The dream of owning a sports car doesn’t have to remain just a dream, even with the average new car price hovering around $50,000. For those seeking thrills without emptying their wallets, the 2025 automotive market offers a fantastic array of sporty vehicles for under this benchmark, and even some gems around the $30,000 mark.
This year’s selection boasts a mix of classic sports cars, practical sporty sedans, and versatile hatchbacks from beloved brands like Honda, Mazda, and Toyota. Icons like the legendary Miata share the stage with exciting newcomers such as the GR Corolla. And yes, you can even find a touch of luxury without exceeding your budget. Let’s dive into some of the Best Affordable Sports Cars you can get in 2025.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price: $30,515
When the topic is affordable driving fun, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is consistently a top contender. Starting at a compelling $30,515, this roadster delivers pure driving joy. Under the hood, a spirited 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, perfectly matched to a crisp-shifting six-speed manual gearbox as standard. For those preferring automatic, that’s also an option. Whether you choose the classic soft top or the sleek retractable fastback (RF) model, the Miata guarantees an engaging and wind-in-your-hair experience that’s hard to beat at this price point.
Toyota GR86
Price: $31,135
Hot on the heels of the Miata in terms of affordability, the rear-wheel-drive Toyota GR86 sports car begins at $31,135. It packs a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine, offering a bump in power over the Mazda with 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Like the Miata, it offers a choice between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, maintaining that essential rear-wheel-drive configuration for purist handling. While it comes exclusively as a coupe with a fixed roof, this minor compromise is easily overlooked considering the GR86’s exceptional sports car credentials and engaging driving dynamics.
Honda Civic Si
Price: $31,400
The Honda Civic Si continues to be a favorite sporty sedan for drivers seeking a blend of fun, affordability, and everyday practicality. Starting just above $31,000 for the 2025 model year, the Si is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 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 features like a limited-slip differential, a slick six-speed manual transmission, customizable drive modes, and stylish 18-inch wheels. Importantly, it doesn’t sacrifice daily comfort, offering amenities such as a Bose sound system to enhance your driving experience.
Volkswagen GTI
Price: $33,190
The iconic Volkswagen GTI remains a benchmark in the hot hatchback segment. With a starting price of $33,190, the GTI delivers a compelling mix of performance and practicality. It’s equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 241 horsepower and a robust 273 pound-feet of torque. While the manual transmission is no longer offered, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provides quick and engaging shifts, sending power exclusively to the front wheels for that classic hot hatch feel.
Subaru BRZ
Price: $33,380
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are essentially fraternal twins, sharing a platform and powertrain. The BRZ coupe houses the same 2.4-liter Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque as the GR86. However, the BRZ distinguishes itself by offering Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system and EyeSight driver-assistance technology as standard, even on manual transmission models. For enthusiasts seeking enhanced track performance, the Subaru BRZ tS trim elevates the experience with STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and a premium leather-and-suede interior. The base BRZ starts at $33,380 for 2025, while the upgraded tS model begins at $37,530.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback
Price: $33,515
The Ford Mustang is an enduring symbol of American muscle, and remarkably, it remains an affordable sports car option. The base Mustang EcoBoost Fastback starts at $33,515 and boasts a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine punches above its weight class, delivering 315 horsepower and a substantial 350 pound-feet of torque – significantly more than the Mazda and Toyota sports cars in this price range. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, offering a blend of performance and modern technology. Note that a manual transmission is not available for the EcoBoost model.
Subaru WRX
Price: $33,855
The Subaru WRX offers a compelling performance proposition, priced slightly above the Civic Si but delivering considerably more power. The base WRX starts at $33,855 and features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT available. For drivers craving even sharper handling, the WRX tS trim upgrades to Brembo brakes and revised suspension and steering tuning, though this performance-oriented version starts at a higher $46,875.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Price: $33,940
The Jetta GLI serves as Volkswagen’s sedan alternative to the popular GTI hot hatch. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch, and power is sent to the front wheels. The GLI received a subtle refresh for 2025, including exterior styling updates and minor interior enhancements. Priced from $33,940, it remains one of the most accessible sporty sedans on the US market.
