5 Budget-Friendly Electric SUVs With More Than 300 Miles Of Range

The market for electric vehicles (EVs) has been up and down in the last ten years. Companies such as Tesla created an early demand for their vehicles, which put the EV market at a high price. This carried over to other car manufacturers, which strengthened the high-priced EV market. The good news is EVs have steadily declined in price in the last year, almost reaching the market price of gas-powered vehicles.

Used EVs have also seen a decline of 31.8-percent, which is one of many reasons why companies are lowering their MRSP on EV models. Thankfully, several car manufacturers haven’t cut costs or minimized fuel economy in order to produce budget-friendly models. If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, consider these models with a 300-mile range and price tags of $35,000 to $45,000.

While EVs are associated with certain demographics, such as people with high incomes, times are changing, and the market looks good for the common man. You might think buying a low-trim or base model won’t bring the features and commodities of the higher-end trims, but that’s not the case. Companies such as Tesla, Hyundai, and Kia are known for their excellent standards in base trims and keeping every model simple but up-scaled. So, what’s the catch? There really isn’t one. EVs have started to go down, and automotive manufacturers understand that to keep money coming in, they need to produce budget-friendly vehicles with a modern design and an acceptable range. Here are the top five affordable EV SUVs with a 300-mile range.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and Car and Driver. The Models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP.

1 2024 Chevy Equinox EV 1LT – 300 Miles

Price: $34,995

The Equinox EV marks Chevrolet’s third introduction of their new EV lineup, including the Silverado EV and Blazer EV. The all-new Equinox is tailored for customers who seek minimal hassle when purchasing an electric vehicle.

The CEO of General Motors stated that GM is shifting its focus more towards EVs and that the Equinox EV will be the homestead for the start of their journey. With a low starting price of $34,995 for the 1LT base trim, Chevrolet is one of the few manufacturers to bring an affordable EV to the market.

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 1LT Specifications

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

The gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox has dominated the sales charts, second to the Silverado. This is thanks to the legacy of a nearly 20-year-old model that allowed the designers to create an electric vehicle off of a solid existing platform. The key focus on the Equinox was style, space, and safety. The Equinox EV has a sleek, sporty exterior with a simplistic but modest interior. Like most EVs, the Equinox sticks with a modern design to distinguish itself from gas-powered vehicles. An aesthetically pleasing design, modern technology, and great range sound all too good for a price tag in the $30,000 range. Although some details are still unknown, such as the battery capacity, it will soon be discovered with the 2RS trim arriving sometime this spring.

1LT Specific Features

• 19-inch machine-face aluminum wheels
• 17.7-inch-diagonal infotainment display
• 11-inch diagonal driver information center
• Manual-adjust front seats
• Google Built-in

2 2023 Nissan Ariya Venture+ FWD – 304 Miles

Price: $41,190

Many automotive manufacturers have switched their focus on electrifying their current lineups. Nissan is among the many trying to grasp this new industry. With only two EVs in Nissan’s lineup, it raises the question of whether the Ariya is worth owning.

The Ariya is an ideal candidate for first-time buyers to enter the EV world. The SUV seems split between its good and bad aspects, but it’s still one of the few affordable EVs on the market and is worth looking at. The strength of the Ariya is its driving experience. Thanks to its 50/50 weight balance, the Ariya is one of the better-handling EVs on the list. In addition to drivability, the advanced driver assistance systems add safety and comfort when driving. You might be thinking many EVs come standard with features like this; yes and no, the outlier is a difference in price tags.

2023 Nissan Ariya Venture+ FWD Specifications

(Data was collected from Nissan)

Due to the Ariya missing that “it factor” on the outside, it comes with its unappealing drawbacks. The quirky exterior might not be for everyone through its five two-tone shades and basic design. EVs throughout the years have had similar traits through their futuristic designs and fantastic technologies, but unfortunately, the Ariya skips some of these trends. Every vehicle has flaws, but the Ariya still manages to be an EV that brings affordability and excellent fuel economy to the table.

