It’s happening. Slowly, quietly, one model at a time — the gas-powered cars we grew up with are vanishing.
You might not feel it day to day yet, but trust me — by the time we get to 2030, the automotive landscape is going to look very different. Hybrids and EVs are taking over, governments are tightening emissions rules, and automakers are racing to meet zero-emissions targets.
And while that’s fine for some people, there’s still a whole lot of drivers out there who want a gas engine under the hood. The sound, the simplicity, the feeling — it’s something electric motors just don’t give you.
If that’s you? You’re not crazy. And 2025–2026 is probably your last real chance to grab a new gas-powered car before the options shrink for good.
Here’s the real rundown: the best gas cars still left, why they’re worth grabbing, and what you need to know before they’re gone forever.
Why Gas Cars Are Disappearing
Real quick — here’s why this is happening:
- Government pressure: California, New York, and other states want only zero-emission new vehicles by 2035. Europe’s even faster.
- Corporate goals: GM, Ford, Stellantis, and others have already said they’re going mostly or fully electric within a decade.
- Cost to comply: It’s getting too expensive to engineer new gas engines that meet emissions rules.
- Consumer demand shift: In some areas (especially cities), EV demand is skyrocketing.
Bottom line: gas cars aren’t dying tomorrow. But new ones? Their days are numbered.
The Best Gas-Powered Cars to Buy Before They’re Gone (2025–2026 Models)
1. 2025 Dodge Charger Sixpack H.O.
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 Hurricane High Output
Power: 550 hp
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Why it matters:
Dodge may have killed off the Hemi V8, but the new Hurricane inline-six is no joke. It delivers monster power, smooth torque, and better efficiency than the outgoing V8s.
This is the last pure gasoline muscle car you’ll be able to buy with a serious performance setup — and without any battery assistance.
Who should buy it:
Anyone who still dreams about burnouts, loud exhaust notes, and rear-wheel-drive slides.
2. 2025 Ford Mustang GT
Engine: 5.0L V8
Power: 480–500 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
Why it matters:
Ford doubled down when everyone else bailed out. The Mustang GT keeps its naturally aspirated V8 alive for 2025 — no hybrid, no EV, no apology.
The current-gen Mustang is tighter, faster, and meaner than ever, and there’s a good chance it’s the last V8 sports car you’ll ever be able to buy new at a sane price.
Who should buy it:
Purists, collectors, anyone who knows the difference between hearing your engine and hearing a speaker simulate one.
3. 2025 Toyota GR86
Engine: 2.4L Flat-4
Power: 228 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
Why it matters:
Light, nimble, affordable — the GR86 is everything fun about old-school sports cars in a modern wrapper. No hybrid, no turbo, no trickery. Just revs, grip, and smiles.
The next-generation GR86 will likely be hybrid (if it even survives), so this current model is your last shot at getting a pure small gas sports car.
Who should buy it:
Drivers who believe corners are more fun than straight lines.
4. 2025 Ram 1500 with Hurricane I6
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 Hurricane
Power: 420 hp (standard) or 550 hp (high output)
Why it matters:
Ram killed the Hemi V8 — but don’t panic. The new Hurricane six is a beast. It’s smoother, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient than the old V8s.
It’ll be the last generation of full-size gas-only Ram trucks before EVs and plug-ins become mandatory.
Who should buy it:
Truck guys and gals who want one more round with pure gas power without giving up capability.
5. 2025 Honda Civic Type R
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4
Power: 315 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Why it matters:
There’s no hybrid system here. No fake exhaust notes. No heavy batteries. Just a turbo four-cylinder hooked to one of the best manual gearboxes ever made.
Honda’s Type R might sneak in one more refresh before 2030, but if you want a lightweight, honest-to-goodness gas hot hatch, the 2025 model is about as pure as it gets.
Who should buy it:
Anyone who remembers when driving was about feel, not apps.
6. 2025 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Engine: 6.2L V8
Power: 455 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
Why it matters:
Chevy’s officially ending Camaro production after 2025. There are rumors of an electric Camaro revival down the road, but this V8 coupe is the end of the line.
It’s brutal, loud, fast, and unapologetic. Exactly how a muscle car should be.
Who should buy it:
Collectors, performance junkies, or anyone who just wants one last old-school American V8.
7. 2025 Subaru WRX
Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged Flat-4
Power: 271 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
Why it matters:
The WRX is one of the few affordable performance cars left with a gas-only drivetrain, rally DNA, and a manual option.
Subaru’s EV plans are growing, and the next WRX generation could easily be hybrid — or worse, fully electric. This version is raw and fun in a way newer EVs just aren’t.
Who should buy it:
Drivers who love back roads, bad weather, and boosting through corners.
8. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Engine: 2.0L Inline-4
Power: 181 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
Why it matters:
No car delivers as much pure driving joy per dollar as a Miata. Light weight, perfect balance, an engine that loves to rev — it’s the purest gas car you can still buy new.
There’s a strong chance the next Miata will go hybrid (if not fully electric). The 2025 model? Still pure gasoline fun.
Who should buy it:
True car lovers who understand that less weight beats more horsepower.
Cars Being Phased Out Soon (Watchlist)
These models might make it through 2025–2026, but they’re disappearing fast:
- Charger and Challenger V8s – Gone after 2024
- Dodge Durango V8 – Likely ending after 2025
- Chrysler 300 – Already discontinued
- Ford Edge and Escape (gas-only versions) – Being replaced by hybrids and EVs
- Chevy Malibu – Gone soon, no successor
- Nissan Maxima – Gone
- Buick Encore – Fading away quietly
If you’re thinking about one of these? Now’s the time.
What to Expect Owning a Last-Gen Gas Car
Before you rush out to buy, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Maintenance stays cheap for gas cars compared to EVs (no battery cooling systems, simpler parts).
- Resale value could rise for iconic models (Mustang, Charger, Camaro).
- Fuel costs might increase over time as fewer gas stations stay open in dense city centers.
- Parts availability will be strong for mainstream brands — Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda — for decades. No need to worry yet.
Final Thoughts: Why Now Might Be Your Last Shot
Look, I’m not anti-EV. There are some killer electric cars out there. But if you’re someone who loves the sound, the feel, and the experience of a real gas engine, time is running out.
By 2027–2028, a lot of these models will be history. Gone. Replaced by hybrids, EVs, and whatever else automakers think fits the new world order.
So if you’ve got that itch — that dream car you’ve been putting off — 2025 and 2026 might be your last real chance to walk into a dealership, sign the papers, and drive home in a new gas-powered car.
My advice? Don’t wait. If you want it — go get it.
Stick with BidForAutos.com — where we keep driving, revving, and remembering why cars matter.
