Cheapest Electric SUV: Top 10

Crossovers and SUVs are hot, regardless of what propels them.

The world of all-electric SUVs is growing at a rapid pace. Five years ago, there were just a handful of offerings. Today, dozens of EV SUVs are available and more entries seem to be added weekly. Nearly every major manufacturer has an option on sale, or at least one planned to be on the market soon.

Theses battery powered SUVs also cover a vast range of segments. There’s examples full of opulence, with six figure price tags to match. Some are focused on providing ridiculously fast 0 to 60 mph times that would embarrass a few supercars.

But most are aimed at general consumers as all-electric alternatives to everyday SUVs. These are the vehicles that combine comfort, utility, performance, and value. For the purposes of our list, we are going to zero in on that last factor – price. Below we have ranked a Top 10 list of the Cheapest Electric SUV, currently on sale today. All 10 vehicles have a starting price below $46,000 and one even dips well below $30,000. And yes, we are aware that being able to actually purchase one of these vehicles is a bit tricky currently with inventory shortages, but hopefully those restraints ease as the year goes on.

Starting Price (USD): $45,995

Starting Price (CAD): $56,995

Beginning our list of the cheapest electric SUV models is the stylish Ford Mustang Mach-E. The name may have caused a bit of controversy amongst Ford loyalists, but theres no denying the Mach-E as a competitive mainstream electric SUV. The most affordable trim is the Select that comes with rear-wheel drive and the standard battery pack. It’s good for 247 miles and can still go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Larger than many on this list, the Mustang Mach-E can seat up to five and hold a decent amount of cargo.

Starting Price (USD): $44,995

Starting Price (CAD): $54,295

The ninth cheapest electric SUV currently on sale is the Subaru Solterra. Unlike every other vehicle on this list, the Solterra comes standard with all-wheel drive; it is a Subaru after all. But this does make the entry level price a bit higher since the lineup lacks an affordable two-wheel drive version. In fact, the Solterra only comes with a single motor, drivetrain, and battery pack combination.

Good for 228 miles of range, the all-wheel drive EV SUV also features 8.3-inches of ground clearance and X-Mode. This allows it to travel further off-road than most others on this list.

Starting Price (USD): $43,190

Starting Price (CAD): $52,998

The Nissan Ariya is available with a choice of drivetrains and battery packs. The most affordable option is the Engage FWD with the smaller 63 kWh battery pack. With 214 hp on tap, the entry level Ariya is good for upwards of 216 miles on a single charge. Like the ford Mustang Mach-E, this is one of the larger offerings on this list. It’s also arguably one of the more stylish with a rounded, futuristic look. The interior continues this theme with a dashboard that features semi-hidden integrated touch button controls.

Starting Price (USD): $42,000

Starting Price (CAD): $44,990

The Toyota bZ4X is the corporate sibling to the Subaru Solterra. Although styling differs slightly, the two are mechanically identical, except for one major distinction. Unlike the Subaru, the bZ4X can be had as a front-wheel drive model. The entry level XLE FWD with the smaller wheels is rated to travel upwards of 252 miles on a single charge; one of the longer ranges for an entry level vehicles on our list.

Power for the front-wheel drive bZ4X is similar to that of all-wheel drive versions, with 201 hp versus 214 hp.

Starting Price (USD): $41,450

Starting Price (CAD): $48,999

The Hyundai Ionic 5 has been widely praised by us here at AutoGuide. It offers a cool, retro-futuristic style that’s unlike anything else on the road. We have loved the vehicle since we first drove it and our admiration hasn’t wavered since. Four versions of the vehicle are available, starting with the entry level 168 hp SE Standard Range. It uses a single motor to power the rear wheels and is good for up to 220 miles on a single charge. For an extra $4,000 there is the SE that uses a large battery and more powerful motor that increases range and performance. There’s also an all-wheel drive version with even more power.

Starting Price (USD): $39,550

Starting Price (CAD): $44,995

Kia‘s second generation Niro EV starts just below $40,000 and is the fifth cheapest electric SUV. Like the Solterra, the Niro EV is only available with a single powertrain. Unlike the Subaru, the Kia only comes with front wheel drive. Developing 201 hp, the single motor unit is good for upwards of 253 miles on a single charge, which is one more than the front-wheel drive Toyota bZ4X.

Beside increased performance, the new Niro EV is larger than its predecessor, with most of the increased space going to the rear passengers. There’s also a cool design cue on the C-pillar that Kia refers to as aero blades.

Starting Price (USD): $38,995

Starting Price (CAD): $43,995

Recently, Volkswagen shifted production of the ID.4 to the United States. With this move came a new starting price and a few detail changes. Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, there is a rear-wheel drive entry version of the ID.4. Called the Standard, it features a smaller battery and an attractive starting price. With 201 hp, the Standard can travel up to 209 miles on a single charge. For an extra $5,000, there is the ID.4 Pro RWD with a larger battery pack that increases range to 275 miles. Like most of its competitors, there are also dual motor all-wheel drive versions of this all-electric Volkswagen.

Starting Price (USD): $34,110

Starting Price (CAD): $42,650

The Mazda MX-30 is a bit different than the rest of the vehicles on this list. Its range and power are lower, as the MX-30 is positioned as more of a stylish commuter EV SUV than a family vehicle. It features a two-door design that incorporates rear-hinged half doors. If this door configuration looks familiar, that’s because it is. Both the Saturn Ion and Mazda’s own RX-8 sports car had a similar set-up.

With only 100 miles of range on a charge, the MX-30’s low starting price, style, and low-cost recharging are the vehicle’s main attractions.

Starting Price (USD): $33,550

Starting Price (CAD): $44,599

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the smaller vehicles on our Cheapest Electric SUV list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. As the second most affordable option, the Kona Electric offers 258 miles of range for just over $33,000. Like the Kia Niro EV, this Hyundai can only be had with a single drivetrain that powers the front wheels. With same 201 hp motor in a smaller package, the Kona is more responsive than its corporate cousin from Kia. Of course, the trade off comes in terms of passenger and cargo space, where the Niro trumps the Kona.

Starting Price (USD): $27,800

Starting Price (CAD): $40,548

Taking top spot on our list is the Chevrolet Bolt EUV by a wide margin. The Bolt family of vehicles received major price cuts in America last year. This puts the EUV some $5,000 lower than the second place finisher on our list.

Competing head-to-head with the likes of the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, the front-wheel drive Bolt EUV uses a 200 hp motor and can drive upwards of 247 miles on a single charge. Higher priced versions of the vehicle can also be had with General Motors’ impressive Super Cruise technology.