Best Supercars Under $150k: Exotic Performance Within Reach

For many car enthusiasts, the term “supercar” immediately brings to mind multi-million dollar machines from legendary Italian marques like Ferrari and Lamborghini, or perhaps elite manufacturers like McLaren and Bugatti. These are vehicles defined by extreme power, exclusivity, and often, stratospheric price tags that put them out of reach for all but a privileged few. While the ultimate dream might be a t 50 supercar or a t 33 gordon murray, the good news is that you don’t necessarily need a seven-figure budget to experience supercar thrills, capability, and head-turning style. There’s a sweet spot where incredible performance cars become attainable. This list highlights the best supercar under 150k, showcasing vehicles that deliver extreme levels of capability and excitement without requiring you to take out a second mortgage on a mansion.

Here are 10 high-performance vehicles that push the boundaries of what’s possible for under $150,000, listed from most expensive to least.

1. 2020 Acura NSX

The Acura NSX truly earns its stripes as a bona fide supercar, no qualifications needed. It boasts ultra-exotic aesthetics, a potent 573-horsepower mid-engine hybrid powertrain, and exceptionally sharp handling. While its starting price isn’t strictly for bargain hunters, crossing slightly over the $150,000 mark at $157,500, its innovative hybrid system offers advantages beyond just raw power. The combination of three electric motors with the gasoline engine helps propel the NSX to 60 mph in an astonishing 2.7 seconds, while also allowing for electric-only driving in gentle conditions, contributing to lower operating costs compared to its purely gas-powered rivals. In testing, the NSX demonstrated remarkable efficiency, averaging 28 mpg. It’s an easy, economical, and enjoyable car for everyday driving at slow speeds, yet transforms into an extremely capable, composed, and sure-footed performer when pushed, making the NSX a compelling supercar that offers value exceeding its price.

Red 2020 Acura NSX hybrid supercar front view

2. 2020 BMW i8

Another hybrid contender in the supercar space is the BMW i8. However, its design philosophy differs from the NSX; the i8 prioritizes fuel efficiency alongside performance. As a plug-in hybrid, it can travel up to 17 miles purely on electric power before its gasoline engine activates, provided you maintain a gentle driving style.

When pushed, the i8’s combined output of 369 horsepower from its 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and two electric motors allows it to reach 60 mph in just over 4 seconds. While not the fastest in this segment, it’s certainly quick enough to complement the i8’s striking, futuristic styling. Its distinctive swing-up doors add an element of pure exotic flair. The i8 is renowned for being easy to drive and live with daily, yet its flashiness and engaging character make it a strong contender for attention among sub-$150,000 supercars. Prices begin at $147,500.

Blue 2020 BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car with scissor doors open

3. 2021 Aston Martin Vantage

If badges like Acura or BMW don’t quite evoke the desired prestige for a car costing around $150,000, perhaps Aston Martin will. The entry-level model from the esteemed British marque, the Aston Martin Vantage, starts at $146,000.

The Vantage doesn’t just bring a prestigious nameplate and elegant design to this relatively accessible price point; it also offers a feature increasingly rare in high-performance cars: an available manual transmission. This provides buyers the choice between the eight-speed automatic’s superior performance metrics and the heightened driver engagement of a standard seven-speed manual. Regardless of transmission, the Vantage delivers sharp handling and impressive performance powered by a 503-horsepower V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG.

Dark blue 2021 Aston Martin Vantage sports car front view

4. 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

With a lineage spanning decades, the Porsche 911 might seem almost conventional compared to some flashier new supercars. However, each iteration, including the “992” generation launched for 2020, subtly refines the classic rear-engine coupe’s performance and sophistication to new heights.

While the most extreme 911 variants typically exceed the $150,000 threshold, the still-exceptional 911 Carrera 4S remains attainable at $122,400. This all-wheel-drive model, powered by a 443-horsepower engine, can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It continues to embody the 911’s signature blend of everyday usability and luxurious civility with sharp, engaging handling. While a 911 might not grab attention when cruising slowly, its presence and capability are undeniable when performance is unleashed.

Silver 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S on a road

5. 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT

For a car that expertly combines distinctive styling, luxurious appointments, and genuine high-performance capabilities, the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe is a standout. Unlike AMG models that are enhanced versions of standard Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the AMG GT is a dedicated supercar developed from the ground up by the company’s performance division.

