Over the past two decades, many automotive manufacturers have produced smaller engines. V6 engines accounted for 40% of car sales in 2005 but dropped to 27% in 2020. In contrast, four-cylinder engines accounted for 30% of all vehicle sales in 2005, compared to 54% in 2020. Although fewer new cars pack a V6, some still deliver that signature growl without breaking the bank. Here are five fast V6 cars among the quickest under $60,000.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V

The Cadillac CT5 offers various engines. They include four-, six-, and eight-cylinder options, depending on the trim.

For instance, the CT5-V has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 360 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This midsize luxury sedan can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and top out at 168 mph, making it one of the fastest V6 cars on this list. 

U.S. News reviewers say the CT5-V is excellent on twisty roads thanks to its magnetic ride control adaptive suspension system. They also call the handling poised. TrueCar agrees, naming the Cadillac CT5 the best midsize luxury car for the money. With a starting price of $50,095, it’s one of the quickest cars under $60,000.

2023 Nissan Z

The Nissan Z returns in 2023 after the 370Z retired following the 2020 model. The seventh-generation Z is one of the fastest V6 cars. All three trims — Sport, Performance, and Proto Spec — get a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 harnessing 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The Z beats the CT5-V in acceleration, zipping from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. However, the Nissan has a slightly lower top speed of 155 mph, but it still delivers a fun ride. U.S. News calls it a “worthy successor” to carry Nissan’s sports coupe heritage. Starting at $39,990, the 2023 Nissan Z packs plenty of power for the price. 

2023 Kia Stinger GT2 

The Kia Stinger debuted in 2018 as an affordable luxury sports sedan. The standard GT-Line has a 2.5-liter turbo-four, but the range-topping GT2 kicks things up a notch with a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 producing 368 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. It shoots from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and can reach 167 mph.

Though it’s not the most potent V6 car on this list, the 2023 Kia Stinger GT2 has numerous features that make it one of the quickest cars under $60,000. U.S. News notes the limited-slip differential and Brembo performance brakes as two features. In addition, the GT2 boasts launch control and adaptive suspension. It starts at $51,790.

2023 Audi S4

The Audi S4 takes what makes the A4 a winner — style, safety, and technology — and drops in a sporty V6 engine. All three S4 trims (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige) have a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That pushes the S4 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, one of the quicker splits on this list, but the top speed is only 155 mph, tied for the lowest.

U.S. News reviewers say if you like the A4 but want more sportiness, the S4 is the way to go. Every trim has a sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel drive. And for $52,400, the 2023 Audi S4 comes in well below the cap.

2023 Genesis G70 3.3T

The 2023 Genesis G70 comes standard with a turbo-four, but upgrading to the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 brings 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. U.S. News likens this luxury sedan to a slightly smaller and fancier Kia Stinger but with a much lower starting price of $39,150. It’s attractive, feature-packed, and comfortable. 

The V6 pushes the G70 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. That’s on the slower side for this list, but its 167-mph top speed ties for the second-highest after the CT5-V. The 2023 Genesis G70 3.3T adds a sport suspension and performance brakes as standard equipment. Options include Sport Advanced and Sport Prestige packages that add a few performance features. 

Which fast V6 car under $60,000 is the best?

These fast V6 cars are among the quickest for less than $60K. If top speed and pure power are your main interests, the Cadillac CT5-V takes first place. But the fastest off the line by a fraction is the Nissan Z, bringing a powerful V6 engine at a great value. 

Upscale models like the Audi S4, Kia Stinger GT2, and Genesis G70 3.3T provide many high-end features with a V6. But the Stinger GT2 boasts a performance edge over its luxury rivals. It has a faster acceleration time than the G70 and a higher top speed than the S4.