The Best Sports Cars of 2025

Last Updated May 27, 2025

Sports cars continue to capture the imaginations of car shoppers, whether it's the stereotypical midlife-crisis scenario or you're just looking for a personal car that handles great and goes like stink. How about four-door sports cars, to borrow the Nissan Maxima's iconic tagline? You'll find some of those here, too, but one thing you won't find is a single SUV. This page is reserved for performance cars that hug the road, so high-riders need not apply. Learn about how we rate vehicles.

Best Sport Compact Cars

Price Range: $28,725–$37,750

Ranked Models: 7

Volkswagen Golf GTI ($31,965+)
Hyundai Elantra N ($33,950+)
Mini Cooper ($28,950+)
Volkswagen Jetta GLI ($32,715+)
Subaru WRX ($37,750+)
Honda Civic Si ($30,250+)
Hyundai Elantra N Line ($28,725+)

Practically invented by the VW GTI, the sport compact segment has grown to include a variety of sporty little numbers with a wide range of prices and capabilities. We love that you've made it to this group, by the way. Just say no to generic SUVs, and yes to (if you know from Pontiac, or even if you don't) driving excitement.

MD RATING 8.5/10

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Base Price: $31,965
MPG Combined: 27
Horsepower: 241
Length: 168.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 34.5 cu ft

The GTI has become such an accomplished performance car that it could be a player in Super Sport Compact Cars, too, except that the Golf R lives over there. But it definitely reigns supreme in this category, even if we could do without this generation's fiddly touch-based climate and infotainment controls (improvements are reportedly on the way for the 2025 model year). No other sport compact can match the GTI's combination of joyous acceleration, nimble handling, thrifty fuel economy and luxury-grade refinement, while the almost SUV-grade versatility afforded by its hatchback body style comes as a welcome bonus. In a more sensible world, this VW would be one of the best-selling cars on the market. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Hyundai Elantra N

Base Price: $33,950
MPG Combined: 23–24
Horsepower: 276
Length: 184.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.2 cu ft

Based on its performance numbers, the Elantra N belongs in a more rarified segment, but its pricing is so value-oriented that it can punch down and give the lesser cars in this class something to think about. If you can find an Elantra N for the same price as, say, a Civic Si, just know that it's a significantly faster and more aggressive car. The N actually gives the Civic Type R a run for its money. It's serious stuff from Hyundai. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.0/10

Mini Cooper

Base Price: $28,950
MPG Combined: 32
Horsepower: 161–228
Length: 152.6–158.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 5.2–34.4 cu ft

This fun-centric segment wouldn’t be complete without the latest Mini Cooper, even if there’s no more manual transmission and the famous “go-kart handling” is trending more toward comfort. With the 2025 redesign, the Cooper looks largely the same aside from new taillights, but the three-cylinder has been removed from the engine lineup, leaving BMW’s 2.0-liter turbo four as the sole engine option. The base model gets a detuned version, of course, while the S cranks up the output. The John Cooper Works, meanwhile, gets its own massaged version of the 2.0T that’s the rowdiest of the bunch. We miss the harder-edged Minis of yore, of course, but we specifically don’t miss their unyieldingly firm suspensions, so maybe this kinder, gentler Cooper with lively turbo power is the right blend for our times. See Full Details >

See Full List (7) ➔

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Best Sport Coupes

Price Range: $30,000–$37,550

Ranked Models: 5

Ford Mustang ($31,920+)
Subaru BRZ ($33,210+)
Toyota GR86 ($30,000+)
Chevrolet Camaro ($30,900+)
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF ($37,550+)

These two-door grin-inducers generally focus on exuberant performance, from their extroverted styling to their aggressive acceleration and handling.

