Buying a new car this year doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice safety for affordability. Check out these cars and SUVs that are not only surprisingly affordable, but also a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the safest new cars in 2023.
The 2023 Acura Integra is a surprisingly affordable car with amazing fuel economy, and the highest safety ratings.
The 2023 Acura Integra is a 4-Door Sedan that is a perfect 5-seater choice for both single adults and families combined. Featuring a plethora of safety features, Acura outperformed in both crashworthiness and crash avoidance tests. It is no surprise that the IIHS awards its highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick + to this sleek beast. Acura Watch comes standard with this car and includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and more. Finally, Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is next-level. The Integra has been carefully engineered to provide ultimate protection in the event of a frontal collision.
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 is an affordable midsize luxury sedan with decent fuel economy and a high safety rating.
The 2023 Lexus ES 350 is a 4-Door Midsize Luxury Sedan that is super chic for those that want a perfect mix of style and comfort, without breaking the bank. This 5-seater, spicy-looking car also outdid itself when it comes to safety features. IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick for many reasons, including its crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation. Featuring Anti-Lock Brakes, Stability Control, Additional Airbags, and Seatbelt Pretensioners, this beast was designed not just for your personal comfort but also your safety.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is a reasonably priced midsize sedan with good fuel economy and also a high safety rating.
If you’re in the market for a midsize sedan that combines style, safety, and performance, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata is definitely worth considering. This vehicle boasts a sleek and modern design, as well as a range of advanced safety features to ensure that you and your passengers are protected on the road. Being awarded the Top Safety Pick rating by IIHS can only be attributed to the 2023 Hyundai Sonata suite of safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid accidents, even in challenging driving conditions. In addition to its safety features, the Hyundai Sonata offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both driver and passengers. This vehicle is fuel-efficient, making it a smart choice for daily commutes or long road trips.
The 2023 Mazda 3 is an affordably priced car with amazing fuel economy and very high safety rating.
If you’re looking for a compact car that combines style and safety, look no further than the 2023 Mazda 3. An IIHS Top Safety Pick awarded winner, the 2023 Mazda 3 features advanced safety technology, which include blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Additionally, the car has a range of airbags and a reinforced body structure to keep you and your passengers safe in the event of an accident. Despite its compact size, the Mazda 3 is surprisingly spacious and comfortable inside, with ample legroom and headroom for both driver and passengers. Finally, the Mazda 3 is a joy to drive, with smooth handling and a responsive engine. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising down the highway, this car offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
The 2023 Subaru Legacy is a reasonably priced car with standard all-wheel drive, and it’s one of the safest cars in 2023.
The 2023 Subaru Legacy is an award-winning midsize sedan that offers a winning combination of safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency. The vehicle has been named an IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick, thanks to its advanced safety features and sturdy design. Equipped with Brake Assist, Brake Override System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a Rear Vision Camera, a collapsible steering column, and a Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the Legacy is designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road..
The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a midsize luxury SUV with decent fuel economy and the highest safety rating.
The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a luxurious and stylish SUV that is sure to turn heads on the road. One of the standout features of the 2023 Volvo XC90 is its advanced safety technologies that earned it IIHS Top Safety Pick + rating, which include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle also features a reinforced body structure and a range of airbags to ensure that you and your passengers are protected in the event of an accident. In addition to its safety features, the Volvo XC90 offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both driver and passengers. The vehicle is also equipped with a range of premium amenities, including leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. Overall, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a luxurious, safe, and enjoyable SUV.
The 2023 Acura MDX is an affordable luxury SUV with good fuel economy and the highest safety rating.
