Only 2 Sports Cars Received Positive Noise Ratings From Consumer Reports

When you look at all sports cars, one characteristic stands out: performance. Sure, sleek styling and innovative designs also come to mind, but pavement-screaming performance comes first. However, there’s a downside to all that power. The more robust the engine, the noisier the drive can be, which can be maddening. So if you want a quieter sports car, check out these two Consumer Reports-tested models with positive noise ratings.

The only 2 sports cars with positive noise ratings from Consumer Reports

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI cockpit | Volkswagen of America, Inc. Newspress Limited

There are some impressive sports cars available in automakers’ 2022 lineups. But with all that performance comes great noise tolerance and responsibility. When Consumer Reports lines them all up with ratings and scores, only two models stand out with positive noise ratings.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and 2022 BMW 2 Series both earn “green-worthy” distinctions from CR for their relatively low noise output. Additionally, both models performed well in road testing, proving they can be as quick as they can be quiet. Their predicted owner satisfaction scores are also notable, demonstrating that many drivers love these sports cars. 

Pricing, specs, and other notable features for both models

The 2022 BMW 2 Series deserves a look in either body style — the Gran Coupe four-door coupe or the two-door coupe. You’ll be impressed with the four- and six-cylinder turbocharged engine options, although Consumer Reports suggests the most potent performer is the M240i xDrive Coupe.

You can buy a 2022 BMW 2 Series for $35,700 to $48,550, making it an affordable choice for a sports car. Other highs on CR’s list of things you’ll like are responsive handling, fast acceleration (0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, per BMW), impressive fuel economy for a sports car (EPA rated for 31 mpg combined), a comfortable interior, and excellent fit and finish. 

The other quiet sports car worth considering is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Zooming from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds will cost you only $29,880 to 39,130. Estimated fuel economy — 28 mpg combined — is also decent. Other perks include impressive handling, quick acceleration, responsive braking, and a pretty “slick manual shifter,” CR says.

Which sports car has the worst noise rating from Consumer Reports?

2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Road Test | Old dog, new trick: https://t.co/aWhuwuGLAO pic.twitter.com/CBdG1nZRVg

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Now that you know which two 2022 sports cars earned positive noise ratings from Consumer Reports, you’re probably wondering which model got the worst noise score. It might surprise you to learn that the fan-favorite and otherwise high-scoring Mazda MX-5 Miata earns the worst ratings for noisy driving experiences. 

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata earns points for its entry-level $27,650 price. But this peppy, agile sports car also boasts high scores in predicted ownership satisfaction and on its road test. But if noise is a dealbreaker for you, steer clear of this roaring roadster.

Before choosing any sports car, you should consider all the pros and cons, including performance. And while sorting through your must-haves, be sure to rate your preference for a quiet ride. If wind, road, and engine noise bother you, check out the 2022 BMW 2 Series and 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, two of the quietest sports cars, according to Consumer Reports.