Cheapest Electric SUVs in 2023

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV / Credit: Chevrolet

The Most Affordable Electric SUVs Still Have Good Range

Finding a cheap electric SUV used to be impossible, but as technology has evolved and EVs have become more popular, prices have come down. Now the cheapest electric SUVs cost less than $50,000 new. Chevrolet’s Bolt EUV is under $30,000. With the savings gained from not filling up with gas, an all-electric future can be closer than ever. These are ranked from least expensive to most. How We Ranked the Cheapest Electric SUVs

1. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV • $27,800

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV / Credit: Chevrolet

Price: $27,800
Range: 247 miles
What We Like: Fantastic price
What We Don’t: Some rivals have longer range

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle) is based on the Bolt EV hatchback. The Bolt EUV is a practical SUV with a commanding driving position, plenty of head-and-legroom, good driving dynamics, and solid electric range. It is a terrific value and provides modern, easy-to-use technology. It has great low-end acceleration, as well.

The Bolt EUV is just as wide as its Bolt EV counterpart but it is 7 inches longer and sits one inch taller. Still, it only provides a few more square inches of cargo space.

Shopping for a Used Bolt EUV?

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV was an all-new model in 2022.

2. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric • $33,550

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric / Credit: Hyundai

Price: $33,550
Range: 258 miles
What We Like: Good price
What We Don’t: Small second row

The Kona Electric is based on the gas-powered Kona. It’s small, peppy, and easy to maneuver. It also has a good amount of range, though it’s short on cargo space and rear-seat legroom. The Kona’s cabin is modern and attractive, but it’s not as upscale as other vehicles in its price range. That being said, it has a straightforward layout and an intuitive combination of digital and physical controls.

Shopping for a Used Kona Electric?

For 2022, The Kona received a modest facelift and a slight bump in range. The pre-facelift 2019-2021 Kona Electric crossovers have nearly identical styling and features.

3. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 • $38,995

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 / Photo Credit: Volkswagen 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 / Credit: Volkswagen

Price: $38,995
Range: 245-275 miles
What We Like: Bright and spacious cabin
What We Don’t: Not as fun to drive as rivals

The ID.4 has a spacious cabin that’s bright and accommodating. It has more cargo space than most electric SUVs, but not as much as the Tesla Model X and Model Y. The ID.4 offers both a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) model and a dual-motor AWD model with more horsepower, though it’s not as much fun to drive as other EVs.

All ID.4 SUVs come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The ID.4 also comes with three years of free public fast-charging at Electrify America stations nationwide. Drivers can add 70 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

Shopping for a Used ID.4?

The VW ID.4 was all-new for 2021. These first-year models are mostly the single-motor FWD models. The dual-motor AWD versions arrived later in the year.

4. 2023 Kia Niro EV • $39,550

2023 Kia Niro EV / Credit: Kia

Price: $39,550
Range: 253 miles
What We Like: Solid all-around electric SUV
What We Don’t: Pricier than key competitors

The Niro EV is the Kona’s corporate cousin. It’s a bit roomier but it is pricier and has less range. It features comfortable seats and decent cargo capacity, but taller adults may wish for more rear-seat legroom.

The Niro EV is quick off the line but it’s less powerful than most electric SUVs. While it’s not a corner-carver, the Niro EV handles well, it’s easy to maneuver, and it provides a comfortable ride. It also has a well-equipped cabin. Standard features include a 10.3-inch infotainment screen and heated front seats.

Shopping for a Used Niro EV?

Kia redesigned the Niro EV for 2023. The previous version ran from 2019 to 2022.

5. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 • $41,450

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Credit: Hyundai

Price: $41,450
Range: 269-303 miles
What We Like: Great range
What We Don’t: Pricey for a Hyundai

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric crossover and the second electric vehicle in the Ioniq lineup, following the discontinued Ioniq EV hatchback. Where the Ioniq EV was a modest hatchback, the Ioniq 5 is a bold styling statement. Its proportions and clean lines hide the vehicle’s true size. The Ioniq 5 provides solid cargo space and incredible passenger space.

The clean design of the exterior carries into the interior, where the lack of a conventional driveline opens up the center area below the dash. The large dual-screen digital dash may look futuristic, but it is easier to use than Tesla’s all-screen/no-buttons approach. That said, the unique shifter design has a bit of a learning curve.

The Ioniq 5 can be had with RWD or AWD. The AWD model provides inspired acceleration and dialed-in handling. The Ioniq 5 is pricier than other vehicles on this list, and the Limited trim has a luxury-level price tag.

Shopping for a Used Hyundai Ioniq 5?

The Ioniq 5 was all-new for 2022 and heads into 2023 unchanged.

