If you’re looking for a sports car that combines superb gas mileage with dazzling performance, the Tesla Model 3 can’t be beaten. Though it’s Tesla’s least expensive model, it can still churn out over 450 horsepower and rocket to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds—all while getting over 100 MPGe.
The Model 3 isn’t the only sports car that cares about fuel efficiency just as much as flair, though. The BMW Z4 boasts great gas mileage to go with its beautiful design and the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a wonderfully affordable sports car that gets nearly 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Whether you’re leaning towards an ultra-modern, all-electric Tesla or a
achieved an outstanding 113+ MPGe fuel rating and included a performance package that ratcheted its horsepower upover 450. It also had all the flashy bells and whistles that Teslas are famous for, from futuristic self-driving tech to fascinating car defense modes.
But the real reason that the Model 3 was celebrated by fans and critics alike was simply this: Tesla had finally created an exceptional sports car with a price tag that wouldn’t weigh down the average consumer—or leave them with unmanageable
In short, the Model 3 is beautifully designed, wickedly fast, and delightfully fuel-efficient. With a starting price of under $45,000, that’s more than enough to earn the top spot on our list.
Costing only a few thousand dollars more than the Model 3, the BMW Z4 has every bit of the brand’s trademark style and lauded performance. In building the Z4, the German automaker drew from its roots as an aircraft engine manufacturer, creating a powertrain that could produce up to 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.
It takes a slight hit in the efficiency department, though—the Z4 gets 32 miles per gallon on the highway, which is great for a sports car, but not enough to topple the Tesla. You'll also have to contend with relatively expensive
. In fact, its upgraded powertrain is identical, at 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. If you love the performance of the Z4 but want a style that feels more modern, the
The Supra’s gas mileage estimates aren’t incredible, topping out at 30 mpg on the highway, but Car and Driver’s real-world test landed at a strong 34 mpg—part of the reason they awarded a glowing
With its new-school design, powerful engine, and a starting price that shaves a few thousand off both the Model 3 and the Z4, the Toyota Supra rounds out the top three with flair.
#4: Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo—$193,800
Sporty score: 9.8
Fuel efficiency score: 8.9
Overall score: 9.4
There’s no way around it: the 689 horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is as impressive as its name is long. Porsche claims that the Turbo S E-Hybrid edition can scorch across the asphalt from 0-60 mph in two seconds flat—and, having looked over their
also boasts an impressive 48 MPGe, surpassing all but the Model 3 and BMW i8 in fuel efficiency. So, why isn’t it number one on our list? You guessed it—the near $200,000 price tag.
But, if money is no object for you, it’ll be hard to resist the formidable performance of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo.
is the cream of the crop when it comes to affordable sports cars with great gas mileage. Though it’s only got 181 horsepower, the lightweight chassis of the Miata and its responsive handling make it a joyous ride.
Even the baseline trim level of the Miata managed 35 miles per gallon on the highway, prompting Car and Driver to bestow a
369 horsepower engine with its hyper-modern exterior, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a sporty car: wonderful performance and head-turning design. Though its gas-powered engine only achieves 30 mpgon the highway, if you factor in its hybrid component, the i8 produces a superb 70+ MPGe. That kind of mileage will keep you cruising past gas stations all the way to your destination.
Bolstered by its fantastic fuel rating, the i8 is the perfect choice for German automaker aficionados—or anyone who wants a supercar that looks like it came to Earth from a galaxy far, far away.
A timeless American classic, the Ford Mustang Ecoboost churns out an impressive 330 horsepower. That number might pale in comparison to the Shelby GT 500 (760 hp), but it comes with a huge perk—the Mustang Ecoboost is the cheapest muscle car on our list.
With its roaring engine and excellent price, the Mustang has it all—except for top-notch fuel efficiency. As it stands, even the Ecoboost edition barely gets 30 mpg on the highway, which is just enough to earn it a place in the top ten.
Still, if you want to capture the spirit of American driving machines without breaking the bank, the Mustang Ecoboost is a great option.
carves out its place in the list with a commanding 354 horsepower engine that generates 34 miles per gallon on the highway. On top of that, it’s chock-full of bonus features, including a heated steering wheel, windshield wiper de-icing system, and leather upholstery.
The LC 500h tiptoes the features-per-dollar tightrope nimbly, providing plenty of useful upgrades to justify its six-digit price tag.
MORE: Top 10 most reliable supercars
#9: Mini Cooper—$22,900
Sporty score: 7.5
Fuel efficiency score: 8.3
Overall score: 7.9
As the saying goes, “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”— and the nifty
upgraded 228 horsepower engine provides ample fight for a subcompact car. Not only is the Mini great for cost-conscious buyers (it’s the cheapest car on the list), but it’s also perfect for people who don’t want to waste time refueling on road trips.
With a highway fuel rating of 38 miles per gallon, the Mini Cooper proves that it belongs with BMWs and Teslas as a top-notch sports car.
from Car and Driver, the 443-horsepower 911 Carrera is arguably the sportiest car on the list. Its immense aesthetic appeal has been growing since its debut in 1963, and the most recent editions are just as easy on the eye as the classic 911s.
Unfortunately, the thirsty engine of the Porsche 911 Carrera prevents it from achieving greatness on this particular list—its fuel rating estimates are a measly 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Car and Driver, though, was able to squeak out 30 mpg in real-world highway driving.
Fuel rating aside, the matchless design and seamless performance of the 911 Carrera make it a sports car fit for royals and rebels alike.
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What is the cheapest sports car?
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At $22,900, the Mini Cooper is the cheapest sports car in 2022, with the Ford Mustang ($27,025) and Mazda MX-5 Miata ($27,300) rounding out the top three.
How do I get better gas mileage while driving?
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These are the top three things you can do to get better mileage on the road: maintain asteady driving speed, air up your tires, and take care of regular maintenance on your car. If you lay off the accelerator, take corners slowly, and keep your car in excellent condition, you’ll keep your fuel arrow from falling too quickly.
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