The sports car segment is highly competitive, especially because most buyers believe higher prices equal better quality. As a result, they might not even give the 2022 Toyota Supra a second glance. Critics say the revived Supra is spacious and fun to drive — plus, it’s available for as low as $43,540. It’s even more difficult for a car to stand out in the luxury segment, where many cost upward of $90,000. The 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster bucks that trend, starting at just $62,600.
Despite these two sports cars’ below-average prices, Consumer Reports says they’re the best you can buy for over $40,000.
What makes the 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster so appealing?
The 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster sits near the top of the Consumer Reports rankings for sports cars, with a near-perfect road test rating. Consumer Reports found the base model quite fast, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
On the base trim, you get a 300-hp turbo-four paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. However, CR opted for the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for this car’s road test.
The 2022 718 Boxster’s handling is smooth and precise, and it lacks any noticeable body roll. It showcases superior braking performance compared to other sports cars, though it does exhibit a lot of noise. Still, testers cited the 718 Boxster’s engine and transmission notes as highlights.
On the bright side, it’s easy to mitigate exterior noise with the cloth roof. It takes 10 seconds to unroll or roll up, and you can activate it at speeds of 43 mph or below. The interior is predictably luxurious, though CR’s testers felt the seats needed more adjustment options.
Though the seats are quite supportive, the Porsche 718 Boxster’s firm ride quality is unavoidable. Seat access is also a chore because this roadster sits so low to the ground. The 718 Boxster has two storage trunks but woefully little cabin storage.
The 2022 Toyota GR Supra is surprisingly good
For this test, Consumer Reports used the Toyota Supra 3.0, which comes standard with an upgraded turbo-six engine. It produces 382 hp and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2022 Toyota Supra 3.0 costs at least $51,890 without options.
Despite the Supra’s extra horsepower, the 718 Boxster is still a hair faster. The GR Supra still excels at handling, with quick steering and smooth-shifting transmission.
It also got the same impressive score as the 718 Boxster in CR’s avoidance maneuver test. Even if you suddenly swerve at 56 mph to avoid hitting something, the Supra can probably pull it off.
Like many sports cars, the 2022 Toyota Supra doesn’t have the most accessible seats or coziest ride. The cabin also suffers from a lot of exterior noise. And driver visibility is reportedly poor from any angle.
Although the cabin feels small, the Supra offers many adjustment options to make things more comfortable. Roomy bucket seats come standard, and the interior, though not overly extravagant, looks refined. CR warns that the infotainment system poses a bit of a learning curve if you’re unfamiliar with the BMW interface.
A cheap sports car can still be a great purchase
Given Toyota’s reputation for producing economical, reliable cars, we’re surprised it even tried to make an upscale sports car. Still, it isn’t out of the ordinary for mainstream brands. In fact, Consumer Reports says that the best sporty convertible is far cheaper than the Porsche 718 Boxster.
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers addictive performance, excellent gas mileage, and even a manual transmission. Best of all, you can buy one for just $27,650.
RELATED: Only 2 Sports Cars Have Abysmal Fuel Economy Under 20 MPG, According to Consumer Reports