As years pass, more sedan-lines are fitted with turbo-four and inline-six engines. Eight-cylinder engines are usually reserved for performance and luxury cars with insane price tags. You have to settle for second-hand options to get good V8 sedans under $20K. Even then, very few options offer other desired properties in addition to a powerful engine. Let’s explore the market together to select ten excellent options for budget buyers.
The Top Ten V8 Sedans Under $20K
If you’re in the market for an affordable V8-powered sedan, we are happy to help you. This post highlights ten dependable V8 sedans under $20K. Each car has fantastic features that earn it its place on this list. Check them out.
1. 2012 BMW M5 F10
The 2012 BMW M5 F10 is among the best V8 sedans under $20K for obvious reasons. For this model year, BMW replaced the noisy V10 featured in the older M5 (E60) with a refined twin-turbo V8. This model birthed the new generation of M5s, which are known for reliability and acceleration to this day. It is also inches longer and wider than its predecessors.
The base trim runs on a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is good for 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. It relies on a standard seven-speed twin-clutch automated manual to power the RWD system. This responsive setup bursts from zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. It also has a top speed of 150 mph, although it can smash 190 mph with some modification. This power combines with responsive steering, high grip levels, and tremendously adaptable handling to earn this car a spot among top-performance machines.
Some cool standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, blue brake calipers, cruise control, a quad-exhaust system, a glass sunroof, and adaptive xenon headlights. Meanwhile, you get a 10.0-inch touchscreen iDrive infotainment system with a DAB radio, sat-nav, a Merino leather interior, sports seats, and a head-up display inside. Lastly, gas mileage for this car is 17 and 22 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. Pricing for a used 2012 BMW M5 in excellent condition starts at $13,965.
2. 2010 Porsche Panamera S
A Porsche for less than $20K? Yes, you can even get one in pristine condition. The 2010 Porsche Panamera S is a compact luxury sedan offering Porsche-level interior and performance. Inside, you get a comfortable four-seater nicely fitted in luxurious leather upholstery. You also get heavily bolstered bucket seats with lots of cool features and an intuitive dashboard setting. A hard-drive-based navigation system and an 11-speaker CD audio system are also standard.
The Panamera S runs on a potent 4.8-liter V8 engine that produces up to 400 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All that power goes to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. This setup can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 175 mph. Furthermore, this car records a gas mileage of 15 MPG in the city and 21 on the highway.
Some standard features that make the Panamera S an outstanding option are 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a power rear hatch, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-telescoping steering column, eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 60/40-split rear seatback and rear bucket seats. Although many listings may cost more, you can still get a used 2010 Porsche Panamera S for as low as $19,000. Ensure to check for engine condition and odometer mileage.
3. 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 offers comfort, reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordable routine maintenance. Its cabin offers a near-luxury feel, sporting a standard technology package that some rivals only integrated years later. The front and rear seats are fitted with leather upholstery. You also get a touchscreen infotainment display on the dash with steering-mounted buttons. The eight-way power driver seat and four-way power passenger seat boost comfort in the car.
The Genesis 4.6 gets power from a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 378 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. This engine relies on a standard six-speed shiftable automatic transmission to power the RWD system. This car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 mph. According to the EPA, this car’s gas mileage is 17 and 25 MPGs for city and highway driving, respectively.
The 4.6 comes with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, parking sensors, and a rearview camera as standard safety features. Also, you get a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack, and an iPod/USB interface. A used 2011 Genesis 4.6 in good condition will set you back at least $12,990. Check for trim and options to enjoy the awesome extras that come with this luxury-edition car.
4. 2012 Lexus LS 460
If you’re looking for a reliable full-size luxury sedan, you may want to put the 2012 Lexus LS 460 on your wishlist. It is one of the best cars for drifting. In addition to its roominess and comfort features, the LS 460 offers all occupants a quiet and serene space. You also get a plethora of cool interior amenities, great ride quality, and a fantastic braking system.
It is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 with 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. This engine relies on a standard eight-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels. With this setup, the car bursts from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and attains a top speed of 130 mph. The vehicle delivers gas mileages of 16 MPG in the city and 24 on the highway. An AWD configuration with a 1 MPG drop in gas mileage delivery is also available.
Some of the key features of this car include heated and ventilated power front seats, heated rear seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, a sunroof, power doors, keyless entry and ignition, a power trunk lid, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel, automatic high beams, as well as vanity mirrors for the rear seats. For a starting price of $15,865, you can get a used 2012 Lexus LS 460 in excellent condition. Lastly, high-end trims boost optional safety features like rear side airbags and the Advanced Pre-Collision Safety system.
5. 2015 Dodge Charger R/T
The 2015 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that delivers a sleek and responsive experience like coupes. It is among the best V8 sedans under $20K. This model features an impressive suite of electronic driver aids and safety features, like a frontal collision warning and mitigation system. Its exterior maintains a retro-themed appearance, while the interior enjoys some cool refinements. You get nice high-quality materials and some digital upgrades inside.
Under the hood, a 5.7-liter V8 engine generates 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque to run this car. It powers the standard RWD layout via an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This setup delivers a gas mileage of 16 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway. It can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and then roar to a top speed of 160 mph. Furthermore, you get a limited-slip rear differential, a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes, and 20-inch wheels. These components facilitate its sporty performance.
