Latest news with #FordMustangEcoBoost
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Why Ford detuned its EcoBoost engine for the Ranger PHEV
Ford was willing to sacrifice performance for efficiency in developing its first Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, which features a heavily detuned version of the turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine found in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While standard variants of the Ranger are offered with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 – the PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor. It's a version of the same engine that's been used to power performance models both past and present, from the Focus ST and RS to the current Mustang EcoBoost. The EcoBoost powertrain also has a home in the US-market Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok ute, which shares its platform with the Ranger. But while outputs tally 232kW/475Nm and 222kW/452Nm for the Mustang and Amarok, respectively, the Ranger PHEV makes do with just 138kW and 411Nm, albeit supplemented by electric power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Senior global product executive, Jim Baumbick, says the decision to detune the engine for this application was made in the name of efficiency. "Could you add more performance? Yes. Would it come with tradeoffs? You bet – fuel economy," Mr Baumbick, the vice president of advanced product development, cycle planning and programs, told Australian media in Iceland. "One of the critical attributes of a hybrid is total cost of ownership and fuel-efficiency." Ford claims average fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km for the Ranger PHEV, while carbon emissions tally 66g/km. In isolation, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are an eco-friendly option in the mid-size ute market. However, key Chinese rivals have the Ranger beat in terms of efficiency – the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV consume a claimed 2L/100km and 1.7L/100km, respectively. Both also boast combined power outputs in excess of 300kW, well north of the Ranger's 207kW, with torque figures that fall either side of its 697Nm. Despite its power deficiency, the Ranger PHEV offers benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and up to 973kg of payload. Ford maintains that the Ranger PHEV strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency, even when compared to both segment competitors and other Ranger variants. "For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability," said Mr Baumbick. "Our target was diesel [performance] or better. "The PHEV offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard." The Ranger PHEV will serve as a key pillar of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener ute set to help offset fines accrued by other models in the lineup. "As we know, from July 1, things change a little bit, so it's a very important part of our mix," Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Andrew Birkic, told CarExpert back in April. "I believe with electrification, what you need is that balance. Obviously there's a compliance element, but it's got to be customer-driven. "It has to be customer-driven because that's what will drive your sales, and that's why what we've done is build a vehicle that's the best of both worlds, whether it's towing or carrying or off-road capability, that's what the PHEV does and that's what separates it." MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: Ford was willing to sacrifice performance for efficiency in developing its first Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, which features a heavily detuned version of the turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine found in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While standard variants of the Ranger are offered with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 – the PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor. It's a version of the same engine that's been used to power performance models both past and present, from the Focus ST and RS to the current Mustang EcoBoost. The EcoBoost powertrain also has a home in the US-market Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok ute, which shares its platform with the Ranger. But while outputs tally 232kW/475Nm and 222kW/452Nm for the Mustang and Amarok, respectively, the Ranger PHEV makes do with just 138kW and 411Nm, albeit supplemented by electric power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Senior global product executive, Jim Baumbick, says the decision to detune the engine for this application was made in the name of efficiency. "Could you add more performance? Yes. Would it come with tradeoffs? You bet – fuel economy," Mr Baumbick, the vice president of advanced product development, cycle planning and programs, told Australian media in Iceland. "One of the critical attributes of a hybrid is total cost of ownership and fuel-efficiency." Ford claims average fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km for the Ranger PHEV, while carbon emissions tally 66g/km. In isolation, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are an eco-friendly option in the mid-size ute market. However, key Chinese rivals have the Ranger beat in terms of efficiency – the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV consume a claimed 2L/100km and 1.7L/100km, respectively. Both also boast combined power outputs in excess of 300kW, well north of the Ranger's 207kW, with torque figures that fall either side of its 697Nm. Despite its power deficiency, the Ranger PHEV offers benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and up to 973kg of payload. Ford maintains that the Ranger PHEV strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency, even when compared to both segment competitors and other Ranger variants. "For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability," said Mr Baumbick. "Our target was diesel [performance] or better. "The PHEV offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard." The Ranger PHEV will serve as a key pillar of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener ute set to help offset fines accrued by other models in the lineup. "As we know, from July 1, things change a little bit, so it's a very important part of our mix," Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Andrew Birkic, told CarExpert back in April. "I believe with electrification, what you need is that balance. Obviously there's a compliance element, but it's got to be customer-driven. "It has to be customer-driven because that's what will drive your sales, and that's why what we've done is build a vehicle that's the best of both worlds, whether it's towing or carrying or off-road