Acura Integra
Price: $34,195
The new Integra provides a more premium take on the sporty compact formula, positioned as a more upscale alternative to the Civic, starting at $34,195 for 2025. It shares the same 200-horsepower engine as the Civic Si, but the base Integra pairs it with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard, while the Civic Si is exclusively manual. A manual transmission Integra is available, but only on the A-Spec or Type S models. The A-Spec starts at $39,195, while the high-performance Type S commands a higher price of $54,095.
Mini Cooper S
Price: $34,375
The latest Mini Cooper S might not be the most extreme hot hatchback, but it retains the signature Mini charm and engaging driving experience. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, this compact hatchback produces 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Despite the modest power figures, the Cooper S delivers the nimble handling and playful character that Mini is known for, all at a reasonable starting price of $34,375 for 2025.
Mazda3 Turbo
Price: $34,435
Similar to the Mini, Mazda doesn’t explicitly market the Mazda3 Turbo as a dedicated “hot hatchback.” However, with a potent turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and a generous 320 pound-feet of torque, this Mazda3 variant is far from slow. A six-speed automatic transmission is the sole option for the Turbo trim, and all-wheel drive is standard, enhancing traction and all-weather capability. The Mazda3 Turbo is priced at $34,435 for 2025, offering a sophisticated and sporty driving experience.
Hyundai Elantra N
Price: $35,445
The Hyundai Elantra N is a spirited four-door sports sedan that packs a punch. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike the Subaru WRX, the Elantra N is exclusively front-wheel drive. Hyundai updated the Elantra N for the 2024 model year, and the 2025 model carries over unchanged, starting at $35,445.
Toyota GR Corolla
Price: $39,995
The Toyota GR Corolla is arguably one of the most exciting cars on this affordable sports car list. This five-door hatchback features all-wheel drive and a remarkably potent three-cylinder, turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While a six-speed manual was initially the only transmission, Toyota has added an eight-speed automatic option for this year, broadening its appeal. The GR Corolla starts at $39,995, offering rally-inspired performance in a practical hatchback form.
Nissan Z
Price: $44,110
The Nissan Z impresses with its striking retro-futuristic exterior design and modern interior. However, this style comes at a higher price point, with the Z starting at $44,110. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine powers the rear wheels, delivering a substantial 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Eighteen-inch wheels and LED headlights are standard, and buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic gearbox. A more powerful Z Nismo version is available, but it significantly increases the price to $66,890.
Volkswagen Golf R
Price: $46,890
The Golf R, the higher-performance sibling to the GTI, starts at $46,890. It boasts a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 315 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the Golf R comes exclusively with a seven-speed DSG transmission, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 3.9 seconds. The Golf R offers a significant step up in performance and refinement over the GTI.
Honda Civic Type R
Price: $47,045
The Type R represents the ultimate expression of Civic performance and is considerably more expensive than the Si model. However, it justifies its price with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission option, and stopping power is enhanced by four-piston Brembo front brakes. Visually, the Type R is more aggressive, featuring a more prominent grille opening, a hood vent, and a large rear spoiler. The Civic Type R starts at $47,045 for 2025, delivering track-ready performance in a front-wheel-drive package.
Ford Mustang GT
Price: $48,155
Stepping up from the EcoBoost to the Mustang GT unlocks the iconic 5.0-liter V-8 engine, producing a robust 486 horsepower and driving the rear wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic is available for an additional $1,595. While not the most powerful Mustang in the lineup (the Dark Horse model boasts 500 hp), the GT offers a compelling blend of V-8 performance and relative affordability, starting at $48,155.
Cadillac CT4-V
Price: $48,690
While the high-performance CT4-V Blackwing grabs headlines (and carries a price tag exceeding $60,000), the standard CT4-V offers a V-series experience at a more accessible price. This version is powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 325 horsepower and a generous 380 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in around 4.5 seconds. The trade-off is that the only transmission option is a 10-speed automatic – only the Blackwing offers a manual.
Audi S3
Price: $49,995
For those seeking a more refined and luxurious sporty experience with four doors, the Audi S3 presents a compelling option. Essentially a more upscale GTI sedan, the S3 features a higher-output turbocharged 2.0-liter engine now producing 328 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for 2025. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed automatic transmission. The S3 manages to come in just under the $50,000 mark for 2025, offering a blend of performance and premium features.
Best Cheap Sports Cars 2025 – Quick List:
- 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
