The Most Affordable Six-Cylinder Sports Cars Available In 2026

The six-cylinder engine represents one of the most enduring sweet spots in automotive engineering, celebrated for its inherent balance of smooth power delivery, mechanical refinement, and robust performance potential. As of 2026, these engines remain a prestigious hallmark strictly reserved for the premium and luxury car segments.

Crucially, the integration of electrification has not signaled the demise of the six-cylinder, but has instead elevated it to unprecedented performance heights by pairing these engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid systems and modern forced induction. While this list highlights relatively affordable six‑cylinder models, bear in mind that automakers no longer prioritize low initial cost.

10

2026 Lexus IS 350

MSRP: $46,895

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is powered by the brand’s 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine producing 311 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 280 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 RPM. Drivetrain choice dictates the transmission pairing. Rear-wheel-drive variants utilize an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive models route power through a six-speed automatic.

Base Trim Engine

3.5-liter V6

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

311 HP @6600 RPM

Base Trim Torque

280 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM

Make

Lexus

Model

IS

Segment

Compact Luxury Sedan

When it comes to straight-line performance, the rear-wheel drive version sprints from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile mark in 14.2 seconds, based on Car and Driver‘s testing. The heavier all-wheel drive version completes the 0-60 MPH run in 5.9 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds. Regardless of the driven wheels, both configurations are electronically limited to a top speed of 143 MPH.

9

2026 Nissan Z

MSRP: $42,970

The 2026 Nissan Z utilizes the VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine, an aluminum-alloy powerplant that features water-cooled intercoolers to manage its high-thermal intake loads. This forced-induction engine produces 400 hp at 6,400 RPM and 350 lb-ft of torque across a band from 1,600 to 5,600 RPM. The engine pairs with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission equipped with a high-performance EXEDY clutch, a carbon-fiber composite driveshaft, and Nissan’s advanced SynchroRev Match system for automated downshift throttle blips.

Base Trim Engine

3L VR V6 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

9-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

400 HP @6400 RPM

Base Trim Torque

350 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

19/28/22 MPG

Make

Nissan

Model

Z

Segment

Sports Car

Weighing in at 3,536 pounds in its Performance trim, the manual coupe routes its massive low-end muscle through a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds. The twin-turbo continues to cover a quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds flat at a trap speed of 110 MPH before reaching a 155-MPH top speed limit.

8

2026 Cadillac CT5

MSRP: $53,595

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury is optionally available with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, bumping output to 335 hp and 405 lb-ft. The brand offers this with a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels or to all four wheels via the optional all‑wheel‑drive system.

Base Trim Engine

2L I4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

10-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

237 HP @5000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

18/26/21 MPG

Base Trim Battery Type

Lead acid battery

Make

Cadillac

Model

CT5

This upgraded V-6 drops the 0 to 60 MPH sprint to 4.9 seconds in rear-wheel drive form and a slower 5.1 seconds if you opt for the all-wheel drive. The two-wheel drive model clears the quarter-mile mark in roughly 13.5 seconds, based on Edmunds test results. Top speed on the Premium Luxury line is electronically limited to 130 MPH.

7

2026 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Prestige

MSRP: $53,600

The 2026 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Prestige features a punchy 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that delivers 365 hp at 6,000 RPM and 376 lb-ft of torque starting at 1,300 RPM. This power is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, routing output to either the standard rear-wheel-drive system or an available all-wheel-drive setup.

Base Trim Engine

2.5L I4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

300 HP @5800 RPM

Base Trim Torque

311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 RPM

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

21/29/24 MPG

Base Trim Battery Type

Lead acid battery

Make

Genesis

Model

G70

Utilizing its standard launch control system, the G70 3.3T accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds and powers through the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at a trap speed of 109 MPH. The sports sedan will top out at a maximum speed of 149 MPH.

6

2026 BMW M240i Coupe

MSRP: $53,600

The 2026 BMW M240i Coupe inherits the brand’s acclaimed B58 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. It produces 382 hp at 5,800 RPM and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 RPM. BMW only offers this engine with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, featuring launch control and steering-wheel paddle shifters. You can opt for standard rear-wheel drive or the traction-optimized xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Base Trim Engine

2L I-4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

255 HP @5000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 1550 RPM

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

26/35/30 MPG

Base Trim Battery Type

Lead acid battery

Make

BMW

Model

2 Series Coupe

In terms of straight-line performance, the two-wheel-drive M240i hits 0 to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile mark in 12.7 seconds. Opting for the xDrive version drops the 0 to 60 MPH sprint to 4.1 seconds and stops the quarter-mile clock in 12.1 seconds at a trap speed near 114 MPH. The coupe is electronically restricted to a top speed of 130 MPH, though opting for factory performance tires raises that digital governor to a maximum of 155 MPH.

