The Best Sports Cars in 2025
Looking at all the sports cars on the market, the team at The Car Guide has identified the three models that represent the best buys for 2025.
Of course, sports cars come in many different shapes and at different price points. We’ve put sporty sedans and hot hatches in a separate category, as well as luxury sports cars in another. Below are classic, two-door sports cars including coupes and roadsters most Canadian shoppers can afford.
- Also: 2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition Debuts With 230 Units for Canada
- Also: Top 10 Most Reliable 2025 Models According to Consumer Reports
1. Mazda MX-5
Having just celebrated its 35th anniversary, the Mazda MX-5 masters the art of driving like no other. The RF variant may be some 40 kg heavier, but that's not much considering the addition of a roll bar, retractable hardtop and related hardware. That said, the MX-5 is the lightest car available in 2025, which explains why it's so much fun to drive.
Even though output is relatively limited (181 hp), the MX-5 delivers outstanding cornering performance and thrills aplenty. That's the main reason for buying one—definitely not cargo capacity or interior space.
The manual gearbox is an ideal match for the 2.0-litre engine, the suspension is perfectly calibrated, and the driving position is beyond reproach with beautifully sculpted bucket seats. As a bonus, the MX-5 is expertly assembled and can be described as the world's most reliable sports car with low maintenance costs.
2. Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
This Japanese duo takes second place, and the base price of under $35,000 is part of the explanation. Aesthetically and technically very similar, the BRZ and GR86 are powered by the same 2.4-litre flat-four engine (228 hp), but what makes them so appealing is their light weight of around 1,300 kg.
Engineers have focused on driving dynamics, emphasizing agility and responsiveness. The manual gearbox plays an active part in the fun driving experience. On the other hand, we wish the sound of the engine was more engaging. While the MX-5 is more maneuverable, the BRZ and GR86 make up for it with greater everyday versatility. Both cars are noisy at high speeds and suffer from a stiff ride on rough pavement, mind you.
Inside, Subaru and Toyota have not followed the trend of huge screens and touch-sensitive controls, and so much the better. Space is decent up front, better than in the MX-5. By the way, don't miss the tS (BRZ) and Hakone (GR86) limited editions that were added to the lineup for 2025—if there are any units left.
3. Ford Mustang
The venerable Mustang rounds out our podium. After six decades, Ford's pony car has never looked so dashing and desirable. The GT remains a pure pleasure with a V8 now delivering 480 hp—and gets even better with the optional Performance Package—while the base EcoBoost model surprises with a sweet-sounding, 315-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The dual displays that replace the traditional round gauges in the cockpit fit in quite well with the dashboard, although they represent a radical, almost blasphemous change in the eyes of Mustang purists. Still, we'd like to see a few more physical controls.
With a very firm ride, sharp steering and a rigid chassis, the new Dark Horse model is a proper heir to the Mach 1, GT350 and GT500. The 10-speed automatic transmission, on the other hand, proves disappointing. You should stick with the Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox.
For more information and ratings, don’t miss our Best Buys section.
