5 Most Affordable Electric SUVs for 2023
As electric vehicle (EV) popularity grows, new EV prices fall in line with similarly equipped gasoline-powered models. However, the electric SUV segment is reluctant to relinquish its premium pricing. The good news is that there are still affordable electric SUVs for 2023.
The five most affordable electric SUVs
For its “Affordable Electric SUVs for 2023” list, iSeeCars analyzed 13 new electric SUVs and ranked them according to lowest base MSRP. Certain factors, like delivery and destination fees, dealer fees, and local supply and demand, could affect the accuracy of these prices from one dealership to the next. The following five electric SUVs represent the most affordable options from the list.
Mazda MX-30 EV
The lowest-priced electric SUV on the iSeeCars list, the Mazda MX-30 EV, features a 100-mile driving range on a single charge with an EPA-estimated 92 mpg equivalent (MPGe). Although iSeeCars has a lower starting price, Mazda lists MSRP for the base MX-30 EV at $34,110. If your budget allows, the MX-30 Premium Plus, starting at $37,120, has the same electric-powered driving range but offers additional features.
Both models utilize a single 143-horsepower electric motor with 200 lb-ft of torque. The MX-30’s 35.5 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack can charge from 20 to 80% capacity in under 3 hours with a Level 2 charger and 36 minutes at a Level 3 DC Fast Charge station. Both trim levels feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, radar-assisted cruise control, adaptive LED headlights, and five-passenger seating with heated front seats. Still, only the Premium Plus trim offers Blind-spot assist, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The next affordable electric SUV on the list comes in three grades. Hyundai‘s website lists the Kona Electric SE at $33,550, the SEL at $37,300, and the top-trim Limited at $41,550. However, all three feature the same EPA-estimated 120 MPGe and 258-mile driving range.
The Kona Electric uses a 201-hp electric motor with 291 lb-ft of torque and a 64 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. Hyundai reports 9 hours and 15 minutes of charging time from 10 to 100% on a standard Level 2 charger. A Level 3 Quick Charger takes the Kona’s battery from 10 to 80% in 64 minutes.
In addition to the electric drivetrain, all three modes include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat. While the SE trim provides an 8-inch touchscreen display, the two upper trims include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The range-topping Limited trim features LED headlights with High Beam Assist, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, and leather-trimmed seats.
Kia Niro EV
Kia shows two Niro EV models for the 2023 model year, the $39,550 Niro Wind and the upgraded Wave at $44,550. The 64.8 kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery bank and electric motor drivetrain produce 201 net horsepower and deliver 253 miles of driving range for an EPA-estimated 113 MPGe. Charging, from 10 to 80%, takes as little as 43 minutes using a Level 3 DC Fast Charger.
Both trims include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist, Navigation Based Cruise Control, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection. In addition, the Wave trim adds Junction Crossing Detection.
Volkswagen ID.4
The two Volkswagen ID.4 trims offer different battery capacity levels and EPA-estimated driving ranges. First, the $38,995 ID.4 Standard features a 62 kWh battery pack with 209 miles of electric driving range. Next is the $43,995 ID.4 Pro with an 82 kWh battery pack capable of 275 miles of electric driving. Level 3 DC Fast Charge times from 10 to 80% range from 30 to 36 minutes, depending on “a variety of factors.”
Besides the difference in battery capacity and range, the trims offer similar equipment. Both ID.4 electric SUV models have 201 horsepower, standard rear-wheel drive, and an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 107 MPGe. They also get iSeeCars’ highest safety rating.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E comes in four grades, Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT, with MSRPs ranging from $45,995 to $63,995. Battery options include either the Standard-Range 70 kWh or the Extended-Range 91 kWh versions. Lower grades offer standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while higher grades have standard AWD. The Mach-E’s driving range varies by model from 247 to 312 miles depending on battery size and drivetrain.