The 2022 model year is right around the corner, and luckily the coupe is still going strong. Automakers based in Germany build plenty of high-end coupes, so when you have a budget of $30,000, it’s impossible to find one across the pond unless you buy used. Thankfully American companies and a few Japanese car makers price their coupes more affordably. Here is every coupe under $30,000 you’ll be able to find in 2022 so far. 

2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata: basic sports coupe under $30,000

Mazda’s MX5 Miata increases in price year after year yet is still a coupe under $30,000. The ND generation is proving to be the best one yet, providing 180 horsepower from a 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a manual or auto transmission. It’s a basic sports car starting with a soft top, or you can have it with a retractable hardtop for $33,045. Ponying up a few thousand dollars extra grants a limited-slip differential. Every trim level gets the same drivetrain.

2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 get an upgrade

The 2022 Subaru BRZ starts at $27,995 and finally gets an upgrade. Its all-new 2.4-liter direct-injected Boxer engine gets 228 horsepower, up a considerable amount from 205. Its curb weight rests at around 2,800 pounds and sits on track-tuned suspension. The BRZ has more aggressive looks now as well, especially around the ducting behind the front wheels. Toyota has yet to release the GR 86’s price, however, it’s essentially the same car with an identical power and drivetrain. Expect a price below $30,000.

2022 Dodge challenger is a comfortably slow coupe under $30,000

The Dodge Challenger only has one trim level that barely undercuts the $30,000 budget, and it’s the SXT. It gets 300 horsepower from a 3.6-liter V6 mated only to an automatic transmission, weighs 3,858 pounds, and crawls to 60 mph in 6 seconds. While it may seem the only Challenger worth getting has a V8, it is a comfortable car and accelerates with leisurely comfort no matter what trim you get. You may not even notice how fast you’re not going.

2022 Chevrolet Camaro has lots of options for a coupe under $30,000

Chevrolet’s Camaro is the cheapest coupe on this list to start with. It offers a couple of engine choices, mated to either manual or automatic transmissions. The 1LS starts at $26,195 and gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 275 horsepower, while the 3.6-liter V6 available in the 1LT and 2LT trims makes 335 horsepower. Chevrolet Camaros have less than ideal visibility but are snug and accelerate well. Seasoned independent rear suspension helps the car stay agile, yet you may feel the size of it.

2022 Ford Mustang Ecoboost makes the choice easy

Ford Mustang Ecoboosts start at $27,205 with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four making 310 horsepower. Even with a 3,532-pound curb weight, the Mustang feels light on its feet. It’s slow off the line, but once it hits boost, the car takes off, and the only thing reminding you that it’s not a V8 is the lack of sound. The Ford Mustang Ecoboost also has independent rear suspension, helping it bounce from corner to corner. Nothing can bring the V8 sound back, but there are ways you can get the power. 

There’s an obvious choice, but pick the one that makes you happy

The Ford Mustang Ecoboost is affordable, fuel-efficient, and makes decent power, even though there are cheap ways to spice it up. The most important thing to do is test-drive these impressive coupes and pay attention to which one makes you smile the most. It might be a good idea to wait and scrape together some extra cash and check out the new Nissan Z.