One year ago, the auto market was in the depths of the new car shortage. Semiconductor chips were in short supply, and dealer markups were at their worst. In December 2022, the best year-end car deals are the best we’ve seen since 2020, when the average price paid for a new car was $38,000. Today, that figure is north of $48,000. Still, end-of-year deals present an opportunity for car buyers to get a deal at a time when rising interest rates are putting affordability out of reach for many.
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Heading into 2023, larger families in the market for an electric SUV are left with few options. Unless you’re prepared to spend over $90,000 for a Tesla Model X or Rivian R1S, your best shot has been to stick to conventional hybrids or PHEVs. That’s all going to change with the arrival of the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 7 in 2024. These two are set to become the first 3-row electric SUVs with affordable pricing. Here’s everything we know about the IONIQ 7 and Kia EV9’s release date, pricing and specs.
Revealed at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show as a concept, the EV9 builds upon the success of Kia’s electric flagship, the hot-selling EV6 electric crossover. Precisely how much of the EV9 concept will make it into the production-ready EV9 remains unknown, so we’ll proceed with a healthy dose of skepticism.
The Kia EV9 concept EV9 features a third row of seating, something that only three mainstream electric cars offer for the 2023 model year. That would be the Tesla Model X ($120,990+), the brand-new Rivian R1S ($78,000+) and the Vinfast VF-9, which is not yet in production, but will start at $57,500 or $76,000 with the battery. Yes, you read that right. The VF9 will require an additional $18,000 to buy the battery, or you can pay a monthly battery fee instead. More on that here. Let’s see how the Korean offerings will compare.
Expected Pricing
We expect the EV9 to launch with a starting price in the low to mid-$50,000 range. Why not cheaper? Raw material costs are increasing, making every EV more expensive to produce. Need proof? Check out lithium prices on commodity markets.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 7 pre-production concept.
Automakers are looking for ways to sell higher-margin electric vehicles to fund their transition to EVs. One way they do that is to subsidize their headline-grabbing base model with affordable pricing with better equipped and much pricier mid and upper trim configurations. We expect this to be the only way that GM can offer a sub-$40,000 Chevy Equinox EV (more on the Equinox EV here). Kia and Hyundai are very likely to do the same. Expect the EV9 and IONIQ 7’s pricing to stretch from the low $50,000s all the way towards $70,000. Of course, the automakers are betting that you’ll want to upgrade to the more expensive options.
An early production Kia EV9 test vehicle in August 2022.
Multiple EV9s have been spotted doing road testing, and all signs point towards a production-ready unveiling in early to mid 2023. Although we haven’t seen any IONIQ 7s testing as of late 2022, we still expect the two to debut together, much like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 did in late 2021.
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The Hyundai IONIQ 7 and Kia EV9 will launch in late 2023 as 2024 models. Of course, that’s unless the worsening semiconductor chip shortage and broader supply chain constraints delay the release date of the model. By then, the Vinfast VF9 will have arrived too. Although Vinfast doesn’t have the brand-recognition and dealer network of Hyundai and Kia, early media reviews are largely positive. You can learn more about Vinfast’s unique battery subscription model here.
Range, Charging Speed and Specs
Rear of the Kia EV9 concept.
The Kia EV9 concept that was unveiled in 2021 was a bit over-the-top. It featured a solar panel on the front hood, a 27-inch infotainment and gauge display, and a pop-up steering wheel that is unlikely to survive the transition to production. The IONIQ 7 debuted as a literal living room on wheels. Fantasies aside, what will make it into production? Expected range, charging and pricing are enough to get us excited.
Kia and Hyundai claim that these two electric SUVs will get 300 miles of range on a charge. Before you demand more miles, remember that SUVs (and trucks) are by design inefficient. That means more batteries are needed to squeeze the same range when compared to a smaller crossover or sedan. Don’t expect 400 mile+ 3-row electric SUVs to become commonplace, let alone affordable, this decade.
The EV9 and IONIQ 7 will share the Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) that Hyundai Motor Group engineered. There’s great info on this powertrain here. My own 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has this same powertrain, and I love it. Range estimates are accurate, I’ve had minimal range loss after 15,000 miles, and charging is amazingly quick.
Pre-production Kia EV9
Kia says that the EV9 will be able to charge on 350-kilowatt DC fast charging stations, such as those found at Electrify America. We already know a lot about the e-GMP powertrain’s charging capabilities. With 350 kW charging, the EV9 will be able to add 200 miles of range in under 30 minutes. In all likelihood, the IONIQ 7 will match these specs.
Currently, Hyundai sources batteries from SK Innovation. In late 2021, SK Innovation announced plans for two battery plants at a single site in Commerce, Georgia. That’s just down the road from where their largest customer, Hyundai Motor Group, is building a massive EV production facility. We expect SK Innovation to supply American-made batteries for the IONIQ 7 and EV9.
That leads us to our final topic: EV tax credits in the US.
Tax Credits and Incentives
Will the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 7 Qualify for EV Tax Credits? Yes, but it’s possible that the two models won’t be eligible until late 2024 or 2025. Why? Both Kia and Hyundai have publicly shared their intentions of speeding up construction at their new EV production facilities in Georgia. Even with the quicker timeline, executives say that they hope to begin volume production in the third quarter of 2024.
In order for any electric vehicle to qualify for the revised EV tax credit, the vehicle and buyer must meet several criteria. The most notable are the following:
The vehicle must have ‘final assembly’ in North America
A certain percentage of battery components must be produced in the US or Free Trade Agreement countries.
A certain percentage of minerals used for battery production must be sourced in the US or Free Trade Agreement countries.
