The Top 10 Turbocharged Cars You Can Buy For Under $35,000

August 23, 2022

A turbocharged vehicle is a car with a turbine attached to the engine. The turbine harnesses gasses from the engine to force more air into the combustion chamber of the vehicle, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and create more power. The advantages of having a turbocharged engine include being able to produce more power with less capacity and fewer cylinders, having better fuel economy, and having extra power under the hood than naturally aspirated vehicles. Check out the 10 best turbocharged vehicles that cost less than $35,000 to own.

Nissan Juke

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The Juke has been manufactured since 2011 and has exceeded sales expectations during every year of production. This unique crossover is, perhaps, best known for its appearance, although the vehicle is an impressive package overall. The 2.6-litre turbocharged engine in the Juke manages to produce 188 horsepower as a standard vehicle, but many highly modified versions produce a lot more power. A safe vehicle, the Juke has received various industry awards throughout its production history. Its design was considered to be unique when the Juke made its debut in 2011. Since then, many other manufacturers have tried to copy some of the features that make this car stand out.

MazdaSpeed3

Motor Trend

Although the MazdaSpeed3 has been out of production for a few years, it is still a vehicle worth exploring. The 2.3-litre, turbocharged, four cylinder comes standard with a six-speed transmission and produces 263 horsepower. This translates into a zero-to-sixty mile-per-hour time of 5.2 seconds. It also allows the car to break the fourteen-second barrier for a quarter mile. The vehicle is considered to be a great daily driver, with automotive writers praising the MazdaSpeed3 for its fuel economy, value for money, and engine performance. The car has been compared to the Subaru WRX STI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, putting it among elite company. Many enthusiasts have called for Mazda to release another version of the vehicle because of how well the first iteration was received by consumers.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

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The second-generation Genesis Coupe brings more power to the table than the first-generation did while maintaining attributes that were popular in that version. Although not as nimble as most sports cars with the same amount of power, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is recognized for practicality and decent fuel economy based on the power it produces. The vehicle generates 274 horsepower from its 2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine, which shares many components with another car on this list, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The car continues Hyundai's fluid design and can be compared to the Veloster in terms of its smooth lines and unique aesthetic. The second-generation Genesis Coupe costs between $24,000 and $31,000 depending on the model and features.

Ford Fiesta ST

Car and Driver

The Ford Fiesta ST contains a 1.6-litre, turbocharged EcoBoost engine that has been commended for responsiveness and reliability. Winning various industry awards and producing close to 200 horsepower, the Fiesta has been revered by drivers who want a speedy hatchback that is also capable of performing daily driving duties. The Fiesta ST comes standard with a lower sports suspension and larger alloy wheels than the regular Fiesta models, which improves the vehicle's handling and gives it a different aesthetic from that of its predecessors. It has also been praised for fuel economy and practicality, two major factors in determining a new vehicle purchase for many buyers. A new Ford Fiesta ST typically costs around $30,000 USD.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

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The Veloster has very specific styling, making the vehicle instantly recognizable on the road. This vehicle is well known for being a fun drive that can pack a punch when needed. It weighs between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds, which contributes to the car's excellent fuel economy and makes it one of the most efficient hatchbacks available. The engine in a standard turbocharged Veloster produces 201 horsepower from the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. The vehicle is ripe for modification, and a 2016 rally-inspired version of the Veloster only scratches the surface in terms of potential. A Veloster can be purchased for around $22,000, which is a reasonable price for this well-built, turbocharged vehicle.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Car and Driver

The Lancer Evolution or 'Evo' has been legendary among Japanese performance car enthusiasts for over twenty-five years. The 2015 Mitsubishi Evolution X represents the last Evolution model to be produced, and it truly is a beauty. The 2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged vehicle was originally made to compete with other four-wheel-drive performance vehicles, such as the Subaru WRX. The 291 horsepower produced from the engine is more than enough to satisfy most drivers. The Lancer Evolution comes standard with plenty of goodies, such as Brembo brakes, performance Yokohama tires, and 18.5-inch Enkei wheels. Although the last model of the Evolution is difficult to find in North America, it easily ranks in the top ten best turbo vehicles for under $35,000.

Fiat 500 Abarth

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When most people think of the Fiat 500, they envision a tiny car puttering along, perhaps driven by an elderly person on the way to church. However, this 500 is similar to the iconic 500 only in name and surface appearance. The Abarth sports a laundry list of upgrades, including a high-performance engine, sports suspension, and upgraded transmission. It also features changes to the steering, brakes, exhaust, chassis, and traction control system, which produce a better driving experience. All of these upgrades allow the 1.4-litre, turbocharged hatch to produce 160 horsepower as a factory vehicle. Although this figure is not overwhelming, it is important to keep in mind that the 500 Abarth weighs just 2683 pounds. As a result, the power-to-weight ratio is respectable. Fiat succeeded in creating a fun and reliable, performance-driven, daily driver that will not break the bank at around $21,000.

Ford Focus ST

Top Gear

The Focus ST comes with a 2-litre, turbocharged I4 engine that produces an impressive 252 horsepower within a reasonably light frame of 3,300 pounds. This vehicle does not excel in straight line speed, but it outperforms many other cars when it comes to corner and hill driving. An enhanced suspension and a standard six-speed transmission make this vehicle an exciting daily driver. The Focus ST has received excellent reviews for its driving experience, engine power, performance, and styling. A new Focus ST can be purchased for just under $26,000.

VW Golf R

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This vehicle produces a standard 256 horsepower from its 2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine, which it shares with the Audi S3. This car is an impressive European sleeper, ready to eat Japanese cars alive but also able to create a serious driving experience. The Golf R has received many rave reviews, with drivers enjoying the power from the engine, great handling, and six-speed manual transmission. This vehicle has proved to be especially popular in Canada, where many dealerships have increased orders for it because of high demand. The Golf represents one of the more expensive vehicles on this list. However, its driving experience, build quality, and safety make it one of the best values among turbocharged cars.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Edmunds

Subaru has a rich history of manufacturing performance-based rally cars and reliable daily drivers that have become popular across North America. The WRX is somewhere in the middle, with enough power to give it the feel of a highly tuned rally car but also the sensibilities and practicality of an everyday driver. The WRX comes off the production line with 265 horsepower and can achieve a standing zero-to-sixty mile-per-hour time of five seconds flat. The WRX starts at around $27,000, but the highly tuned STI version is priced at just over $36,000. The 2.5-litre, four cylinder motor has been well paired with a turbocharger as a four-wheel-drive configuration, making the WRX a desirable vehicle for many.

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