The 2023 Acura MDX is a luxurious and spacious SUV. This vehicle boasts a range of advanced safety features, including the latest driver assistance technologies, making it one of the safest SUVs on the market. The 2023 Acura MDX has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest safety rating awarded by the organization. The vehicle features advanced safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, a reinforced body structure and advanced airbags provide protection in the event of an accident. In addition to its advanced safety features, the Acura MDX offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both driver and passengers. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, this car offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is an affordable midsize luxury electric SUV with amazing fuel economy and the highest safety rating.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that is designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly driving experience. The vehicle features advanced safety technologies, making it one of the safest SUVs on the market, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. With automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, the Volkswagen ID.4 is ready to help you stay safe and avoid accidents. Additionally, the vehicle’s reinforced body structure and range of airbags provide additional protection for you and your passengers in the event of a collision. The Volkswagen ID.4 is powered by an electric motor, which provides instant torque and a smooth, quiet driving experience. Additionally, range is sufficient with up to 275 miles on a charge. Better yet, charging speeds have improved for the 2023 model year.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a reasonably priced midsize luxury SUV with decent fuel economy and, it’s one of the safest new cars in 2023.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasts a range of advanced safety features, including the latest driver assistance technologies, earning it an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Equipped with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, the Hyundai Palisade is designed to help you stay safe and avoid accidents. Additionally, the vehicle’s sturdy design and a range of airbags provide additional protection for you and your passengers in the event of a collision. The vehicle is has a range of premium amenities, including leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. The Hyundai Palisade features a robust V6 engine that provides plenty of power and a smooth, comfortable driving experience.
We’re Here to Help
In conclusion, prioritizing safety when purchasing a new vehicle is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones on the road. With the wide variety of top-rated safest cars in 2023, there’s no need to compromise on affordability or fuel efficiency. To make the smartest buying decision, turn to CarEdge for comprehensive information and expert guidance on the best vehicles for your needs. Our platform offers valuable insights, comparisons, and in-depth reviews to help you confidently choose the perfect car that combines safety, performance, and value. Let CarEdge be your trusted partner in finding the ideal vehicle for a secure and enjoyable driving experience.
One third of American drivers are seriously considering going electric as generous tax credits, fuel savings and reduced emissions lure the masses towards EVs. My own household made the switch in early 2022, and we’re never going back to ICE. In hopes of adding clarity to the current EV market, we’ve created this resource to share what we think are the BEST electric cars, trucks and SUVs in 2023. We’ve also shared what we think are the worst.
The Best Electric Cars in 2023
These models are stand-outs for their value. Range, charging speed and available features are given priority over performance in our analysis.
2023 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
Price: $41,990
Range: 272 miles
Fast charging (adding 200 miles in 20-30 minutes)
Why it’s great: The Tesla Supercharger network makes cross country travel hassle-free. Tesla charges are very reliable, and with 1,500 locations in all 50 states, finding one is rarely an issue.
Plus, the price you see on Tesla’s online configurator is the price you pay (before taxes and required fees, of course). While legacy automakers continue to struggle with out-of-control dealer markups, Tesla and other direct-to-consumer EV makers have the upperhand on pricing.
Why it’s great: The Model Y is the larger, more family-oriented version of the Model 3. Last year, the Model Y overtook the 3 as the best-selling EV in America. Although it is the most expensive model on this list, if you can afford it, the ease of public charging, great range, spacious interior and exhilarating performance all make this the sweet spot for many buyers. Plus, there are no dealer markups.
But wait, there’s more. Both the Model Y and Model 3 are available for delivery soon after placing an order. Tesla wait times are between one and three months as of late 2022. That’s about as good as it gets in today’s EV market.
Should you ever decide to sell, both of these Teslas have amazing resale value.
Price: $46,250 (dealer markups are common but negotiable)
Range: 303 miles
Fast charging: Add 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
Why it’s great: The 2023 IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60 are the first models powered by Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform. This is next-gen 800-Volt architecture at (relatively) affordable prices, and that’s awesome.
Plus, the IONIQ 5 is spacious, and looks really cool. Sadly, Hyundai has had a very difficult time scaling up production due to supply chain constraints, so expect to either wait for at least six months, or battle outrageous dealer markups to get your hands on a rare allocation.
Price: $49,795 (dealer markups are common but negotiable)
Range: 310 miles
Fast charging: Add 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
Why it’s great: Kia’s version of the IONIQ 5 looks completely different, with very similar specs. That’s because both models share the e-GMP platform with great range and even better charging.
The 2023 EV6 has slightly more availability than the IONIQ 5 right now. For the 2023 model year, Kia decided to drop the “Light” base model, kicking the entry-level price all the way up to nearly $50,000.
As always, I recommend everyone take a test drive before dismissing EVs. They’re quiet, efficient and fun. The EV6 would be a great one to take for a spin.
