Over the last 20 years, many automakers have produced smaller engines. V6 engines accounted for 40% of his car sales in 2005, but have fallen to 27% in 2020. In contrast, four-cylinder engines accounted for 30% of all car sales in 2005 compared to 54% in 2020. V6, some still deliver that signature grunt without breaking the bank, here are five of his fastest V6 cars under $60,000.
2022 Cadillac CT5-V
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | Cadillac
The Cadillac CT5 is available with a variety of engines. There are 4, 6 and 8 cylinder options depending on the trim.
For example, the CT5-V has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that develops 360 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This midsize luxury sedan accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph, making it one of the fastest V6 cars on this list.
US News reviewers say the CT5-V excels on twisty roads thanks to its Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension system. They also call the handling calm. TrueCar agrees, calling the Cadillac CT5 a midsize luxury car with excellent value for money. With a starting price of $50,095, he is one of the fastest cars under $60,000.
The Nissan Z will make a comeback in 2023 after the 370Z has retired following the 2020 model year. The 7th generation Z is his one of the fastest V6 cars. All three of his trims – Sport, Performance and Proto-Spec – feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that develops 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
The Z beats the CT5-V in acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. However, the Nissan's top speed is slightly lower at 155 mph, but it still offers an enjoyable ride. US News has called Nissan Sport a "worthy successor" to his coupe heritage. Starting at $39,990, his 2023 Nissan Z has plenty of power for the price.
The Kia Stinger debuted in 2018 as an affordable luxury sports sedan. The standard GT-Line is powered by his 2.5-liter Turbo 4, but his GT2 topping the range is powered by a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 producing 368 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. It is one rank higher. It can launch from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reach 167 mph.
While not the most powerful V6 car on this list, the 2023 Kia Stinger GT2 has many features that make it one of the fastest cars under $60,000. US News lists a limited-slip differential and Brembo performance brakes as two of his features. Additionally, the GT2 features Launch Control and Adaptive Suspension. Starting at $51,790.
2023 Audi S4
The Audi S4 takes the A4's winning style, safety and technology and comes with a sporty V6 engine. All three S4 trims (Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige) are powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This allows the S4 to go from 0 to 60 mph in his 4.4 seconds.
US News reviewer says if you like the A4 but want something sportier, the S4 is for you. All trims have sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel drive. And at $52,400, the 2023 Audi S4 is well below the high end.
The 2023 Genesis G70 comes standard with Turbo 4, but an upgrade to a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivers 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. US News likens this luxury sedan to his Kia Stinger, which is a bit smaller and flashier, but he has a much lower starting price of $39,150. Attractive, feature-packed, and comfortable.
The V6 pushes the G70 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. It's on the slow side of this list, but its 167 mph top speed is his second highest, after the CT5-V. The 2023 Genesis G70 3.3T comes standard with sport suspension and performance brakes. Options include Sport Advanced and Sport Prestige packages that add some performance features.
What's the best fast V6 car under $60,000?
These fast V6 cars are among the fastest under $60,000. If top speed and sheer power are your primary concerns, the Cadillac CT5-V is your first choice. But the fastest by a fraction of the range is the Nissan Z, which offers a powerful V6 engine at great value.
Luxury models such as the Audi S4, Kia Stinger GT2 and Genesis G70 3.3T offer many high-end features in the V6. But the Stinger GT2 outperforms its high-end rivals. It accelerates faster than the G70 and has a higher top speed than the S4.