Pros

• Great connectivity through its infotainment display.
• Fantastic Driver Assistance Features.
• It’s a better alternative than the Nissan Leaf.

Cons

• Slow DC fast charging.
• Poor rear visibility.
• Infotainment is not user-friendly.

3 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD – 320 Miles

Price: $44,990

Tesla seems to be dropping prices of its vehicles and increasing range. If you’re new to EVs, it’s a known fact that Tesla is one of the leading manufacturers in the EV industry. Being a top competitor brings highs and lows, but various companies have flipped the scripts of what an electric vehicle should cost. Tesla’s upcoming reworked Model Y Long Range might help reinforce these new standards.

Tesla models have a specific aesthetic when it comes to their design. While there are a variety of opinions on the matter, the Model Y continues Tesla’s minimalistic interior. If you’re one that doesn’t want to miss out on features, then a Tesla might be up your alley. The interior leather has three options: black, white, or cream. Tesla has helped continue a trend among EVs by keeping all trims similar to one another.

2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD Specifications

(Data was collected from Tesla)

After five years on the market, the Model Y has made an image for itself in the automotive industry. The exterior has seen minor changes over the last five years but keeps its iconic look. Tesla has developed its vehicles to provide a hands-free environment. While the interior environment might seem underwhelming, the 15-inch infotainment display houses many of Tesla’s systems, which are usually scattered among other vehicles. This provides an efficient environment that comes jam-packed into one screen. If you’re interested in up-to-date features that are being updated currently, then the Model Y is a top contender.

• Eligible for a $7,500 tax rebate.
• Competitive spacious interior within its class.
• Top of the class charging.

Cons

• Not as sporty as the Model 3.
• Minimal customizations and add-ons.
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

4 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD – 303 Miles

Price: $45,850

Hyundai has made headlines in recent years through its impressive electric vehicles. With the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 outshining competitors in its class, it’s a no-brainer that Hyundai would deliver an affordable EV with great range.

There are many factors regarding Hyundai building the best EVs in recent years, but it comes down to practicality and sustainability. Of course, the charging times and fantastic technology help its case, but technically, there’s not one main reason why the Ioniq 5 is so successful.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai)

The Ioniq 5 SE, compared to the higher trims, might make you feel like you missed out on some additional features, but you don’t have to worry about that. Some examples include the loss of exterior accents and upgraded technology, which are features that many could live without. Powered by a single permanent-magnet motor, it provides quick acceleration but can be upgraded to the more sporty dual motor for $3,500. The Ioniq 5 SE comes with a retro design and simplistic interior, which, in this case, having less is better than having more.

Pros

• Comfortable and spacious interior.
• Impressive charging times.
• Fantastic standard features.

Cons

• Small cargo space for its class.
• Limited visibility due to its roof pillars.
• Higher trims have better features than the SE.

5 2024 Kia EV6 Light Long Range RWD – 310 Miles

Price: $45,950

Kia was one of the early adopters of electric vehicles, with its Soul EV in 2014. In the last decade, Kia has made a name for itself in the EV industry while raising the bar for what affordable electric vehicles should look like.

The EV6 is offered in six trims, offering its own unique features and specifications. The Light Long Range received an upgrade and will share the bigger 77.4-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery that the higher trims had. The single permanent motor and battery create a perfect balance of efficiency and performance.

2024 Kia EV6 Light Long Range RWD Specifications

(Data was collected from Kia)

Kia is known to develop their vehicles around safety. So, it comes as no surprise that the EV6 came out with impressive safety ratings. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the EV6 aced the test with its 5-star safety rating. If the ratings didn’t impress you, then the abundance of driver assistance features might. These features include blind spot monitoring and collision, lane assistance, parking assistance, and more. Kia not only developed an affordable SUV that’s safe but also created an upscale exterior and interior to bring it all together.

Pros

• Provides modes for the driver’s mood. (Eco, Normal, Sport)
• Same design as the Ioniq 5.
• Up-to-date charging hardware.

Cons

• Lacks the performance aspect of a quick drive.
• Limited visibility due to the slanted rear window.
• There is little headroom for taller people.