There’s no sugar coating the fact that electric vehicles (EVs) are costly. In many cases, they come with a heavier price tag than their traditional gas-powered counterparts. However, that’s not to say that there are some EVs that will give you more bang for your buck. A “good value” is where the purchase price and cost of vehicle upkeep are less than all the great things a driver gets out of their vehicle.
This is where it can get very subjective. Maybe your car gets amazing mileage, but the lack of heated seats makes you grumpy and cramped when you reach your destination. As a result, it would be impossible to guess which EV provides the best value for each reader. What we can do, though, is give you a few ideas of what to look at and where you can find them in order to help you start your search. Read on to get a feel for how you can find real value in EVs.
Finding Value in Electric SUVs
When we think about traditional gas-powered SUVs, the phrase “gas-guzzling” often comes to mind. Though engineering has improved this situation, we generally accept that the bigger an SUV is, the more fuel it’s going to consume. How does this translate to a world where the “fuel” is renewable electricity?
Just as with traditional gas SUVs, you’ve got to keep an eye on output and input. You don’t want to run out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. Many drivers, especially those with children and/or who enjoy long road trips, are wondering how easy and how expensive it is to charge their SUV. Start by looking at the range of the vehicle to determine how far it can go on a single full charge, but also look at how quickly it charges.
Take, for example, the Hyundai IONIQ 5. It’s offered in five configurations: SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited. The SE Standard Range has the shortest range of the group, as the name implies. Still, with an all-electric range of 245 miles, this rear-wheel-drive-only SUV can travel a fair bit. The all-wheel-drive-only XRT trim comes in with a 259-mile range, which is largely due to its off-roading prowess and extra gear. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims all offer a 318-mile range for rear-wheel-drive models, and a range of 290 miles on models equipped with all-wheel drive.
Furthermore, IONIQ 5 models have some of the fastest charging times possible. With the included CCS adapter, drivers can use 800V/350kW DC ultra-fast charging stations to add up to 178 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes. At home, the 240V AC charging process requires less time to recharge than you do, with the ability to go from 10% battery to full in just over seven hours.
Choosing an All-Electric Family SUV
Those who perked up at the mention of family vehicles and electric SUVs that can withstand the challenges of road trips might also have priorities beyond range and charge, such as adding a third row of seating for more passengers. The 2025 Kia EV9 has a somewhat above-average price tag, but many drivers believe the vehicle’s design and engineering fully justify its price. The EV9 has what it needs in the range department, with the Light Long Range rear-wheel drive model offering up to 304 miles on a full charge. The three all-wheel-drive models, the Wind, Land, and GT-Line, all have a range between 270 and 280 miles.
Where the EV9 truly gets its value is in the environment it provides for up to seven passengers. Instead of trying to stuff three passengers into the third row seat, Kia wisely allows that row to be taken up by two larger, more generous seats. The Light and Wind models still offer a second-row bench seat instead of captain’s chairs to accommodate the whole crew. Ventilated front seats are standard on all trims. The Land and GT-Line trims’ second-row seats are heated and ventilated. GT-Line models offer eight-way Power Lounge reclining second row seats with a comfort headrest, extending leg support, and Relaxation Mode.
Electric Vehicles for the Budget-Minded
In the world of EVs, a smaller price tag usually means a lower range or a compromise in power or performance. Of course, there are exceptions. The 2025 Subaru Solterra comes from the adventurous, outdoors, off-roading side of the Subaru stable. With over eight inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and dual X-MODES with settings for both Snow and Deep Snow, the Solterra is an excellent choice for drivers with an on-again, off-again relationship with pavement. Best of all, some models retail for under $40,000, depending on your market.
Most Solterra models have a range of 222 miles, but the Premium trim offers up to 227 miles on a full charge. The Subaru StarDrive all-electric drivetrain provides 215 hp overall and 249 lb-ft of torque. Roof rails are standard on this action-oriented SUV, along with a windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors, making it a fair choice for all-weather drivers. The Harman Kardon premium audio system that comes standard on all but the Premium trim makes it a fair choice for anyone who likes some quality cruising tunes.
Thinking with the Box Outside: EV Trucks
Currently, the EV market is pretty SUV-heavy, with trucks just starting to make a breakthrough. As with any truck, those who need a truck to do a specific job will want to pay attention to capability features without losing focus on their budget. For example, the 2025 Chevy Silverado EV and 2025 Ford Lightning offer up to 10,000 lbs of towing. But, the Chevy has a significantly higher price tag than most of the Ford Lightning lineup.
Despite the smaller price tag, the Ford F-150 Lightning comes with everything that makes an EV pickup truck a great idea. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll have between 240 and 320 miles of range, along with 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque that’s good for a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds. Those who choose Lariat and Platinum models also get to use that power however they deem necessary. The Pro Power Onboard system allows drivers to use the F-150 Lightning as a power source for their tools, gear, or even that freezer full of expensive delicacies when the power goes out.
In the case of trucks, it’s often a debate of capability versus price. While there are many similarities between the Chevy and the Ford electric truck offerings, value may lie in which truck can do the job you need it to do.
What Is the Best Value EV?
When picking out an electric vehicle, “your mileage may vary,” as they say. Every driver has a different list of wants and needs that no single vehicle can meet. However, we live in a world with a wide and varied auto market, where we can shop around for a vehicle that matches that list as closely as possible. While we’ve presented a few good overall values here, bear in mind that what you personally value, and especially what you cannot compromise, are some of the most important factors in picking out your next EV.
