In order to get the fastest cars on the road, it used to mean buyers had to spend a small fortune. But today’s market is more competitive than ever, with brands producing more for less. Today’s buyers don’t need to break the bank to get a high-performance, fast car. In fact, today’s performance market may surprise you with its delicate balance of power and price.

Experts at U.S. News recently compiled a list of the fastest and most affordable cars of the year. Boasting performance without the performance-car price, these vehicles offer buyers a sports car experience at a family-car price. And out of the dozens that made the list, there are three that easily top the list of “The Fastest New Cars Under $50,000 for 2020.”

Chevrolet Camaro LT1

The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 is new for the 2020 model year and presents potential buyers with a cheaper, more affordable alternative to the Camaro SS. The LT1 trim now sits squarely in the middle of the Camaro lineup.

Unlike the Camaro SS, which can cost more than $40,000, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 comes with a starting price of around $34,000. According to Motor1, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 may cost significantly less than the performance-oriented SS, but fortunately comes with the “same 6.2-liter V8 good for 455 hp and offers the same two transmissions.” 

Although the Camaro LT1 doesn’t come with all the upgraded features of the SS, it gains tremendous value for buyers by matching all of its power. The LT1 can hit speeds of 60 miles per hour in an impressive 4.0 seconds and also features more upgraded performance parts from the Camaro SS, like Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 scoots into the third spot on U.S. News’ list for its extraordinary balance of speed, power, and price, with an overall score of 7.8/10.

Toyota Supra

This revved-up Toyota model may take you on a trip down memory lane, but don’t let the classic namesake fool you. The 2020 Toyota Supra is back after more than two decades, impressively punching its way through to the top of the rankings.

After such a long hiatus, the new Supra is faster and more powerful than ever, with even its base trim hitting lightning speeds of 60 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds flat. Sharing its 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine with the BMW Z4, it is one of the fastest cars on the list.

According to U.S. News, the 2020 Toyota Supra has one of the most expensive starting prices on the list, at around $49,000. But its speed, alongside its impressive nature and 8.6/10 overall score, make it a tremendous value.

The Toyota Supra also benefits from BMW-inspired Brembo brakes, steering, active rear differential, and a 50-50 front-to-rear balance.

Ford Mustang GT

It should come as no surprise that the Ford Mustang is one of the fastest cars on the road in 2020. As one of the most popular performance cars of all time, the Ford Mustang has become increasingly affordable for buyers through an array of trims and options.

The 2020 Ford Mustang GT (equipped with the Performance Package) is U.S. News’ top choice for the fastest and most affordable vehicle of the year, costing around $44,000 and earning an impressive overall score of 8.8/10.

Although base prices for the Mustang can begin around $26,000, the GT trim gives buyers a super-potent 5.0-liter, eight-cylinder engine that makes 460 hp. This engine, paired with the GT’s 10-speed automatic transmission and Performance Package catapults the Mustang down the line to 60 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds.

According to U.S. News, the Ford Mustang GT’s Performance Package adds stiffer front springs, larger Brembo brakes, larger sway bar, a rear limited-slip differential, and more.