Top 10 Cheapest Cars With 300 Horsepower

Sami Haj-Assaad
by Sami Haj-Assaad

One of the most wonderful sensations come when you command a whole handful of power just with the flexing of your right foot. Horsepower is an intoxicating element when it comes to driving, but that doesn’t mean that it’s saved for the most expensive vehicles out there.

We’ve updated our list of affordable cars with 300 or more horsepower. Most of the vehicles here are coupes, but a trio of sedans squeezed in, proving fun can come in four-doors. All cars are arranged in order of price including destination.

Here is our list of Top 10 Cheapest Cars with 300 Horsepower:


10. 2021 Subaru WRX STI: 310 hp, $38,170

SEE ALSO: 2019 Subaru WRX Raiu Review

With 310 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual, the Subaru WRX STI is an old-school, all-weather road rocket. The interior is what we would charitably call business-oriented: you’re not spending the $38,170 the WRX stickers for to get fancy massaging seats or soft-touch plastics. The current WRX isn’t long for this world, with a new model expected to bow mid-2022.


09. 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T: 375 hp, $37,745

SEE ALSO: 2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Review: The Simplicity Of A Hammer

Let’s say you like the specs of the Dodge Charger, but want something a bit less practical? Well fortunately for you, there’s the Dodge Challenger, which also sports a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. It puts out 375 horsepower in this car, which all gets sent to the rear wheels. There’s no denying the retro appeal of the Challenger: it’s heavy, comfy and packs a sexy sounding V8 engine. But maybe stay away if you were thinking it was something sporty. There are other cars on this list with far more athletic ambitions.


08. 2022 Ford Mustang GT: 460 hp, $37,480

SEE ALSO: 2021 Ford Mustang GT Convertible California Special Review: Cloudy with a Chance of (V8) Thunder

Whether or not you think the Ford Mustang GT is the big-daddy of muscle cars, it certainly packs the value. With a price-tag of just $37,480, the Mustang GT puts out 460 hp. That power comes from a great sounding 5.0-liter V8 engine, which can be equipped with a 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. A classic rear-wheel drive sports car, the Mustang GT now rides on an independent rear suspension setup, making it far more compliant and accommodating on the road, in comparison to the last generation model.


07. 2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line: 300 hp, $37,135

SEE ALSO: 2022 Kia Stinger GT Review: Life in the Touring Lane

Kia raised eyebrows when it debuted the Stinger, a rear- or all-wheel drive sport sedan offering a cut-price alternative to the BMW 5 Series. It’s seen a few choice upgrades since that launch, including a stronger base engine for 2022. The 2.5-liter turbocharge four-cylinder is a powerful one, throwing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. Pricing starts from $37,135.


06. 2022 Chevrolet Camro LT1: 455 hp, $35,195

If V8 power is what you crave, the Camaro LT1 is the most affordable way to do it. The LT1 brings with it Chevy’s venerable 6.2-liter small-block V8, kicking out a righteous 455 hp and 455 lb-ft. This sticker price gets you the six-speed manual; you’ll have to cough up extra for the 10-speed automatic.


05. 2021 Dodge Charger GT: 300 hp, $34,620

SEE ALSO: 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Review: The Friendly Demon

With a 300-hp V6 engine, the Dodge Charger GT is one mean sedan. Sure, there are higher-powered V8 models in the lineup, but this one still looks modern thanks to squinty headlights and those cool LED taillights. Plus, what other full-size sedan offers the option of AWD? Exactly.


04. 2022 Toyota Camry TRD: 301 hp, $33,385

SEE ALSO: 2020 Toyota Camry TRD Review

Yeah, you read that right: the Camry is a hold-out in the affordable performance sector. Who knew? As the only mid-size front-drive sedan with a V6 still, the Camry is an outlier, and the TRD model turns it into a fun-loving extrovert. It’s not the sportiest vehicle on the list, but a dash of fun in something so otherwise normal is just the sort of mix that appeals to us.


03. 2021 Dodge Challenger SXT V6: 303 hp, $31,045

SEE ALSO: 2021 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review: It’s All In the Name

Alright performance car fans, now we’re nearing the $30,000 mark and ready to really talk about value. The V6-powered Dodge Challenger costs $31,045 and packs a 303-hp engine. The base SXT model isn’t exactly stripped down: it comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, a keyless entry and go system, a leather wrapped steering wheel and an easily recognizable quad LED day-time lighting setup.


02. 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: 310 hp, $28,400

SEE ALSO: 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High-Performance Package Review

How’s about a turbocharged pony? Priced at $28,400 and putting out 310 hp, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a true value proposition. The upside with the EcoBoost engine is that it spits out 320 lb-ft of torque and is the most fuel efficient Mustang you can get, with manual models earning 22 mpg in the city, and 31 on the highway.


01. 2022 Chevrolet Camaro V6: 335 hp, $28,290

Topping the list is the Chevrolet Camaro in V6 form. With 335-hp, It makes more power than the cars surrounding it at this spot, but it also weighs quite a bit more too, surpassing 3,700 lb. While it gives up over 100 hp to its V8-powered brother, there’s no denying that the V6-powered Camaro still has that visual appeal—and is much easier on your wallet.


Recent Updates:

December 2, 2021 – Revamped list based on current rankings and new cars.

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Sami Haj-Assaad
Sami Haj-Assaad

Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.

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