The Most Powerful Cars Under $40,000 in 2024
Serious power doesn't have to cost serious money. For under $40,000 you can get cars with horsepower figures that were mighty impressive 15 years ago. Here are the cars that cost under $40,000 and offer at least 300 hp.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Price: $36,995
Output: 300 HP
The GR Corolla might not be the GR Yaris homologation special we've been asking for, but it still presents as a tremendous value for enthusiasts, packing 300 hp, a six-speed manual, and all-wheel-drive into a sub-$40,000 hatchback body.
2023 Ford Bronco
Price: $33,890
Output: 300 HP
The Bronco is the hottest SUV on sale today. Much of that has to do with its value—you get a lot for relatively little money. The base EcoBoost inline-four makes 300 hp, and can be paired to a six-speed manual with its own crawler gear. Plus, it looks beautifully retro.
2023 Dodge Challenger
Price: $32,140
Output: 303 HP
Dodge will no longer sell you any V-8-powered Challenger for under $40,000, so if you want to save cash, you'll have to settle for the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6-powered base model. Still, 303 horses isn't too shabby, and you still get those iconic muscle car looks.
The Challenger was the best-selling muscle car in 2022
2024 Ford Mustang
Price: $30,000 (est.)
Output: 315 HP
While the V-8-powered Mustang GT likely won't be priced under $40,000, we have no doubt the base EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four model will fall well below that price point. Unfortunately you can't get it with a stick, but it's still a fun option if you're on a budget.
Here's what we know so far about the 2024 Mustang
2023 Chevrolet Camaro LT1
Price: $37,795
Output: 455 HP
It's not a secret that the Camaro lags behind the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger in sales. To combat this, Chevy released cheaper version of the Camaro SS back in 2020—the LT1. Named for the 455-hp small-block V-8 that powers it, the LT1 costs under $38,000, which makes it an absolute bargain.
2023 Chevrolet Camaro V-6
Price: $29,890
Output: 335 HP
Want to save even more cash? The Camaro's mid-tier V-6 powertrain makes well over 300 hp from the factory, all while providing a unique character and plenty of cool noises.
Sadly you can't get the 1LE package with the V-6 anymore
2023 Nissan Maxima
Price: $39,235
Output: 300 HP
Nissan advertises the Maxima as a four-door sports car, just like it did in the Nineties. While we're not sure that's an entirely apt description, this car offers good power for the money, with a 3.5-liter V-6 making 300 hp. Unfortunately, it's paired with a CVT.
2023 Toyota Camry
Price: $32,065
Output: 301 HP
The Toyota Camry first received an optional 301-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 for the 2018 model year onwards. It's a strong motor, and it's got some genuine sports-car pedigree, thanks to the Lotus Evora. For 2020 onwards, the V-6 is standard in the slightly absurd-looking Camry TRD, which costs under $35,000.
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