10 Cheapest Sports Cars in 2023

2023 Chevrolet Camaro / Credit: Chevrolet

Your Guide to the Best Affordable Sports Cars

A cheap sports car sounds like trying to find a calorie-free cake – it simply can’t be done. Or worse still, you decide to take the plunge on a fun-to-drive vehicle and quickly find it’s totally unsuited to your driving needs. We’ve decided to help you let loose, to put away thoughts of cupholders and easy-clean interior surfaces for the next time you go car shopping. We’ve compiled a list of sports cars that provide a maximum amount of driving excitement for a minimal outlay of your hard-earned cash. Each one has lots of style, plenty of power, sharp handling, and a starting price that makes it much more affordable than you might have imagined. Here they are, listed from least-expensive to most. How We Ranked These Sports Cars

1. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro • $26,100

2023 Chevrolet Camaro SS / Credit: Chevrolet

• What We Like: One of the least expensive sports cars; great handling and strong engine lineup
• What We Don’t: Small interior with poor visibility

Like its arch-rival, the Ford Mustang, the Chevy Camaro is one of just a handful of modern cars with a muscle-car heritage. The Camaro’s accessible pricing also makes it a standout; it’s one of the least expensive sports cars you can buy.

The Camaro delivers an exciting drive, whether you choose the standard 275-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the V6, or the robust V8s. It also dials up the intensity with its impressive handling and athleticism.

The Camaro’s cabin is comfortable, but its interior quality is not as good as its competitors. Front-row passengers get supportive seats and plenty of elbow room, but the rear seats are best left for children.

The Camaro comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Camaro?

The Camaro is in its 6th generation, which was introduced with the 2016 model. Chevy gave it a slight styling update in 2019, but any older 6th-generation model (2016-2022) will be broadly similar to the 2023 Camaro.

2. 2023 Ford Mustang • $27,770

2023 Ford Mustang / Credit: Ford

• What We Like: Great performance bargain; huge horsepower available
• What We Don’t: Interior build quality and overall driving experience are not as refined as in other sports cars

With its vast lineup of potent powertrains, there’s likely a version of the iconic Ford Mustang that’ll suit your lifestyle. Its base trim pairs a 310-horsepower turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual transmission; a 10-speed automatic is available.

The Mustang has plenty of space for passengers up front, but adults will feel cramped in the back. If technology is high on your list, opt for a trim with the SYNC3 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Shopping for a Used Mustang?

The Mustang is in its 6th generation, which debuted for 2015. Any older 6th-generation model (2015-2022) will be broadly similar to the 2023 Mustang above. Earlier models have blockier styling and less-refined handling and interiors. The Mustang dates back to the 1960s, but those models are now expensive classic cars.

3. 2023 Mazda Miata • $28,050

2023 Mazda Miata / Credit: Mazda

• What We Like: Fantastic price; simple controls; light and agile
• What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars; small cabin

Mazda’s iconic Miata is a playful 2-seater convertible that provides a lively ride whether equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic. This roadster is sporty and agile around curves. Inside, the Miata features well-bolstered seats on soft cloth upholstery. All trims come with the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. Upper trims add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Standard advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) include blind spot warning (BSW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB).

Shopping for a Used Miata?

The Miata has had nearly identical styling and many of the same features in the 2016-2023 model years. It received a horsepower boost in 2019 and a hardtop version, the Miata RF, in 2017.

4. 2023 Toyota GR86 • $28,400

2023 Toyota GR86 / Credit: Toyota

• What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
• What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars

The spry Toyota 86 isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s plenty of fun to drive. It draws 228 horsepower from a flat-4 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 86 stands out for its agility and responsive steering. Despite its budget price, the cabin has a mix of quality materials and rigid plastics. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used GR86?

The GR86 was all new for 2022, but Toyota has sold similar sports cars by various names since 2013. It was previously known as the Toyota 86 (without the “GR”) (2017-2020) and the Scion FR-S (2013-2016). The 86 skipped the 2021 model year to prepare for its 2022 redesign. It heads into 2023 unchanged.

5. 2023 Subaru BRZ • $28,595

2023 Subaru BRZ / Credit: Subaru

• What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
• What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars

The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same as the Toyota GR86; they’re built side-by-side. The choice between the two comes down to brand preference. The GR86 only gets a slight edge because of its lower price.

Like the GR86, the Subaru BRZ stands out for its agility and responsive steering. It isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s plenty of fun to drive. Its flat-4 engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and puts down 228 horsepower.

The cabin has solid build quality and simple controls, leaving the driver’s attention on the road ahead. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used BRZ?

The BRZ was all new for 2022. Subaru debuted the model in 2013 and it has been largely unchanged until now. It skipped the 2021 model year to prepare for its 2022 redesign, and it enters 2023 unchanged.

