9 Fun Cars, From Sports Cars To SUVs, To Make You Grin From Ear to Ear
Take it from us—these are the cars worth keeping an eye on when you want to enjoy driving.
For some people, cars are strictly utilitarian. They want the most practical, affordable vehicle to get them from Point A to Point B without any fanfare. And, judging by all the parking lots out there, these cars mostly come in muted tones of gray, black, or white. Yep, I’ve been there too. I’ve driven my fair share of perfectly fine (but ultimately boring) cars, all for the sake of making an economically sound choice. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that approach — especially if you’ve got a tight budget and a sports car just won’t cut it.
But for a moment, let’s put the practicality aside and indulge in a little dreaming. If you’ve never had the privilege of sitting behind the wheel of something that slaps a big, fat smile on your face, it’s time to open your eyes to the world you’ve been missing. I polled A Girl’s Guide to Cars writers to see which vehicles topped their lists of fun cars that make them grin — and here are some of the standouts.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
WATCH: 2026 Genesis GV70 — Subtle Upgrades, Serious Tech and More Luxury
The Kia EV6 GT Is Among Our Favorite Fun Cars, Even Years After Our First Drive
With a plethora of electric vehicles flooding the market in the last several years, the Kia EV6 GT has managed to race ahead of the electric pack in several ways. Multiple AGGtC writers cited this car as a grin-inducing favorite — which comes as no surprise given that it won the 2023 World Performance Car title.
So, what makes this performance-oriented, electrified ride so popular? Well, for one thing, AGGtC writer Liv Leigh says it’ll make those everyday, mundane tasks much more enjoyable.
“The firm suspension and nimble handling make even a drive to the store fun and playful,” Liv wrote in her review of the EV6 GT. “And you almost feel obliged to give it the ride it asks for. When you do, you’ll be rewarded with a spirited drive likely to make you smile the whole way through.”
Of course, if the MSRP of $61,400 is a little too rich for your blood, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a slightly more attainable — yet still satisfying — alternative.
RELATED: All the Fun Thrills in the Kia EV6 GT
The Lucid Air Is a Stealth Thriller
While we’re on the topic of electric vehicles, here’s one to put on your “Wildest Dream Car” list: the Lucid Air. Winner of the MotorTrend Car of the Year in 2022, this thing boasts of being the “longest range, fastest charging luxury electric car in the world.” Also, the range-topping Lucid Air Sapphire’s ability to go from zero to 60 mph in 1.89 seconds and its insane 1,234 horsepower is nothing to sneeze at.
Brian Roskelly, AGGtC’s former director of video, says it’s the “most impressive car I’ve ever been in.” Scotty Reiss adds that it’s the type of car that will wow your passengers, too.
“When I test drove the Lucid Air, I pulled onto the highway on-ramp and let the cars in front of us get way out ahead,” Scotty said. “Then, I floored it. I could see out of the corner of my eye as my husband was pushed back in his seat and a wide grin spread across his face. He was thrilled, and more than a little impressed.”
But you’ll have to save your pennies for this one because the four trims range from $70,900 all the way up to $249,000.
RELATED: 24 Hours with the Lucid Air Filled Our Day with Fun
Dodge Charger Sixpack Will Charm As Much As It Thrills
If there’s one brand that’s known for thrilling fun, it’s Dodge. The company is legendary for building muscle cars and in the recent era, muscle cars that are among some of the fastest on the road.
The newest iteration is the Dodge Charger Sixpack, a 6-cylinder turbo charged 2- or 4-door sedan that packs 420 or 550 HP, standard all wheel drive, a large cabin with plenty of room for 5 and a heritage-inspired design that hides a hatchback in what looks like a trunk.
Behind the wheel it’s fun and fast; the all wheel drive system helps keep it glued to every curve and the modern steering wheel and head up display steels your focus on the road.
For those who shed more than a tear of sadness when Dodge wound down its HEMI engines, the Sixpack, priced from $50K- to about $65K, and iterations on the drawing board for the future, will change that.
Related: 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack: The Classic Muscle, Modernized and Simplified
TheAlways Elegant Genesis GV70
A car doesn’t have to be insanely fast or powerful to make you smile. Sometimes, it’s all about the vibe you get when you’re inside it. For example, what mom out there wouldn’t want to feel like she’s at the spa or a luxury hotel while she’s waiting in the carpool line? That’s how you’ll feel behind the wheel of the Genesis GV70, which has left a favorable impression on several of our writers. The appearance alone will steal your heart.
“As much as I love how fantastic the Genesis GV70 looks on the outside, the inside is so dazzling,” Sara Lacey wrote in an article identifying her top five favorite features of the GV70. “Red Nappa leather interior smacked me in the face when I opened the door. Equally fun was when I sat down and looked around; I noticed all these other fabulous trim pieces and details. Carbon fiber, aluminum, and a suede headliner kept the impact high every time I returned to the vehicle.”
Aside from the beauty and comfort of the SUV, there’s also an electric version that packs a few thrills of its own thanks to the “boost” button.
“This instantly delivers 54 more horsepower for up to 10 seconds of instant thrust,” Scotty Reiss writes in her review of the electrified GV70.
“This is the source of oodles and oodles of fun, even when you’re already going pretty fast (use with caution),” she adds.
And here’s even more good news: With a starting price of $49K for the 2026 model, the Genesis GV70 is surprisingly affordable, too.
