This article focuses on electric crossovers and SUVs with MSRPs under $50k. Depending on equipment and configuration, some versions of the EVs on this list may exceed the $50k marker. Thus, only the trim levels of those models that fall within the $50k barrier are included here.
Federal EV incentives alone can deduct up to $7,500 from the purchase price of an EV and can also lower lease payments. Since the variables for incentive qualification are model- and buyer-dependent, this article uses the vehicle’s MSRP, not including possible federal, state, and local incentives.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a sporty 5-passenger crossover EV that comes in a range of trim levels priced under $50k.
- At a starting MSRP of $41,800, the SE Standard Range rear-wheel drive option offers ultra-fast charging capability, 168 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque, and 220 miles of range.
- Stepping up to the $45,850 extended range SE increases horsepower to 225 and range to 303 miles.
- The most affordable all-wheel drive version is the SE AWD ($49,350) which boasts a combined 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque from its dual motors as well as an all-electric range of 260 miles.
- For those seeking additional luxury features and not requiring all-wheel drive, the $47,400 SEL RWD adds a hands-free smart power liftgate, wireless device quick charging, a heated steering wheel, Hyundai Digital Key, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, forward Parking Distance Warning, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection among other features.
The Kia EV6 arrived on the market in 2022 and shares components with the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
- This crossover starts at $42,600 for the Light RWD which produces 167 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and offers 232 mile range.
- Similar to the Ioniq 5, the next level up offers a longer range for $45,950, increasing horsepower to 225 and range to 310 miles.
- The Light Long Range AWD is $49,850 and adds all-wheel drive and a second motor for a combined 320 hp, 446 lb-ft of torque, and a range of 282 miles.
- With an MSRP of $48,700, the Wind RWD adds additional features to the Light Long Range RWD including ventilated front seats, an 8-way power passenger’s seat with power lumbar, a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio System, a Vehicle-to-Load: Onboard Generator, a Smart Power Liftgate, front park distance warning, and 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels.
The refreshed 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 improves range, acceleration, and available equipment.
- Starting at $39,735 is the ID.4 Standard which is rear-wheel drive and is powered by 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque and has a range of 206 miles. The Standard uses a 150-kW battery with DC fast charging up to 100 kW.
- At $44,855, the ID.4 S features the same power specifications but adds 12-way power front seats with massage, a panoramic fixed glass roof, a remote power rear liftgate, V-Tex leatherette seating, and a heated steering wheel.
- Similar to the S, the $44,875 Pro trim is also a step up from the Standard. Rather than offering the increased equipment of the S, the Pro trim adds power and range.
- In Volkswagen-speak “Pro” indicates the longer-range battery option. For the rear-wheel drive ID.4 Pro, the range is 291 miles.
- The Pro trim increases horsepower to 282 and torque to 402 lb-ft while also adding a 175-200 kW battery with DC Fast Charging capability.
- The $48,755 ID.4 AWD Pro adds all-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, and boosts horsepower to 335 and towing capacity to 2,700 pounds. Given the added weight, range is reduced to 263 miles.
- The ID.4 Pro S is rear-wheel drive and combines the equipment of the S with the increased range and power of the Pro and costs $49,995.
Now in its fourth model year, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has undergone some price reductions.
- The single-motor standard range rear-wheel drive Mach-E Select starts at $39,995. With 264 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque, this base trim level has a range of 250 miles.
- Stepping up to the standard range dual-motor Select All-Wheel Drive increases the price to $45,390 and the combined output to 325 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque while the range remains 250 miles.
- The Extended Range battery option on the Select All-Wheel Drive increases the price to $49,585 and the range to 300 miles.
- Priced at $43,995, the Premium RWD offers the same numbers as the Select RWD, but adds a B&O Sound System, 10-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power liftgate, 19-inch aluminum wheels, and more.
- For those seeking a longer range, the Premium RWD Extended Range starts at $48,890 and increases the range from 250 miles to 320 miles.
- At the same price as the Premium RWD Extended Range is the Premium AWD standard range with 230 miles of range.
Essentially a crossover version of the Model 3, Tesla’s Model Y is now in its fifth model year. It separates itself from others in the segment by offering a small third-row seat option for a 7-passenger seating capacity on the AWD version.
- Starting at $42,990 is the standard-range single-motor rear-wheel drive version with 295 hp, 309 lb-ft of torque, and 279 miles of range. This version also has a 170 kW Supercharging maximum and can add up to 160 miles of range in 15 minutes.
- The Long Range AWD starts at $47,990 with 425 hp, 475 lb-ft of torque and 310 miles of range. This version adds a second motor, reaches 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and has a 250 kW Supercharging maximum capability.
Over a decade after bringing its Leaf to the US, Nissan now has a crossover EV model with the Ariya.
- Starting at $39,590 is the Ariya Engage FWD trim level with 214 hp, 221 lb-ft of torque, and 216 miles of range.
- Adding all-wheel drive bumps the price to $43,590 for the Engage e-4ORCE AWD which outputs 335 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque and drops range to 205 miles.
- Stepping up to the Venture+ FWD, which is also $41,190, is a larger battery, 238 hp, 221 lb-ft of torque, and a range of 304 miles.
The Toyota bZ4x shares a platform with the Subaru Solterra. The main differentiator between the two is that the Solterra is only available in all-wheel drive whereas the bZ4x can be configured in front-wheel drive. This enables the Toyota to start at $43,070, undercutting the Subaru by almost $2,000.
- With 201 hp and 196 lb-ft of torque, the base front-wheel-drive bZ4x XLE has the longest range available of 252 miles.
- The $45,150 XLE AWD produces 214 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque but has a lower range of 228 miles.
- For buyers seeking more equipment, the $47,180 Limited FWD has the same powerplant as the XLE but adds 20-inch wheels, a foot-activated power liftgate, multi-LED projector headlights, upgraded seat upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, Smart Key System, Digital Key, 360-Degree Overhead View camera, Advanced Park and more. With the added equipment, comes added weight resulting in a 10-mile drop to 242 miles of range.
Starting at $44,995, the Solterra Premium AWD delivers 215 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque, yielding almost the same 228-mile range as the comparably priced Toyota bZ4x XLE AWD. The mid-level Limited trim comes in at $48,495 and adds 20-inch wheels, a Panoramic View Monitor, Advanced Park, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a power liftgate, power seats, and Harmon Kardon premium audio. The Limited delivers 222 miles of range.
Summary
Not only are there many electric crossovers and SUVs available for under $50k, but they can be purchased in numerous configurations based on your budget, range requirement, equipment preference, and need for all-wheel drive.
Matt Yantakosol is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and former consultant focused on the consumer aspect of the industry. He has traveled to New York, Detroit, Chicago, L.A., Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Tokyo Auto Shows to track and observe the newest industry innovations. In addition to JDPower.com, Matt's writing has appeared on Pcarmarket.com.
