For decades, coupes were one of the hottest sellers on the US automotive scene. After an extended decline in the 2010s, interest in coupes may be bouncing back. Reliable Business Insights projects the coupe segment to grow by 8.6% through 2031, and Cox Automotive has noticed the recent resurgence in compact cars collectively.
There’s little doubt the pickings are slimmer than they used to be. Beloved vehicles like the Honda Civic coupe, Ford Thunderbird, Chevy Camaro, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW M Coupe, Cadillac CTS-V, Acura NSX, and Mitsubishi 3000GT have all gone to the automotive graveyard over the years. In 2024, Audi announced they were discontinuing the coupe models of the A5, S5, and RS5, while Jaguar gave the F-Type its final song. But fear not. Whether you’re looking for an everyday car or one that’s purely for track days and road trips, there are still some good coupes on the market. We took the time to explore the current automotive landscape and see what coupes you can still buy, from venerable sports coupes to new luxury steeds.
What Is a Coupe?
First, we should clarify what we mean by a coupe. They’re usually defined as a car that has:
- A fixed roof that slopes in the rear
- Less than 33 cubic feet of interior space
- A fun-to-drive design that can include characteristics like a low-slung body, a powerful engine, and more advanced onboard technology
- An expressive style that makes the vehicle a personal statement
Many coupes are also classified as sports cars, though they’re not always the same. Likewise, while nearly all coupes are two-door vehicles, you can occasionally get three-door hatchback coupes or four-door “quad coupes.” Finally, I should note that a roadster is a convertible version of a coupe classified as a separate vehicle category.
Now that there’s a working definition of a coupe, it’s time to see which modern cars fit the bill.
Chevy Corvette
One of the most famous coupes ever made is going strong after more than 70 years. Chevrolet introduced the eighth-generation Corvette Stingray in 2020. It won the MotorTrend Car of the Year Award and rejuvenated sales. The 37,510 Corvettes bought by US customers in 2022 were the most sales in the last 20 years. With variations like the Corvette Z06 high-performance coupe, Corvette E-Stingray all-electric car, and newly-announced Corvette ZR1 that will reportedly have 1,000-plus hp, the Corvette’s future is full speed ahead.
Ford Mustang
Another long-running coupe also remains a frontrunner in the market. The year 2024 saw the debut of the seventh-generation Ford Mustang pony car, the vehicle that helped popularize muscle cars in the 1960s. The two-door coupe offers a slew of options, from the efficient-yet-sporty Ford Mustang EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder to the Mustang Dark Horse that outperforms machines like the Dodge Viper ACR. For the 2025 model year, Ford rolled out the Mustang GTD, which has a 5.2L supercharged V8 that produces 800 hp, making it the most powerful Mustang ever made.
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Although the S-Class is no longer with us, Mercedes-Benz has recently introduced a new grand touring coupe for drivers who want a more luxurious option. Production of the CLE coupe began in October 2023 with the choice of a four- or six-cylinder mild hybrid powertrain. It also has a state-of-the-art interior with a large infotainment screen, next-gen MBUX software, synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, and a 17-speaker Burmester audio system. If you crave luxury and performance, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 is expected in 2025 as a high-performance version of the CLE.
Porsche 718 and 911
This legendary sports car manufacturer is one of the most committed to continuing the coupe legacy. Even after discounting the Cayenne “crossover coupe,” there are 20 variations of the Porsche 718 and Porsche 911 coupes available worldwide. They range from the 718 Cayman and 911 Carrera base models to ultra-high-performance machines like the 718 Cayman GT4 4.0, 911 Carrera 4 GTS, and 911 Turbo S. Even the lowest-level 718 Cayman has 300 hp, adaptive suspension dampers, and multiple luggage compartments, giving drivers an excellent combination of fun driving and comfort.
BMW 2, 4, and 8 Series
If any company can rival Porsche’s coupe lineup for sheer volume, it’s BMW, which fittingly is also based in Germany. The BMW 2 Series, 4 Series, and 8 Series are all primarily sold as two-door coupes. While each can be classified as a luxury sports car, each offers different levels of these two features. The 2 Series is focused more on performance with its 473 hp engine, the 4 Series emphasizes comfort and technology (like a 14.9-inch touchscreen), and the 8 Series delivers both. Each series also has an M performance variant (M2, M4, and M8) with even more power and refined handling.
Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86
“Affordable” and “sports car” don’t typically go together. This jointly developed fastback coupe, though, is doing its best to keep the subgenre alive. Introduced in 2012, the Subaru BRZ and its cousin, the Toyota 86, use a 2.4L Boxer-4 engine for 228 hp, which is enough to give you some pop on the road. You have a choice of a manual or automatic transmission, and the Subaru BRZ tS has been tuned up with a more refined suspension and tires. If safety is a concern, it won’t be with the BRZ/86, which earned Top Safety Pick+ honors from the NHTSA.
McLaren GTS and Artura
Conversely, if you want a coupe that soars into supercar territory, McLaren has you covered. The McLaren Artura plug-in hybrid took the coupe world by storm in 2022 and continues to evolve. The 3.0L V6 twin-turbo and electric motors are now up to 690 combined hp. It has an auto-adjusting suspension, a high-end electronic differential, lightweight carbon fiber panels, and precision aerodynamics. The 2025 model year sees the debut of the McLaren GTS, replacing the GT as their “entry-level” coupe, which is still a high-end automobile with its 626 hp, built-in vehicle lift system, and self-leveling headlights.
Toyota GR Supra
If the Toyota 86 is the company’s entry-level coupe, the GR Supra is the premium model. The original Supra was made from 1978 to 2002 as a reasonably sporty street vehicle. When the Supra nameplated returned in 2019, though, it had been given the Gazoo Racing (GR) treatment with an assist from BMW. The latest edition is exclusively powered by a 3.0L turbo I-6 that generates 382 hp. (Previous models were available with a 2.0L turbo I-4). Drivers also get an adaptive variable suspension, a racing-inspired digital display, and a free one-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association.
Nissan Z
Last but certainly not least, there’s the Nissan Z, a two-seater sports car that offers premium performance without hitting the six-figure range like the Nissan GT-R. The seventh generation that hit the roads in 2022 was completely overhauled with a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 engine, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and retro-inspired exterior styling. The Performance trim adds features like a limited-slip rear differential, downforce-enhancing spoilers, and a more advanced infotainment system. Nissan recently added the Z NISMO with an extra 20 hp, though it’s only sold with an automatic transmission.
Keeping the Coupe Spirit Alive
Coupes may no longer be the de facto vehicle style, but they remain relevant for drivers and manufacturers alike. From commuter cars with an edge to some of the most remarkable supercars ever produced, coupe enthusiasts have options. The coupe may have taken a few blows over the years, but it isn’t ready for the scrap heap yet. Furthermore, at least one new coupe is on the horizon. When the 2025 Dodge Charger rolls out, it will be sold as both a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe.
