This paper considers the problem of finite-time tracking control for a class of nonlinear systems. A novel finite-time command filtered backstepping approach is proposed by using the new virtual control signals and the modified error compensation signals. The new design technique not only has the advantages of the conventional command-filtered backstepping control, but also guarantees the finite-time convergent property. Two examples are included to show the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.