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The Most Thrilling Affordable RWD Sports Cars You Can Buy in 2026

The 2026 Miata and GR86 offer two distinct new-car routes to affordable rear-wheel-drive fun. Used 2017–2020 BRZ and Toyota 86 models may lower the budget, but condition and local prices vary.
Entry763 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team

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If you want a new rear-wheel-drive sports car without moving far beyond the low-$30,000 MSRP range, start with the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport soft top and Toyota GR86. The Miata is a two-seat convertible with a standard manual; the GR86 is a more powerful coupe available with a manual or automatic. To spend less than new-car money, look at used 2017–2020 Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 models—but treat any advertised price as specific to that car and market, not a guaranteed going rate.

Affordable RWD sports cars at a glance

Car Layout and power Price evidence Best fit
2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport soft top Two-seat roadster; 181 hp; standard six-speed manual $30,430 starting MSRP in Mazda’s January 27, 2026 release; Mazda announced a $300 MSRP increase effective September 15, 2026 Drivers who put open-air, lightweight roadster driving first
2026 Toyota GR86 Rear-wheel-drive coupe; 2.4-liter boxer engine; 228 hp; six-speed manual or automatic $31,400 base MSRP on Toyota’s 2026 product page, accessed October 8, 2026 Drivers who want a coupe, more power, and a choice of transmissions
2017–2020 Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 Used rear-wheel-drive coupes; specifications vary by year and individual car Included in Edmunds’ roundup of used performance cars under $25,000; that is an editorial budget guide, not a current market-price guarantee Buyers willing to shop used and inspect condition carefully

These are buyer-fit comparisons, not a universal ranking of which car is most thrilling. The best choice depends on whether you prefer a convertible or coupe, need an automatic, and are willing to accept the risks and variability of a used car.

2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata: the open-top pick

Mazda’s January 2026 pricing release lists the 2026 MX-5 Miata Sport soft top with a six-speed manual at a $30,430 starting MSRP. The same release gives the Miata 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Mazda announced a $300 MSRP increase effective September 15, 2026, so check Mazda’s current pricing and a local dealer’s quote before treating the January figure as current.

The Miata makes sense if the sensation of a small, open-top roadster matters more to you than rear seats or a choice of transmission. Mazda says, “A standard six-speed manual transmission remains at the heart of the MX-5 Miata driving experience.” Car and Driver describes the car’s appeal in terms of lightweight handling; that is an editorial assessment, not a universal measurement of driving enjoyment. Mazda’s MX-5 Miata page is the place to check current model details, while the dated pricing announcement is available in Mazda’s January 27, 2026 release.

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#1 Best Overall
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PHILTOP 512564 Rear Wheel Hub Assembly for Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD
  • Compatibility: Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly for 2013-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD, 2014-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD, 2018-2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross AWD, 2018-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
  • Wheel Hub Num: 512564, 3785A035, 3785A064, BR930996, HA590754, 3785A073. Please refer to the Vehicle menu at the top of the list, select your vehicle's "Year, Make, Model" and click "Confirm" to make sure the wheel bearing fit your car.
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2026 Toyota GR86: the coupe with more power

Toyota lists the 2026 GR86 at a $31,400 base MSRP. Its 2.4-liter boxer engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and buyers can choose a six-speed manual or automatic. Toyota also publishes a 0–60 mph time of 6.1 seconds; that is the manufacturer’s figure, not an independent test result.

Choose the GR86 if you want a fixed-roof coupe, more engine power than the Miata, or an automatic transmission option. Car and Driver’s characterization emphasizes steering and chassis tuning, which should be understood as reviewer judgment rather than a promise that every driver will prefer it. Toyota directs shoppers to local dealer offers and inventory through its 2026 GR86 page; the MSRP alone is not an out-the-door quote.

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Nhsmgt 512326 Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Compatible with Kia Sorento 2011-2015
  • Compatibility Info - Fit for Hyundai Santa Fe 2007-2020, Fit for Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2013-2018, Fit for Kia Sorento 2011-2015, Fit for Hyundai Veracruz 2007-2012, Fit for Hyundai Santa Fe XL 2019
  • Hub Specifications - Position: Rear, Lugs: 5 Bolts, Drive Type: FWD, ABS Type: Sensor Cap, Flange Type: 4 Bolt Modified. Before purchasing, please check the "Amazon Confirmed Fit" bar, enter all vehicle information (year/make/model/engine/trim) for compatibility and check qualifier notes.
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Used BRZ and Toyota 86: a lower-budget route

Edmunds, in an Associated Press-syndicated guide to used performance cars under $25,000, includes Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 models from 2017–2020. The guide recommends focusing on 2017-and-newer cars because of gearing and suspension revisions. Its under-$25,000 framing is a shopping budget, not evidence that every example currently sells below that amount.

