Characteristics of Affordable Electric SUVs
To keep costs down but to ensure the best value, an electric SUV in this category needs to tick certain boxes. You can’t have it all, but these are the qualities you should be looking for.
- They are naturally cheaper than your average SUV
- They try to keep costs down by delivering good mileage
- They boast impressive safety ratings
- They forego almost all luxury features
What to Consider When Buying a Cheap SUV
Now that there are so many EVs to choose from in the US, you actually need to weigh your options when buying one. Also, you might still want to consider regular gas or hybrid cars over their electric cousins, depending on where you live or how you intend to use your car.
Pros
- Comparatively low asking price
- Decent range figures
- High safety ratings
- Good reliability expectations
- Can save even more with tax credits
- Practical and versatile body style
Cons
- Still more expensive than gas-powered rivals
- Charging network may be sparse in some regions
- Installing a home charger can push up the price
FAQs
What is the cheapest EV SUV?
At just over $30,000, the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the cheaper new electric SUVs on the market currently. Cheaper still is the Bolt EUV, with a starting price under $30k. The Mazda MX-30 is priced in the mid-$30k range at the time of writing.
How much do the most affordable electric SUVs cost?
The price of an electric SUV is high in comparison to a regular gas model, but you can still find a few at around the $40,000 mark. These include the Toyota bZ4X, Kia Niro EV, and VW ID.4. The Hyundai Kona Electric is slightly more expensive than the Chevy Bolt EUV.
Which affordable electric SUV has the best range?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6 can both exceed 300 miles of all-electric driving. Models like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric are rated at around 250 miles.
How reliable are cheap electric SUVs?
The most affordable cars are built by automakers that know their shoppers can’t afford to spend a bundle on maintenance or repairs, so their cars are made to go the distance.