capability, that's what the PHEV does and that's what separates it." MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: Ford was willing to sacrifice performance for efficiency in developing its first Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, which features a heavily detuned version of the turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine found in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While standard variants of the Ranger are offered with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 – the PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor. It's a version of the same engine that's been used to power performance models both past and present, from the Focus ST and RS to the current Mustang EcoBoost. The EcoBoost powertrain also has a home in the US-market Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok ute, which shares its platform with the Ranger. But while outputs tally 232kW/475Nm and 222kW/452Nm for the Mustang and Amarok, respectively, the Ranger PHEV makes do with just 138kW and 411Nm, albeit supplemented by electric power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Senior global product executive, Jim Baumbick, says the decision to detune the engine for this application was made in the name of efficiency. "Could you add more performance? Yes. Would it come with tradeoffs? You bet – fuel economy," Mr Baumbick, the vice president of advanced product development, cycle planning and programs, told Australian media in Iceland. "One of the critical attributes of a hybrid is total cost of ownership and fuel-efficiency." Ford claims average fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km for the Ranger PHEV, while carbon emissions tally 66g/km. In isolation, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are an eco-friendly option in the mid-size ute market. However, key Chinese rivals have the Ranger beat in terms of efficiency – the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV consume a claimed 2L/100km and 1.7L/100km, respectively. Both also boast combined power outputs in excess of 300kW, well north of the Ranger's 207kW, with torque figures that fall either side of its 697Nm. Despite its power deficiency, the Ranger PHEV offers benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and up to 973kg of payload. Ford maintains that the Ranger PHEV strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency, even when compared to both segment competitors and other Ranger variants. "For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability," said Mr Baumbick. "Our target was diesel [performance] or better. "The PHEV offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard." The Ranger PHEV will serve as a key pillar of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener ute set to help offset fines accrued by other models in the lineup. "As we know, from July 1, things change a little bit, so it's a very important part of our mix," Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Andrew Birkic, told CarExpert back in April. "I believe with electrification, what you need is that balance. Obviously there's a compliance element, but it's got to be customer-driven. "It has to be customer-driven because that's what will drive your sales, and that's why what we've done is build a vehicle that's the best of both worlds, whether it's towing or carrying or off-road capability, that's what the PHEV does and that's what separates it." MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: Ford was willing to sacrifice performance for efficiency in developing its first Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, which features a heavily detuned version of the turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine found in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While standard variants of the Ranger are offered with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 – the PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor. It's a version of the same engine that's been used to power performance models both past and present, from the Focus ST and RS to the current Mustang EcoBoost. The EcoBoost powertrain also has a home in the US-market Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok ute, which shares its platform with the Ranger. But while outputs tally 232kW/475Nm and 222kW/452Nm for the Mustang and Amarok, respectively, the Ranger PHEV makes do with just 138kW and 411Nm, albeit supplemented by electric power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Senior global product executive, Jim Baumbick, says the decision to detune the engine for this application was made in the name of efficiency. "Could you add more performance? Yes. Would it come with tradeoffs? You bet – fuel economy," Mr Baumbick, the vice president of advanced product development, cycle planning and programs, told Australian media in Iceland. "One of the critical attributes of a hybrid is total cost of ownership and fuel-efficiency." Ford claims average fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km for the Ranger PHEV, while carbon emissions tally 66g/km. In isolation, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are an eco-friendly option in the mid-size ute market. However, key Chinese rivals have the Ranger beat in terms of efficiency – the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV consume a claimed 2L/100km and 1.7L/100km, respectively. Both also boast combined power outputs in excess of 300kW, well north of the Ranger's 207kW, with torque figures that fall either side of its 697Nm. Despite its power deficiency, the Ranger PHEV offers benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and up to 973kg of payload. Ford maintains that the Ranger PHEV strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency, even when compared to both segment competitors and other Ranger variants. "For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability," said Mr Baumbick. "Our target was diesel [performance] or better. "The PHEV offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard." The Ranger PHEV will serve as a key pillar of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener ute set to help offset fines accrued by other models in the lineup. "As we know, from July 1, things change a little bit, so it's a very important part of our mix," Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Andrew Birkic, told CarExpert back in April. "I believe with electrification, what you need is that balance. Obviously there's a compliance element, but it's got to be customer-driven. "It has to be customer-driven because that's what will drive your sales, and that's why what we've done is build a vehicle that's the best of both worlds, whether it's towing or carrying or off-road capability, that's what the PHEV does and that's what separates it." MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Why Ford detuned its EcoBoost engine for the Ranger PHEV
