The 2021 Nissan GT-R is as powerful as they come. With up to 600 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, this speedster seems more at home on the racetrack than city streets. Unfortunately, the only "luxury" part of the GT-R is the price. All that engine power comes at a premium price well over $100K, but the interior materials and features don't match that of other competitors. A better equipped and more luxurious Porsche, for instance, can be had for cheaper.
Standing outside the 2022 Dodge Challenger, bystanders will definitely notice the powerfully bold engine in this sporty car. But once you're inside the cabin, things are quiet and comfortable. The Challenger also leads the class in interior and trunk space. But make no mistake, this is a large car, and that causes agility to suffer somewhat.
The 2022 Jaguar F-Type is as sleek and stylish as ever. Even more good news is that some more advanced safety features are standard for 2022. However, the infotainment system is unintuitive, and we found the seats uncomfortable. The seats! Of a sports car! It's a shame because the F-Type is particularly exhilarating to drive, otherwise.
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro is right in the middle of the pack. We appreciate its aggressively sporty styling (high marks there), but the design also has a drawback. The narrow windows hinder outward visibility. The interior suffers somewhat from cheap plastic materials, but the front seats are comfortable and supportive making them perfect for racing along a scenic drive.
To call the interior of the Lexus LC luxurious is actually probably an understatement. Finishes are top-tier, and all the expensive tech that you could want is available (even if it is distracting sometimes). The roomy interior is filled out with spacious and comfortable seats. And when it comes to handling, the LC floats down the road without a care in the world.
The 2022 Acura NSX is speedy with a newly improved suspension for this model year. Acura should be commended for improving the driving dynamics, but they could have also paid a little bit more attention to the interior. The cabin is comfortable, but the infotainment input demands all your attention (when it should be focused on the road ahead). There are also few options for buyers to customize their NSX the way that is just right for them.
How many other vehicles have a V10 engine? The 2021 Audi R8 has powerful engine options and exceptional handling. The interior is also upscale enough to match this price point. But all those fancy things come at a fancy price. In fact, it's one of the most expensive offerings on this list. The R8 also has fewer options than other competitors.
The Audi TT's sweeping dome design is iconic the world over. However, thanks to slowing sales, Audi has announced that this third generation will be the last and that it will be replaced with an electric vehicle in the near future. In the meantime, the 2022 TT has all the state-of-the-art tech a driver could want in the cockpit, but the actual driving dynamics don't stand out in the class anymore. Also, forget about using those tiny back seats.
There is a 4-door "coupe" offering. We'll skip over that (because...huh?) and stick to talking about the true coupe. If you're pondering about a GT purchase, this is the one you want anyway. There are an array of powerful engines to choose from, the handling almost reads your mind, and this may be our favorite interior of any car in the class. The interior design is simply superb.
The 2021 Ford Mustang ticks all the boxes, and it's easy to see why it's been so popular after all these years. The engines are athletic (including a V8 option), the handling is spot-on, and the design is handsome inside and out. There are affordable options all the way up to the performance-focused GT version. Plus, the Mustang name has spun off a Ford sub-brand that now includes the electric Mustang Mach-E, inspired by this historic performance vehicle.
The Z4 is back and better looking than ever! The front end is aggressive and the deep front fender vents are sporty. Even though it's a two-seater, the interior cabin is spacious and well-appointed. As one of our lower-scoring BMWs, however, we found that the Z4 doesn't have particularly athletic handling, which we found puzzling given its coupe size.
After being missing in action for 20 years, the Toyota Supra came back with a vengeance last year! The 2021 Supra has great handling, strong engines, and good fuel economy. The sporty exterior is also eyecatching and fun. Once inside, however, visibility is limited because of small windows. Because it's sporty, it sits low, which also makes it a little difficult to get in and out of.
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata just squeaks ahead of the Mustang thanks to better fuel economy and more affordable prices. For those who want a back seat and useable trunk, look elsewhere. Otherwise, buyers will find speedy acceleration, a zippy engine, pinpoint handling, and an exterior design that looks like it was molded by the wind sweeping past the vehicle at high speeds.
The 8-Series was brand-new for 2019 and essentially replaced the outgoing 6-series. There's a model for whatever you need. Prefer solid handling? Go for the coupe. Need a more spacious back seat? Opt for the Gran Coupe (pictured here). Like the open air? There's a convertible option. The downside? The 8 is expensive, and even some cheaper 5- and 7-series models are more decked out.
The 2022 Porsche 718's luxurious interior is straightforward, instantly useable, and features high-class finishes. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. The engines are powerful, and the handling is sublime. It truly is our pick for the most fun vehicle to drive (take that Tesla)! It also has above-average reliability ratings and starts at nearly $20,000 less than other rivals (looking at you Lexus LC and BMW 8-series).
The mid-engine-designed Chevrolet Corvette was brand-new last year. There's actually a useable trunk (in the non-convertible model), comfy seats that hug driver and passenger, and plenty of power to go around (it reaches up to 490 hp!). The incredible handling also makes us wonder why Chevy is keeping it all to the Corvette and not incorporating it into other models.
Like most Porsches, the 911 is a joy to drive. It features outstanding handling, powerful engines, and an upscale interior this is as intuitive as it is comfortable. Yes, the back seats are cramped, but just leave the kids at home. Porsche also has good reliability scores, so you're making a good investment when you're plopping down this much money for a new car.