MD RATING 8.2/10

Ford Mustang

Base Price: $31,920
MPG Combined: 17–26
Horsepower: 315–815
Length: 189.7 in
Cargo Capacity: 13.5 cu ft

As the last muscle car standing, the Mustang needs a new home, and we think it's a natural fit for this segment. If you're talking about sporty coupes, there aren't many other models that would come to mind before Ford's two-door icon. Watch out for the pricing, though; although the EcoBoost four-cylinder remains somewhat attainable, the GT's price is now firmly in luxury territory. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.7/10

Subaru BRZ

Base Price: $33,210
MPG Combined: 22–25
Horsepower: 228
Length: 167.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 6.3 cu ft

The BRZ wears its heart on its sleeve, and we like that. Don't bother if you're looking for a quiet interior or a smooth ride — but if the raw edginess of a performance car is part of the appeal for you, keep reading. Subaru has tuned its 2.4-liter flat-four engine to deliver real thrills in this application: it's happy to rev out to redline, and its beefed-up midrange compared to the previous generation makes the BRZ feel genuinely fast when you're really on it. Of course, the chassis remains unimpeachable in its balance, feel and control, and you also get a surprisingly handy cargo area with the rear seatbacks folded flat. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.7/10

Toyota GR86

Base Price: $30,000
MPG Combined: 22–24
Horsepower: 228
Length: 167.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 6.3 cu ft

When does a sport coupe become a sports car? The GR86 blurs that line, for sure. Its Subaru-sourced flat-four engine needs no turbocharging to achieve its robust 228-horsepower output and whisk you to 60 mph in the mid-5-second range. As for its cornering performance, you could argue it's second to none in this price range in terms of feedback and body control. An added bonus is the GR86's handy hatchback trunk, which morphs into a genuinely useful cargo bay when you fold the rear seatbacks flat. See Full Details >

See Full List (5) ➔

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Best Sports Cars

Price Range: $31,920–$72,800

Ranked Models: 4

Porsche 718 Cayman ($72,800+)
Ford Mustang ($31,920+)
Toyota GR Supra ($56,250+)
Nissan Z ($42,970+)

Fancier than sport coupes (well, except the Mustang, which is cross-listed in Sport Coupes) but less premium than luxury sports cars, these two-door performance machines may give you the best of both worlds, keeping feature-creep at bay while pushing the envelope on acceleration and handling.

MD RATING 8.5/10

Porsche 718 Cayman

Base Price: $72,800
MPG Combined: 19–24
Horsepower: 300–394
Length: 172.4–173.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 15.0 cu ft

What is a sports car in the mid-2020s? Although it's reportedly not long for this world, the 718 Cayman would be many people's first example. We're torn, because the laggy turbo four-cylinder engines in the base and Cayman S models make us pine for the pre-turbo days when every Cayman came with a sonorous flat-6. But the six-cylinder 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a cure for all ills, delivering arguably the best all-around Cayman driving experience ever — and also, sadly, being six-figure expensive. No matter which Cayman you choose, you'll enjoy best-in-class handling and a feeling of sports-car purity that's worth every penny Porsche charges. Well, most of the pennies, at least. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Ford Mustang

Base Price: $31,920
MPG Combined: 17–26
Horsepower: 315–815
Length: 189.7 in
Cargo Capacity: 13.5 cu ft

The Mustang is a muscle car without a home now that its traditional rivals have bit the dust. But the truth is that Ford's iconic coupe has been a legitimate sports car in its own right since at least the 2015 redesign, which smoothed over the rough edges and resulted in a world-class performer. You could even argue that the entry-level EcoBoost four-cylinder model is a real alternative to the other sports cars on this list, as it gets you to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range and handles well besides. But the Mustang really starts vying for sports-car supremacy with the GT's V8 under the hood, and yes, you can still get a manual transmission. With a starting price in the mid-$40s, the GT is a lot dearer than it used to be — but in this company, it looks more like a bargain. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Toyota GR Supra

Base Price: $56,250
MPG Combined: 21–26
Horsepower: 382
Length: 172.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 10.2 cu ft

