These 3 sports cars prove fun doesn't have to cost more than $35K

• Automakers are showcasing affordable sports cars at the 2026 New York Auto Show.
• The average new car price reached $49,353 in February 2026, a 3.4% increase from the previous year.
• Several sports cars are available for around $35,000 or less, including models from Ford, Toyota and Subaru.

With consumer concerns about rising car prices mounting, automakers are showing off several affordable sports cars that start around $35,000 or less at the 2026 New York Auto Show.

The annual New York City car confab is taking place as the average price of a new car reached $49,353 in February 2026, which is the most recent data available, according to Cox Automotive. The figure was up 3.4% from February 2025.

Erin Keating, an executive analyst at Cox Automotive, said in a statement that "it's also important to note that not every vehicle is a $50,000 purchase. Most of the volume still sits in segments priced below the industry average."

"Remove expensive full-size pickups, and the average is closer to $39,000, which tells a very different affordability story," Keating said.

The USA TODAY Cars team took at look at the sport cars that start around $35,000 or less that automakers are spotlighting at the New York Auto Show to tell that story of affordability.

1. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

List price: $34,635

What they said: Laurie Transou, Ford's Mustang Chief Program Engineer said in a statement "when we set out to develop a new kind of performance Mustang in partnership with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and RTR, our mission was simple: produce the most exciting, fun-to-drive turbocharged Mustang ever. We succeeded."

2. Toyota GR86

List price: $31,135

What they said: Toyota said in a press release "the GR86 is a sports car that focuses on performance and balance. Its compact dimensions and responsive chassis make it feel nimble on both tight corners and open roads, delivering an engaging driving experience that emphasizes fun over outright power."

3. Subaru BRZ

List price: $35,860

What they said: Bill Stokes, car line planning manager for Subaru of America, Inc., said in a statement: "Our streamlined BRZ lineup reflects our buyers’ preferences in a lightweight, performance coupe with technology and creature comforts found in BRZ Limited and BRZ tS trim levels, which more than 90% of our buyers chose last year. BRZ delivers an ideal combination of a fun-to-drive sports car and incredible value, with impressive active safety and technology."