The Best Electric SUVs in Every Price Range


The Best Electric SUVs in Every Price Range


Electric SUVs have come a long way. What once felt like premium-only tech is now available across multiple price tiers. From entry-level crossovers that meet daily commuting needs to luxe, tech-filled three-row monsters, there's an EV for nearly everyone. Here's a deep dive into the best electric SUVs of 2025, grouped by price range, what to expect in each tier, and which models stand out.



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What Makes a Great Electric SUV


Before listing models, it's helpful to understand what features matter most in an electric SUV:


Range: How far you can travel on a full charge. Key for road trips or long commutes.


Charging Speed & Network: How fast you can charge and how many chargers are accessible.


Interior space and comfort: Electric SUVs vary in size; cargo room, legroom, and passenger comfort count.


Technology & Safety: Features like driver assistance, infotainment, over-the-air updates.


Cost of Ownership: Electricity vs. fuel, maintenance savings, incentives/tax credits.



With that in mind, here are the top picks categorized by price tiers.



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1. Entry-Level / Budget Tier (~ $30,000–$45,000)


This is where EVs become broadly accessible. You’ll find usable range, adequate tech, and smaller cars built for city/suburban life.


Standouts


Hyundai Kona Electric (~ $32,875)

One of the lowest-priced EV SUVs with a competitive ~250–260 miles range. The Kona Electric combines a compact size with sufficient range and comfort. Very suitable for daily driving. 


Chevrolet Equinox EV (~ $33,600)

Offers excellent range in its class (≈ 319 miles in front-wheel-drive versions). Spacious, good tech, and strong value. 


Kia Niro EV (~ $39,600)

Smaller than some midsize SUVs, but well equipped, reliable, and has enough space and range for many users. 


Subaru Solterra (~ $38,495)

Standard AWD, solid reliability, typical Subaru traction and safety features. Less range than premium models, but appealing for those who drive in varied conditions. 




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2. Mid-Range Tier (~ $45,000–$60,000)


In this segment, buyers get more range, better tech, more comfort, and potentially more space. Ideal for families or those who often travel longer distances.


Standouts


Hyundai Ioniq 5 (~ $43,975)

Frequently rated “best overall electric SUV” for 2025 by several guides. Excellent range (~318 miles in some trims), fast charging, distinctive styling, and roomy interiors. 


Kia EV9 (~ $54,900–$56,400)

A three-row midsize electric SUV with ~304 miles of range. Great for more passengers without stepping into luxury pricing. 


Chevrolet Blazer EV (~ $45,995)

Looks and feels upscale, offers good tech and range, especially in front-wheel-drive versions. Practical and stylish. 


Volvo EX30 (~ $36,245)

Subcompact luxury that delivers good range and premium materials at a more accessible price point. 




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3. Upper-Mid / Near-Luxury Tier (~ $60,000–$80,000+)


Here, price increases give you more power, better features, more interior refinement, and often luxury-level craftsmanship.


Standouts


2025 Model Y Performance (Tesla) (~ $59,130)

Launched with new features, high performance (0–60 in ~3.3 seconds in that trim), and still very competitive among premium electric SUVs. Good for those who want speed and charging infrastructure. 


Cadillac Lyriq (~ $57,195)

A luxury electric SUV with premium build, comfort, and good range. Great fit if you want a prestige badge with EV perks. 


BMW iX (~ $87,000+)

For those willing to pay more, this SUV offers superior interior finish, advanced tech, and a long list of premium features. 




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4. What to Consider Tier-by-Tier


When choosing among these price ranges, keep these in mind:


Factor More Crucial in Budget Tier More Crucial in Mid / Luxury Tiers


Minimum Range for Daily Use Critical — you want enough to cover commute + buffer. Still important, but luxury models often give more slack.

Charging Infrastructure Very important — faster chargers near city/suburb. Also matters, but luxury brands sometimes offer bundled charging solutions.

Interior Comfort & Features Good materials and basic tech suffice. Premium seating, advanced infotainment, finishes matter more.

Depreciation & Incentives Budget EVs often lose value slower if range and reliability good. Also benefit more from tax credits. Luxury EVs may depreciate more but sometimes appeal to niche buyers.




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5. Case Examples & Comparisons


Let’s compare two models — one from the budget tier and one from the mid-luxury tier — to illustrate trade-offs.


Chevrolet Equinox EV (Budget Tier)


Range: ~319 miles (FWD) / ~285 miles (AWD) depending on version. 


Price: ~ $33,600 for base LT version. 


Strengths: Generous range for the price, good cargo space, modern tech.


Trade-offs: Less premium in materials, fewer luxury features, slower charging in base trims.



Tesla Model Y Performance (Upper-Mid Tier)


Range: ~308 miles in many trims, with high performance in Performance version. 


Price: ~$59,130 for the Performance variant. 


Strengths: High-speed charging network, strong acceleration, cutting-edge software/tweaks, premium badge.


Trade-offs: Higher cost for upkeep or tires, premium pricing, fewer simple features relative to how “trimmed” versions sometimes are.




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6. Why Lower Price EV SUVs are Becoming More Common


Several factors are pushing EV SUVs into more affordable ranges:


Battery cost reduction: Tech advances and economies of scale are lowering the price per kWh, which helps reduce total vehicle cost.


Competition: More manufacturers entering the EV space drive pricing pressure (Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, etc.).


Incentives and rebates: Government incentives, tax credits, and state rebates still help bring down net cost for many buyers.


Simplified design: EV platforms can allow modular builds—so base trims can omit expensive features without compromising powertrain efficiency.




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7. What to Watch Out For


Even with the many great options, not all electric SUVs are equal. Buyers should watch for:


Real-world range vs. EPA range: Cold weather, highway speeds, AC/heating use can reduce range more dramatically.


Charging infrastructure: Check if your area has fast chargers; slow or sparse stations can reduce usability.


Battery warranty: How long is the battery covered? What is the degradation guarantee?


Total cost of ownership: Maintenance, insurance, electricity costs, potential incentives.


Resale value: Some brands hold value better, especially in the electric category.




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8. Summary: Best Picks by Price Range


Here’s a quick summary of top recommendations by price band:


Price Range Best Picks


≈ $30,000–$40,000 Hyundai Kona Electric, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Kia Niro EV, Subaru Solterra

≈ $45,000–$60,000 Hyundai Ioniq 5, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Kia EV9, Volvo EX30

≈ $60,000–$80,000+ Tesla Model Y Performance, Cadillac Lyriq, BMW iX

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