When it comes to sleek and sexy sports cars, coupes are right at the top of the list. They are specifically designed to be more streamlined than traditional sedans, which already bost some of the best handling dynamics of any vehicle. Apart from being some of the best-looking cars of all time, coupes are adroit, powerful, and often well-rounded, too. From old-school US muscle cars to stylish executives, here are the best coupes of 2024, according to our BuzzScore ratings.

Characteristics of a Coupe

Much like their sedan cousins, there are coupes within every classification in the USA. While this is great for buyers looking for a choice of brands and models, it can make identifying the key traits and strengths of coupe vehicles a little difficult. Still, there are some similarities to be found among the top coupes, including:

  • Style: A big deciding factor when buying any sports car is aesthetics. It’s good enough to simply go fast; you want to look good while doing it, too. A couple fewer doors and a more aerodynamic, sloping roof add to the athletic impression, but some sacrifices need to be made in the name of style. For many, it's a price they are willing to pay.
  • Performance: Go-fast looks are nothing if you don’t have the specs to back them up, but most coupes don’t fall short in this department. You’ll still find a fair number of turbocharged four-cylinder engines in this segment, but anything from a V6 to a W12 is also possible. With their sleeker design and lower overall weight, coupes are also more dextrous and engaging to drive.
  • Practicality: If you’re looking for reliable trunk and passenger space, then a coupe may not be the right choice for you. They still have usable back seats, that much is true, but the sloping roof robs passengers of some headroom. Cargo capacity could never compete with something like an SUV, but you’ll still find quite a few models that match some of the best figures in the sedan segment.

What to Consider When Buying a New Coupe

Even the top-rated coupes have their shortcomings, but the specifics for each model require a more in-depth review. Many new coupes manage to better balance out the pros and cons, while others lean harder into their strengths to the detriment of their weaknesses. To give you some idea of what you’re getting into if this is the route you want to go, here are the typical pros and cons of the coupe body style:

Pros

  • Flashy, attention-grabbing appearance
  • Usually better handling and performance than other vehicles
  • Modern versions are practical daily drivers
  • Midlife-crisis approved

Cons

  • Not as practical as a four-door sedan or SUV
  • These models usually demand a higher price
  • Less choice as many mainstream brands shy away from coupes

FAQs

What is the best coupe?

There are plenty of great options on the market currently, but some of the standouts include the coupe version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 2 Series, and the Audi R8 Coupe. If you’re looking for something with a slightly less daunting price tag, the Mercedes-AMG CLA and Toyota GR Supra are impressive and affordable.

What is the most affordable coupe?

Coupes are a great way to get a high-performance vehicle at a reasonable price if you know where to look. The Honda Civic Si is easily one of the cheapest, but if you have a little extra cash to spare, then you can’t go wrong with the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Are there any coupes you should avoid? 

 Every classification is going to have some lemons in it, and it’s all too easy to get tricked into buying a car that looks good but which will let you down soon thereafter. Most will be relatively decent off the showroom floor, but there are some used models you may want to avoid. These include the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Cadillac ELR, and the old Mini Coupe.