If you’ve ever dreamed of a sports car that felt razor-sharp around every corner without requiring a supercar budget, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up ten models sold new in 2026 and available as 2025 model-year used cars in the U.S., all engineered for precision handling, track-day fun, and pure driving engagement. From lightweight coupes to hot-hatch thrillers, each car on this list delivers real performance value, putting driver-focused dynamics ahead of luxury frills.
These cars have been selected based on U.S. market availability, track-proven engineering, and attainable ownership costs. Whether you’re looking for a rear-wheel-drive precision machine, a balanced mid-engine sports car, or a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, this guide highlights vehicles that punch well above their price point while rewarding enthusiasts who crave true driving excitement.
Models are listed in ascending order based on price, from the most affordable to the most expensive.
2025–26 Mazda MX‑5 | (~$28,000 Used / $33,000 New)
Lightweight Rear-Wheel-Drive Perfection
The Mazda MX‑5 Miata has long been a benchmark for accessible sports car fun. The 2025 used models, priced around $28,000 in the U.S., carry forward the ND-generation chassis that continues in 2026 models starting near $33,000. This car’s light weight (~2,400 lbs), nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and responsive, communicative steering give it extraordinary agility and precision. Every steering input is directly translated into cornering behavior, making it feel alive on tight, technical tracks.
It’s the sort of driving experience that rewards the act of simply being out there in the open driving your car. It’s also a brilliantly engineered little machine, proving that a sports car doesn’t need to be powerful to be qualified as such.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
Its suspension is tuned for nimble, playful handling, and its brakes offer sharp initial bite with excellent modulation. Rear-wheel-drive layout and low center of gravity allow confident rotation through corners, even for drivers who are newer to track environments. For enthusiasts seeking maximum fun for minimal cost, the Miata exemplifies that light, balanced cars often outperform heavier, more powerful competitors.
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2025–26 Toyota GR86 | (~$31,000 Used / $34,500 New)
Balanced Handling With Rear-Wheel-Drive Fun
The GR86 builds on Toyota’s long history of accessible RWD sports cars. Its 2.4-liter flat-four engine produces 228 horsepower with smooth torque delivery, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic. 2025 used models average ~$31,000, while new 2026 examples start around $34,500. With a slightly stiffer chassis than the Miata, the GR86 delivers crisp turn-in, lateral stability, and predictable oversteer behavior, making it extremely rewarding in corner-heavy scenarios.
The suspension and weight distribution are optimized to ensure maximum tire contact and traction, while the low center of gravity enhances high-speed cornering precision. A manual gearbox keeps the driver connected, allowing skilled enthusiasts to exploit the chassis’s full potential. Whether navigating tight mountain roads or exploring a track, the Toyota GR86 demonstrates how a balanced RWD platform can deliver pure driver enjoyment at an attainable price.
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2025–26 Subaru BRZ | (~$32,000 Used / $35,000 New)
Precision-Engineered Handling
The BRZ shares its platform with the GR86 but emphasizes a slightly more performance-oriented suspension and chassis tuning. Rear-wheel-drive configuration, low center of gravity, and a perfectly weighted chassis allow the 228-horsepower 2.4-liter flat-four engine to shine in corners. 2025 used models are priced near $32,000, while 2026 new cars start at $35,000. Its suspension and damping deliver a tight, responsive feel that inspires confidence even at higher speeds.
this car isn’t about brute force. It’s one you’ll enjoy driving with finesse—slicing and dicing your favorite twisty two-lanes at high average speeds…. This is a car in which a mediocre driver can look good and a good driver can look almost superhuman.
– Lyndon Conrad Bell, TopSpeed Journalist
Beyond raw numbers, the Subaru BRZ rewards smooth and deliberate driver inputs. Its steering feedback, brake modulation, and chassis rotation provide clear communication, making it ideal for track days, autocross, or spirited canyon runs. Lightweight construction combined with predictable handling ensures that drivers can explore limits safely while learning the subtleties of car control.
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2025–26 Honda Civic Type R | (~$37,000 Used / $42,000 New)
Front-Wheel-Drive Track Dominator
The Civic Type R has long been a reference point for front-wheel-drive performance. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers 315 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential, allowing the front wheels to manage power effectively without excessive understeer. 2025 used models are around $37,000, while 2026 new cars start at $42,000.
Setting the front end towards the apex is as simple as coming off the throttle. Reapply the throttle, and the Type R’s downright magic front differential hauls you out of the corner, working in conjunction with its huge 265-section performance tires.