5

2026 Dodge Charger SixPack R/T

MSRP: $51,990

The 2026 Dodge Charger SixPack R/T is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline six-cylinder engine with the Standard-Output version. This generates 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. Dodge attaches this to an eight-speed automatic transmission, routing power to a standard all-wheel-drive system that features a driver-selectable on-demand rear-wheel-drive mode.

Base Trim Engine

3L Hurricane I6 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

420 HP @5200 RPM

Base Trim Torque

469 lb.-ft. @ 3500 RPM

Base Trim Battery Type

Lead acid battery

Make

Dodge

Model

Charger

Segment

Full-Size Sedan

Thanks to standard launch control, the pony car sprints from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. When given enough open tarmac, the turbo-six Charger R/T will push forward to a maximum top speed of 168 MPH, reflecting a noteworthy improvement over the V-8 it replaces.

4

2026 Dodge Charger SixPack Scat Pack

MSRP: $56,990

Opting for the Scat Pack increases performance with the High-Output variant of the Hurricane. This variant generates 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack also features an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel-drive, retaining a driver-selectable on-demand rear-wheel-drive mode.

When leveraging its built-in launch control system, this high-output straight-six propels the heavy-set muscle car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds. The SixPack Scat Pack continues its acceleration up to a top speed of 177 MPH.

3

2026 Cadillac CT5-V

MSRP: $57,600

The 2026 Cadillac CT5-V is a more extreme iteration of the aforementioned model, also featuring the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. In the performance V derivative, it pumps out 360 hp at 5,400 RPM and 405 lb-ft of torque across 2,350 to 4,000 RPM. The system transfers power via a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, available as all‑wheel drive for an additional cost.

Base Trim Engine

3L V6 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

10-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

360 HP @5400 RPM

Base Trim Torque

405 lb.-ft. @ 2350 RPM

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

17/26/20 MPG

Base Trim Battery Type

Lead acid battery

Make

Cadillac

Model

CT5-V

With launch control applied, the rear-wheel drive CT5-V hits 0 to 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at a trap speed near 107 MPH. Opting for the all-wheel drive variant yields an identical 4.6-second 0-60 MPH sprint, though it crosses the quarter-mile mark just a tick later at 13.2 seconds. The sports sedan’s acceleration is capped when it reaches its electronically limited top speed of 156 MPH.

2

2026 BMW M340i

MSRP: $60,500

The 2026 BMW M340i is powered by an updated version of the brand’s B58 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine, with the benefit of an augmented 48-volt mild-hybrid system. As a result, it generates a combined 386 hp at 5,200 RPM and 398 lb-ft of torque starting at 1,900 RPM. This mild-hybrid powertrain is mated exclusively to a crisp-shifting eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission featuring integrated launch control. You can choose between standard rear-wheel drive or the traction-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Base Trim Engine

2L I4 Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

255 HP @4700 RPM

Base Trim Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

28/35/31 MPG

Base Trim Battery Type

Lithium ion (Li-ion)

Make

BMW

Model

3 Series Sedan

In terms of performance, the RWD M340i hits 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds. The xDrive version drops the 0 to 60 MPH sprint to 4.1 seconds and cuts the quarter-mile time down to 12.4 seconds at 111 MPH. Out of the box, the sports sedan features an electronically limited top speed of 130 MPH. Opting for factory high-performance summer tires raises that electronic governor to 155 MPH.

1

2026 Audi S5

MSRP: $63,300

The 2026 Audi S5 features a redesigned 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6, supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This produces a combined 362 hp at 6,300 RPM and 406 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 RPM. This updated engine replaces the previous model’s conventional automatic in favor of a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s only available with Audi’s standard quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Base Trim Engine

3.0l V6 Biturbo

Base Trim Transmission

7-speed auto-shift manual

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

362 HP

Base Trim Torque

406 lb.-ft.

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

19/28/22 MPG

Make

Audi

Model

S5

Segment

Sedan

When taking advantage of launch control, the premium German sport sedan clocks a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds, while powering through the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at a trap speed of 107 MPH. Like most of its German contemporaries, the S5’s continuous highway pull is electronically restricted to a top track speed of 155 MPH when equipped with summer performance tires.

Sources: Car and Driver and Edmunds.