A V8 sedan has an appeal that simply never fizzles out. That deep, angry growl, instant push, and commanding road presence make for some of the most desirable driving experiences. Give us a V8 sedan, and we’d expect it to either be the smooth and silent whoosh of a luxury cruiser or the growl of an American champ releasing its muscle. Either way, you get a drive that few other vehicles can even attempt.

The catch is that we’re talking about a modern sedan with a V8 engine, and the price range is under $30,000, which, in this market, is not easy to find. Considering that auto manufacturers are moving toward small turbo engines and electrification,naturally aspirated and supercharged V8 sedans are starting to disappear. On top of that, used cars have skyrocketed in price in the past few years, which has made it even trickier to snag a good bargain.

That is why we put together the best V8 sedans you can get for that kind of money—power, reliability, and all-around value. These models give you the performance and excitement you want while being far easier on the pocketbook. Whether you desire a luxury sports sedan or an American muscle icon, these selections show you can be reacquainted with the sweet sound of a V8 without breaking the bank.

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#1. 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8

• Engine: 6.4-liter HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 470 hp
• Torque:  470 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.3 seconds
• Price Range: Around $20,785

Combining raw muscle with everyday practicality, this is the Dodge Charger SRT8. A 6.4-liter HEMI V8 powers it with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. With the muscle car-inspired sedan hitting 0 to 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds, the driving experience will surely be intoxicating.

While it certainly has the same no-holds-barred performance as the Ford, the SRT8 remains a functional, daily-driver-friendly car with excellent interior space and brutish yet somewhat subtle styling. It costs approximately $20,785 and offers an accessible entry into the world of ultra-performance sports sedans. The Charger SRT8 can either serve up hair-raising acceleration or a smooth, luxurious ride, depending on the buyer’s mood.

#2. 2015 Chrysler 300C

• Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8
• Horsepower:  363 hp
• Torque: 394 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.8 seconds
• Price Range: Around $22,856

The Chrysler 300C is a bold,luxury-infused sedan with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 making 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain enables the 300C to do 0-60 mph in a respectable 5.8 seconds, so if you yearn for performance, it should scratch that itch. The cabin is all about comfort, with plush materials, high-tech features, and a hushed ride.

The price range sits at about $22856, an excellent value-to-luxury-for-price ratio. Throw in a smooth ride, confident handling, and traditional Chrysler looks, and the 300C is a full-size luxury sedan that still rolls a bit of thunder.

#3. 2016 Dodge Charger R/T

• Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 370 hp
• Torque: 395 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.1 seconds
• Price Range: Starting around $22,250

With a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that generates 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, the Dodge Charger R/T pulls some serious muscle. The rear-wheel-drive sedan is capable of impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in about 5.1 seconds. It has a starting price of around $22,250 and comes with a good compromise of power.

With its aggressive styling that includes the necessary bold front grille, sculpted body lines, and road presence you need from your full-size muscle car, Charger R/T models certainly look like part of everyday, affordable American performance. The cabin inside is big with modern tech and comfortable driver seating. With its loud HEMI growl and responsive throttle, each drive is an adventure. With big cans to shred for commutes and weekend cruises, the Charger R/T delivers some muscle car ancestry for chores and enthusiasm.

#4. 2011 Cadillac CTS-V

• Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V8
• Horsepower: 556 hp
• Torque: 551 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.1 seconds
• Price Range: Starting around $25,995

The Cadillac CTS-V is a luxury sedan and an American muscle car combining power and luxury. It is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 at its heart, delivering an astounding 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. This beast propels the CTS-V to 60 mph in just a tick under four-point-one seconds, one of the fastest sedans when it was new.

Besides the performance, the interior has quality materials, comfortable seats, and nice technology. While its aggressive personality is complemented by razor-sharp handling and sophisticated ride composure, it is a premium machine for speed and luxury lovers. Used, the CTS-V still starts at a tantalizingly low $25,995. Results in the reasonable cruelty of a brute wrapped in silk.

#5. 2014 Chevrolet SS

• Engine: 6.2-liter LS3 V8
• Horsepower: 415 hp
• Torque: 415 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.7 seconds
• Price Range: Around $22,458

Of course, the Chevrolet SS is a sleeper sedan that houses a 6.2-liter LS3 with a powerful 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a rear-wheel-drive platform, it can make the 0-60-mph sprint in about 4.7 seconds—quick but not too crazy. At an estimated $22,458, this SS is a lot of muscle car for the money, with the refinement to put down the seat backs on the way home.

It has a properly tuned suspension delivers a composed ride and a roomy interior that allows for luxurious everyday commuting. While the Chevrolet SS offers a somewhat subdued yet bold design and remains on the side of being underrated, it marries power, comfort, and handling into one nice package.