The Supra makes a strong statement with its styling, and it backs that up especially well now that the entry-level four-cylinder engine has been discontinued. The sweet turbo inline-6 is what makes this Toyota a world-class sports car, never mind that it's a BMW-built engine. Heck, the whole car is a BMW Z4 apart from the sheet metal, basically, but that inline-6 is arguably the best six-cylinder in the world, and the Supra continues to let you pair it with a six-speed manual transmission. On the downside, the Supra's cabin is rather cramped and gets noisy at speed, while the intrusive wind buffeting with the windows down is an unusual quirk. But its hair-trigger reflexes and thrilling acceleration will redeem it in many enthusiasts' eyes. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.9/10

Nissan Z

Base Price: $42,970
MPG Combined: 19–22
Horsepower: 400–420
Length: 172.4–173.2 in
Cargo Capacity: 6.9 cu ft

There was a lot of buzz around the new Z when it was in development, but the result has been somewhat disappointing. Why? Because Nissan basically reused the platform from the discontinued 370Z, which debuted way back in '09, and paired it with a new body, engine and interior. Don't get us wrong, we love the idea of a compact two-seater with a 400-horsepower turbo V6, and we especially love that a manual transmission is still available. But you can't escape the sense that Nissan was making do with limited resources rather than really going for it with a clean-sheet redesign. See Full Details >

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Best Super Sport Compact Cars

Price Range: $33,950–$52,600

Ranked Models: 5

Volkswagen Golf R ($45,665+)
Toyota GR Corolla ($38,860+)
Hyundai Elantra N ($33,950+)
Acura Integra Type S ($52,600+)
Honda Civic Type R ($45,895+)

Taking the typical hot hatches and tuned sedans up another notch or two, these extra-spicy compact cars represent the pinnacle of sport-compact performance.

MD RATING 8.8/10

Volkswagen Golf R

Base Price: $45,665
MPG Combined: 23–25
Horsepower: 315
Length: 168.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 34.5 cu ft

The all-wheel-drive Golf R has always been a hard sell simply because the GTI, its lesser front-drive sibling, is so damn good. But the historical record shows that the R has been a significantly faster car since the previous generation debuted way back in 2015, and it maintains that edge today thanks to a 315-horsepower turbo four that's 74 hp clear of the GTI's engine. Opt for the DSG automatic — which is mandatory as of the 2025 model year — and the R will whisk you to 60 mph in roughly 4 seconds flat, easily the quickest time in the group. This is a serious performance machine that's actually a bargain for enthusiast drivers. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.5/10

Toyota GR Corolla

Base Price: $38,860
MPG Combined: 22–24
Horsepower: 300
Length: 173.6 in
Cargo Capacity: 17.8 cu ft

Forget what you think you know about modern Corollas. The GR Corolla's wild turbocharged three-cylinder engine, track-tuned suspension and adjustable all-wheel-drive system have turned Toyota's housecat into a tiger. You can get an eight-speed automatic transmission now if you want it, but thankfully the six-speed manual still comes standard, and either way you're hitting 60 mph in less than five seconds. We could think of some more spacious and refined options at this price point, but if your tastes run to sport compacts, and the more unhinged the better, the GR Corolla arguably stands alone. It's only trying to please a small slice of hardcore enthusiasts, and that's a big part of its appeal. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Hyundai Elantra N

Base Price: $33,950
MPG Combined: 23–24
Horsepower: 276
Length: 184.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.2 cu ft

The Elantra N's value proposition is impossible to ignore, even in this esteemed company. Look at the N's numbers and you'll find that it runs neck-and-neck with far pricier rivals while offering Hyundai's superior warranty coverage, too. Granted, the finishing order might look a little different if value didn't count, but then again, it might not. Compared to the Honda/Acura twins, the Hyundai wins on tech, for sure, thanks to its cutting-edge widescreen infotainment module, and not much will separate these models either way on a tight road course. Hyundai's N program means business, clearly. See Full Details >

See Full List (5) ➔

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Best Compact Performance Coupes

Price Range: $52,700–$64,250

Ranked Models: 3

BMW M240i ($52,700+)
BMW M440i ($64,250+)
Mercedes-Benz CLE ($58,000+)

These tautly sprung two-doors crank up the power and handling compared to regular compact luxury coupes, giving you dynamic performance along with a backseat that's usable in a pinch.

