Japanese Sports Cars That Are Best & Popular [2022]

Cars manufactured in Japan are known for their reliability, modern-day interiors, high performance, and practicality that would not cost you more just to get them.

Besides the eco segment, Japan has also manufactured some of the most famous sports cars with high power and excellent handling abilities at a reasonable price.

Here is everything you need to know about the full potential of the Japanese sports car, be it an old one or a new one, an existing one, or a discontinued one.

15 Japanese Sports Cars 2022

Here are 15 Japanese Sports Cars you need to know about that were fast to catch up and surpass the competitors in the sports cars segment.

Mazda MX-5
Toyota Supra
Nissan 370Z
Lexus RC
Lexus LFA
Acura NSX
Toyota GR Yaris
Nissan GT-R
Subaru WRX STI
Toyota 2000GT
Toyota Celica
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII
Toyota Corolla AE86
Nissan Silvia
Subaru Impreza 22B

Let’s discuss each of these in detail below.

1. Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is known for its excellently tuned controls and joyful handling features of a top sports car. The price of the Mazda MX-5 starts at $28,665. It comes with a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission that is easy to shift. It moves from zero to 60 mph in just 5 seconds.

The EPA fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg for city drive and 35 mpg for highway drive. It offers a firm ride with tactile steering that reacts immediately to the driver. The boot can hold a weekend’s things for two people, and with the back seats folded down, it can accommodate four suitcases.

The interior includes 17-inch wheels, a power-folding hardtop, storage cubbies, heated seats, and a limited-slip back differential.

The infotainment system comes with a touchscreen, CD player, and Bluetooth connectivity. The satellite navigation, SD card holder, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are also available.

The safety kit for the Mazda MX-5 is inclusive of automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-exit warning, forward-collision warning, and rear-cross traffic alert. The driving thrills, smooth handling, and engaging, joyful experience at an affordable price make the Mazda MX-5 an ideal sports car.

2. Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra is a well-put-together sports car with a substantial turbocharged engine, spacious cabin, and fiery driving dynamics. The price of the Toyota Supra starts at $45,000.

It comes with an automated eight-speed transmission that sprints from zero to 60 mph in just 4 seconds which is quite impressive for a sports car.

The EPA fuel capacity ratings are marked at 25 mpg for city drive and 32 for highway drive. The boot space can hold up a few carry-on suitcases or groceries for a week. With the back seats folded down, it can accommodate up to four carry-on bags.

The infotainment system has an 8.8-inch display in which the Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation are integrated. Android Auto is not available. The multimedia system is paired with a 12-speaker JBL sound system which is much enough for the interior.

The Toyota Supra’s safety kit includes an automated emergency braking system, automated high-beam headlamps, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane exit warning.

With its handsome interior, high performance, and attitude incorporated, the Toyota Supra pushes it into one amazing sports car.

3. Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z is known for its outstanding engine-drive balance, beautiful manual box, and advanced multimedia technology. The price of the Nissan 370Z starts at $30,090. It comes with a V6 engine, a manual six-speed transmission, and a full-wheel drive setup.

It offers a fuel economy of 10.6L/100km, and the fuel tank comes with a capacity of 72 liters. The cargo space is measured at 195 liters and can fit a wheel spare underneath the trunk. The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The interior features include the double-zone temperature control system, bottle door pockets, a dividing console, leathered steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a dividing console. The multimedia system includes a USB port, two 12-volt outlets, and aux-in audio.

The safety kit of the Nissan 370Z is inclusive of eight airbags, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, vehicle dynamic control, auto high beam headlamps, and active cruise.

The high-performance manual clutch and the fantastic balance between the engine and the drive are well put together; this makes the Nissan 370Z at the top of the list.

4. Lexus RC

The Lexus RC is known for its smooth ride, racy style, and sharper handling, which makes it a real challenger in the sports coupes category. The price of the Lexus RC starts at $43,895. It comes with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 241 horsepower.

The engine is paired with an automatic eight-speed transmission and has a rear-wheel drive setup—the sports coupe sprints from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The RC provides a comfortable ride with its large low-profile tires, which is sharp but never harsh.

The Fuel-economy ratings of the RC have topped all the rivals and have the most efficient EPA.

It is rated at 21 mpg for city drive and 31 mpg for highway drive. The interior has heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and double-zone automated temperature control with slider controls.

The cargo space can hold four suitcases, and with the back seats being folded down, it can accommodate around six bags. The 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors are also a few other features. The infotainment system comes with a 7.0-inch display and is paired with a center console.

The Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi, navigation, and Amazon Alexa integration are available.

The Lexus RC’s safety kit includes forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-exit warning. RC has canyon-carving capabilities, and a spacious interior makes it a sporty muscle coupe.

5. Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA has racecar technology with a carbon fiber body, making it more exotic and fun to drive. The price of the Lexus LFA starts at $379,575. It comes with an insane V-10 engine that produces 553 horsepower. It has a rear-wheel drive setup and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It takes only 3.6 seconds for the Lexus LFA to move from zeros to 60 mph and 7.6 seconds for the Lexus LFA to move from zeros to 100 mph. The EPA estimates 11 mpg for the city drive and 16 mpg for the highway drive. The cabin integrates digital dials, an infotainment screen, and leathered seats.

The carbon fiber body makes it feasible to make sharp cutoffs and enhances aerodynamic performance.

The cabin space comes with plenty of legroom and headroom space. The booth space is also quite ample for a sports car. The seats have power adjustments, which can be made in eight different methods.

A few interior features include the seatbelt airbags, center-console screen with multi-functionality, a digital speedometer, and a convertible hardtop. The latest technology and high performance incorporated in the Lexus LFA ranks it higher than the other cars of its similar class.

6. Acura NSX

The Acura NSX is known for its comfortable interior, outstanding styling, and adjustable hybrid powertrain engine. The price of the Acura NSX starts at $171,495. It comes with an electric-only V-6 engine and an automated double-clutch nine-speed transmission.

One of the electric motors operates on the rear wheels drive while the other two motors work individually to power the front wheels, which makes the NSX an all-wheel-drive setup. It manages to reach 60 mph from zero in just 3 seconds. An EPA rating stands at 21 mpg for city drive and 22 mpg for highway drive.

The infotainment system comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker sound system. It comes with a satellite navigation integration and a touch-sensitive volume slider. The boot space is located behind the engine, where it can accommodate around two carry-on suitcases.

The interior leather seats, carbon-fiber steering wheel, and faux-suede headline. The safety kit of the Acura NSX is a standard airbag system and parking sensors at the front and back. The hybrid powertrain and generous interior space make the Acura NSX the go-to sports car.

7. Toyota GR Yaris

The Toyota GR Yaris is a package of affordability, entertainment, and performance. The price of the Toyota GR Yaris starts at $28,995. It comes with a four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower. It comes with automated six-speed transmission and takes only 5 seconds to sprint from zero to 60 mph.

The EPA estimated 21 mpg for city drive and 31 mpg for highway drive. It has 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, and summer performance tires.

The infotainment system comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker sound system. Both Android Auto, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay are capable.

It also has a 7.0-inch digital gauge that displays Sport, Normal, and Track modes. The back seats are spacious and comfortable.

The safety kit of the Toyota GR Yaris automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane exit warning. The Toyota GR Yaris is all a sports car should have with its valuable cargo space, outstanding balance, and comfortable interior.

8. Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is mighty fast and delivers a ton of cornering grip and a package that is too fast to maintain speed with current sports.

The price of the Nissan GT-R starts at $115,000. It comes with a V-6 engine that produces 565 horsepower. It has a four-wheel drive setup and an automated six-speed transmission.

It takes only 3 seconds for the Nissan GT-R to move from zeros to 60 mph. The EPA estimates 16 mpg for the city drive and 22 mpg for the highway drive. The GT-R’s adjustable suspension, quick steering, and stiff structure make it a positive movement, even for amateurs. It comes with 20-inch wheels.

The interior includes double-zone temperature control, heated front seats, leather-covered upholstery, a carbon-fiber hood, and a center console bin. The infotainment system has an 8.0-inch touchscreen that can be controlled using the center console.

The multimedia system is compatible with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, and speakers of Bose sound system.

The Nissan GT-R’s safety kit includes the parking sensors at the front and back and automated emergency braking. Its high-performing and powerful handling has got itself the nickname Godzilla.

9. Subaru WRX STI

The Subaru WRX STI is one of the most aggressive and the mightiest sports car available on the market. The price of the Subaru WRX STI starts at $38,170.

It comes with a four-cylinder engine paired with a manual six-speed transmission. The EPA estimates 16 mpg for the city drive and 22 mpg for the highway drive.

The cargo space is ample, and the back seats can be folded down in the 60/40-split-folding method. It offers excellent adaptability for the accommodation of more items.

The door pockets and the console bins are also quite spacious. It comes with 19-inch wheels covered with summer tires and provides heated front seats.

The infotainment system has a 7.0-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The display has the highest-resolution setup, and the multimedia system uses the most advanced technology. It also comes with a keyless entry and ignition.

The safety kit of the Subaru WRX STI is inclusive of the rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. The manual transmission with the four-wheel drive setup makes the Subaru WRX STI more tuned for top performance.

10. Toyota 2000GT

The Toyota 2000GT was manufactured from the year 1967–1970. It was a limited-production sports car with a manual five-speed transmission and a rear-wheel drive setup. It had an all-around disc brake that was power-assisted. It came with a 1.6L engine that produced 96 horsepower.

