z is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers a strong 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. It’s available with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan Z offers a significant step up in power compared to many other cars on this list, making it a compelling cheap best sports car for those prioritizing raw performance and distinctive styling.
Volkswagen Golf R
Price: $46,890
The Golf R is the ultimate performance version of the Golf, taking the GTI’s hot hatch formula to the next level. Starting at $46,890, the Golf R packs a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 315 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It comes exclusively with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, enabling blistering acceleration and exceptional handling. The Golf R is a refined and highly capable cheap best sports car that delivers near-luxury levels of performance and features.
Honda Civic Type R
Price: $47,045
Alt text: Honda Civic Type R in white, showcasing its aggressive aerodynamic styling as a track-focused cheap best sports car.
The Type R represents the pinnacle of Civic performance and is a significant step up from the Civic Si in terms of power and track-focused features. Starting at $47,045, the Type R is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It’s offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and features upgraded Brembo brakes and a more aggressive aerodynamic package. The Civic Type R is a serious cheap best sports car for those who prioritize track performance and a thrilling driving experience.
Ford Mustang GT
Price: $48,155
Stepping up to the Mustang GT unlocks the iconic 5.0-liter V-8 engine, delivering classic American muscle car performance. Starting at $48,155, the Mustang GT boasts 486 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 10-speed automatic is optional. The Mustang GT delivers a significant jump in power and a visceral driving experience compared to the EcoBoost model. While still under $50,000, the Mustang GT provides a taste of traditional V-8 muscle car thrills in a relatively cheap best sports car package.
Cadillac CT4-V
Price: $48,690
Alt text: Cadillac CT4-V sedan in black, presenting its luxury sports sedan profile as a cheap best sports car.
While the high-performance CT4-V Blackwing grabs headlines, the standard CT4-V offers a more affordable entry into the Cadillac V-series performance lineup. Starting at $48,690, the CT4-V is powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It delivers quick acceleration and refined handling. The CT4-V comes exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. For buyers seeking a cheap best sports car with luxury brand cachet and a balance of performance and comfort, the CT4-V is a compelling option.
Audi S3
Price: $49,995
The Audi S3 provides a more upscale and sophisticated take on the hot hatchback/sport sedan formula, bordering on the luxury segment. Starting just under the $50,000 mark at $49,995, the 2025 Audi S3 features an upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 328 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Audi S3 offers a refined driving experience, premium interior, and strong performance, making it a top-tier cheap best sports car for those seeking a touch of luxury with their performance.
Best Cheap Sports Cars 2025 – Summary
- Mazda MX-5 Miata – $30,515
- Toyota GR86 – $31,135
- Honda Civic Si – $31,400
- Volkswagen GTI – $33,190
- Subaru BRZ – $33,380
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback – $33,515
- Subaru WRX – $33,855
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI – $33,940
- Acura Integra – $34,195
- Mini Cooper S – $34,375
- Mazda3 Turbo – $34,435
- Hyundai Elantra N – $35,445
- Toyota GR Corolla – $39,995
- Nissan Z – $44,110
- Volkswagen Golf R – $46,890
- Honda Civic Type R – $47,045
- Ford Mustang GT – $48,155
- Cadillac CT4-V – $48,690
- Audi S3 – $49,995
