Top 10 Best Cars Under $50k (50,000) In 2022

If you have 50k in your pocket and a burning desire for a sports car, there’s no denying that you have options. The options are so good that trying to understand them will be heartbreaking. Almost every major automaker has sports cars in that price range. Some are great, and some are worth ignoring.

Best Cars Under $50,000

Sports cars provide the most Smiles per mile, but many people are reluctant to own them because of their high cost. Don’t be scared if you love owning a sports car but are afraid of the high price tag! In this article, we take a look at the best sports cars under 50k. These sports cars offer the best value for money while providing the highest satisfaction for your sport’s needs.

1. Toyota GR Supra
2. Mazda MX-5 Miata
3. Hyundai Veloster N
4. Subaru BRZ
5. Tesla Model 3
6. Lexus RC
7. Genesis G70
8. Alfa Romeo Giulia
9. Ford Mustang GT
10. Chevrolet Camaro

According to Driving Slowly, a top sports car under 50k should offer better handling, acceleration, and a sporty look than a regular car on the street.

Without further do, let’s get into our list of the best sports cars under 50k.

#1. Toyota GR Supra

• Price – $43,540
• Engine – 2.0-liter turbocharged 
• Horsepower – 382 HP
• Torque – 400 Nm
• Transmission – 6-speed intelligent Manual

The 2022 Toyota Supra has great shoes following its predecessor, the Toyota Supra A80. Although it hasn’t reached the legendary status of the A80, there’s a lot to like about the latest model of the Toyota Supra. This car was developed not by Toyota but by BMW, and it caused a lot of controversies, especially since it can be seen a lot inside the car.

Because it shares the same parts as BMW, the interior is okay in terms of quality, but you can feel like you are riding a BMW rather than a Japanese sports car. But it doesn’t stop with the interior.  The Toyota GR Supra comes with an engine from BMW, and both inline-four and inline-six engines are available from BMW.

#2. Mazda MX-5 Miata

• Price – $27,300
• Engine – 1.6 L DOHC inline four-cylinder 
• Horsepower – 181 HP
• Torque – 100.lb-ft
• Transmission – the direct, easy-to-shift manual

One of the most popular sports cars in the world deserves this list, especially with an MSRP of $27,300.

The Miata is the only convertible on this list and offers the weakest engine of all cars, but don’t be fooled. It is a sports car that requires experience and evaluation.

Miata doesn’t offer anything special, but it’s unique in its own right.  It’s the perfect balance of decent looks, outstanding reliability, and excellent handling of cars at a much higher price.

Considering that the Miata is one of the most reliable sports cars if the car is well cared for, the Miata will be able to deliver joy and happiness for many years.

There are many to choose from if you are looking for a sports car.  The problem is that newer models are often out of the reach of enthusiasts.  A smaller budget means fewer options and less impressive performance than an expensive sports car.

Nevertheless, if you can see, you can find a sports car that satisfies your emotions without breaking the bank.

So, to give you a quick look at what you can get on this budget, we’re updating our list with the best performance cars under 50k.

#3. 2022 Hyundai Veloster N

• Price – $32,500
• Engine – 2.0-liter four-cylinder
• Horsepower – 275 HP
• Torque – 260.lb-ft
• Transmission – a six-speed manual

The Hyundai Veloster N is a hatchback that stands out from the crowd with its unique design.  It is also an attractive and functional sports car thanks to its three doors, exterior lines, and performance package. It is the result of the brand’s growth in the Hyundai Motor Competition.

The 2022 model of the Hyundai Veloster N is part of the second generation introduced in 2019.  The Veloster is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.  The car has been “refreshed” with sporty, lightweight seats contributing to its sporty appearance.

The Veloster N has three customizable drive modes selected from the steering wheel: Normal, Sport and Sport+.

#4. 2022 Subaru BRZ

• Price – $27,995 (Premium) 
• Engine – 2.4-liter four-cylinder 
• Horsepower – 231 HP
• Torque – 184.lb-ft

Just over a year ago, Toyota and Subaru announced the next generation of their famous GT86/BRZ cousins.

The new Subaru BRZ doesn’t mean any revolution in design for the outgoing model. The silhouette is nearly identical, but clean lines, including a curved front end and new headlights, are remarkably modern.  The result is a design very similar to the new Toyota 86 model.

Interestingly, this BRZ is now available in two different transport types.  A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic is standard. The 2022 BRZ has a top speed of 140 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds using the automatic transmission.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all afford to own a Bugatti La Voiture Noire?  However, this price tag of around $19 million is beyond what the average person can afford.  Does this mean we have to give up some road passion?  Not exactly!  Even on a small budget, finding the most exciting rides is possible.  We’ve compiled the best luxury cars under 50k USA for your consideration.