MD RATING 8.9/10

BMW M240i

Base Price: $52,700
MPG Combined: 26
Horsepower: 382
Length: 179.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 13.8 cu ft

There's an argument to be made that the M240i is the best dollar-for-dollar sport coupe on the market. It's seriously fast, it's remarkably fuel-efficient, its refinement is top-notch, and it feels small and nimble like a sports car. The only problem is that you can't get a manual transmission anymore; you'll need the high-performance M2 for that. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.4/10

BMW M440i

Base Price: $64,250
MPG Combined: 28–30
Horsepower: 386
Length: 187.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 15.5 cu ft

It's all about the powertrain with the M440i. Making nearly 400 horsepower and yet capable of well over 30 mpg on the highway, the B58 turbocharged inline-6 is an engineering marvel, and it's paired with probably the best automatic transmission in the business. The styling is more...controversial, let's say. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Mercedes-Benz CLE

Base Price: $58,000
MPG Combined: 22–28
Horsepower: 255–443
Length: 191.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.5 cu ft

The CLE variant we want to highlight here is the CLE 450, which you can think of as an AMG CLE 53 in stealth mode. Why? Because it features a very similar 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine that whisks you to 60 mph just two-tenths of a second slower than the more extroverted AMG model. We think the 450 is the CLE's best self, as this isn't really a high-performance car at heart — it's a luxury coupe, and the 450 gives it a far more satisfying engine than the base four-cylinder. Note that the base price above is for the entry-level CLE 300 with its underwhelming four-cylinder engine; you'll pay extra for the CLE 450 — figure $8k more to start — and it'll be well worth it. See Full Details >

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Best Small Luxury Roadsters

Price Range: $54,050–$74,900

Ranked Models: 2

BMW Z4 ($54,050+)
Porsche 718 Boxster ($74,900+)

Pint-sized and intimate, these beguiling machines are kind of like motorcycles with doors and four wheels. You don't buy one for the practicality, no doubt, but if it's passion you're after, this segment is a prime target.

MD RATING 8.5/10

BMW Z4

Base Price: $54,050
MPG Combined: 22–28
Horsepower: 255–382
Length: 170.7 in
Cargo Capacity: 9.9 cu ft

If you're considering the Z4, we think it's a no-brainer to shell out for the M40i variant. Packing 382 horsepower into such a tiny package is a recipe for big fun, especially with the top down. Plus, you can get a manual for 2025 if you want one. And here's the clincher: even the M40i costs thousands less than the base four-cylinder 718 Boxster. We simply can't ignore the Z4's superior value in the final tally, despite the fact that, yes, the six-cylinder Boxster GTS 4.0 is an all-time great. Listen, it had better be an all-timer if Porsche's charging effectively 50 percent more for it than what BMW wants for a Z4 with the superb B58 inline-6 under the hood. Summing up, then: if you have a chance to acquire a Boxster GTS 4.0, fantastic, because it's the best version of either car. But the six-cylinder Z4 in particular is a far better value than the four-cylinder Boxsters, and that's ultimately what tipped the scales. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Porsche 718 Boxster

Base Price: $74,900
MPG Combined: 19–24
Horsepower: 300–394
Length: 172.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 9.7 cu ft

The Boxster-vs.-Z4 battle is as old as this segment, although the Z4 starts being called the Z3 if you go back far enough. But these German lightweight heavies have been swinging at each other for the better part of three decades, and as ever, so much comes down to what's in the engine bay. We take a dim view of the turbo four-cylinder engines in the base Boxster and the Boxster S, finding them laggy and uncomfortably reminiscent of Subaru boxer fours. But if you can stretch for the six-figure 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, boy howdy — that's a future classic and one of the finest sports cars on the planet, full stop. Engine choice notwithstanding, the Porsche maintains its traditional advantages in handling and feel through the corners, although the Z4, which happens to serve as the basis for the Toyota GR Supra, acquits itself just fine. See Full Details >

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Best Compact High-Performance Sedans

Price Range: $62,195–$86,050

Ranked Models: 5

BMW M3 ($76,000+)
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing ($62,195+)
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio ($81,855+)
Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 ($86,050+)
Audi RS 5 Sportback ($79,900+)

These sedans are so fast and capable that calling them anything less than super would be an insult. You can certainly find larger super sedans, but can you find better ones? The best-driving four-doors may well be found right here.