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#6. 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T

• Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 375 hp (manual), 372 hp (automatic)
• Torque: 410 lb-ft (manual), 400 lb-ft (automatic)
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.0 seconds
• Price Range: Around $19,658

The Dodge Challenger R/T extends muscle car roots to an endearing lounge chair for the road. Inside the hood, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 pushing out 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque with the manual transmission (the automatic  transmission option reduces the horsepower to 372 and torque to 400 lb-ft ) is standard. That power translates into a 0-60 mph sprint of just over 5.0 seconds, which should provide exciting driving dynamics.

In addition to performance, the Challenger R/T impresses with its retro styling, roomy interior, and comfortable ride quality. A cheap way to experience American muscle properly is to start at around $19,658. This Challenger delivers More nostalgia and excitement, whether roaring down the highway or ripping away from a stoplight.

#7. 2009 Pontiac G8 GT

• Engine: 6.0-liter V8
• Horsepower: 361 hp
• Torque: 385 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.3 seconds
• Price Range: Around $15,875

It’s an exciting sports sedan with a 6.0-liter V8 under the hood, the same engine that powered the G8, which serves up 361 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The rear driver scampers from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.3 seconds, a lovely exhilaration. For a car with muscle-car level performance, the G8 GT boasted a roomy and comfortable cabin that made it practical enough to serve as a daily driver.

For about $15,875, it offers power and polish in equal measure. One of the last great performance sedans to wear a Pontiac badge, the G8 GT is rare and unique for enthusiasts craving considerable American V8 power in a sport-themed wrapper.

#8. 2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6

• Engine: 6.2-liter LS3 V8
• Horsepower: 430 hp
• Torque: 424 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.0 seconds
• Price Range: Around $29,632

Even with a new Corvette generation right around the corner, the C6 Chevrolet Corvette still has a thrilling performance pedigree thanks to its muscular 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine that lays down 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph time of just over 4.0 seconds is delivered from this powerhouse and matches it against other high-performance sports cars as a stiff contender.

Although the C6 is fully track-ready, the C6 is relatively affordable, averaging $29,632. With its lightweight chassis, light and direct steering, and excellent power-to-weight ratio, it truly is quite the thrill. The C6 examples are well-balanced between brute strength and the ability to be used every day; both characteristics land enthusiasts with something already close to supercar-like performance but without the cost of entry. When cruising down the street or scorching a racetrack, the C6 never fails to excite.

#9. 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS

• Engine: 6.2-liter LT1 V8
• Horsepower: 455 hp
• Torque: 455 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.0 seconds
• Price Range: Around $18,963

The Chevrolet Camaro SS marries muscle-car heritage with contemporary performance. At its heart, it contains a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine, putting out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Directions that this beast goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.0 seconds, giving it exciting acceleration. The wider, lighter Alpha platform provides the Camaro with SS nimble handling and a sophisticated ride.

It is undoubtedly a comprehensive performance vehicle with a dynamic body, a driver-centric interior, and modern technology. Starting around the $18,963 mark, this model is genuine horsepower for the cost and ideally suited for enthusiasts who crave exciting American muscle with an affordable price tag.

#10. 2014 BMW M5 (F10)

• Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
• Horsepower: 560 hp
• Torque: 500 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 3.7 seconds
• Price Range: Around $29,500

The BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury sedan offering high-speed thrills with some luxury comfort features in one package. Under the skin, it has a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Combined, this beast pushes the M5 from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which is about as quick as you’ll get in any sedan.

Thanks to its well-tuned chassis, liveliness, and adaptive suspension, the M5 handles itself with precision, and the cabin is a comfortable, luxury automotive space – a perfect blend. For enthusiasts craving an affordable V8 performance sedan, the F10 M5 is one of the best options at under $30,000 with its slick yet menacing styling and modern technology. It’s the perfect combination of pace, luxury, and practicality for daily use.

Conclusion

It might not be the easiest thing in the world to do, but it is entirely possible to get a high-performance V8 sedan for under $30k, though you have to consider cars like the Dodge Charger SRT8, Cadillac CTS-V, and Chevrolet SS, to name a few. The vehicles here rank as some of the most exciting to drive and fastest off the line, yet sane inside and accommodating enough to keep the performance enthusiasts satisfied with your daily driver without a cringeworthy compromise. They seem to have more of a balance of comfort and performance but also deliver some serious V8 capability, as in the Pontiac G8 GT and Chrysler 300C.

Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger R/T deliver stylish looks at a low price wrapped around a grin-inducing driver experience. The only C6 you can buy for less than $40,000, the Corvette C6 is a sports car for real, which means if your priorities are responsible adulting and alarming speed, this is your best buy.

Modern muscle, performance sedans, and even a few approachable sleepers can be had for a great price that should give them at least an inkling of consideration for anyone interested in a high power mighty in their driveway. Buy wisely, and you can enjoy the thrills of a V8 sedan for less than $30,000.