Are you looking for exciting performance cars under $50,000 that won’t break the bank? And of course, we aren’t just talking about speed. True performance cars offer enhanced handling, track-ready capabilities, and serious horsepower. This list has the 2024 best-performance cars under $50,000, a more affordable and accessible price tag considering all the perks you get. These cars prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get behind the wheel of a thrilling machine.
We’ve rounded up the performance cars under $50,000 in 2024. A lot of these cars deliver big excitement, with styles ranging from a sports coupe to a performance sedan, although I prefer the former. Plus, many of these models come with the excitement of a manual transmission, like the Civic Si. With a budget under $50,000, these cars will satisfy your craving for speed and fun without emptying your wallet.
1. 2024 Ford Mustang GT
- Price: $44,055
- Power: 486 hp
At a starting price of $44,055, the 2024 Mustang GT is one of the best performance cars you can get under the $50K price. But if the affordable price is the only thing that pulls you to get one, you’re probably not a “real” Mustang person. The Mustang nameplate has been associated with performance and muscle. At the center of all that is the Mustang GT, the ultimate muscle car. This is not the type of car that you buy with a blind eye if you know what I mean.
Unlike the mainstream version, the 2024 Ford Mustang GT comes with a roaring 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 486 horsepower, making it the most powerful car on this list. It’s a true American icon that offers tons of performance for the money, especially if you opt for the Performance package.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Top 15 Toyota Cars To Buy in 2024
2. 2024 Acura Integra
- Acura Integra Price: $32,995
- Power: 200 hp
Next on our performance cars under $50,000 list is the Acura Integra, which is mostly known for its thrilling driving dynamics and awesome features. Picking up where the last model left off, the 2024 Acura Integra brings back the iconic nameplate with a modern twist.
Sharing its 200-HP engine with the Civic Si, the 2024 Integra offers a premium driving experience with extra features and more comfort. It’s one of the best performance sedans you can find at the $32,995 price tag. For a few extra bucks, you can have the 202 Acura Integra with the option of a six-speed manual transmission, which, as a manual transmission car fan, I highly recommend.
ALSO CHECK OUT: 2025 Acura RDX: Updates And Everything You Should Know
3. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
- Price: $37,635
- Power: 300 hp
The GR Corolla has been one of my top favorites for years. Having test-driven and experienced the new 2024 GR Corolla model firsthand, it comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a performance hatchback under $50K.
The 2024 GR Corolla comes with a 300-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system, which already puts it ahead of most of its competition. Like the Integra, the Toyota GR Corolla is a hot hatchback with manual transmission and rally-inspired engineering, making it a true enthusiast’s car. After all, what says true performance more than a manual and rally? If you love driving and want something unique, the GR Corolla is one of the best-performing cars under $50,000.
4. 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- Price: $29,310
- Power: 228 hp
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is essentially a sedan version of the beloved Golf GTI. And like the GTI, the Jetta GLI has the same thrilling performance in a four-door body. That’s probably one of the fewer differences between these cars, besides the tech and distinct styling cues.
The 2024 VW Jetta has a starting price of $29,310 and a 228-hp turbocharged inline-four engine. This car is perfect for those who want a daily driver with a sporty edge. As a true-performance sedan, the VE Jetta GLi has a six-speed manual. It also offers a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which performs just as great, minus the engaging shifts.
5. 2024 Honda Civic Si
- Price: $30,195
- Power: 200 hp
The 2024 Honda Civic Si is a fun-to-drive performance sedan that offers good performance and tech features. Compared to other cars in this list, the Civic Si is notably fuel-efficient. And that’s not even the most interesting part.
The 2024 Civic Si is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that kicks out 200 hp, which carries over to the 2025 model. The engine pairs with a sole six-speed manual transmission. It’s my type of car any day. The 2024 Civic Si is a great and affordable sports sedan for those who want a balance of performance and reliability.
6. 2024 Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
- Price: $30,435
- Power: 228 hp
The 2024 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ twins are some of the most exciting sports cars in this price range. For those who don’t know, the GR86 and the Subaru BRZ are mechanically similar, with the same engine and similar driving dynamics. The only difference between them is the tech, as well as the exterior and interior designs.