Fast charging: Add 190 miles of range in 28 minutes
Why it’s great: The VW ID.4 is now made in America at Volswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee factory. That means it will qualify for the revised EV tax credit (up to $7,500), as long as your VIN confirms that it is an American-made ID.4. I was impressed during my test drive of the ID.4. It rides like a luxury crossover, and has plenty of acceleration when you need it. However, it’s definitely the least sporty of this bunch, but it’s also the least expensive.
Now made in America, there is also a new cheaper option starting at $37,495. However, with public charging infrastructure slow to build out, the expected 208 miles of range is not enough for us to confidently recommend it to anyone but those who expect to stick around urban areas 95% of the time. The ID.4 Pro, on the other hand, is exceptional value with the EV tax credit.
Price: $90,000-120,000 (before markups of up to $100,000)
Range: 329 miles
Why it’s horrible: Where do we start? The Hummer EV costs $100 to charge (because it has a MASSIVE 212 kilowatt-hour battery pack), weighs 9000 pounds (that’s 2x the weight of the typical F-150), and is horrible for the environment. If you’re looking to go green with your EV purchase, this isn’t it. It’s also very expensive, but that’s less surprising these days.
At auction, we’ve seen many Hummer EVs selling for over $200,000. No thanks.
2023 Mazda MX30
Price: $34,000
Range: 100 miles
Why it’s horrible: If you’re considering the Mazda MX-30, send me an email at justin@CarEdge.com. I’d like to talk you out of it. I have nothing against Mazda as a brand (they make some awesome cars), but I am very against anyone buying an electric car with just 100 miles of range in 2022. Sure, maybe it’s just for around town. Have you thought about resale value? With barely 100 miles on a charge and slow charge times of around one hour, I’m afraid Mazda’s first EV won’t be worth its scrap metal value in a decade.
Other options to consider at this price point? The Nissan LEAF, base Volkswagen ID.4, Chevrolet Bolt, and soon-to-come Chevrolet Equinox EV are all far more capable for under $40,000.
2023 MINI Hardtop
Price: $34,000
Range: 110 miles
Why it’s horrible: I sure hope CarEdge’s own Ray Shefska forgives me for bashing the electric MINI, but with 110 miles of range and slow charging, I don’t see a single reason why anyone should consider this EV. It’s one of the last ‘compliance cars’ in the EV market.
2024 Cadillac Celesiq
Price: $300,000+ (yes, count those zeroes)
Range: 300+ miles
Why it’s horrible: Would you pay Rolls Royce money for a Cadillacl? GM seems to think you would. I’m all for going all-out on EV design and innovation, but when Cadillacs cost more than houses, I can’t help but shutter. But hey, it will be hand-built.
September 2023Update: The average transaction price for an EV dropped last month. Check out the details below.
Car buying is the second biggest expense most consumers will ever make, and more drivers are getting squeezed into $1,000/month car payments. With an EV, you can save hundreds of dollars per month in fuel costs, but the upfront cost of getting into an electric car is substantial. Here’s the average price of an electric car today, and how much prices have increased over the past three years.
Wondering when EVs will get cheaper? We’ll dive into that too.
The Average Price of an Electric Car Is 10% Higher
As of the most recent data from August 2023, the average transaction price for a new car (of any powertrain) was $48,451 according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s a 0.6% increase since the month prior. In August 2023, the average electric car price was $53,376 (for new cars).
In 2023, electric cars cost 10% more than the overall market average. Last year, EV prices averaged more than 15% higher than the overall market.
Looking at historical data, it’s clear that EVs are getting cheaper, despite the luxury leanings of most new models. Over the past year, the average price paid for a new EV has declined by 16%. According to KBB, new EV pricing peaked in June 2022 and has fallen more than $6,000 so far in 2023.
Why Are EV Prices Dropping?
Why did the average price of an EV dropping so quickly? Tesla keeps slashing prices, in turn launching an all-out price war with the competition. $55,000 is not cheap, of course. An abundance of luxury options continues to keep the average price of an electric car well above gas counterparts.
On top of that, Ford and GM have been steadily increasing prices for their electric trucks. E-truck prices are generally expensive (see ALL electric truck prices here). The new Chevrolet Silverado EV is not going to be as affordable as originally claimed. Most electric trucks cost over $70,000 once trim and spec availability is considered.
Although the average EV sells for 10% more than gas-powered models, here’s a breakdown of the starting MSRP for the top 10 electric car models on sale right now. As you can see, not all EVs are quite this expensive:
The average starting price for the top 10 best-selling electric cars in America is $48,899, which is 10% lower than six months prior.