Ford was willing to sacrifice performance for efficiency in developing its first Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, which features a heavily detuned version of the turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine found in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While standard variants of the Ranger are offered with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 – the PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor. It's a version of the same engine that's been used to power performance models both past and present, from the Focus ST and RS to the current Mustang EcoBoost. The EcoBoost powertrain also has a home in the US-market Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok ute, which shares its platform with the Ranger. But while outputs tally 232kW/475Nm and 222kW/452Nm for the Mustang and Amarok, respectively, the Ranger PHEV makes do with just 138kW and 411Nm, albeit supplemented by electric power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Senior global product executive, Jim Baumbick, says the decision to detune the engine for this application was made in the name of efficiency. 'Could you add more performance? Yes. Would it come with tradeoffs? You bet – fuel economy,' Mr Baumbick, the vice president of advanced product development, cycle planning and programs, told Australian media in Iceland. 'One of the critical attributes of a hybrid is total cost of ownership and fuel-efficiency.' Ford claims average fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km for the Ranger PHEV, while carbon emissions tally 66g/km. In isolation, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are an eco-friendly option in the mid-size ute market. However, key Chinese rivals have the Ranger beat in terms of efficiency – the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV consume a claimed 2L/100km and 1.7L/100km, respectively. Both also boast combined power outputs in excess of 300kW, well north of the Ranger's 207kW, with torque figures that fall either side of its 697Nm. Despite its power deficiency, the Ranger PHEV offers benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and up to 973kg of payload. Ford maintains that the Ranger PHEV strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency, even when compared to both segment competitors and other Ranger variants. 'For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability,' said Mr Baumbick. 'Our target was diesel [performance] or better. 'The PHEV offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard.' The Ranger PHEV will serve as a key pillar of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener ute set to help offset fines accrued by other models in the lineup. 'As we know, from July 1, things change a little bit, so it's a very important part of our mix,' Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Andrew Birkic, told CarExpert back in April. 'I believe with electrification, what you need is that balance. Obviously there's a compliance element, but it's got to be customer-driven. 'It has to be customer-driven because that's what will drive your sales, and that's why what we've done is build a vehicle that's the best of both worlds, whether it's towing or carrying or off-road capability, that's what the PHEV does and that's what separates it.'
Perth Now
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Why Ford detuned its EcoBoost engine for the Ranger PHEV
Ford was willing to sacrifice performance for efficiency in developing its first Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, which features a heavily detuned version of the turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine found in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. While standard variants of the Ranger are offered with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 – the PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor. It's a version of the same engine that's been used to power performance models both past and present, from the Focus ST and RS to the current Mustang EcoBoost. The EcoBoost powertrain also has a home in the US-market Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok ute, which shares its platform with the Ranger. But while outputs tally 232kW/475Nm and 222kW/452Nm for the Mustang and Amarok, respectively, the Ranger PHEV makes do with just 138kW and 411Nm, albeit supplemented by electric power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Senior global product executive, Jim Baumbick, says the decision to detune the engine for this application was made in the name of efficiency. 'Could you add more performance? Yes. Would it come with tradeoffs? You bet – fuel economy,' Mr Baumbick, the vice president of advanced product development, cycle planning and programs, told Australian media in Iceland. 'One of the critical attributes of a hybrid is total cost of ownership and fuel-efficiency.' Ford claims average fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km for the Ranger PHEV, while carbon emissions tally 66g/km. In isolation, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are an eco-friendly option in the mid-size ute market. However, key Chinese rivals have the Ranger beat in terms of efficiency – the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV consume a claimed 2L/100km and 1.7L/100km, respectively. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Both also boast combined power outputs in excess of 300kW, well north of the Ranger's 207kW, with torque figures that fall either side of its 697Nm. Despite its power deficiency, the Ranger PHEV offers benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and up to 973kg of payload. Ford maintains that the Ranger PHEV strikes the right balance between performance and efficiency, even when compared to both segment competitors and other Ranger variants. 'For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability,' said Mr Baumbick. 'Our target was diesel [performance] or better. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'The PHEV offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard.' The Ranger PHEV will serve as a key pillar of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener ute set to help offset fines accrued by other models in the lineup. 'As we know, from July 1, things change a little bit, so it's a very important part of our mix,' Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Andrew Birkic, told CarExpert back in April. 'I believe with electrification, what you need is that balance. Obviously there's a compliance element, but it's got to be customer-driven. 'It has to be customer-driven because that's what will drive your sales, and that's why what we've done is build a vehicle that's the best of both worlds, whether it's towing or carrying or off-road capability, that's what the PHEV does and that's what separates it.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
