The $65,000 mark may seem like an arbitrary price cap for a list of excellent performance cars, but look closely and you’ll find it’s a sweet spot for some of D’s most compelling performance offerings. ‘Today. Look high-end from here and you’ll quickly be making six-figure purchases without a significant gain in performance. And below that cost benchmark are solid entry-level cars, but they offer much less performance. So here are Edmunds’ five best-performing cars for around $65,000. All prices include destination.
If you’re old enough to remember motorsport in the 1980s, you know why the RS 3’s five-cylinder engine is special. It was a five-cylinder that powered Audi’s biggest motorsport effort, the Sport Quattro, which won the brand four world rally championship titles. The RS 3 relives that glory with a 401-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that routes power to all four wheels. It sniffs and claws its way to a 0-60 mph time of less than 4 seconds while maintaining livable everyday comfort, great technology, and room for 6-footers in the back seat. It’s a small sedan with big attitude, especially at this price.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $63,395
With 473 horsepower from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, a neat coupe-style body, and your choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2025 M2 checks all the boxes hot rod of small cars. . In Edmunds testing, an automatic-equipped 2024 M2 — which had 20 fewer horsepower — reached 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and hit the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds. The M2 is also a driver’s car with classic rear-wheel drive handling. an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and targeted flared fenders stretched over performance rubber. Best of all, the M2 matches its big brother, the M4, in most performance metrics using a smaller, lighter, less expensive package.
Starting MSRP: $66,075
Many people only know Cadillac for its line of SUVs, including the Escalade. To them, the CT4-V Blackwing must look like a hidden off-menu option at a restaurant. This small sedan is equipped with a 472-horsepower 3.6-liter turbocharged V6 that drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a ten-speed automatic transmission. Standard adaptive dampers provide true compliance for everyday use and controlled, safe handling. On the Edmunds test track, a manually equipped CT4-V Blackwing sprinted to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and hit the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds. It may give up a few tenths to the M2, but it makes up for that by being one of the most engaging and inspiring driver’s cars sold today.
Starting MSRP: $62,890
If you want to experience the Mustang at its internal combustion peak, the Dark Horse might be your last opportunity. Few things will make you feel more patriotic than the Dark Horse’s 500-horsepower V8 song of glory. And as the only V8-powered car on this list, the Dark Horse offers a distinctly American take on performance driving. Its 5.0-liter mill powers the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission. It hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, produces an incredible 1.12g of weight on the skidpad, and delivers braking performance rivaling that of some supercars. It’s expensive for a Mustang, but its performance is good enough to justify the cost.
Starting MSRP: $60,530
The Ioniq 5 N slightly exceeds our $65,000 price target. But it’s so remarkable as a performance car – not just a performance electric vehicle – that we’d be doing the list a disservice by not including it. With 641 peak horsepower, all-wheel drive, and SUV-like practicality, the 5 N is truly distinctive. Better yet, there’s more than just outrageous acceleration like so many electric cars. Sure, it’ll go from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and hit the quarter mile in just 11.2 seconds, but it also has enough grip and braking performance for track use. Hyundai even made the effort to add a special mode that mimics the sound and feel of a gas-powered car, giving performance enthusiasts a familiar point of reference.
Starting MSRP: $67,475
If your budget for a performance car includes a price tag around $65,000, be sure to consider these options. There is a lot of variety here in terms of purity of experience and everyday practicality. Almost every buyer can find a car on this list that meets their needs.
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This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
Josh Jacquot is an Edmunds contributor.
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