2025 Aston Martin Vantage

The Vantage is Aston Martin's compact grand tourer, the model that puts the brand's front-engine character into a smaller, sharper package. It drives with a balance that rewards smooth inputs, and the steering feels alive in a way that makes back roads the point of the car. The ride is firm but controlled, so you feel the road's texture without it ever becoming harsh on a long cruise. Inside, the cabin wraps you in leather and metal that feel hand-finished, though the infotainment is a step behind the latest rivals. The entry point to Aston Martin ownership is the Vantage, and with 656 horsepower from its 4.0L V8 it's the most powerful base model the brand has ever offered. That 4.0L V8 pairs with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, giving it the kind of throttle response that makes every on-ramp feel like an occasion. The standard adaptive dampers let you soften the ride for a cruise or firm it up for a back road, and the exhaust opens up with a button on the center stack.