RELATED: The Genesis GV70; Its a Fast, Fun, Electric World
The Lexus RX Is a Daily Delight
“As a mom of a seven-year-old, I gravitate toward vehicles that can help remove the stress of life. This Lexus RX does just that with its quiet and inviting cabin,” said our Holli Fourniquet. Redesigned a couple of years ago, it comes in a zen assemblage of materials and features, from heated and vented semi-aniline seats that feel more like a first class airline seat than a car seat, to comforts for every passenger.
Add to that a sleek new look, a new touch screen, “Hey Lexus” voice assistance, head up display and touch-sensitive steering wheel controls and its easy and fun to keep your eyes on the road and enjoy the drive a bit more.
But a variety of trim options let you pick your power in the Lexus RX, priced from about $52,000. The turbo engine option delivers 275 HP and the hybrid produces 246 HP; for drivers who want to take it up a notch, the PHEV delivers 3-6 HP and the performance hybrid F Sport puts out 366 HP, a truly thrilling ride.
Related: The Lexus RX 450h Plug-in Hybrid is Worth the Splurge
The Audi SQ5, Now With Even More Fun
Erica Mueller has plenty of experience reviewing and writing about cars — so when she says that something was “hands down one of my favorite drives to date,” you know it’s got to be good. And that’s exactly how she described the Audi SQ5.
“The Audi SQ5 was full of good surprises,” Erica said. “From the quilted red leather interior to the heated and cooled cup holder, I felt wrapped in luxury. But this isn’t just a fancy car; it’s a performance vehicle, and the drive experience was unexpected and invigorating.”
The Audi Q5 and SQ5 were redesigned for 2025 with an all-new interior, new technology and new engines. The Q5’s 4-cylinder turbo produces 268 HP but the SQ5, which shares its powertrain with the Porsche Cayenne, delivers 362 HP. Erica thought for sure that it would be equally pricey but was surprised to find it starts at just $65k.
That’s definitely worth smiling about!
Read: The 2025 Audi Q5 and Audi SQ5 Just Got A Glow-Up: More Lights, Screens and Luxury
A Ford Bronco —In Manual, Please!
Intimidating as they may seem to a novice, virtually anyone who’s ever driven a manual transmission vehicle will tell you they’re the most fun cars to drive. Kim S. recently learned her way around a stick shift in a two-door 2022 Ford Bronco Sasquatch, and she’s Team Manual now, too. Among the benefits of driving a manual, Kim cites better fuel economy, “exhilarating acceleration” and reduced costs as attractive reasons to try it. But that’s not the best part.
“Perhaps, though, the most compelling reason to choose a manual transmission is for the sheer fun and driving experience it provides,” Kim wrote for AGGTC. “It’s like dancing with the road, a unique connection between you, the car, and the road that ignites a passion for driving like nothing else.”
A Ford Bronco isn’t your only choice in this category, but according to Kim, it’s a pretty satisfying option.
RELATED: 10 Affordable and Fun Manual Transmission Cars That Will Fire Up Your Stick Shift Dreams
The Nissan Z: Modern, Classic Sports Cars are Back!
When Nissan introduced the redesigned Z sports car a few years ago it practically set the world on fire. People couldn’t stop talking about it.
The new design brought out heritage features that made those who remembered the original feel a pang of nostalgia, and those who were too young to feel the same passion and desire for it that others did back in the day. In keeping true to its roots, ‘it’s a two-door sports car that doesn’t break the bank, has a surprising amount of space under the hatch for grocery runs, has a shockingly roomy and user-friendly interior, a great sound system, plenty of creature comforts and safety features, and plenty of power under the pedal,” said Kristen Brown.
But then, Nissan went the distance and added the famed Nismo power upgrade. “This isn’t a GT-R, but it’s definitely inspired by one, with the inclusion of a twin-turbo V6 that inspires 420 horses to stampede at the slightest press of the accelerator,” she said. Starting at $42,970 for the V6 twin turbo powered model that generates 400 HP, and $65,750 for the performance-tuned Nismo, either way, this Nissan Z delivers a smile at an amazing price for a sports car this accomplished.
Related: Nissan Z + Circuit of the Americas = All Day Thrills
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 May Be The Ultimate Jeep
And now for my personal favorite: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. From the moment this beast roared into my driveway, I was smitten. On the practicality and affordability scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 2. In the good looks and pure, unadulterated joy category, I give it a 9. Our tester came in Jeep’s gorgeous Earl Gray paint, contrasting beautifully with the red and black leather-trimmed interior. And it took approximately 4.3 seconds on the road before I was nervously laughing and guffawing like a teenager whose crush had just smiled at them in the hallway.
The one-touch power top was definitely a favorite feature as it instantly allowed us to catch the evening summer breeze in our hair without any fussing or fiddling. (I may have re-enacted that “Closer to Fine” scene from the “Barbie” movie once or twice out of sheer joy.)
We put those massive 35-inch tires to the test on the rugged hills above our home and wow — color me impressed. We’d traversed the same road six months ago in our Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, and I noticed a marked difference in comfort while riding in the 392. It ate up big boulders and potholes for breakfast and gently cradled my family of four all the way up the winding, rocky road. If we’d had an infant in the car, I feel confident it would have rocked them to sleep.
I really don’t have a need for a rugged off-road vehicle with a burly V8 engine and a $100k price tag. But, in the words of my father-in-law, “It’s the kind of car that doesn’t make a lot of sense — but it puts a big, stupid smile on your face.” Definitely keeping this one on my midlife crisis list!
RELATED: The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the Epitome of Fun
More About:Car Culture