EV Price Trends
The average price of electric cars (U.S.) compared to the overall market. Source – Graph by CarEdge, Data via Kelly Blue Book
In January 2020, the average electric car price was $54,668, or 42% higher than the overall market average. In 2023, the average cost of a new EV is $53,376 or about 10% higher than the overall new car market. That’s a lot better than where the EV marker was in early 2022, when EV prices averaged north of $65,000. Here’s how the average cost of an electric car has changed monthly since January 2020.
EV prices are dictated by battery prices. Batteries are getting more expensive.
Simply put, EV prices are most likely to go down once they become truly mainstream. The great news is that many analysts agree that we’ve reached that point in early 2023. With EV market share climbing to a new record of 7.2% of all new vehicle sales in America in Q1 2023, there’s new support for the theory that once the auto market surpassed 5% EV market share, rapid adoption will follow.
However, there’s a big, expensive elephant in the room that’s blocking the path to much higher EV adoption: high prices. Lithium prices have dropped quickly in 2023 following a big spike last year. Generous EV tax credits have returned for Tesla models – the best selling EVs in the nation. Why aren’t prices dropping right now? Demand for new EVs remains very high. Dealers sell their electric inventory much faster than ICE models, and are rarely compelled to cut prices.
In order to change that, automakers will need to make more EVs, so that we can finally get some sitting on the lot for more than a few days. That could finally happen later this year with the arrival of many new mainstream electric models.
However, there’s another possibility that I suspect we’ll be hearing more about. Automakers and their supply chain partners (not to mention governments) have invested nearly $1 trillion dollars in electrifying global transportation. It’s been called the second industrial revolution, and one that will largely determine the world’s ability to combat man-made climate change. Automakers don’t want the EV revolution to fail.
But with rising production costs forcing EV prices higher, what could they do to return affordability to the consumer? I expect automakers to begin announcing lower range, more affordable electric vehicles. Less range might leave you skeptical, but remember that $7.5 billion was allocated to creating a national charging network in America.
Aside from federal money, Tesla, Electrify America, EVgo and even automakers themselves are also quickly installing fast chargers throughout the country. In 5 years’ time, range won’t matter nearly as much because chargers will be commonplace.
The U.S.-built Volkswagen ID.4 now offers a cheaper option.
How might this play out? We’re already starting to see it happen. Volkswagen announced a new version of the ID.4 electric crossover that starts at just $37,495 with 208 miles of range. Plus, it’s made in America and qualifies for the new EV tax credits! That’s well below the longer-range option with 275 miles of range, but it costs at least $4,000 less. Hyundai says it will soon offer a standard range version of the IONIQ 5 with less range at a lower price. I expect General Motors and Ford will soon do the same, especially with future electric crossovers like the impressive Equinox EV.
Thinking of Buying?
Regardless of whether you think an EV might be in your future, CarEdge Car Search is the best way to shop online with more transparent pricing, and auto industry insights dealers don’t want you to see. Check it out today!
The best EVs under $50,000 are more capable than ever before. But that doesn’t mean that they’re equally suited for the diverse needs of today’s drivers. Whether you’re hauling a family or looking for your next ridesharing car, these are the best EVs under $50k that are available now.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
To qualify for federal EV incentives, ensure you purchase a Tennessee-built VIN.
Price:$37,495 – $53,995
Range: 208 – 274 miles
Charging Speed: 130 kilowatts (standard) to 170 kilowatts (Pro); Add 200 miles of range in 28 minutes
Tax Credit: The U.S.-built ID.4 qualifies for at least half of the new EV tax credit. Make sure yours is built at the Chattanooga, Tennessee factory! See full details here.
Did You Know? The 2023 VW ID.4 includes three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America. For those who travel often, this incentive could be worth hundreds of dollars.
Charging Speed: 170 kilowatt max (adds 200 miles in 30 minutes of charging)
Federal Tax Credit: In 2023, the Model 3 again qualifies for federal EV incentives (if under $55k). The RWD Model 3 has batteries sourced from CATL in China, so it only qualifies for half of the credit ($3,750).