In addition, you get some cool features like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver’s seat, remote start, an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated outside mirrors, and LED fog lights. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, a driver knee airbag, side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. You can get a used 2015 Dodge Charger R/T in great condition for between $10,490 and $20,990. Always confirm the car’s condition before paying.
6. 2010 Jaguar XF Premium
The Jaguar XF lineup combines performance with exquisite luxury and craftsmanship. The XF Premium trim stands out for its refined ride, sporty handling, stylish build, and well-crafted interior. For the 2010 model, you get a powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood. This engine delivers up to 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, which goes to the RWD via the standard six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the XF Premium accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 166 mph. The EPA estimates that this engine setup earns 16 MPG in the city and 23 on the highway. In addition to its cool suite of safety tech features, the XF Premium has a rearview camera and a blind-spot warning system. Inside, it has a top-class interior adorned with higher-end materials.
The center-mounted infotainment touchscreen controls most features, leaving the dashboards with fewer buttons. Other standard features are 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, automatic headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition, leather upholstery, and heated 10-way power front seats with driver memory functions. Pricing for a used 2010 Jaguar XF Premium starts at $6,837 and clocks higher figures depending on odometer mileage and conditions.
7. 2007 Cadillac CTS-V
The 2007 Cadillac CTS-V is one of the oldest cars on this list and has a low starting price. However, it measures up with other options in terms of power, handling, and braking. To support this, it sports a limited-slip rear axle, performance-tuned suspensions, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a Brembos braking system with four-piston calipers at all four corners. Also, the car uses a StabiliTrak stability control system, which is adjustable to give expert drivers more leeway before the system intervenes.
This car’s 6.0-liter V8 engine generates up to 400 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. It relies on a six-speed manual transmission to power the RWD; both are standard. It can clock a top speed of 163 mph and accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5 seconds. The EPA estimates its gas mileage as 16 MPG in the city and 22 on the highway.
Other impressive standard features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, aggressively bolstered sports seats, a premium Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, a navigation system, and a power sunroof. Depending on the car’s condition and mileage, the price of a used 2007 Cadillac CTS-V starts at $6,216 and goes up to $19,500.
8. 2009 Chevrolet Impala SS
Chevrolet dropped the iconic 1990s V8 engine again after 2009. The 2009 Chevrolet Impala SS is one of the best V8 sedans under $20K. It runs on a 5.3-liter V8 engine, generating up to 303 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque. This power goes to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. With this setup, the car bursts from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph.
According to the EPA, this car’s gas mileage is 19 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway. Additionally, features like dual-zone climate control, front-seat side airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control come standard for all trims. The decent interior offers the most basic features expected of a 2009 family sedan. You can also enjoy Bluetooth connectivity in most trims.
Lastly, the base trims boast 16-inch wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, full power accessories, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, a power driver seat, OnStar, keyless entry, and a single-CD audio system with an MP3 jack. A used 2009 Chevy Impala SS in great condition starts at around $3,990 to $4,656. Pricing can get as high as $13,000 for super-neat options in pristine condition.
9. 2009 Pontiac G8 GT
The Pontiac G8 series features top-class full-size sedans. This 2009 G8 GT trim is a performance sedan that delivers fantastic drive quality. Inside the G8, you get a roomy five-seater cabin offering the most top-tier features of its time. It also sports a navigation-sized LCD information screen. In addition, the GT trim gets summer performance tires, a limited-slip rear differential, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium 11-speaker Blaupunkt sound system with a six-CD/MP3 changer.
Power comes from a 6.0-liter V8 engine. It generates 361 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, which goes to the RWD system via a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. With this setup, you get a zero-to-60 mph burst in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph, which is far ahead of previous Pontiac offerings. The EPA estimates this car delivers 15 MPG in the city and 24 on the highway.
If you want comfort in a fun-to-drive car, this is one of the best V8 sedans under $20K. It is also equipped with an impressive suite of standard safety features. These include front seat airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, and traction control. The base price for a used 2009 Pontiac G8 GT in good condition is $7,999—endeavor to confirm any issues before paying for the car.
10. 2012 Chrysler 300S
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size luxury sedan series. Its 2012 model is among the best V8 sedans under $20K. Inside the Chrysler is a roomy five-seater interior that boasts many modern components. Also, an 8.4-inch infotainment display upscales the dashboard’s appearance and practicality. It is one of the best touchscreen systems of its time.
The base trims offer the following as standard: 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/unlock, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a six-speaker sound system with a compact touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
For a 300S, a 5.7-liter V8 engine resides under the hood. It is good for 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. This engine uses a five-speed shiftable automatic transmission to power the RWD layout. The car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in merely 5.5 seconds and records a top speed of 163 mph. Gas mileage is 16 and 25 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. Moreover, you can get an AWD option that takes them down to 15 and 23 MPG. A used 2012 Chrysler 300S in great condition will set you back about $13,590.
Conclusion
There are a thousand and one reason to opt for an eight-cylinder engine. However, you have to settle for a used option if you don’t want to splurge on a car. Our top ten V8 sedans under $20K list features the best well-rounded and durable options available today. In addition to power and fantastic performance, they offer superb handling, interior comfort, and the best gas mileage for their range. Also, these cars have affordable routine maintenance costs, unlike most V8 cars.