With a used sports car, the individual car matters as much as the badge. Before committing, review service records, check for modifications and signs of hard use, and arrange an independent inspection. Compare local asking prices for cars with similar model years, mileage, condition, and equipment; the available evidence does not establish a current average used price. See the AP-syndicated Edmunds used-car guide for its shortlist and model-year guidance.

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Autoround 512534 Rear Wheel Hub Assembly Fits Nissan Rogue 2014-2020
  • COMPATIBILITY - 512534 Wheel Hub Assembly compatible with 2014-2020 Nissan Rogue (Rear; FWD), 2017-2022 Nissan Rogue Sport (Rear; FWD)
  • FEATURES - For FWD Only, 5 Lugs, ABS System, Flange Diameter: 148MM, Flange Offset: 69MM, Bolt Circle Diameter: 4.5IN, Replaces parts: 512534 HA590565 43202-4BA0A
  • QUALITY - Autoround Wheel Bearing and Hub Assemblies has been quality tested to meet or exceed OEM performance standards
  • INSTALLATION - Assembling has excellent performance, precise overall structure, easy and quick installation
  • CUSTOMER SUPPORT - Autoround offers 3 years of QA. If you have questions, please contact "Autoround Customer Service" via Amazon at any time. We also offer a variety of other automotive replacement parts.
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How to choose between them

  • Choose the Miata if you want two seats, a soft top, and a standard manual transmission.
  • Choose the GR86 if you want a coupe, 228 horsepower, or the option of an automatic.
  • Shop a used BRZ or 86 if your budget is below new-car MSRP and you can assess the specific car’s history and condition.
  • Compare real purchase costs, not just advertised starting prices. Mazda says dealers set actual sale prices and excludes taxes and fees; Toyota points buyers to local dealer offers. Destination charges, taxes, fees, dealer pricing, and incentives affect what a local buyer pays.

A 2025 Ford Mustang appeared in Edmunds’ AP-syndicated roundup of budget performance cars with a $33,515 starting price for that model year’s coupe. That is historical 2025 context, not a current 2026 price or evidence that it is the cheapest choice today. A Mustang may suit someone seeking a more traditional pony-car experience, but it is a different proposition from the smaller roadsters and coupes above. The AP-syndicated Edmunds roundup provides that dated context.

Best Value
512535 - Rear Driver or Passenger Side Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Compatible with [AWD ONLY] [Nissan] 2014-2017 Juke, 2017-2019 Qashqai, 2014-2020 Rogue, 2017-2022 Rogue Sport, 2014-2015 Rogue Select
  • [Fitment Position] - REAR Driver Side or Passenger Side
  • [Compatible Vehicles] - 2014 Nisn. Juke [10/01/2014 - AWD ONLY], 2015-2017 Nisn. Juke [AWD ONLY], 2017-2019 Nisn. Qashqai [AWD ONLY], 2014-2020 Nisn. Rogue [AWD ONLY], 2014-2015 Nisn. Rogue Select [AWD ONLY], 2017-2022 Nisn. Rogue Sport [AWD ONLY]
  • [Drivetrain Definition] - AWD (All-Wheel Drive) Models ONLY
  • [Cross Reference] - WA512535, HA590564, BR930732
  • [OEM Replacement] - 432024BA0B, 43202JG21B
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KUSATEC 512460 Front/Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly
  • 【Compatibility Vehicle】512460 Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly Replacement for Ford: 2011-2012 Explorer (Front or Rear); 2013-2019 Explorer (Rear Only); 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility (Front or Rear; All Models)
  • 【PART NUMBER】Brand New Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly, Part No.: 512460, HA590446 , BB53-2C300-AC, BB532C300AC, BB5Z-1104-A, BB5Z1104A, BR930809, WE60589
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  • 【High Quality】Wheel hub bolts with protective coating, not easy to rust and corrode, and easier to tighten the wheel nuts. Better seal design, which lasts and minimizes noise and vibration. Each item is factory quality inspected according to OEM production standards and meets the highest standards.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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