Four Sports Cars Outsell the Miata in 2025

The Mazda MX-5 Miata: A Timeless Classic in a Changing Market

For many, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is considered the perfect sports car. It's small, light, and agile, offering enough power and rear-wheel-drive playfulness to make driving fun without being overwhelming. Its reliability, affordability, and practicality as a daily driver make it a popular choice, especially for those who aren't too large or don’t need to carry many passengers or items. In today’s market, where convertibles are becoming rare and reserved for high-end sports cars, the Miata stands out as a unique and accessible option.

Starting at just $31,065, the Miata is essentially tied with the 2025 Toyota GR86 as the cheapest new sports car you can buy. Despite a slow start earlier this year, the Miata has rebounded strongly, selling 7,299 units so far. Only four other sports cars have sold more than that this year, making it a remarkable achievement. But if you're looking for which sports cars are having an even better year, here's a breakdown of the top performers.

Toyota GR86: A Strong Competitor

The Toyota GR86 has sold 8,107 units this year, slightly ahead of the Miata. This makes sense, as the GR86 offers more power, space, and practicality, making it a more appealing option for those transitioning into two-door sports cars. It also provides more rigidity with its hardtop design and the ability to carry extra wheels and tires for track days.

Additionally, the GR86 is relatively newer, with this generation starting production in 2022, compared to the Miata, which is now nearly a decade old. If you combine the GR86 with its twin, the Subaru BRZ, their combined sales exceed 10,000 units. For those who prefer a more rigid structure over an open-top experience, the GR86 is a strong alternative. It’s also one of the few truly affordable sports cars available today, with a starting price of around $31,000.

Mercedes-Benz CLE: A Surprising Success

Moving up in price, the Mercedes-Benz CLE has sold 8,760 units this year. While not as performance-focused as some of its rivals, the AMG variant, the CLE 53, delivers strong performance with a hybridized inline-six turbo engine and impressive acceleration. Its variety of variants, including coupe and convertible models, gives it broader appeal, helping it stand out in a competitive market.

Mercedes has faced challenges with other models, but the CLE seems to have found the right balance of style, comfort, and performance. It appeals to buyers who might be turned off by the rawness of a traditional sports car but still want something stylish and capable.

Chevrolet Corvette: A Powerhouse on the Track

The Chevrolet Corvette has sold an impressive 17,718 units this year, largely due to the arrival of the new ZR1 model. This hypercar offers 1,064 horsepower, a 2.2-second 0-60 mph time, and a top speed of 233 mph—all for just $185,395. That’s a significant investment, but it’s a bargain compared to other cars with similar specs.

The 2026 models also feature a redesigned interior, replacing the previous button-heavy layout with a larger screen and a more modern look. The standard Stingray model remains a strong seller, offering sub-3 second 0-60 times, a V8 engine, and mid-engine styling for just $71,995. Despite its age, the Corvette continues to dominate the American sports car market.

Ford Mustang: A Legacy in Decline

The Ford Mustang has sold 32,818 units this year, making it the best-selling sports car in America. However, its sales have declined significantly, with 2025 on track to be its worst year ever. Last year’s total of 47,212 units was already the lowest on record. The decline is partly due to the lack of competition from the Camaro and V8 Mopar models, which were once key competitors.

Even more concerning is the rise of the electric Mustang Mach-E, which now sells twice as much as the gas-powered version. Still, selling over 30,000 two-door coupes in 2025 is no small feat, and the Mustang remains a symbol of American muscle and style.