The Best Cars For a First-Time Track Driver in 2024
When you want to start driving on track, there's temptation to get something with a ton of horsepower and grip. But that's not the right way to go. What you actually want is something that will teach you how to get the absolute most out of every ounce of horsepower and grip you have. Here are a few cars that fit the bill.
2023 Honda Civic Si
Price: $29,595
Whether you're shopping for a fun commuter or an occasional track day toy, you can't go wrong with the Honda Civic Si. An exceptional interior, a wonderful shifter, and bulletproof reliability means you can lap for days on end without worry, plus learn the ins and outs of front-wheel-drive car control.
Check out our first drive review
2023 Honda Civic Type R
Price: $44,390
Don't think the Civic Si will cut it for you? There's also the Civic Type R. Highly upgraded and more focused, it's one of the most satisfying front-drive cars on the market right now, with sublime inputs and plenty of speed.
Here's why everybody wants one
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price: $29,115
Yes, the Miata is the most painfully obvious choice, but it might be the best car for the job. They're still cheap to buy, reliable, imminently tunable, and an absolute blast to drive. Short of getting one with an automatic, you simply can't go wrong with a Miata.
Here's why it's all the sports car you'll ever need
2023 Hyundai Elantra N
Price: $34,015
There is no better performance value on the market right now than the Hyundai Elantra N. It's nearly as quick as a Civic Type R on track, for over $10,000 less. Plus, you get a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.
2023 Toyota GR86
Price: $29,495
If you want a new car you can daily drive and take to the track, you could do a lot worse than the Toyota GR86. It's not the most powerful car in the world, but it has just enough thrust for joyous drifting, plus a robust aftermarket means you can turn one into whatever you want.
Here's how much power it makes on the dyno
2023 Subaru BRZ
Price: $29,615
Though we prefer the driving dynamics of the Toyota, the BRZ is another fantastic choice. It's nearly as fun and just as balanced, plus it shares most parts with the GR86, meaning aftermarket support is vast.
It's just as fun on ice as it is on pavement
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Price: $31,625
The Volkswagen GTI is the perfect hatchback for someone who doesn't want compromise. It's one of the most livable cars on this list, with plenty of performance capability. The current generation might have an annoying infotainment interface, but other than that, it's an excellent choice.
Check out our full first drive review
2023 Subaru WRX
Price: $31,625
If you want a car that can truly do it all, it's hard to go wrong with the WRX. Aside from being a great all-weather daily-driver, it's economical, spacious, and, with a few small brake upgrades, capable enough to hold its own on track.
Watch our on-track video review
2024 Ford Mustang
Price: $30,000 (est.)
Newer Ford Mustangs are exceptionally well-rounded and plenty capable on track. Plus, modern traction systems mean you won't be overwhelmed by the GT's 5.0-liter V-8 power. We recommend starting out with the EcoBoost model, though, just to be safe.
Everything you need to know about the 2024 Mustang
2023 Chevrolet Camaro
Price: $27,795
Don't let the Camaro's muscular looks fool you. There's an expertly tuned chassis and plenty of lateral fun to be had once you get behind the wheel. Like the Mustang, we recommend starting with the turbo-four model to learn how to carry momentum before moving up to one with a V-8 under the hood.
You can now get a 10.8-liter V-8 in the Camaro
2023 Porsche 718 Boxster
Price: $66,950
Generally, a mid-engine car isn't great for an inexperienced driver—some of these cars can have hairy tendencies at the limit. The Boxster, though, is totally docile and packs just enough power to have fun without overwhelming a novice.
Here's why the 4.0-powered GTS model is basically perfect
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman
Price: $64,850
Don't want a drop-top? The Boxster's hardtop Cayman sibling is an equally fantastic choice for hitting the track. Its chassis is even stiffer than the Boxster's, and it costs less new.
Watch our track review of the GT4 RS
2023 Nissan Z
Price: $41,015
We'll be the firs to admit the new Z's 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 might be a lot for someone hitting the track for the first time. But a predictable chassis and a swath of aftermarket support means a blossoming track rat can learn and grow with this car.
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