How Far Can You Go? Best Long-Range EVs Under $40K

Electric vehicles (EVs) may divide opinions between fans and detractors, mainly on performance and the need for charging infrastructure. Also, the debate on EV range is another matter — many drivers might be unwilling to sacrifice their Dodge Ram’s 800-mile gas-powered range. However, those buying into the plug-in dream will attest that both of these doubts are unnecessary.

Not everybody can afford an Aspark Owl (a cool $4 million, anyone?), preferring a more frugal expenditure. Happily, there are a variety of recent and not-as-recent used EVs you can bag for under $40,000 — taxes not included. Even for those on a modest budget, going electric might not mean staying within your state or county limits.

What We Did

Car and Driver’s excellent breakdown of every EV on the U.S. market forms the spine of this focus. Furthermore, we have scoured the best car sales and auction websites, such as Kelley Blue Book, CarGurus, and AutoTrader, for current price ranges on vehicles with less than 75,000 miles.

One observation: there is a correlation between affordability and range — when the former goes down, the latter follows. Consequently, we have looked at used models with a notable range and some new models with similar parameters.

2021 Tesla Model S

The 2021 Tesla Model S just had to be included here, as 402 miles on one charge makes this car hard to beat. It sneaks in just below the $40,000 watermark. Of course, the Long Range AWD spec meets this description, seen on TrueCar with well below the mileage and price criteria.

The car’s performance is as incredible as its range. Called “effortlessly, ludicrously quick” in Duncan Brady’s MotorTrend expert review, there are few cars like it in the affordable EV market. Speed, versatility, and performance have now become possible.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6

While the 2025 Ioniq 6 starts shy of the $40,000 threshold, its predecessor will more likely suit the budget. The reason for this is the upper-tier maximum range, claimed in Hyundai’s 2024 overview, to be 361 miles. Of course, one must find an AWD Long Range model, which will be too costly in its 2025 rendition. What’s more, it looks great, like a concept car that escaped the showroom.

Like many of its siblings, this EV is a popular choice, making Car and Driver’s “Editor’s Choice” list. “The Ioniq 6 provides much more range and performance than you’d expect from an affordable EV sedan,” reads the entry, adding that its design is an even bigger selling point.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS EV

Finding a luxury EV vehicle is possible at the sub-forty-thousand-dollar mark. In the case of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS, it means going back a few models. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS has been seen on car sales sites like CarFax for less than $35,000. However, it doesn’t mean you will scrimp on quality — on the contrary.

The US News and World Report Cars section scores this model higher than both of its successors. Moreover, with dual climate control and four-way lumbar support, 350 miles of range never looked so comfortable. EV drivers can now enjoy a badge that still turns heads and a ride that makes your old S-Class feel a little quaint.

2023 Tesla Model Y AWD

Tesla’s Model Y joins this lineup behind the Model 3 in terms of mileage, yet it’s still a car that cares for its driver like a non-sentient butler. An EPA-estimated 330-mile range on a single charge will work for rural residents while retaining enough modern chic for the urban crowd. Meanwhile, models meeting our criteria for under $33,000 are on Tesla’s inventory portal.

As with any Tesla, you aren’t only paying for superior cabin space but the company’s huge supercharging network. Testimony for this advantage comes from an owner who proved how efficient Tesla’s network is. Alex Gayer posted on X about driving a fully loaded, full-speed Model Y on a 3,605-mile family road trip, paying $412.84 in charging fees.

2023-2024 Tesla Model 3

Tesla strikes again with the Model 3, an option for those who can’t quite afford (or handle) the superior Model S. Some might say it’s the people’s Tesla — a modern-day Ford Model T. This time, we can move forward a few years to 2024. The Tesla Model 3’s AWD Long Range model can hit an impressive 343 miles on one charge.

Yes, it’s a mere 20 miles short of the 2025 model, but price is king. Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD models are seen online for under $37,000, as with this Carvana listing. You might even get to enjoy the autopilot and full self-driving feature (FSD) if there is any change left over.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai still makes a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 model, but like its big cousin, the slightly more expensive new RWD SE and SEL builds provide the 318-mile range. Here is one priced under $25,000 on DriveWay. Buying a used version makes perfect sense for those who favor the SUV crossover design over the Ioniq 6’s superior distance capability.

Don’t let the slightly shorter range fool you — it’s roomy, rapid, and backed by a trophy shelf that’s getting crowded. The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has many accolades — nine, according to Hyundai’s corporate pages. These awards include “Best Electric Car to Buy 2024” in The Car Connection’s shortlist of that year.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT1 (Used)

Okay, we could get the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox into the picture, though be warned: buying the new model with the best range may go over budget. Therefore, used (or ex-display) models are the way forward, and to hit that sweet 319-mile range, it needs to be the FWD Long Range version.