Known for their exceptional handling and lightweight chassis, these cars are built for driving enthusiasts. Both the 2024 Toyota GR6 and the Subaru BRZ have a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine, which delivers up to 228 horsepower. That’s enough to get you anywhere you need to go, in both style and speed. On top of that, they deliver pure, unfiltered driving joy on the track. A pre-owned GR86 even costs less, with the same great performance.
7. 2024 BMW 2-Series
- Price: $40,375
- Power: 255 hp
The 2025 BMW 230i is a fun, rear-wheel-drive coupe that offers sharp handling and a playful character. And I have to admit that the balance of luxury and performance is interesting, especially when you consider the $40,475 price tag. Of course, the real performance variants exist in this same 2024 lineup, albeit at a higher price tag.
The 202 BMW 2-Series is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, producing 255 horsepower. Sure, the 230i may not be as powerful as its M240i sibling, but it’s still a blast to drive. It’s one of the few rear-wheel-drive and best-performance cars under $50,000.
ALSO CHECK OUT: The New 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe L Is Here To Play
8. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Price: $33,190
- Power: 241 hp
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI remains one of the best hot hatchbacks available today. More powerful than the Integra, the 2024 GTI has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which makes 241 horsepower look like a cakewalk. On top of that, the Golf GTI offers fun-to-drive dynamics, and a sophisticated suspension system, making it a great all-around performance car. Plus, with 2024 being the last year for the manual transmission of the Golf GTI, it’s a great time to grab one of these iconic hatchbacks.
ALSO CHECK OUT: 2024 Volkswagen Polo: A Detailed Look At The Compact Car
9. 2024 Subaru WRX
- Price: $33,855
- Power: 271 hp
The 2024 Subaru WRX is a go-to for those who want a performance car that can handle all weather conditions. And you certainly know what I mean by that. Yes, the 2024 Subaru WRX has an all-wheel drive, which gives it a more thrilling acceleration.
Under the hood, the WRX has a turbocharged flat-four engine, which produces 271 horsepower. All in all, it is one the best performance cars under $50,000. You should pick the 2024 Subaru WRX if you want a fun daily driver that can tackle both backroads and snow-covered streets. Don’t forget your winter tires if you’re going to do the latter.
10. 2024 Hyundai Elantra N
- Price: $34,850
- Power: 276 hp
Every Hyundai that has the N makes a statement for itself, and the 2024 Elantra N is no different. On the performance car market, the new Elantra N stands out with its aggressive styling and track-ready capabilities. The 2024 Elantra N has a turbocharged engine with 276 horsepower, making it more powerful than the BMW 2-Series and the Civic Si. Then, combine that with the sharp steering and a responsive chassis, and you get yourself an undefeatable performance sedan. It’s a blast to drive, whether you’re on twisty roads or at the track. The Elantra N is a top contender for those seeking affordable performance.
ALSO CHECK OUT: 15 Awesome Reasons To Buy The 2024 Hyundai Elantra
11. 2024 Honda Civic Type R
- Price: $45,890
- Power: 315 hp
The Honda Civic Type R is a powerful performance sedan that gets well-deserved credit and eye glances wherever it’s driven. Under the hood is a 315 hp engine, which gives the Civic Type R immense track potential and a thrilling driving experience. The only drawback of the Type R is the front-wheel drive configuration. Otherwise, It has an aggressive styling, and it’s practical enough as a track car or daily driver.
Starting at a $45,890 price tag, the 2024 Honda Civic Type R is one of the most potent performance cars on this list. It’s an all-around excellent choice.
12. 2024 Volkswagen Golf R
- Price: $46,890
- Power: 315 hp
The final entry in our performance cars under the $50,000 list is the Volkswagen Golf R. Unlike the rest of the line, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R is the most powerful VW you can buy today.
Like the Civic Type R, the Volkswagen Golf R has a 315-hp powertrain. It also offers all-wheel drive, giving it an incredible performance on the street and track. In my recent Golf R review I talked about how the hot hatch balances performance and practicality. While it might lose the manual transmission in future models, the Golf R remains one of the best options for driving enthusiasts.
And that concludes our list. Which performance car do you like most? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.
