As we all know, the introduction of electric cars has made the automotive industry extremely competitive. They have, in turn, changed the expectations of vehicles. Now, companies must work diligently to make cars fast, luxurious, and affordable to keep up with the times. This rapid evolution among manufacturers only leaves buyers to benefit. Teens purchasing cars reap the true rewards of high end performance cars at affordable prices. Here’s a look at 2023 and 2024’s top lineup.

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is about the best bang for your buck on the market. It starts at around 36k, but with the price you get a stock, rally racing hatchback. It packs a 300 hp I-3 turbo engine to power this beast. It comes with any transmission, as long as it’s the standard 6-speed transmission. The hatchback makes 21/28 mpg, which in all reality, isn’t bad for a race car. One of the best upgrades on the car is a select full carbon fiber roof. What sets it apart from other rally cars happens at the wheels. It comes on sport suspension with AWD select power distribution on the tires. This means the power produced by the engine can be specified to the front and back in different variations, like 50/50 or 70/30, depending on the conditions.

Dodge’s 2023 Hornet is one of the top SUVs coming out this year starting at only 30k. The hybrid Hurricane turbocharged I-4 engine pushes 268 hp. The AWD ‘mom car’ is capable of a 0-60 in 6.1 seconds which isn’t bad for getting groceries. It comes standard with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission. However, it only averages 24 mpg. To compensate for this, Dodge has incorporated a high end suspension system. It has a FSD system to control shocks to provide as smooth of a ride as possible similar to new luxury cars.

Looking for a more comfortable daily sports car, then the Honda Accord Sport L hybrid might be the right one for only 34k. It has a 204 hp 2 motor hybrid making around 44 mpg, great for anyone trying to cut down on gas costs with the current market. While yes, it is an Accord, it comes with a much sportier look and feel to it. It has a much sleeker and comfortable design and has new motion management regulations for improved turning on corners. There are also lots of driver assist features on the car where it can practically drive itself.

One of the most hyped up cars of the year has been the Nissan 400 Z packing a 3-liter, 400 hp, twin-turbo v6 engine. This car makes 350 ft-lb of torque off the line making it a 13 second car in the quarter mile. While most companies are looking to rid away with combustion engines, Nissan has stuck with its roots keeping the classic v6 and manual options. It comes in either a 9 speed automatic or a 6 speed manual. Speaking of, there are features from the previous Z’s to keep a classic but new look. It has a similar grille and hood to the 240 Z, similar profile to the 370 Z, doors like a 350 Z, and many more similar features. However, just because it has old features, it has all new performance, with a top speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 around 4 seconds. Some of the best features are its high end suspension and its cockpit like driver’s seat. For all of this, you’d expect a high price, but they start at only 40k.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback has had its scrutiny for being an I-4 muscle car but nevertheless, it has all the great features a muscle car typically has. It also looks like any other Mustang, and it starts at only 28k, which is 30k less than the Mach 1. And although it only has half as many pistons, it still makes 310 hp. There’s a huge aftermarket following for these cars, so it’s no issue making some upgrades yourself. In addition, it comes stock with launch control, making its 0-60 a solid 5.1 seconds. And it’s not only quick on the straights, its independent rear suspension allows for the driver to take hard turns without issues.

The Hyundai Elantra N is without a doubt one of the best looking, track inspired vehicles. And, for only 32k, it’s a great option. It comes stock with anything you could ever want. It has a variable exhaust system, so it is able to be adjusted to as loud or quiet you want. It also comes from the lot with the best tires on the market: Michelin pilot sport tires, to put the power of the 276 hp engine to the ground. Hyundai has also incorporated an electronic suspension system that the driver controls. This means that it can be a smooth ride getting groceries, or it can be a race on the GPS taking sharp corners at high speeds. But with it being a Hyundai, it still maintains great gas mileage and averages 31 mpg. The most prominent feature on the car is the N mode button on the steering wheel, which sends the car into a full, track ready mode in seconds.

Lastly, is the 2023 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, which can range from 30-40k from dealership. It comes with the infamous 271 hp 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that has dominated rally racing for years. This AWD monster is a stock race car meant for the streets and dirt racing. They have had a great reputation since the 80’s for being great daily drivers or being modified into the ultimate race car. Their versatility is one the biggest reasons why they hold their value so well over the years. In fact, 95% of Subaru’s WRX’s sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. The newest model has been praised for its precise control of the car with crazy accurate steering.