MD RATING 8.7/10

BMW M3

Base Price: $76,000
MPG Combined: 18–19
Horsepower: 473–523
Length: 189.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 16.9 cu ft

BMW's iconic compact sport sedan continues to provide daily-driver livability alongside its prodigious performance. It also continues to offer a manual transmission, which will endear it to purists who remember when the manual was a must-have M3 feature. Some may feel that today's M3 suffers from tech overload and lacks the passion of earlier models — and that's fair — but there's no denying the clinical precision of this machine. Nonetheless, we rate the "lesser" M340i higher still because it's a better value and arguably a more well-rounded car. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.3/10

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Base Price: $62,195
MPG Combined: 18–19
Horsepower: 472
Length: 187.6 in
Cargo Capacity: 10.7 cu ft

We've learned to expect greatness from any Cadillac sedan with "Blackwing" in the name, and the CT4-V Blackwing is no exception. The turbocharged V6 hits hard, the chassis is delightfully athletic, and the thing looks pretty damn cool, too. Bonus points for the available manual transmission. The CT4-V Blackwing's overall rating is held back by its cramped rear quarters and tight trunk, as well as a touchscreen that falls short of cutting-edge. But if you're in it for the drive, this Caddy might strike you as a perfect 10. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Base Price: $81,855
MPG Combined: 20
Horsepower: 505
Length: 182.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 13.4 cu ft

The Quadrifoglio may not be the most rational choice, but then again, this isn't a rational segment, is it? We can't speak for you, but they had us at "Ferrari-derived turbo V6." No other small super sedan can say that. See Full Details >

See Full List (5) ➔

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Best Compact High-Performance Coupes

Price Range: $67,145–$79,600

Ranked Models: 5

BMW M2 ($68,200+)
BMW M4 ($79,100+)
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 ($74,300+)
Lexus RC F ($67,145+)
Audi RS 5 ($79,600+)

Though not sports cars in the classic sense, the mega-powerful coupes in this segment certainly blur the lines. They're smallish, athletic cars with two doors and insane acceleration, but they're typically also based on less wild luxury coupes and outfitted with a backseat.

MD RATING 8.6/10

BMW M2

Base Price: $68,200
MPG Combined: 19
Horsepower: 473
Length: 180.3 in
Cargo Capacity: 13.7 cu ft

Closely related to the M4, the M2 gives its big brother a run for its money thanks to almost identical performance and a snugger, more sportscar-like feel. For our money, you can't beat the far cheaper and nearly as capable M240i, but we can understand wanting to go whole-hog with the widebody M2's brashness. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.4/10

BMW M4

Base Price: $79,100
MPG Combined: 18–19
Horsepower: 473–523
Length: 189.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 15.5 cu ft

We still haven't come to terms with the latest M4's styling, but if you're ahead of us there, we can't find much else to complain about. It looks a lot better than the regular 4 Series coupe, for sure, and the M4 definitely needs to be part of any conversation about the ultimate sport coupe. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53

Base Price: $74,300
MPG Combined: 22–23
Horsepower: 443
Length: 191.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.5 cu ft

The AMG CLE 53 is a classic "tweener" — not quite on the slightly pricier BMW M4's level performance-wise, but a whisker ahead of the M440i, at least in terms of power output. For now, there's no faster version of the CLE, so it has to do battle on both fronts, with varying results. It's pitted here against the M4, and as noted, it doesn't quite have the urge of either the M or the discontinued Mercedes-AMG C63 coupe with its turbo V8. But we'd certainly recommend test-driving the CLE 53 if you're considering cars in this segment. See Full Details >

See Full List (5) ➔

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Best Luxury Sports Cars

Price Range: $68,300–$138,800

Ranked Models: 6

Porsche 911 ($120,100+)
Chevrolet Corvette ($68,300+)
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT ($105,900+)
BMW M8 ($138,800+)
Jaguar F-Type ($77,900+)
Nissan GT-R ($121,090+)

Peak performance meets sumptuous decor in this very special segment. You can't really go wrong with any of these feature-laden road rockets, but they do have very different characters, and that can make all the difference.