– Chase Bierenkoven for TopSpeed
Honda’s precision-tuned suspension, adaptive chassis, and rigid chassis structure combine to provide strong turn-in, excellent lateral grip, and minimal body roll. Braking performance is confident and predictable, making the Type R ideal for both track use and spirited street driving. For enthusiasts, it’s a car that balances daily usability with genuine handling prowess, offering high-speed cornering precision typically reserved for more expensive machines.
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2025–26 Ford Mustang GT | (~$41,000 Used / $45,000 New)
American Muscle Meets Precision
With the Performance Pack, the Mustang GT transforms from a straight-line powerhouse to a corner-capable track weapon. Its 5.0-liter V8 generates 450 horsepower, and when paired with upgraded MagneRide suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, the car rewards skilled drivers with sharp handling and controllable weight transfer. 2025 used models are around $41,000, while new 2026 models start near $45,000.
The Mustang GT combines raw power with a chassis that can confidently rotate through corners with the right input. While traditional muscle cars often suffer from understeer, the Performance Pack and tuning improvements allow for balanced, predictable handling, giving enthusiasts both acceleration and engagement on the track.
2025–26 Nissan Z | (~$44,000 Used / $47,000 New)
Heritage Meets Modern Performance
The Nissan Z continues a legacy of driver-focused coupes, pairing a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with a rear-drive chassis. Used 2025 models start around $44,000, while new 2026 units begin at $47,000. Its chassis balance, low center of gravity, and responsive steering make it extremely capable in corners, while adaptive suspension ensures precision at both high and moderate speeds.
Beyond handling, the Nissan Z delivers powerful acceleration with a broad torque curve, ideal for spirited driving or track sessions. Braking and suspension tuning are optimized for repeatable performance, making the car a well-rounded package for enthusiasts who want modern performance with the classic Z lineage.
2025–26 Toyota Supra | (~$48,000 Used / $51,000 New)
Balanced Performance Coupe
The 2025 Supra, with its front-mid engine layout and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 382 horsepower, provides perfect weight distribution and excellent handling dynamics. Used models are around $48,000, while new 2026 cars start near $51,000. Its adaptive suspension, sport brakes, and RWD chassis make it both predictable and agile through corners.
The Supra’s tuning rewards skilled drivers with balanced cornering, controlled body roll, and precise throttle response, making it ideal for drivers who value handling finesse over brute acceleration. This makes it a favorite for track-day enthusiasts seeking precision over sheer speed.
2025–26 Porsche 718 Cayman / Boxster | (~$58,000 Used / $63,000 New)
Mid-Engine Precision
The Porsche 718 series exemplifies mid-engine handling excellence, offering near-perfect weight distribution and world-class steering feedback. Used 2025 models are priced around $58,000, with 2026 new models starting at $63,000. Its turbocharged flat-four engines produce 300–365 horsepower, paired with manual or PDK (Porsche’s dual-clutch automatic transmission) options.
On track, the Cayman/Boxster delivers pinpoint cornering, responsive brakes, and consistent rotation, giving drivers confidence to explore limits. Its mid-engine layout allows for balanced handling at both low and high speeds, making it a refined and exhilarating choice for serious driving enthusiasts.
2025–26 BMW M2 | (~$63,000 Used / $68,000 New)
Compact Track-Focused Performance
The BMW M2 packs 453 horsepower from a turbocharged inline-six into a compact, rear-drive chassis, providing near-perfect weight balance. 2025 used models are around $63,000, while 2026 new examples start at $68,000. Its MagneRide adaptive suspension, sticky tires, and sharp brakes allow agile, confident cornering, rewarding skillful drivers on track or spirited drives.
The M2’s small footprint and responsive steering make it a true driver’s car, offering the precision of more expensive German sport coupes in a relatively accessible package. Daily usability combines with track-day readiness, making it a versatile performance machine.
2025–26 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | (~$65,000 Used / $71,000 New)
Mid-Engine American Marvel
The Corvette Stingray delivers supercar-level performance at a fraction of the cost, with a mid-engine layout, 495-hp V8, and advanced adaptive suspension. Used 2025 models are around $65,000, while 2026 new examples start near $71,000. Its chassis balance, precise steering, and performance braking make it outstanding on track, while the V8 engine provides exhilarating acceleration.
For enthusiasts, the Corvette Stingray proves that exotic-level dynamics can be achieved without exotic pricing. Its combination of American muscle and mid-engine handling makes it one of the ultimate track-capable sports cars accessible to enthusiasts today.
Sources: Manufacturer’s official website, KBB