#5. 2022 Tesla Model 3

• Price: $ 46,440
• Engine: Electric
• Horsepower – 283 HP
• Torque – 317.lb-ft
• Transmission – Automatic

With an almost ideal combination of performance, range, and economy, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 lives up to its expectations.  Especially the performance is fast and elegant.  In other words, the Model 3 is an electric car for driving enthusiasts like us. 

The competitive entry price unlocks the Model 3’s full potential, but its fit and finish fall short of competitors like the Chevy Bolt & Ford Mustang. But there’s no cheaper way to park Tesla’s ground-breaking electric car in the driveway.

Last year, the Standard Range model was renamed Rear-Wheel Drive and featured a new battery pack made of lithium-iron-phosphate instead of nickel-cobalt-aluminum. 

Despite the lower energy density than previous battery packs, the estimated range of this entry-level model has improved to 272 miles.  Additionally, the expected range of the Long-Range trim has increased slightly to 358 miles per charge this year.

#6. 2022 Lexus RC

• Price – $42,220
• Engine – 3.5.0-liter V-8
• Horsepower – 260 & 311 HP
• Torque – 395.lb-ft
• Transmission – a six-speed automatic

If you’re not careful, the exterior of the 2022 Lexus RC will make you believe it’s a fast, muscular coupe carved out of a canyon, but behind its athletic body is a considerable softness.  You can choose a turbocharged four-cylinder or a regular aspirated V-6 engine.  But no matter which engine you choose, the RC is ideal for easy commutes and road trips.

The interior is spacious and comfortable, at least suitable for the driver and front passenger, and the luxurious interior of the Lexus looks suitably opulent. This car can also use the RC with various required and optional infotainment and driver assistance technologies, but it is not cutting-edge.

A sports car represents the most thrilling experience you can have from the driver’s seat.  Luxury cars often sacrifice weight, handling, and precision, but sports cars are about maximizing performance at all costs.  It is sometimes possible to mix the two features at a cost premium.

Below are the best luxury cars under 50k for you to explore.

#7. 2022 Genesis G70

• Price: $ 43,445
• Engine: 3.3 L Twin Turbo Premium V-6
• Horsepower: 365 HP
• Torque: 376.lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic

The 2022 G70 shares its foundation with the Kia Stinger but raises the luxury element.  It shows that the Genesis brand is a competitive entry-level luxury contender.  The G70 needs a sporty chassis and spacious interior to compete with sports sedan leaders.

As well as a pleasant drive and well-designed interior, the smallest Genesis sedan demonstrates its brand value at a price a few thousand dollars lower than its major German rival. That’s more than double that of most entry-level luxury vehicles.

#8. 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia

• Price: $ 44,945
• Engine: 2.0 L Intercooled Turbo Premium I-4
• Horsepower: 280 HP
• Torque: 306
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic

The Alfa Romeo Giulia not only looks great but offers the most comfortable driving experience in its class.  With tight handling and a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Giulia is perfectly equipped to compete with competing sports sedans such as the BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, and Mercedes-Benz C-class.

While not as flashy as a sedan in their class, the Alfa’s cabin is well-decorated with the driver in mind.  The front seats are spacious, and passengers are comfortable.  However, most adults will feel their backs tight. It is a problem shared by many vehicles in this class.

Let’s see what the speediest cars under 50k can buy without spending much money.

#9. Ford Mustang GT

For the coupe version, it has the highest see Car’s quality score of 8.4 out of 10, making it the highest sports car in the list of best sports cars.  The top-performing trim for under 50k has,

• a 5.0-liter V8 engine,
• 460 HP,
• 420 pound-feet of torque,

When paired with the GT Performance Package, it can reach 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.  The GT Performance Package includes:

• Summer tires.
• Brembo front brakes.
• Weighted front springs.
• Chassis braces.
• Larger radiators.
• A readjusted chassis and stability controls.
• A Torsen limited-slip differential.

#10. Chevrolet Camaro

The base Chevy Camaro comes standard with the following:

• a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine,
• 275 horsepower,
• 284. lb.-ft torque,
• 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic, & 10-speed automatic,
• It goes from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds,
• Top speed of 155 mph. 

For less than 50k, customers can choose higher trims, including the LT1 and 1SS with a 455 horsepower 6.2 V8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.  This trim allows the more powerful V8 to get 0-60 times in 4.0 seconds.

Like any good sports car, the new Camaro offers sporty handling without compromising ride comfort.  However, there are areas where the Camaro can improve, such as cargo handling.  Also, the rear seats are decorative.  The interior quality is also inferior to many of its competitors.

Conclusion

OK, so I made it harder for you to decide… Will the water get cloudy again?  That’s why I’m here. We want to give you as much information as possible so that you can buy your car fantasy for a little more than the tunnel, monthly payments, and general maintenance. May this article will help you to choose the car that you like & is worth.

FAQs about Best Cars Under $50k