Top Performance Vehicles for 2022

The push for better fuel economy, alternative power sources, and sustainable materials in auto manufacturing can make the car world feel pretty chaotic these days. In many ways, it feels like a threat to everything that we, as car nuts, love the most. But every generation faces big changes – and while the mainstreaming of electric vehicles is certainly a big change – the realm of performance has benefitted a lot from this new direction. Don’t believe us? Take a look at these performance vehicles hitting the streets right now. You’ll find big power, great handling, excellent styling, and more than a few cool new features.

2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata

It’s a Mazda Miata. If you don’t understand what the craze is all about by now, chances are you just don’t like sports cars. Sure, it’s not the most powerful, but that doesn’t matter. It’s lightweight – and 181 horsepower is more than enough to get 2,500 pounds moving. Plus, the impeccable balancing makes for a driving experience to remember.

Let’s not forget everything else the Miata does for a driver, too. It looks great, still comes with a manual, and lands at under $30k. There are few performance cars in general that can compare to the Miata, and almost none in its price range.

2022 Subaru BRZ

As we said… almost no other sports vehicles are in the Miata’s range. Also listed under $30k and also standard with a manual, the Subaru BRZ gets a complete overhaul for the 2022 model year. As it enters its second generation, the BRZ gains an updated cabin with more modern technology, a new 228-hp 2.4L flat-four engine to replace the less powerful 2.0L, and some physical modifications that provide the vehicle with a better center of gravity perfectly distributed across 2,800 pounds.

What more could you want from something in this price range?

How about a twin?

Also entering its second generation with a completely new model for 2022, is the BRZ’s mechanical twin: Toyota GR86. The 86 offers razor-sharp handling, excellent looks, and a little mo’ powah this year. Also – a manual as standard equipment!

2022 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Here’s something for those willing to spend a little more money for serious performance. The Chevy Camaro ZL1 is a prime example of what kind of late model muscle the Big Three could belt out in the second round of the Horsepower Wars.

For roughly $60K – $70K, you get an agile 650-hp supercharged V-8 beast that’s also fighting hard to keep the stick alive.

Sure, it might’ve been nice to see a super killer version of the Camaro enter the ring with Ford and Dodge’s titans this year, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

2022 Chevrolet Corvette

If it wasn’t for the crazy markups, you just might’ve landed a performance legend in 2022 for around $60K. Given the current market, however, it’s safe to say the C8 Corvette comes with a noticeably higher price tag. Still, the C8 at MSRP or anything near it is an absolute steal.

Like it’s muscular little brother, the model doesn’t see many changes for 2022. There is a new fuel pump and fuel injectors, a few new colors, and a new optional low-profile rear spoiler. Chevy also added a limited-edition Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship appearance package in honor of the C8.R race car’s inaugural season. The important bit remains the same, however – a 490-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine that lives behind the passenger compartment and will sling you from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds.

Performance packages amp up the fun, but even in base form, this vehicle delivers.

2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

It’s a GT500 – end of discussion. There’s no reason to explain what makes it one of the top performance vehicles of the year. It’s awesome. (Even if Ford’s hive mind glitched out when deciding not to pair it with a stick. Boo! Hiss!)

As for what the GT500 is doing right… It comes with a 760-hp supercharged V-8, which makes it the most powerful road car Ford has ever whipped up. That kind of power in an S550, which just may be the best handling pony car of all time, makes for a totally mad ride. It’s certainly something to get all warm and fuzzy about, even if Ford ditched the stick, slapped an $80K sticker on it, and just barely gets a “woohoo” with the Heritage Edition appearance package.

As the folks over at Car & Driver so eloquently put it: “Even when the ultimate Mustang isn’t blasting down drag strips or terrorizing six-figure sports cars at the track, it makes daily driving extra exciting with its soil-your-shorts acceleration and surprisingly agile handling, considering its two-ton curb weight.” ‘Nuff said.

2022 Porsche 911

If you’ve got $100K burning a hole in your pocket, maybe you’d better buy the new Porsche 911. As one of the longest-running nameplates, it continues to live up to its heritage with outstanding performance, handling, and styling.

But why stop there? A new GTS trim joins the lineup for 2022, and it can be all yours for an additional $40k. The 473-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six is ready to press your eyeballs into the back of your head. Toss in an 8-speed automatic or 7-speed manual, and you’re in heaven. Available as coupe or convertible, the GTS comes in rear or all-wheel-drive versions for those who really want to feel sticky.

And if you have $140K to throw around, surely $160K is no big deal. Especially not when you can use it for the 502-hp 4.0-liter flat-six powered 911 GT3 which has returned with a beefed up control-arm front suspension.

Man, I’m in the wrong line of work.

Looking Ahead…

Time flies when you’re reading about performance cars. Don’t feel sad, though. 2023 is already on the horizon, and there are some seriously killer models coming with it. We already can’t wait for two to hit the market.

2023 Nissan Z

If you’re not stoked about the return of the Nissan Z, I think it’s time you have your pulse checked. The iconic platform has been the favorite of many sportscar enthusiasts and owners for generations now and is returning to the world badder than ever.

The retuned chassis, updated suspension, and modern interior are all things to love. However, none get me quite as tingly as the new looks. That throwback styling is something we didn’t know we needed until Nissan revealed it to the world. If its teased pricing of around $40K actually pans out, we’re sure to see plenty tearing up the roadways.

2023 Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra is an amazing machine. But just like Ford and Chevrolet are about to, Toyota learned the hard way that sports car enthusiasts like manual transmissions. And when Toyota dropped the fifth generation of Supra, fans immediately blew off that sweet inline 6-cylinder because they didn’t pair it with a stick.

The good news is that Toyota listened to its customers and decided to add a manual transmission to the mix. The manufacturer announced on April 28, 2022 that a six-speed gearbox will be available in 2023. Designed to specifically suit the power and torque characteristics of the 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, Toyota proudly says this was anything but an “off-the-shelf” solution. Additionally, the Supra’s braking control systems and suspension got a little retuning, too, offering even better performance. Fans can expect to see those changes throughout the entire model range.

The manual transmission will be available as an option on the Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium models, and will be the only option on the new limited A91-MT Edition model. Better act fast on that last one, though. Only 500 units will be made!