6. 2023 Toyota bZ4X • $42,000

2023 Toyota BZ4X / Credit: Toyota

Price: $42,000
Range: 222-252 miles
What We Like: Well-rounded Toyota SUV
What We Don’t: Less range and power than most EVs in its price range; challenging name

The bZ4X could push the right buttons for car shoppers intrigued by an EV, but who don’t want to empty their bank account to afford one. The entry-level bZ4X has a single electric motor that sends 201 horsepower to the front wheels. AWD is optional and nudges output slightly, to 215 horsepower.

Depending on the trim and which wheels are doing the driving, range varies from 222 to 252 miles on a full charge. The cabin has room for five and features a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large storage space beneath the center console. You might consider cross-shopping the bZ4X with the Solterra, since the two were co-developed by Toyota and Subaru.

Shopping for a Used bZ4X?

The bZ4X is a brand-new model, but even so, there are pre-owned examples on the market.

7. 2023 Nissan Ariya • $43,190

Nissan Ariya / Credit: Nissan

Price: $43,190
Range: 216-304 miles
What We Like: Like a nice Nissan Leaf
What We Don’t: Other SUVs are more upscale

Having been among the first to bring EVs into the mainstream with its Leaf hatchback, Nissan is adding the compact Ariya electric SUV to its roster for the 2023 model year. Variety is a plus point here, at least for EV shoppers who like a choice of battery packs, electric motors, and which wheels are powered.

The Ariya is available in no less than six trim levels and offers two battery sizes, single or dual-electric motor powertrains, and front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. A max of 304 miles of range is available and the Ariya has a relatively affordable starting price.

Shopping for a Used Ariya?

The Ariya is an all-new model and as such, there are few used examples on the market. But the Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable EVs on the market. It’s also one of the longest-running EV models.

8. 2023 Subaru Solterra • $44,995

2023 Subaru Solterra / Credit: Subaru

Price: $44,995
Range: 222-228 miles
What We Like: Well-rounded Subaru SUV
What We Don’t: Higher price and less range than most than nearly identical Toyota bZ4X

True to the brand’s outdoorsy image, the Solterra is one of the few electric vehicles capable of tackling (modest) off-road adventures. This comes courtesy of the Solterra’s standard AWD, along with features like hill ascent and descent control, and a handy 8.3-inches of ground clearance.

Range is a below-average 228 miles on a full charge, and the Solterra is compatible with DC fast charging. The cabin is modern and quirky, with a variety of textures and a 12.3 touchscreen sprouting from the center of the dash.

Shopping for a Used Solterra?

The Solterra is new for the 2023 model year, but there are already some examples hitting the second market.

9. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E • $45,995

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Electric SUV 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E / Credit: Ford

Price: $45,995
Range: 224-312 miles
What We Like: Great performance
What We Don’t: Gets expensive with upgrades

The Mach-E is an electric crossover with Mustang DNA. It provides swift acceleration, adept handling, and a smooth, quiet ride. Inside, you find a modern cabin with ample space for five adults, competitive cargo volume, and intuitive technology.

The Mach-E was designed as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, and it does a good job of coming close to the Tesla’s performance specs. The Mach-E isn’t as quick and it doesn’t have as much range, but it’s not far off.

The Mach-E is well-priced for what it is. However, once shoppers add AWD and other key features, it gets expensive.

Shopping for a Used Mustang Mach-E?

The Mach-E was introduced for the 2021 model year and the design hasn’t changed since. For 2022, Ford added available BlueCruise hands-free driving capability.

10. 2023 Kia EV6 • $48,700

2023 Kia EV6 / Credit: Kia

Price: $48,700
Range: 230-310 miles
What We Like: Roomy; quick GT model
What We Don’t: Pricey

The Kia EV6 is an electric crossover with sharp styling, though its angular roof cuts in on usable cargo space and rear headroom. The front seats are spacious and comfortable and the rear seats provide decent legroom. A hands-free power liftgate is available.

The EV6 has a long list of standard equipment, including wireless device charging and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The base setup features a single 167-hp electric motor powering the rear wheels. The upgraded setup features a larger battery and either a 225-hp motor at the rear wheels or a dual-motor setup with a combined 320 horsepower. The top-end GT trim makes over 576 horsepower! Low-end acceleration is swift, and the dual-motor setup provides extra grunt. No matter the setup, the EV6 provides lively, responsive handling.

Shopping for a Used EV6?

The EV6 was an all-new model in 2022. Kia added the powerful GT model to the lineup for 2023.

How We Ranked These Electric SUVs

We ranked these electric SUVs by their base MSRP when new, without destination charges, taxes, or EV tax credits. Our rankings are based on the latest 2023 models, but since many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our insights apply to used models as well.