If you can cast and hook one, you will pay significantly less than its showroom price. For instance, this AutoList entry shows a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT1 below $30,000, which is reasonable. For the sake of a few thousand miles, the savings are well worth some virtual (or real) window shopping. As cars go, the Equinox EV isn’t flashy, but it’s faithful — the border collie of the EV world, perhaps.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq RWD

Based on research, a good guide price for a 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is at the $35,000 mark, putting this EV at the upper end of this collection. Anyone interested in trying Cadillac’s first fully electric car will be rewarded with a nifty 312-mile range and plenty to talk about. Furthermore, if 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque don’t engage you, the charging times will.

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq can add 76 miles in just 10 minutes on a DC fast charger or 52 miles each hour on a Level 2 home charger. Then, there is the way Cadillac has layered the 100 kWh-producing battery into the car’s chassis, allowing for an even 50:50 weight distribution. A J.D. Power review explains how it “produces driving characteristics that can be as athletic as any vehicle GM builds.”

2024 Kia EV6

Consumer Reports ranked Kia 7th overall on its 2024 “Brand Report Card.” The reason is that Korean manufacturers keep producing solid vehicles, such as the Kia EV6. Its Light Long Range build has a range of 310 miles, making it one of the top-twenty furthest-driving all-electric SUVs on the market.

However, those living through frigid winters, be warned; some critics say the cold weather shaves considerable miles from that total. Patrick George of Inside EVs claims he lost 70 miles through the coldest months in Upstate New York. In any case, used 2024 models are available online for under $30,000. Sure, it may lose some juice when winter hits, but who doesn’t? Even the best of us need a warm-up. For such a handsome vehicle, it may be worth it.

2023 Nissan Ariya +

Japan is surprisingly underrepresented in this collection, though a Japan Times post sheds light on this matter. This scenario may stem from the fact that Japanese car buyers don’t go for the same long-range EVs made for the United States market. That said, of the two Nissans currently on the US market, the Ariya is certainly the cooler. If the LEAF is a sensible commuter, the Ariya is the stylish older cousin who wears corduroy suits.

For those who seek 304 miles of range, modern charm, and undisputed comfort, the Nissan Ariya is a choice pick. Finding a 2024 FWD Venture+ under the budget threshold isn’t easy, but the 2023 model should be. This listing has the best range build for roughly $25,000, though it may be found cheaper with some dedicated hunting.

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E could feasibly make this selection in its newest form, albeit at a lower range of 258 miles for the standard build. We will hence select the used variant in its 2024 guise, with a respectable 300-mile range when new, depending on which build you get. In terms of visual appeal, it’s an EV with just enough visible oomph to turn the valet’s head.

Finding a worthy 2024 California Route 1 model below the $40,000 mark may be a challenge. Ford claims a 320 top range on the 2024 Mach-E Premium is attainable with the “RWD and Extended Range Battery.” Finding this build used under the mark is tricky. Thankfully, we have found several just shy of the price criteria, including this one from Ford Blue Advantage.

2024 Honda Prologue EX

When Car and Driver’s Joey Capparella calls Honda’s first high-volume EV a “better EV than it is a Honda,” one must ask why. The car certainly looks like a Honda: a spartan front end with a smooth finish and a blocked grille fits this era well. What’s more, the 2024 Honda Prologue EX aspires to be more than a suburban soccer mom vehicle.

At nearly 300 miles of range, the 2024 Honda Prologue is not just for school runs — this one’s ready for weekend escapes, too. That said, Capparella, referring to the overwhelming digital layout that might discourage traditionalist Honda owners, called it “not very Honda-like.”

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro

Keeping costs relatively low and mileage high means we have to include some models with mixed reviews. Enter the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro. At a range of 291 miles, the RWD Pro and Pro S builds promise a decent return on investment. Moreover, the car looks amazing, as most VW models do; however, this is where the appeal may end for discerning drivers.

Several reviewers, including Mitchell Weitzman of The Road Beat, claim the real-world mileage is around the 250-mile mark. Moreover, he adds a litany of other frustrating flaws, such as toy-like door latches and an oversized center console. Notwithstanding such clunky quirks, it’s still a German-engineered bargain: this listing on CarFax proves its sub-$30K price tag.

2025 Hyundai Kona EV

Next in the new car ranks is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric, a small SUV that has won countless awards. Hyundai’s website reveals how many went the 2024 version’s way —  seven in total. At the top of these is the Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice Award for Subcompact SUV. Put simply, the Kona is a small SUV with a big attitude, punching well above its weight in both features and fun.