As long as your Bolt has the new battery post-recall, the Bolt is by far the most affordable electric option available. But it’s not for road trips with the family.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Price: $26,595 – $38,995
Range: 247 to 259 miles
Charging Speed: 55 kilowatt max (adds 200 miles in one hour of charging)
Federal Tax Credit: In 2023, the Bolt again qualifies for federal EV incentives. See full details here.
Did You Know? The Bolt has great range, but charges slowly. We think this is a great budget option for around town, but not for cross-country road trips.
The new IONIQ 5 may have stolen the show, but the Kona EV is thousands of dollars cheaper. It’s one of the best EV values well under $50k.
Price: $33,550 – $41,550
Range: 258 miles
Charging Speed: 100 kilowatt max (180 miles added in 47 minutes)
Federal Tax Credit: In 2022, the new revisions to the EV tax credit took away this incentive from the Kona EV. See full details here. State incentives may apply.
Did You Know? The all-new Hyundai IONIQ 5 has stolen the show with more range, MUCH faster charging, and better looks. Although MSRP starts closer to $45,000, dealer markups make it hard to find one under $50,000. More on that below.
Don’t like the looks of the Kona EV? The Niro is the same vehicle on the inside.
Price: From $40,875 with destination fees
Range: 253 miles
Charging Speed: 100 kilowatt max at a DC fast charger (adds 177 miles of range in about 45 minutes)
Federal Tax Credit: The new revisions to the EV tax credit took away this incentive from the Niro EV. See full details here. State incentives may apply.
Did You Know? The 2023 model year introduces a plug-in hybrid version with 33 miles of all-electric range. This is a great option for frequent travelers, rural drivers, and those without a place to charge at home.
Polestar is the fully-electric brand backed by Volvo. This car looks unmistakably Nordic, yet not as minimalist as a Tesla. Pricing is right under $50k, but direct-to-consumer sales means no dealer markups.
Price (front-wheel drive): $49,800 with destination fees, but there’s no haggling with Polestar’s pricing
Range: 270 miles
Charging speed: 150 kilowatt max charging (adds 160 miles of range in 25 minutes)
Federal Tax Credit: In 2022, the new revisions to the EV tax credit took away this incentive from the Polestar 2. See full details here. State incentives may apply. The upcoming Polestar 3 electric SUV will be produced in the United States beginning in mid-2024, but price caps may prevent most buyers from qualifying for federal EV tax credits.
Did You Know? The Polestar 2 is the closest competitor in terms of size, price and specs to the Model 3 rear-wheel drive.
2023 Kia EV6 (base trim)
Update: Following a price hike, the 2023 Kia EV6 is no longer available under $50,000 with required destination fees. We have left it on this list due to the exceptional value: over 300 miles of range and ultra fast charging for just a bit over $50k.
Price: $50,025 (Wind Rear-Wheel Drive)
Range: 310 miles
Charging Speed: 235 kilowatt max at a DC fast charger (adds 200 miles of range in about 20 minutes)
Federal Tax Credit: The new revisions to the EV tax credit took away this incentive from the EV6. See full details here. State incentives may apply.
Did You Know? The Kia EV6 is based on the same e-GMP electric platform as the Hyundai IONIQ 5. If the looks of the EV6 are too much for you, maybe the IONIQ 5 is up your alley. The EV6 comes with 1,000 kilowatt-hours of free charging at Electrify America. That’s about 15 charging sessions from 10% to 80%.
Despite winning so many awards in 2022, Hyundai has struggled to produce enough to meet demand. In 2023, IONIQ 5 inventory is finally climbing in America. See the latest IONIQ 5 inventory in your area.
Price: From $42,785 (SE Standard Range). Gain more range from $45,000+.
Range: 220 miles (Standard Range) to 303 miles
Charging Speed: 235 kilowatt max at a DC fast charger (adds 200 miles of range in about 20 minutes)
Federal Tax Credit: In August of 2022, the new revisions to the EV tax credit took away this incentive from the IONIQ 5. See full details here. State incentives may apply.
Did You Know? The IONIQ 5 and it’s sibling the Kia EV6 are by far the fastest-charging EVs under $50,000. The IONIQ 5 has two years of free charging at Electrify America.
Last but certainly not least, the entry-level Mustang Mach-E starts under $50k. Finding one without a dealer markup is a challenge.
