5 of the Cheapest Turbo Cars You Can Buy In 2023

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Calvyn Ee

Turbo cars have come a long way since they were introduced in the 1960s. Today’s examples are much quieter and way more fuel-efficient than those made before the turn of the century. Government-imposed fuel economy regulations and global clean air standards that automakers must comply with have helped in this regard. However, their engines are punchier and more refined than ever before, delivering a larger boost with less turbo lag.

Thankfully, because automakers are making more of them, turbo cars are also becoming more affordable. They are featured in all car market segments, from subcompact cars to full-size trucks and vans, so you can opt for a smaller or less powerful turbo car if you are on a tight budget. Many high-quality used turbo cars on the market cost much less today than they cost several years ago.

If you’re currently looking for a turbo car with a factory-installed turbocharger (without breaking the bank), here are five of the cheapest turbo cars available today.

Criteria in this Guide

Price

The lower the price, the easier it is for you to make the monthly payments required (if you intend to take a car loan). For example, a $20,000 car loan with a 60-month payment period can afford you monthly payments of just $365 (assuming an interest rate of 3.54%).

Performance

One of the benefits of turbo cars is the turbo boost; the power increments they deliver after their turbochargers spool up make them worth the extra cost. This guide classifies these turbo cars according to their performance levels.

Fuel Economy

Turbo cars are also becoming more fuel-efficient thanks to constantly evolving engine technologies. This guide also considers the turbo cars that do the best job of leveraging fuel economy with their pricing and performance.

For Your Consideration: Five of the Cheapest Turbo Cars in 2023

2023 Volkswagen Jetta Sport – $22,650

The Jetta compact sedan is well regarded for its above-average build quality and refinement. Together with its noteworthy practicality and peppy engine, it remains a very popular Volkswagen offering. The 2023 Jetta S model is also available for an impressively low starting price and plentiful features – truly a worthwhile purchase!

The Jetta continues to sport the prominent grille, slightly reshaped headlights, and sharper rear fascia lines from the 2022 model. It nevertheless flaunts an understated yet classy look. All models also get a new 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine that makes 158hp – 11hp more than its previous engine. This engine delivers a healthy 184 lb-ft. of torque at just 1,750 rpm, making for spritely driving even at lower RPMs. This engine pairs with a delightful six-speed manual transmission in the Sport model, while an optional eight-speed automatic is also available. The Jetta Sport can easily hit 0-60 mph sprints in about 7 seconds. The Sport model with the eight-speed also scores well in the fuel economy department, boasting a rating of up to 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. On the inside, the 2022 Jetta S offers a comfortable and well-kitted cabin with surprisingly roomy back seats. It also offers a trunk with over 14.1 cubic feet of luggage space.

2022 Kia Forte GT – $25,515

With its sharp, aggressive styling, red accents, large dual exhaust tips, and standard 18-inch wheels, the 2022 Kia Forte GT looks like a thoroughbred sports sedan. Beyond its sporty exterior and minimalist features, it packs a hefty punch on the inside. It’s built with a stiffer sport suspension, a sport-tuned dual exhaust that produces V8-like sounds, and an uprated 201-hp 1.6L turbo engine that pairs with a performance-inspired seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. You can count on it to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds and still return a fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT is a roomy and practical car, offering up to 96 cubic feet of passenger space and 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space at the back. Its cabin is decked with premium-quality Syntex and cloth seat trim, making for a luxurious ride. Other high-end features include dual-zone automatic temperature control; a 10.25-inch Color Touchscreen infotainment system with Navigation & Kia Connect; a Harman/Kardon® premium audio system; and much more. This car’s cabin is also well insulated from road and wind noise. 

2023 Honda Civic EX – $27,545

The Honda Civic has always excelled as a reliable and fuel-efficient car for your daily drives to work or grocery shopping; the 2023 edition is no different. The Civic has had a nifty redesign with its fancy stylings, an improved powertrain, and innovative safety and convenience features. The EX trim level comes equipped with a more enhanced version of the optional 1.5L turbo-four engine, delivering 180hp and 177 lb-ft. of torque, enough to motivate the Civic to a 7.3-second zero-to-60mph sprint. However, it doesn’t reach its destinations as dramatically as the Hyundai Elantra N Line or Kia Forte GT. This Civic is a calmer and more laid-back commuter car choice for families.

This car boasts an impressive rating of 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway in terms of fuel economy. It also offers a roomy and practical cabin and plenty of cargo space at the back.

2023 Mini Cooper S – $27,750

The 2022 Mini Cooper S offers loads of driving fun packaged in a compact, retro-styled hatchback for four. While the base model is the real bargain with its $24,250 MSRP, the S gives you enough zest to make for some fun drives in and out of the city. Under its hood, a 2.0L turbo-4 engine delivers 189hp and sprints from 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds or so. That may not sound like much, but it feels sufficiently potent without feeling lethargic. You also have the option between a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; many would opt for the simplicity of the automatic, but if you enjoy a more engaging drive, it won’t hurt to go with the six-speed.

Being a two-door vehicle, the Mini Cooper S doesn’t do very well where practicality is concerned. It offers a small cabin with few storage points and a meager 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space. However, you can fold down its rear seats to create more cargo space.

2023 Hyundai Elantra N-Line – $28,315

If you are looking for a far more aggressive-looking car within the same price range, consider the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Line. It sits lower and has a wider stance than the Kia Forte GT while also sporting a sleek, angular design that’s bound to draw attention wherever it goes. The 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line uses a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 that makes 201hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line also comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Driving it feels smooth and responsive, a testament to Hyundai’s top-notch engineering work. It also comes standard with track-inspired 18-inch alloys, a chrome twin-tip exhaust, and a racing-inspired interior with a lot of N Line badging.

On the inside, the Elantra N Line has decent headroom and legroom to accommodate taller folks. However, some of its interior stylings are hit and miss; it’s also hard not to ignore the plastic bits used in its construction.

Something to Note

The turbo cars in this price range feature the smallest and least potent turbo-engine versions on the market. If you might be looking for the best turbo engines on the market, you’ll need a higher car-buying budget. It’s worth noting that turbo engines generally require more attention (maintenance-wise) than naturally aspirated engines, as the former functions under higher heat and pressure levels. You will need to inspect it frequently, give it regular engine oil changes, and use the correct fuel/engine oil type to keep it functioning at optimal levels.

You should be able to find any of these turbo cars at your nearest authorized dealer. Otherwise, you can visit a reputable online car dealer for more options. Be sure to equip yourself with tips and tricks to help you navigate buying a car online.