Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren – these are some of the aspirational brands that come to mind when you think about mid-engine sports cars.

Unfortunately, those brands are out of reach of most people, and are even beyond the means of most individuals who are considered well off.

Luckily, there are several brands that offer mid-engine sports-car performance at significantly lower prices.

It would wrong to call any of the cars mentioned below as cheap, but none of them requires big-house money, just big-SUV money.

So, let’s check out the cheapest mid-engine sports cars that are available in Canada in 2025.

The following article is neither a review nor a recommendation, it is simply a list of what’s available. Starting advertised price is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), plus fees and levies. Fees and levies may differ by location. Tax is extra. Dealers may set their own prices. Check with your local dealer for an exact price.

The list is in descending order, starting with the most expensive.

Lotus Emira

Starting advertised price: $130,500 (MSRP of $126,900)

Entry-level model’s power: 400 hp

The Lotus Emira (pictured up top) is a lightweight car that comes standard with a Mercedes-AMG-sourced twin-scroll turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 400 hp, sending power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Or, if you move up to the pricier V6-powered car, which also has 400 hp, and you can choose between a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The automaker also plans to introduce a slightly cheaper version of this car next year with 360 hp.

Build yours on the Lotus Cars website.

Chevrolet Corvette

Starting price (coupe): $91,133 (MSRP of $87,699)

Starting price (convertible): $100,160 (MSRP of $96,699)

Entry-level model’s power: 490 hp

The Corvette has been America’s sports car since 1953. When the current generation (C8) of the car launched in 2020, it was the first time in its storied history that it featured a mid-engine layout. The V8 motor sends power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the entry-level Stingray model offers plenty of performance, buyers can also opt for the more powerful but pricier Z06 (670 hp), E-Ray (655 hp) or ZR1 (1,064 hp), all of which are available as a coupe or convertible. Also, beginning in 2026, the Corvette will be available in ZR1X trim with 1,250 hp. The E-Ray and ZR1X cars, being plug-in hybrids with front-axle e-motors, offer all-wheel drive.

Build yours on the Chevrolet Canada website.

Porsche 718 Boxster

Starting advertised price: $87,735 (MSRP of $81,900)

Entry-level model’s power: 296 hp

The 718 Boxster (formerly Boxster) is Porsche’s entry-level roadster, which in base trim packs 296 hp and features a soft top that can open and close in nine seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. Drivers can select between a six-speed manual transmission, which includes the Sport Chrono package, or a seven-speed PDK automatic, with no price difference for either choice. If you need more power, you can move up to the Boxster Style Edition (300 hp), S (345 hp) or GTS 4.0 (394 hp), but at additional cost. There’s also the 718 Spyder RS with 493 hp but at more than double Boxster’s starting price.

Build yours on the Porsche website.

Porsche 718 Cayman

Starting advertised price: $85,335 (MSRP of $79,500)

Entry-level model’s power: 295 hp

The 718 Cayman (formerly Cayman) is essentially a coupe version of the Boxster, so you get the same 2-litre turbocharged engine, but for some reason it has 295 hp (one less) and a choice of a seven-speed PDK transmission or six-speed manual with the Sport Chrono package. If you need more power, you can move up to the Cayman Style Edition (300 hp), S (345 hp) or GTS 4.0 (394 hp), but at additional cost. There’s also the 718 Cayman GT4 RS with 493 hp, but at more than double the Cayman’s starting price. If you’re wondering why the Porsche 911 didn’t make this list, it’s because that car has a rear-engine layout.

Build yours on the Porsche website.

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