6. 2023 Dodge Challenger • $30,940

2023 Dodge Challenger / Credit: Dodge

• What We Like: Iconic styling; large interior and trunk; comfortable to cruise in; massive available V8 engines
• What We Don’t: Heavy; not very agile

The Dodge Challenger is a beefy sports car with an impressive lineup of robust engine options, starting with the base model’s 303-horsepower V6 and climbing right up to the 807-horsepower supercharged Hellcat models. The Challenger emphasizes power, so it’s heavier and less agile than others in its class.

The interior is well-built and spacious, but the cabin looks less opulent than its rivals do. It seats five people comfortably. All trims get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Challenger?

The Challenger is currently in its 3rd generation, which debuted back in 2008. Any older 3rd-generation model (2008-2022) will have styling similar to the 2023’s. Dodge has added a number of engine and feature upgrades over the years. The Challenger name dates back to the classic muscle car era, but those models are now expensive collector’s items.

7. 2023 BMW 2 Series • $38,200

2023 BMW 2 Series / Credit: BMW

• What We Like: Good standard engine; low price; best performance bargain from BMW
• What We Don’t: Not much

The BMW 2 Series is offered in two body styles: a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan that is called, confusingly, the Gran Coupe. BMW redesigned the coupe for 2022 and eliminated the convertible option. The Gran Coupe is more affordable and spacious, but the coupe is more upscale and fun to drive. Coupe models seat four people with very little room in the second row.

BMW is known for making sporty cars, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the 230i Coupe has one of the highest horsepower ratings of any entry-level luxury car. Its standard turbo-4 engine produces 255 horsepower. The 453-horsepower M2 dials up the fun more, but it’s pricey.

The base 2 Series has a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a healthy array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).

Shopping for a Used 2 Series?

Following a redesign in 2022, the BMW 2 Series Coupe enters 2023 unchanged. The 2 Series dates back to 2014, and all-wheel drive was added as an option in 2015. The convertible also debuted in 2015.

8. 2023 Nissan Z • $39,900

2023 Nissan Z / Credit: Nissan

• What We Like: Nice price; powerful turbo V6
• What We Don’t: Not as agile as rivals

Nissan keeps things simple by offering its Z sports car with just one engine: a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic transmission, and all models are rear-wheel drive (RWD). 

The Z’s strong V6 delivers quick acceleration. The car leaps eagerly from a standstill, and power delivery is smooth and strong. The Z’s responsive handling is a good match for its power; the car is a nimble partner on winding roads, and its steering is precise. And despite its sporty nature, the Z doesn’t feel overly firm in daily driving, with a ride smooth enough for everyday commutes. 

Though the Z’s handling is enjoyable, some cars in this class are even more impressive in this area: Rivals like the Mazda Miata and Ford Mustang provide handling that’s livelier and more engaging. Also, the Z has just 6.9 cubic feet of space in its trunk, so cargo capacity is minimal.

Shopping for a Used Nissan Z?

The Z begins its seventh generation with the 2023 model. Older versions are available, but they differ from the current model in design and content.

9. 2023 Toyota Supra • $44,040

2023 Toyota Supra / Credit: Toyota

• What We Like: Nice blend of power and agility
• What We Don’t: Basically a rebadged BMW; no manual transmission

Toyota raised the bar when it revived the Supra in 2020. Its base 255-horsepower turbocharged engine is faster than you’d expect from a 4-cylinder. For even stronger acceleration, opt for the 382-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine.

The Supra feels controlled around turns and absorbs bumps in the pavement for a smooth ride. An 8-speed automatic transmission and RWD are standard, and a 6-speed manual is available as a no-cost option. Leather upholstery, muted colors, and plush seats give the cabin a sleek look, though any buyer familiar with recent BMWs will be able to tell that it was designed in Bavaria, not Japan. (Toyota based the Supra on the BMW Z4 as part of a cost-saving arrangement between Toyota and BMW.)

Available tech features include Apple CarPlay, a smartphone charging pad, and an infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display.

Shopping for a Used Supra?

The current GR Supra is part of the model’s 5th generation, which debuted for 2020. Older 5th-generation Supras (2020-2022) are similar to the 2023 model in design. Toyota added a 6-speed manual as an option for 2023.

10. 2023 Lexus RC • $45,470

2023 Lexus RC / Credit: Lexus

• What We Like: Lexus reliability; comfortable, well-built interior; V8-powered RC F
• What We Don’t: Can’t match the agility of rivals

The Lexus RC comes with an impressive lineup of four powertrain options. A 241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is standard in the base RC 300, as is rear-wheel drive. Only one trim is available with AWD, the RC 300 AWD, which is powered by a 260-horsepower V6. A stronger 311-horsepower V6 comes in the RC 350. A heart-thumping, 472-horsepower V8 engine comes in the RC F trim. Still, the RC trails class rivals with better steering and handling. The cabin features soft seats and premium materials.

Shopping for a Used RC?

Lexus has made RC since 2015, and any used RC will be broadly similar to the 2023 version shown above. You can save money by purchasing one of these used RC coupes.

Next Steps

How We Ranked These Sports Cars

We ranked these sports cars from the least to most expensive based on their base MSRP when new. We set the limit for this list at around $45,000.

Sports Cars & Coupes

Cheapest Vehicles

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