Three 2026 Cars With (Almost) 300 Horsepower For (About) $30k
If you’re after cheap horsepower, you’re in luck. You have multiple new car options rated around 300 horsepower for just over $30k in 2026. They range from front-wheel-drive Korean cars to the original pony car that brought performance to the masses to a surprising SUV that might be the true heir to the muscle car legacy.
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[3] Jeep Wrangler – 285 Horsepower at $32,095
Sure, it takes six seconds to hit 60 mph. But you get to do it with the top down, doors off, and the standard stick shift in your hand. I reckon you’ll have twice as much fun getting to 60 mph as you would in an electric supercar that can do the same charge in 3 seconds. In many ways, the Wrangler is the modern heir apparent to the old-school muscle car legacy.
The base model is a two-door with a 285 horsepower V6. Its 2025 MSRP was $32,690. But if you want one cheap, you’ll need to search through 2025 inventory. Despite no mechanical changes, the 2026 model year is advertised at $35,595.
[2] Kia K5 GT – 290 Horsepower at $33,290
You can get a Kia K5 sedan with a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder for $27,490. But if you want pure horsepower, you’ll need to shell out $33,590 for the turbocharged GT trim. This FWD car can hit 60 mph in a hair over five seconds, according to reviewers. That’s some serious sports sedan performance for the price.
If you want something a bit more luxurious, consider its cousin: the Hyundai Elantra N. This car offers 276 horsepower at $34,350 and some fantastic handling dynamics.
[1] Ford Mustang – 315 Horsepower at $32,320
The Mustang invented the affordable pony car class, bringing stylish horsepower to the masses. Over 60 years later, it ain’t slowing down. Today, the entry-level Mustang has a turbocharged, 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine rated at 315 horsepower. Its transmission is a 10-speed automatic. But unlike the K5, it is a RWD sideways machine. Some reviewers have even gotten the base-spec Mustang to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Why would you need to splurge on anything else?