Price: Starting at $45,995
Range: 247 miles (Standard Range battery)
Charging Speed: 150 kilowatt max speeds (adds 170 miles of range in 35 minutes)
Federal Tax Credit: The Mustang Mach-E is made in Mexico, so it continues to qualify for at least half of the new EV tax credit. Qualification for the full credit depends on the battery supplier. See the latest from the federal government.
Did You Know? The Mustang Mach-E is one of the top-selling EVs in America, although it remains far behind Tesla.
The Equinox EV was recently introduced, and GM still claims that it will start “around $30,000.” Even if the most preferred trim options run closer to $40,000, the Equinox EV looks to be a great deal.
Not sure which path is right for you? Head over to the CarEdge community forum to chat with auto experts with years of experience. I’m on the forum daily!
If you’re thinking about hauling the kids off to school with zero emissions, today’s EVs offer more range, faster charging and greater fuel savings. The best electric cars and SUVs for families are available in a wide range of options to meet your needs, and an even wider range of price points. These are the best electric crossovers and SUVs on sale in 2023, and the ones we’re looking forward to in 2024.
Electric Crossover SUVs for Families
These electric crossover SUVs and full-size SUVs are the highest-rated, most-loved EVs for families today. Spaciousness, pricing, range and charging speeds vary from one electric model to another. We’ve also included NHTSA safety ratings if they’re available. Let us know which EVs you have your eye on!
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle in America, however prices have increased over 20% since 2020. Although it’s known for autonomous driving, the full capability (known as FSD) is a $15,000 package.
Price: $49,990 to $74,990
Range: 279 to 330 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 200 miles in 15 minutes
Ford’s first serious EV is very popular among small families and speed freaks alike. If the Mustang brand has a special place in your heart, this just might be the EV for you.
Price: $45,995 to $63,575+
Range: 224 to 312 miles of range
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 120 miles in 20 minutes
I was thrilled to drive this IONIQ 5 Limited AWD home. I can confirm that this electric car is great for families.
I can confidently say that the IONIQ 5 is a great family car, and that’s because my wife and I haul our own kiddo around in this segment-bending electric crossover with hot hatch flavors. The IONIQ 5 has won many awards, including Car and Driver’s 2022 EV of the Year. The challenge you’ll encounter is Hyundai’s limited inventory, even in 2023.
Price: $40,925 to $57,400+
Range: 220 to 303 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
The spaceship-styled EV6 is Kia’s version of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, which shares the e-GMP electric powertrain. The Kia EV6 has slightly less passenger and cargo space than the Hyundai, but it’s better range and equally fast charging make it an obvious feature on this list of best electric cars for families.
One thing to bear in mind: most EVs, including the EV6 and IONIQ 5, have a flat floor, meaning that there’s a bit more interior space than it would appear. The best thing you can do is check one out in person!
Price: $43,920 to $61,600+
Range: 274 to 310 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
We have great news for those in search of an affordable and capable EV that qualifies for the federal tax credit. The ID.4 is now made in Tennessee at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant! The newest American-made EV is equipped with decent range, okay charging, and a comfortable interior that’s designed for families. However, don’t expect Tesla-level infotainment. The ID.4 is best for those who are content with the simpler things in life.
Charging speeds are merely okay, but the 2024 model year gets a decent improvement.
Price: $38,790 to $55,000
Range: 208 to 275 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds up to 190 miles of range in 30 minutes
When the e-tron first debuted in 2019, it was ahead of its time. Today, the e-tron remains a solid choice for families with a large interior, acceptable range and average charging capabilities. The premium styling and interior comforts make up for what it might lack. The original larger e-tron has recently been joined by the Q4 e-tron crossover.
Price: $50,995 to $94,000
Range: 218 to 265 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 135 miles in 35 minutes
Where are all of the suburban-sized electric SUVs at? Unfortunately for larger families, large SUVs and minivans are not very aerodynamic, and therefore require larger battery packs to travel the same number of miles. As traditional and startup automakers ramp up their EV production, they’re increasingly left with no choice but to ration their batteries. The vast majority of EV automakers rely on battery manufacturers like Panasonic, LG and CATL to produce the batteries they need for their electric vehicles. If an automaker like Ford has signed supply contracts for X number of batteries, does it make sense for them to make 100,000 compact crossovers, or 20,000 full-size SUVs?
