Although there are several factors to consider when determining the overall performance of a car, the horsepower rating has been the go-to metric for many car buyers. Since automotive enthusiasts take horsepower output as the holy grail on vehicle specification sheets, automakers have prioritized power in their creations, and elite automakers have even found themselves in the middle of horsepower wars as they battle for supremacy.
The good thing about the horsepower war is that buyers now have a ton of car options with impressive horsepower figures at a decent price point. For $30,000 or less, you can get any of these new cars with their impressive power output.
10 Ford Mustang EcoBoost - 310 HP
Whether you need a sports car to cruise around the city or one to take charge of the Lime Rock track, the 2022 Ford Mustang never disappoints. While there's a Mustang for every personality, the EcoBoost Fastback package is for those who need a daily dose of dopamine on a budget.
Don't underestimate the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine of the EcoBoost trim, as it packs enough punch to out-muscle the V8 Mustangs of old. The 2022 Mustang EcoBoost puts out 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of peak torque and goes for only $28,600.
9 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT - 275 HP
The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro doesn't come with any significant improvements, but you definitely won't be able to get enough of the pulse-pounding acceleration and sporty driving experience. Although the sleek styling is quite attractive, the short windows make outward visibility a bit harder.
The 2022 Camaro 2LT trim starts at $28,895 and comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that blasts out 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of maximum torque. The two-door coupe handles well around turns and twisty mountain roads.
8 Subaru WRX - 271 HP
With rally-inspired sport compact cars gradually sliding into extinction, Subaru aims to reignite the passion of enthusiasts with the new WRX. Subaru adopts a new architecture to increase power delivery, and improve precision control with an upgraded track-tuned suspension.
All 2022 WRX models boast standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive – a feature that's not in the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si, or Hyundai Veloster N. The base WRX starts at $29,105, and it enjoys more power with the 2.4-liter direct-injection, turbocharged SUBARU boxer engine that makes 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
7 Volkswagen Golf GTI - 241 HP
While Volkswagen has decided to pull the plug on regular (read: boring) Golfs in the US, the GTI model was not only spared but also fully redesigned for 2022. The new hatchback packs more punch than ever before with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that spits out 241 hp, 13 horsepower more than the previous year.
While maintaining the 6-speed manual transmission for the 2022 GTI, there's a new chassis, which is more agile than before. With the advanced dynamic steering system and improved precision, stability, and grip, the road is your playground as you take the wheel of the 2022 GTI S which starts at $29,545.
6 Toyota GR86 - 228 HP
After a one-year hiatus, the Toyota GR86 comes back with a host of upgrades on where they matter most, so it's not surprising that it's one of the best-selling sports cars in 2022. The new GR86 is more agile, more powerful, and faster than ever before and the price for the base trim is pegged at $28,725.
Developed together with the Subaru BRZ, the new GR86 gets its power from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 6-speed manual transmission. The 2022 GR86 produces 228 hp, which is a good improvement from the 205 hp of the previous 2.0-liter model. The GR86 wears the Toyota Gazoo Racing badge to show that it's track-tested with numerous wins and finishes in championships across the globe.
5 Honda Accord Hybrid - 212 HP
The sleek look, feature-packed interior, and robust hybrid powertrain of the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid sedan make it a steal for just $28,815. With the perky acceleration, lithe chassis and great hauling capability, the new Honda Accord can do what the average compact SUVs and crossovers do.
The Accord Hybrid trim comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 212 hp, which is more than what is offered in more expensive trims like the Sport, Sport SE, and EX-L. The new Accord Hybrid sedan is spacious and comes with a suite of standard safety features.
4 Hyundai Tucson Blue - 226 HP
Previewed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2019 in the form of the Vision T Concept, the 2022 Tucson sports a bolder, daring look inside and out that puts the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, and the Honda CR-V on notice.
Outfitted with the HTRAC all-wheel-drive, the 2022 Tucson Blue is a great way to have fun on the road. The 2022 Tucson Blue starts at $29,350 and comes with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that makes up to 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
3 Ford Bronco - 275 HP
With a reputation for relentless toughness and durability, the Ford Bronco is now more equipped than ever to take you to wherever the wilderness calls. The new Bronco is well-mannered for on-road driving and packed with class-leading off-road features for your next adventure.
Ford offers seven trim levels for the Bronco, so there's something for everyone. The base Bronco two-door 4x4 starts at $29,300 and delivers 275 horsepower with the 2.3-liter inline-4 engine.
2 Jeep Wrangler Sport - 285 HP
Whether it's cruising down by the beach or going down a deserted trail to unlock your next adventure, there's no better option than the Jeep Wrangler. The iconic off-roader sports a retro-styled look that brings back memories of the rugged Jeep from the World War II era.
The base Wrangler Sport starts at $29,275 and Jeep rolled over the 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine from the previous year to the new Wrangler Sport 4x4 package. Wranglers are designed for off-road adventures, so all trims come with a four-wheel drive.
1 Dodge Challenger SXT - 303 HP
The Dodge Challenger is a hoot to drive, even though its handling is not as sharp and sticky as that of the Mustang and Camaro. The big, heavy coupe is a blast from the past, with a design that brings back memories of the 1970s Challengers.
The most affordable way to join the new Challenger brotherhood is by getting the entry-level SXT model with a V6 that makes 303 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. The Challenger SXT starts at $29,680, excluding destination charges.