The 2000GT included a lot of gran Turismo designs and featured pop-up headlamps and bumpers. The interior was made of luxury wood and had auto-signaling radio, automatic transmission, and fitted air conditioning.

Only 337 units were built, and with lower selling capacity, the company decided to stop the production of 2000GT and replace it with another mode in 1970. It has also participated in many car racing competitions and has also won first place in the year 1966 at Suzuka 1000 Kilometres

11. Toyota Celica

Toyota manufactured the Toyota Celica from the year 1970 to 2006. It has a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive setup.

It is well-built with a sense of reliability and practicality. The seats are spacious, with enough headroom and legroom for an average adult. A smooth steering wheel is sharp on the road, making the ride completely comfortable.

By holding a ton of high-tech features and a powerful engine, the Toyota Celica is still one of the best sports cars sold by Toyota. In 2006 Toyota concluded the manufacturing of the 7th-generation Toyota Celica in Japan.

12. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII

Mitsubishi Motors manufactured the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, also known as ‘Evo’. The sports car was launched in the early 1990s until 2016. It was known for its outstanding all-wheel drive high performance.

It had the best chassis ever made with a fantastic interior design, with plenty of legroom and headroom area.

The Lancer Evo VIII takes only 3.5 seconds to sprint from zero to 60 mph before advancing to the quarter-mile spot within 12 seconds.

It had the best body structure for drifting and was trouble-free from owning the World Rally Championship.

In 2015 the manufacturing of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ended as the company wanted to concentrate its actions on electric vehicles and crossovers instead.

13. Toyota Corolla AE86

The Toyota Corolla AE86 is known for its efficiency, city driving experience, and hybrid tech, which is better than any of its competitors. The price of the Toyota Corolla AE86 starts at $20,000, and it’s worth every penny.

It comes with a petrol-electric hybrid engine paired with an automatic transmission. The fuel consumption is only 4.2L/100km, and when combined, it is 7.7L/100km.

The standard features of the Toyota Corolla AE86 include heated door mirrors, reverse camera, dual-zone temperature control, power door mirrors, and LED headlights. The multimedia system comes with an 8-inch touch screen paired with a six-speaker sound system.

Bluetooth connectivity, a wireless mobile phone charging pad, and satellite navigation are also included in its features. The boot space can accommodate 217 liters of load capacity and 333 liters, including the spare wheel space area. The intrigue storage consists of two cupholders in the door, a console bin, and a tray for other items.

The safety kit of the Toyota Corolla AE86 is inclusive of seven airbags, pedestrian and cyclist detection, auto high beam headlamps, adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance.

That petrol engine and the electric motor work in a more seamless and excellent combination than any other hybrid on a sports car. With the comfortable ride, exemplary handling, the smooth steering, you have a car that is pleasant to drive.

14. Nissan Silvia

The Nissan Silvia is a sports car that was manufactured from the year 1965 to 2002. The price of the Nissan Silvia starts at $25,000. It comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox and also has an air-to-air intercooler. It comes with a rear-wheel-drive setup.

Its features are tuned for enhanced acceleration and a robust low sound engine. The steering has a smooth feel, and its sturdy suspension improves body stiffness. It is fitted with front disc brakes and a highly responsive automatic braking system.

The interior has plenty of driving controls, and the seats provide less fatigue. The safety kit of the Nissan Silvia includes warnings of possible danger, assistance to avoid potential risk, and help to lower the injury rate in case of an accident.

15. Subaru Impreza 22B

The Subaru Impreza 22B is known for its comfort and fun with its intuitive interior. The price of the Subaru Impreza 22B starts at $22,815. It comes with a four-cylinder engine that produces around 152 horsepower. It is paired with a manual five-speed transmission and has a four-wheel drive setup.

The ride and the steering handling are a close balance that gives the Subaru Impreza 22B a sense of energy. The EPA estimates 22 mpg for the city drive and 30 mpg for the highway drive.

The Subaru Impreza 22B cargo space can accommodate small items, and with 60/40 split-folding of the back seats, there is more space for the luggage. It also has plenty of legroom and headroom space on the front and back seats.

The interior features include a temperature-control system, armrests, power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, and a sunroof.

The infotainment system is inclusive of an 8.0-inch touchscreen that is compatible with a USB port, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay. The graphics and the menu structure are crisp.

The Subaru Impreza 22 B’s safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-exit warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear-cross-traffic alert.

The spunky ride, minimal interior design, and all-wheel drive highlight the features of the Subaru Impreza 22B, making it a decent sports car.

Conclusion

So, here we have it! I have covered all the famous sports cars from the Japanese automobile market that has outdone their competitors and maintained their popularity.

I hope this article will guide you with everything you like to learn about the famous sports cars from the Japanese automobile industry.

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