However, it looks like electric full-size SUVs are coming due to popular demand. There are just two quite expensive options now, but others are nearing production soon.
If you’re open to plug-in hybrids, the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is a great vehicle, if you can find one at a fair price.
Tesla Model X
It’s not cheap, but the Model X is the most popular fully-electric three-row SUV today. With gull-wing doors and a massive glass roof, there’s no hiding the fact that the Tesla Model X is a luxury SUV.
Price: $94,990 to $120,000+
Range: 351 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 200 miles in 15 minutes
Rivian is just beginning to ramp up production and sales of the Rivian R1S, the full-size electric SUV companion to the R1T electric truck. The R1S is a blend of luxury and off-road capability.
Price: Starting at $91,000
Range: 316 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 140 miles in 20 minutes
This three-row SUV has a starting price nearly $30,000 below the electric competition in this segment. VinFast is building a massive factory to build EVs in North Carolina. There’s a catch: Batteries are sold separately. VinFast offers two battery subscription plans. The VF9 also has a smaller sibling, the VF8.
The Hyundai IONIQ 7 will be Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV. It will be joined by Kia’s version, the Kia EV9 electric SUV. Both of these should bring somewhat more affordable electric full-size SUVs to the American market. The IONIQ 7 and EV9 remain concept cars for now, with production details to be released this year. Here’s a closer look.
NIO is a Chinese automaker very likely on a path to North American auto sales. With a corporate headquarters already open in California and US-market job postings, it’s all but certain. The NIO ES8 is a three-row electric SUV likely to make an American debut in 2024.
Electric Crossovers That Didn’t Make the List
These EVs are great around town, but not recommended for family road trips.
Toyota bZ4X
With disappointing fast-charging capabilities, the bZ4X would be a real hassle on a road trip. The most capable all-wheel drive variant is rated at just 228 miles on a charge. That would be a non-issue if it wasn’t restricted to 100 kW at a DC fast charger. In the real world, the bZ4X and its sibling the Subaru Solterra would require 45 minute to hour-long charging stops every 175 miles or so on the interstate. That’s a lot of waiting around with a family!
Weeks after deliveries began, all bZ4X electric crossovers were recalled due to the risk of the wheels literally falling off. See our full breakdown of the Toyota bZ4X here. With faster charging, it would be a much better option!
Subaru Solterra
The Solterra is the Subaru-branded sibling to the Toyota bZ4X. It’s essentially an electric Crosstrek. While standard all-wheel drive stays true to its Subaru roots, it’s the very slow charging that keeps the Solterra off of our recommendations. How slow does the Solterra charge? Expect about an hour of charging to add 200 miles of range. It could be worth a look if you never hit the highway. Learn more about the Subaru Solterra.
Chevrolet Bolt
You’re probably starting to see what makes or breaks an EVs suitability for families. Range, safety, interior room and charging speed are all important. If you travel, range and charging speed matter a lot. If you plan to stick around home, you have many more affordable electric vehicles to consider. The Bolt really only fails in one of these categories, but it fails in a big way. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt has the same 55 kW DC fast charging limitation as the original Bolt did way back in 2017. With 259 miles of range (that’s not bad!), that means you’d be stopping to charge for 45 minutes to an hour every 180 to 200 miles on a road trip. About 90% of EV charging is done at home on average, but the Bolt requires a lot of patience on road trips. We covered the 2023 Chevy Bolt in detail here.
Nissan Leaf
The Leaf was the first mainstream EV to go on sale in North America. It’s been a much-appreciated affordable option since 2011, but Nissan has failed to update the Leaf as competitors entered the scene. A top-of-the-line 2023 Nissan Leaf is rated for 212 miles on a charge, but the peak charging speed is outdated. In a best case scenario, it takes 40 minutes to add 175 miles of range. Plus, the Leaf has an outdated charge port style known as CHAdeMO. You’ll have to haul an adapter around with you to charge in public.
The New EV Tax Credit Helps Some, But Not All
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 eliminated the original EV tax credit and replaced it with a completely revised tax credit. For vehicles that qualify, up to $7,500 in tax credits are available. However, the incentive is based on battery sourcing, which will be determined by the automakers. Income limits restrict buyer eligibility, too. See the full details on qualifying models here.
There’s also a used EV tax credit for the first time, but a price cap of $25,000 eliminates every single family EV on this list. See what does qualify.
