When it comes to seeking a sports car or any vehicle that is focused on performance aspects such as power, good acceleration, or all-around driving thrills, some buyers may assume these qualities are only available in the higher price range of the new car market — with high performance only within reach for those who can afford the expense typically attached to it.The reality is, there are a number of sports cars, or cars that fall under the performance category, that are quite affordable, even in a market where new cars with an entry-level price tag are short in supply. Featured here are some of the fastest cars on sale today under $40k ($40,000 USD) - and you might be surprised that they're not all sports cars, either!All information on the featured models has been sourced directly from the manufacturers; manufacturers reserve the right to update this at any time. We have expanded our list to the 13 fastest models to provide a broader scope, and one bonus model at the end. We rank the models featured in this list by their top speed, from slowest to fastest. Korea's Electric Crossover 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range:114 MPH2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5Starting the list of the fastest cars on sale for 2026 is the entry-level model of the Hyundai IONIQ 5. Hyundai's crossover EV starts from $35,000, and while its single electric motor pushes out below 200 hp, the instantaneous power and torque delivery off the line will be enough to get this EV up to speed in regular traffic. Though if buyers want even more performance out of the box, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is worth looking into separately. The Controversial Ford Mustang 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD: 114 MPH 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Exterior The Ford Mustang Mach-E may not share the same muscle-car credentials on which its nameplate is inspired by, but it remains an affordable family EV below $40,000 for buyers in this segment. The base configuration for MY2026, the Mustang Mach-E Select RWD brings competitive power and torque figures from its single electric motor setup: 264 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Buyers also receive a generous amount of safety tech as standard via Ford's CoPilot 360 Assist, though hands-free driving via BlueCruise is an optional extra. The All-American EV 2026 Tesla Model 3 Base RWD: 125 MPH 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard front 3/4The Tesla Model 3 has been refreshed for MY2026, with a new 'base' model now available - making it the most affordable model out of Tesla's EV lineup. Buyers looking to get the cheapest option in Tesla's range may find the starting price under $40,000 attractive, alongside the impressive power and torque figures of its single-electric-motor powertrain. Though it's worth mentioning that opting for the entry-level Model 3 means certain luxuries are omitted, including power adjustment for the steering wheel, ventilated front/rear seats, the rear seat touchscreen entertainment system, as well as the lack of lane keep assist. Kia's Sexiest Crossover 2026 Kia EV6 Light RWD: 115 MPH 2026 Kia EV6The opposite of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the Kia EV6 is also an option for those looking for a fairly fast car under $40,000. The entry-level EV6 for MY2026, the Light RWD, starts just below $38,000 and also brings the same single-electric motor, rear-wheel drive-based platform shared with the Hyundai. Equipment and other features remain the same as they did for the previous year, with no major updates that apply to the latest EV6. Both the Hyundai and Kia have minor differences that separate the two, though the EV6 is slightly sportier aesthetically with its sloping, fastback-esque roofline and exterior light designs. A Sporty German Sedan 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: 127 MPH 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Starting our list of sports cars under 40k is a European offering, specifically the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The GLI is also one of the fastest compact sedans under 40K, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out a healthy 228 hp. Closely related to its Golf GTI hatchback sibling, the GLI stands out from the latter as it can be optioned with a desirable six-speed manual transmission, in addition to Volkswagen’s famed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It's worth highlighting, though, that MY2026 is the final year Volkswagen will offer the GLI with a manual, as it will be discontinued from this year onwards. The Quintessential Hot Hatch 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI: 130 MPH 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI front, three-quarterThe first Volkswagen Golf GTI was an instant success, considered one of the first ‘hot hatch’ models that brought performance vehicles to the masses when it arrived in the 1970s. The latest MK8-generation GTI continues to be one of the best performance cars priced under 40k. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 241 hp, but most notably for 2025, Volkswagen has reintroduced physical buttons on the steering wheel, following hefty criticism over the touch-sensitive controls previously incorporated. Updated exterior lights, alloy wheel designs, and a revised infotainment system have also been included as part of the refresh; though the DSG automatic is the only transmission available now, with no options for a manual transmission from 2025 onward. A Classic Japanese Icon 2026 Honda Civic Si Sedan: 137 MPH 2025 - 2026 Honda Civic Si Sedan 11th Gen (FE) Facelift (12)The latest Honda Civic Type R may not fall under 4-door sports cars under 40k, but its sibling, the Civic Si, is a suitable alternative for enthusiasts on a stricter budget. It doesn't push the same numbers out of its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the Civic Si Sedan is still one of the most affordable cars (and remaining cars currently available) with a manual transmission. Combined with its upgraded suspension tuning, the Civic Si represents a great all-rounder that combines driving thrills with the practicality of a normal Civic sedan. The Civic Si remains unchanged for MY2026, with no significant changes to report. The Most Famous Cheap Sports Car In The World 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 139 MPH 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Top Down White Front Angled View DrivingThe latest generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata might not be one of the fastest cars on our list, but it is definitely material for one of the best sports cars under 40k. Mazda’s familiar recipe for a lightweight roadster continues for the current iteration of the MX-5: a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder up front, sending power to the rear wheels through a manual (or automatic) transmission, in a platform that is one of the lightest in its segment. The MX-5 may not be heroically fast in a straight line, but with its optimized chassis, it is just as swift as more powerful sports cars in the corners. Toyota's Sleek GR Coupe 2026 Toyota GR86: 140 MPH 2026 Toyota GR86 Yuzu EditionThe Toyota GR86 is another one of the few Japanese sports cars under 40k. Continuing to share a 2.4L naturally-aspirated flat four engine and platform as its twin, the Subaru BRZ, the GR86 offers an entry-level pathway into a rear-wheel drive sports car, with plenty of aftermarket options and support if owners wish to upgrade the platform further. No major changes have been made to the GR86 for the 2026 model year, which continues to be available with the same 2.4L flat-four engine and manual/automatic transmissions, alongside the top-line 'Yuzu Edition' with its vibrant Yellow paint finish. Subaru's Only WRX 2026 Subaru WRX: 145 MPH 2024-2025 Subaru WRX Exterior Red (9)The latest Subaru WRX has been subject to mixed reception from the Subaru community, but the current WRX sedan is one of the sports cars you can buy under 40k. Familiar aspects of Subaru’s rally-bred sedan continue to be featured, from a turbocharged flat-four engine to the brand’s ‘Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive’ system. MY2026 sees no significant updates for the WRX sedan, with its model lineup from MY2025 continuing unchanged.