It features a standard 469-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine housed beneath a long, assertive hood that gives the AMG GT a commanding road presence. The base AMG GT, starting at $115,900, achieves 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. While pricier variants offer even more power, they exceed the $150,000 limit. The standard model is a potent performance car, and its cabin sets a high standard for luxury compared to most other supercars in this price range. Although it may not be the most agile track machine, the AMG GT delivers ample performance to justify its supercar status.

Grey 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT coupe side view

6. 2020 Nissan GT-R

Remarkably, the Nissan GT-R has seen minimal changes since its debut in 2012. While this means its interior and exterior design might not feel cutting-edge, its performance remains globally competitive even today.

The GT-R is powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 producing 565 horsepower. This power is channeled through an advanced all-wheel-drive system, allowing the substantial coupe to rocket to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. Its high handling limits translate to phenomenal track performance, excelling both in straight-line acceleration and through corners. Furthermore, it features a surprisingly spacious interior capable of accommodating four occupants in a pinch. While the base price of $113,540 might seem high for a Nissan-badged vehicle, and its interior and exterior lack the ultimate panache of some rivals, its performance capabilities at this price point are undeniable.

Blue 2020 Nissan GT-R parked

7. 2020 Lotus Evora GT

Many cars on this list excel primarily in straight-line acceleration. By that metric, the Lotus Evora GT might not seem exceptional. Its mid-mounted 416-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, a supercharged version of an engine found in more pedestrian Toyota models, propels the two-seat coupe to 60 mph in approximately 4 seconds.

However, the Evora GT earns its place as a supercar through other qualities. Firstly, the Lotus brand is relatively rare in the U.S., offering desirable exclusivity. Secondly, the car is engineered for an intentionally raw driving experience, intimately connecting the driver to the road. Features like the available manual transmission, lightweight construction, spartan and somewhat cramped interior, and a noisy ride are tailored specifically for driving purists. For those seeking this level of visceral engagement, the Evora GT, starting at $96,950, is a rare and rewarding delight.

Yellow 2020 Lotus Evora GT sports car side profile

8. 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

Can horsepower alone elevate a standard car to supercar status? Dodge makes a compelling case with the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, and within the context of the best supercars under $150,000, the answer leans towards yes.

The Hellcat Redeye’s appeal isn’t just high horsepower; it’s an absolutely outrageous amount: 797 horsepower, to be exact. This immense power launches the retro-styled coupe to 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds, often leaving a dramatic cloud of tire smoke behind. This isn’t a car focused on razor-precise handling or intricate weight-saving measures; its supercar character comes purely from brute force. And the Hellcat Redeye delivers it in spades. Priced at $70,595, it costs more than double a base Challenger, but it also boasts more than twice the horsepower, offering unparalleled muscle car performance at this level.

Purple 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye doing a burnout

9. 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Shifting back to a Lotus-like philosophy on what constitutes a supercar, we have the Alfa Romeo 4C. Starting at $67,150, this compact mid-engined convertible provides a taste of Italian exoticism at a price point comparable to a standard luxury car.

The 4C features a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis paired with a seemingly modest 237-horsepower 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine located just behind the driver. However, in such a featherlight package, this is sufficient to propel the tiny two-seater to 60 mph in roughly 4 seconds. Its direct, wired-to-the-road handling, notably achieved without power steering to ensure unfiltered feedback, is designed to thrill any driving enthusiast. Creature comforts are minimal, akin to a 1960s British roadster, with similarly limited interior space. Yet, this Alfa is quick, undeniably turns heads, and looks considerably more expensive than it is.

Red 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider convertible side view

10. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

We may have saved the most compelling option for last. The Chevrolet Corvette has a long history of delivering performance rivaling expensive exotics at a fraction of their cost. The completely redesigned 2020 model takes this further, solidifying its claim among corvette supercars.

The eighth-generation Corvette (C8) adopts a mid-engine layout, significantly improving handling dynamics. It retains a potent V8 engine – a 490-horsepower 6.2-liter unit in the standard Stingray – while maintaining a remarkably low base price of $58,900. With its new configuration, the latest Corvette finally possesses the visual proportions and presence of a proper supercar, shedding the previous generation’s long-hood design. The interior has been elevated in both design and materials, feeling more upscale and dramatic. Despite its high performance, the C8 Corvette remains surprisingly easy and comfortable for daily driving. While it won’t be the most exclusive vehicle on this list of supercars under 150k, its widespread availability is a testament to its incredible value proposition, making supercar aspirations achievable for a larger audience. Its design is often compared to vehicles costing significantly more, sometimes even described as a corvette that looks like a lambo.