3 Affordable Electric SUVs to Consider in 2023
If you have decided to make the switch to an EV but don’t feel like spending a ton, you still have a few options in the electric sport utility vehicle category. These affordable electric SUVs come from Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Mazda.
You can’t have affordable electric SUVs without the Chevrolet Bolt EUV
When Cars.com was looking for the best new electric SUVs, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV was an excellent option. Chevrolet lowered the MSRP at the end of last year and then recently brought it back up, but the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is still one of the most affordable electric SUVs.
Starting at $27,495, the 2023 Bolt EUV has an EPA-estimated range of 247-259 miles. The 2023 version didn’t change much over the last version, except it has different daytime running lights and turn signals. New seats and a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen upgrade the interior. The Chevy Safety Assist suite includes many standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure steering assist, and forward collision alert.
At the time of publication, the IRS lists the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV as eligible for the full $7,500 under the new Clean Vehicle Credit. That makes the Bolt EUV an even more affordable electric SUV.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV: $27,495
EPA-estimated range: 247-259 miles
Hyundai’s Kona Electric is an affordable electric SUV
The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric has four doors and looks like the regular Kona but is fully electric. While the front has plenty of room for passengers, the back and cargo areas are not the largest. Hyundai’s 201-hp electric motor powers the Kona with a 64-kWh battery and DC fast-charging capability. The Kona EV can go from 10% State of Charge (SoC) to 80% in about 47 minutes.
Inside, an updated interior and 10.25-inch touchscreen set the 2023 version apart. A redesigned center console with wireless charging is also included. One downside of the Kona EV is that Hyundai doesn’t sell it in all states. Check that your state is included before settling on the Kona Electric.
At the time of publication, the U.S. Department of Energy says the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is eligible for the full $7,500, but check the website for confirmation.
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric: $34,885
EPA-estimated range: 258 miles
The Mazda MX-30 has a short range but has some perks
The 2023 Mazda MX-30 hit the market with a range of 100 miles, and people were unenthused. However, the MX-30 has much more to offer to compensate for the short range. Inside, the comfortable but minimalist interior uses “environmentally friendly materials,” like a cork center console, animal-free upholstery, and recycled plastic bottle fibers for the door trim.
Mazda’s electric motor makes 144 hp and gets 200 lb-ft of torque from a 35.5-kWh battery on the front wheels. All-wheel drive isn’t available at this time, but perhaps in a year or two. To make up for the range, Mazda offers complimentary loaner cars for road trips and $500 in charging credits at ChargePoint or toward installing a home charger.
The Department of Energy still lists the 2022 MX-30 as eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit, but neither one lists the 2023 version. It landed on the list of affordable electric SUVs either way.
2023 Mazda MX-30: $35,585
EPA-estimated range: 100 miles
The list of affordable electric SUVs isn’t very long, but it has some good options. Depending on how long the daily commute is, one of these Hyundai, Kia, or Mazda vehicles might check all the boxes. Be sure to verify the federal tax credits and whatever state credits might be available at the time, as these tend to change pretty quickly.