Top 10 Most Powerful Cars Under $50,000

The average new car in Canada now costs well over $40,000, but you don’t have to rob a bank to enjoy decent performance. While not in the same league as exotic sports cars, a number of models deliver 300 horsepower or more and can be had for a reasonable amount of money.

We have compiled the top 10 most powerful cars (no trucks or SUVs, here) you can buy right now for less than $50,000.

Note: All prices are base MSRPs and do not include freight, PDI, options and tax.

10. Nissan Maxima

Price: $43,240 (2023)

Engine: 3.5-litre V6, 300 hp, 261 lb-ft.

More details about the Nissan Maxima.

9. Toyota GR Corolla

Price: $45,490 (2023)

Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder, 300 hp, 273 lb-ft.

More details about the Toyota GR Corolla.

8. Infiniti Q50

Price: $45,195 (2023)

Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, 300 hp, 295 lb-ft.

More details about the Infiniti Q50.

7. Toyota Camry TRD

Price: $37,440 (2023)

Engine: 3.5-litre V6, 301 hp, 267 lb-ft.

More details about the Toyota Camry.

6. Volkswagen Golf R / Audi S3

Price: $47,495 / $49,950 (2023)

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 315/306 hp, 295 lb-ft. (280 lb-ft. with manual transmission)

More details about the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3.

5. Cadillac CT4-V

Price: $49,798 (2023)

Engine: Turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder, 325 hp, 380 lb-ft.

More details about the Cadillac CT4-V.

4. Dodge Challenger / Charger

Price: $45,060 / $48,665 (2022)

Engine: 5.7-litre HEMI V8, 372/370 hp, 400/385 lb-ft.

More details about the Dodge Challenger and Charger.

3. Nissan Z

Price: $46,498 (2023)

Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, 400 hp, 350 lb-ft.

More details about the Nissan Z.

2. Ford Mustang

Price: $44,665 (2022)

Engine: 5.0-litre V8, 450 hp, 410 lb-ft.

More details about the Ford Mustang.

1. Chevrolet Camaro

Price: $43,098 (2023)

Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 455 hp, 455 lb-ft.

More details about the Chevrolet Camaro.