MD RATING 8.8/10

Porsche 911

Base Price: $120,100
MPG Combined: 16–21
Horsepower: 388–640
Length: 178.5–180.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 4.8 cu ft

No rival puts its engine where the 911 does, hanging out over the rear axle, and that inherent uniqueness has fueled this Porsche's mystique for more than half a century. There's now a hybrid powertrain on offer in the GTS model, with electric assist that's more about generating 532 horsepower than it is about improving fuel economy, but you can take your pick from the three-pedal Carrera T all the way up to the naturally aspirated GT3 with its 9,000-rpm redline. Even a bone-stock 911 Carrera is now a borderline supercar. What a machine. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.6/10

Chevrolet Corvette

Base Price: $68,300
MPG Combined: 14–19
Horsepower: 490–1,064
Length: 182.3–185.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 12.6 cu ft

The iconic Corvette has been a mid-engine supercar for years now, and most would agree that it's never been better, although some certainly miss the previous generation's long-nose proportions and manual transmission. Anyway, the Corvette's wide range of powertrains and feature sets make it a compelling solution for almost any sports-car shopper. Its value, meanwhile, is second to none in this class. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.3/10

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Base Price: $105,900
MPG Combined: 14–22
Horsepower: 416–805
Length: 186.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 23.8 cu ft

Although we miss the previous-generation AMG GT's long-hood/short-deck proportions and edgier personality, it's hard to argue with the current GT's rousing performance and curvaceous styling. Essentially a coupe version of the SL-Class roadster, today's AMG GT starts at a misleadingly low price, because that's how much the four-cylinder GT 43 costs. You don't want that one. But the next rung up — the GT 55 — gets you into V8 territory, which is this car's sweet spot. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo Mercedes V8 is one of the best engines in the world, and it delivers a chest-thumping baritone soundtrack that no 911 can match. If your top priority is nimble handling, look elsewhere, but for a grand-touring coupe that does justice to the term, it's hard to beat this Benz. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

BMW M8

Base Price: $138,800
MPG Combined: 17
Horsepower: 617
Length: 191.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.8 cu ft

Affectionately known as the "Big M8" (say it with an Australian accent), BMW's top performance coupe is less pretty than we'd like it to be, but the righteous acceleration from its twin-turbo V8 engine has a way of pushing such thoughts aside. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.4/10

Jaguar F-Type

Base Price: $77,900
MPG Combined: 18–19
Horsepower: 444–575
Length: 176.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 14.4 cu ft

Always a head-turner thanks to its sinuous shape, the F-Type doesn't really live up to its looks unless it has a V8 under the hood. Happily, all F-Types are V8-powered for 2024, so that's the good news. The bad? Jaguar won't build any F-Types after this year, so get one while you can. Or perhaps consider more well-rounded and tech-savvy alternatives. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.3/10

Nissan GT-R

Base Price: $121,090
MPG Combined: 18
Horsepower: 565–600
Length: 184.6–185.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 8.8 cu ft

If you haven't been keeping up with Nissan's products, you might be surprised to see that the first-generation GT-R is still on the market, an incredible 16 years after its 2009 debut. Its performance remains competitive all these years later, but we have a hard time recommending such an old product when the newer ones are so good. If you're into the GT-R mystique, though, you still have a chance to buy one new. See Full Details >

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Best Midsize High-Performance Sedans

Price Range: $88,000–$138,800

Ranked Models: 5

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing ($95,595+)
Audi RS 7 ($128,600+)
Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 ($88,000+)
BMW M8 Gran Coupe ($138,800+)
BMW M5 ($119,500+)

You turn to this segment when nothing less than the fastest and best-handling luxury sedans will do. Midsize high-performance sedans are ready for hot laps right off the showroom floor, yet they generally retain enough suppleness and serenity to check all the luxury boxes, too.