3 New Muscle Cars for Under $50K in 2025
What is the purpose of muscle cars? To many auto enthusiasts, that's like asking a luxury fashion collector, 'What is the purpose of designer handbags?' You either get it or you don't. And if you get it, you know that muscle cars are classic American status symbols. Vintage muscle cars easily sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars — and some have sold for millions. Find Out: Read Next: It's usually the classic muscle cars that go for the most money, but muscle cars made today can still be very expensive. That said, there are some muscle cars being made that aren't completely out of reach of middle-class buyers. Let's look at three new muscle cars that are under $50,000 in 2025. Starting price: $46,560 The 2025 Ford Mustang GT is the most premium — and most expensive — of the three cars on this list, each of which is a version of the Ford Mustang. This model features a 5.0-liter V-8 engine with 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This sleek machine with a tech'd out infotainment center, can propel from zero to 60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds. Check Out: Starting price: $37,545 For under $40,000, you can buy the 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium (coupe; convertible is closer to $45,000). This powerful car can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds — really not that far behind what its superior sibling the 2025 Ford Mustang GT can do. Modern drivers will appreciate the wireless device charging, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic climate control. And let's not forget the heated steering wheel. Starting price: $31,920 Here we have the most affordable 2025 Ford Mustang iteration, and the most affordable muscle car in 2025, period. The 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost delivers 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This car may be relatively inexpensive, but it's hardly a lemon. Both diehard racers and first-time muscle car owners have great things to say about this model. Editor's note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact year, make or model of the vehicle(s) listed in this article. More From GOBankingRates 3 Reasons Retired Boomers Shouldn't Give Their Kids a Living Inheritance (And 2 Reasons They Should) This article originally appeared on 3 New Muscle Cars for Under $50K in 2025
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000
New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars. Even a new Chevrolet Corvette, long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche 911, has a starting price of almost $70,000. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can't find a car that's both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable. The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under $35,000. True, you won't be able to buy anything with a V8. The same applies to electric power — the best-value electric performers cost more. But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages. All of the following prices include destination fees. Dodge Hornet GT There's some irony in the first vehicle in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all. But Dodge's Hornet isn't your usual small SUV. First off, it has an Italian heritage. Though you wouldn't know it by its styling, the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV. Second, it's genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV. The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 268 horsepower and is good enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Another bonus: It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car. 2025 Hornet starting price: $31,590 Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V8 is well beyond our $35,000 price cap. But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute. Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy, but you can't argue with the output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic spinning the rear wheels, the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds. The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being comfortable, stylish and well equipped with the latest technology features. 2025 Mustang coupe starting price: $33,515 Mazda MX-5 Miata You're as likely to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross. In both cases, the Miata's appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals. A four-cylinder engine directs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That's not much, but you don't need much when the car is as light as the Miata. A manual-equipped Miata went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at the Edmunds test track. Beyond the numbers, the Miata is all about playfulness. Quick steering, nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile. 2025 MX-5 Miata starting price: $30,715 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are mechanically related. Both use a four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds found these cars can sprint to 60 mph in about 6 seconds when equipped with the manual. There's enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble, making these fantastic beginner's sports cars. And there's a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control. But the Toyabaru twins don't stop being fun once you master them. 2025 Toyota GR86 starting price: $31,135; 2025 Subaru BRZ starting price: $32,380 Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback. It's fun and engaging to drive yet practical and comfortable day to day. Few cars can do as many things as well as the GTI. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower. For 2025, every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Edmunds has found it's good for a 5.9-second 0-60 mph sprint. Besides performance, the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size. The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to 1983 is a solid performance value. Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price: $33,640 Edmunds says Spending less than $35,000 can get you a fun vehicle to drive in 2025. Each model here has distinct advantages. You'll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities. The Miata, BRZ and GR86 all provide a great feel and connection to the road; picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra security of a coupe. The Mustang can't be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage.