Truthfully, Hyundai and Kia have not yet released much information about their two new 3-row electric vehicles. When the two OEMS unveil the production versions of the EV9 and IONIQ 7 in early 2023, we’ll update this page with interior images, additional specs, and all that we learn.
Interest rates are rising, and inflation is at record highs, but deals can still be had when buying a new car. Every month, the team at CarEdge pores over the latest offers from every automaker. The result is a one-stop resource to share the very best new car deals with you.
Not finding what you’re looking for? We’ve included links to each automaker’s website. Check back frequently, as this living page will be updated regularly.
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Hyundai lease offers this month are good, but the amount due at signing has increased this month.
Hyundai Venue: $151 per month with $3,281 due Hyundai Elantra: $219 per month with $3,299 due Hyundai Kona: $209 per month with $3,999 due Hyundai Tucson: $279 per month with $3,999 due Hyundai Santa Fe: $269 per month with $3,999 due
Nissan Altima: $199 per month for 18 months with $2,309 due Nissan Leaf: $269 per month for 36 months with $5,259 due Nissan Rogue (AWD): $299 per month for 36 months with $3,459 due Nissan Murano (FWD): $299/month for 24 months with $2,099 due
With interest rates rising and inflation putting pressure on automakers and their dealer networks, the only thing that could bring better new car deals would be plummeting demand. We’ve seen signs of weakening demand and higher new car inventory, but nothing considered drastic. Expect auto loan interest rates to climb in 2023. The best car deals in February won’t last.
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Update: The average transaction price for an EV dropped in October! 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 33% Higher
In October of 2022, the average transaction price for a new car (of any powertrain) was $48,281 according to Kelley Blue Book. At the same time, the average electric car price was $64,249 (for new cars). The average price paid for a new EV declined by 2%, compared to September, but was up by 7% compared to October 2021.
Why did the average price of an EV drop? It’s likely due to the comeback of the Chevy Bolt. After many months off the market, the Bolt is back as the most affordable EV in America.
Although the average EV sells for 33% 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 $60,500, but all except the Tesla models are subject to dealer markups.
This information could be interpreted in at least two different ways. You could either conclude that the most popular EVs are more affordable than the market average, or you could see these numbers through the eyes of someone who’s browsed EV listings for years. These prices DO NOT include the all-to-common dealer markups. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts at $40k for the base trim, but there’s not a single one available for under $45,000 in my region. The story is the same for the Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Good luck finding a used Tesla for anything less than the original sticker price.
EV Price Trends
Source: Graph by CarEdge; Data via Kelley Blue Book
In January 2020, the average electric car price was $54,668, or 42% higher than the overall market average. In 2022, the average cost of a new EV is $65,291, or about 37% higher than the overall new car market. Would you call that an improvement? Certainly not. All new cars are getting more expensive, whether electric or not. 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.
Sadly, right now price increases are here to stay. Why are EVs so expensive? Batteries aren’t cheap. The average price of a lithium-ion battery pack dropped 90% from 2010 to 2020. One kilowatt-hour of lithium-ion battery storage cost $1,200 in 2010, but prices had fallen to $384 per kWh in 2015, and down to $137 per kWh in 2020. The long-awaited $100/kWh milestone that would bring affordable EVs to all was just around the corner when the pandemic hit.
2021 and 2022 have seen a sharp reversal in battery prices. Industrial grade lithium carbonate sourced from global mines has seen a 400% increase since mid-2021. All of the EV price increases we’ve seen in 2022 hadn’t factored in the most recent lithium price spike. In 2020, the average EV contained just under $4,000 worth of raw materials.
By early 2022, that number had climbed to $8,300, and the next update will surely see that figure surpass $10,000 considering the runaway lithium markets. Could this be the final nail in the coffin for cheap electric cars? It’s possible.
Smaller Battery Packs, More Affordability
However, I think 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.
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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!
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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: $65,990 to $84,990
Range: 303 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: $46,895 to $77,000+
Range: 211 to 314 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.
Price: $40,925 to $57,400+
Range: 256 to 303 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds 200 to 240 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.
Price: $41,400 to $55,000+
Range: 274 to 310 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds 200 to 240 miles of range in 20 minutes
Starting in late 2022, the ID.4 is now made in Tennessee. 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.
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: $53,000 to $94,000
Range: 218 to 244 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: $120,990 to $150,000+
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.
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, once again it’s the pitifully outdated charging capabilities that keep the Solterra off of our recommendations. Range is below average at 222 to 228 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.
Will Electric Vehicles Get Cheaper in 2023?
It would be a welcome surprise if electric car prices dropped in 2023. Right now, EV prices are headed in the opposite direction. It seems like every week automakers from Tesla to Ford are announcing price increases for their electric models. In 2022, the average transaction price for an electric vehicle was $66,000, more than $11,000 higher than traditional vehicles. Fuel savings add up, but higher prices can bite into fuel and maintenance savings for years. See break even times for today’s most popular EVs.
Simply put, the more you drive, the quicker you will reach a break-even point with your EV purchase. If you drive less than 10,000 miles per year, going electric just doesn’t make sense right now when it comes to cost. However, it sure is great eliminating tailpipe emissions.
A new analysis by iSeeCars finds that used electric car prices are rising much faster than their combustion counterparts. The report finds that EV prices are up 54% year-over-year. ICE vehicles were up 10.1% during that same period. There are more signs that used car prices are beginning to drop, but it’s within the realm of possibility that EV and PHEV prices will remain elevated even as the overall used car market softens. People are scrambling to buy EVs, and demand continues to exceed supply.
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.