It is both cheaper than the Volvo EX30 and its Limited model has a slightly better range; what’s more, it can almost compete on features. It has a whole slew of them, such as the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system. Amazingly, for around $33,000, a brand-new, 261-mile-range SUV is now a reality.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Thanks to Chevrolet announcing it will discontinue production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV in April 2023, its price has plummeted. We can thank the 2017-2022 models for this, mostly. It wasn’t a good look when Chevrolet was forced to recall the Bolt due to the LG Energy Solutions battery fire hazard. However, the 2023 models don’t have this problem, though there were other recalls for seat-belt pre-tensioners.

That said, 99% of models unaffected offer a 259-mile range and 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds — ideal for urban dwellers in a rush. Kelley Blue Book added the Chevrolet Bolt EV to its “Best Electric Cars of 2023” selection. These EVs can go for under $12,000, according to several car retail sites, such as Cars. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt won’t win design contests, but it might win your heart, especially at such a reasonable price.

2025 Kia Niro EV (Used)

The next in line, with a range that might make some drivers reconsider leaving the city limits, is another Kia creation, the Kia Niro. The guide price on new models exceeds our goals here, but a slightly used purchase is the best choice. The Kia Niro is fighting on the same battleground as the higher-range Mustang Mach-E or the better-priced Hyundai Kona EV.

It might not be the most rebellious of EVs, but there is enough clean functionality there to appease the slow-and-steady crowd. An Edmunds review even praised the better-than-advertised range of 253 miles, hitting 280 on a full charge. If this car could be compared to an actress, think: decent, well-designed, and reliable — less Lindsay Lohan; more Sandra Bullock.

2025 Volvo EX30

We have our first new model, and surprisingly, it’s the 2025 Volvo EX30 luxury SUV — and boy, does it look cool. Anyone who remembers the original Battlestar Galactica TV show will recall the terrifying Cylons with the EX30. Volvo’s smallest — and arguably coolest — SUV is also its fastest car, hitting 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a range potential of 253-261 miles.

The only problem is that they aren’t made in the USA. “The all-new, all-electric Volvo EX30 is the Swedish automaker’s smallest, greenest, and most affordable SUV,” writes Jason Allan of Kelley Blue Book. His review goes on to reveal a guide price of $36,245. Just know: this Swedish superhero wears a made-in-China (and Belgium) cape. Therefore, price and availability could move faster than a Ceylon’s red eye.

2025 Toyota bZ4X

We venture once more into Japanese EV territory with Toyota’s first entry, the ’80s action movie-style named 2025 Toyota bZ4X. In a twist only Toyota could pull, the cheaper XLE actually gives you more range — a win for the frugal.

There is much to love about the Toyota bZ4X, not least the value. Sitting in the showroom for Toyota’s recommended retail price of $37,070 is one of the more expensive selections. For this price, you get a possible 252 miles on one charge and a wealth of features. It certainly pops with a smooth, yet boldly modern design, one it shares with the Subaru Solterra. The Toyota bZ4X XLE boasts fast charging to 80% in 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest in the affordable EV game.

2022 Audi E-Tron GT

Here is another older, upper-shelf brand, and the Audi e-Tron GT makes the squad here for its 238-mile range. It doesn’t get close to a Tesla Model S, but the price point is much friendlier — and like most Audis, it is sleek. A coupe-style roof blends seamlessly into its long frame, lending it considerable road appeal without being too flamboyant.

This CarGurus listing shows that for $30,000, you can own a 2022 Audi E-Tron GT, leaving decent change from a $40,000 budget, too. Further, anyone lamenting the decline of the combustion engine will feel encouraged when trying it. “I can assure you that the best is still ahead of us,” reads a MotorTrend post about the car. If you’ve always dreamed of an Audi but couldn’t stomach the price tag, this might be your electric destiny.

2024 Subaru Solterra Premium

We are officially at the bottom end of the EV range spectrum with the Subaru Solterra, a car designed for jokes about its owners. The good news is that Subaru Solterras can get out of town with ease. A potential 228-mile charge on the Premium AWD build means that the Birkenstock jokes can continue well past city limits.

The Solterra even goes off-road: the car’s X-Mode feature can help with driving down steep or uneven terrain. Sure, it’s the punchline in hipster car jokes — but with AWD and X-Mode, it can laugh its way up most trails. Of course, this isn’t the cheapest in its current format, so the 2024 model, seen on Edmunds for a cool $25,000, is best. Just be sure not to get your Solterra confused with a Toyota bZ4X.

Final Verdict

We managed to keep every entry here above a 200-mile range, though we must admit that prices will fluctuate. Regardless of whether you are starting small or heading straight for the top shelf, there is one important thing to remember. The car must suit your needs, your personality, and your budget. We hope this research can get you at least some of the way there.