MD RATING 9.0/10

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

Base Price: $95,595
MPG Combined: 15
Horsepower: 668
Length: 194.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 11.9 cu ft

We love this car. Can we just say that? The supercharged V8, a hand-me-down from the dearly departed C7 Corvette Z06, provides its massive thrust instantaneously, while the track-tuned chassis is ready for any corner and the manual transmission (you're not getting the automatic, are you?) moves with bolt-action precision. We're also big fans of the refresh for 2025, which brings tasteful exterior updates and a new 33-inch touchscreen inside. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.8/10

Audi RS 7

Base Price: $128,600
MPG Combined: 17
Horsepower: 621
Length: 197.2 in
Cargo Capacity: 49.0 cu ft

The RS 7's twin-turbo V8 engine is arguably worth the price of admission by itself, but you also get gorgeous styling, an expertly tailored interior and cutting-edge technology, plus hatchback hauling versatility. Oh yeah, and track-ready handling. Not a bad package. There's a strong argument to be made that this segment peaked when V8s were the norm, so it's no surprise to see the V8-powered options rise to the top. Well, except the new M5, but that's another story. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.5/10

Mercedes-Benz AMG E53

Base Price: $88,000
EV Range: 42 mi
MPG Combined: N/A
Horsepower: 577
Length: 194.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 13.1 cu ft

We're high on the plug-in-hybrid AMG E53, which is something we can't say for most AMG PHEVs these days. The E53 is one of those cars that seems to have an answer for every question. You get more than 40 miles of all-electric range via the serviceable 161-horsepower electric motor, but you can also floor it anytime and summon the full combined gas-electric output of 577 hp. The gas engine is Benz's latest turbo inline-6, which is one of the world's best. Styling? Sporty yet restrained, just the way Mercedes enthusiasts like it. And the E-Class is already a standout midsize sedan for its combination of just-right dimensions, advanced cabin tech and sophisticated driving dynamics. Sign us up for this plug-in AMG, even if we'd prefer to see a V8 under the hood. See Full Details >

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This is a diverse set of vehicles, but they all put performance first, and that's why the sports car continues to be one of the most popular car types despite the broader SUV takeover. There will always be a market for the best automotive athletes, and the laws of physics keep SUVs outside the ropes. Now comes the fun part, right? Pick a few of the sports cars above and go drive them. We envy you that task.

FAQ

The answers to these frequently asked questions are powered by MotorDonkey's ranking methodology and remain valid while published. Because we continuously update our ratings and vehicle data, our answers are subject to change as new information and impressions emerge.

What is the best sport compact car?

The best sport compact car is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which has a overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.

What is the best sport coupe?

The best sport coupe is the Ford Mustang, which has a overall rating of 8.2 out of 10.

What is the best sports car?

The best sports car is the Porsche 718 Cayman, which has a overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.

What is the best super sport compact car?

The best super sport compact car is the Volkswagen Golf R, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.

What is the best compact performance coupe?

The best compact performance coupe is the BMW M240i, which has a overall rating of 8.9 out of 10.

What is the best small luxury roadster?

The best small luxury roadster is the BMW Z4, which has a overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.

What is the best compact high-performance sedan?

The best compact high-performance sedan is the BMW M3, which has a overall rating of 8.7 out of 10.

What is the best compact high-performance coupe?

The best compact high-performance coupe is the BMW M2, which has a overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.

What is the best luxury sports car?

The best luxury sports car is the Porsche 911, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.

What is the best midsize high-performance sedan?

The best midsize high-performance sedan is the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, which has a overall rating of 9.0 out of 10.

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