Top Electric Cars Under $40,000

The all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is a purpose-built electric vehicle that leans hard into the brand’s outdoor identity. With standard all-wheel drive (AWD), legitimate off-road chops, and the sort of practicality that only a wagon can offer, the Trailseeker does a bit of everything, and with a starting price that undercuts much of the competition. It shares its bones with the Toyota bZ Woodland, which also wears a similarly distinctive Subaru exterior, and both vehicles carry enough real-world capability to earn those Subaru looks.

Verdict: The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker isn’t the flashiest EV on the market, and its interior reflects a sub-luxury experience. However, it’s comfortable, capable, and will remind you exactly what it is that makes a Subaru a Subaru. As an honest and practical electric wagon for people who want to get out of the city, it makes a compelling case.

Like Acura with the ZDX, Honda is leveraging the Ultium platform from General Motors to get an EV on the market now rather than waiting to develop its own platform later. The Prologue is offered in three familiar Honda trims–EX, Touring, and Elite–and it treads familiar Honda territory, too.

Verdict: Comfortable, attractive, and carefully avoiding change for change’s sake, the 2024 Honda Prologue is a great choice for anyone who wants to go green without approaching the bleeding edge.

By 2023, it should be clear that electric vehicles are here to stay. Companies that got started early on EVs have a head start, and when considering the current era of electric mobility, no major automaker got out of the starting blocks faster than Nissan. The 2010 Nissan Leaf invited the masses to experience quiet, efficient motoring—but in the decade-plus since its debut, it has been caught by more impressive competition.

The all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya aims to retake market share in the space. With front- and all-wheel-drive powertrain options, slick design, immersive technology, and a competitive price tag, the Ariya looks capable of putting Nissan back into the EV conversation. We tested a single-motor Ariya in the fall of 2022 and have since evaluated the dual-motor e-4ORCE model for this updated review.

The 2023 Kia Niro enters its second generation with fresh styling and numerous mechanical and tech updates, but it still offers a choice of three powertrains, with the Niro Hybrid, Niro EV, and Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid all returning for 2023. That means a change in focus for the all-electric Niro EV, which is the subject of this review.

The first-generation Niro EV was Kia’s first mass-market not based on an existing gasoline model (the Soul EV paved the way for it). But the redesigned 2023 Kia Niro EV now shares the lineup with the Kia EV6. That model takes aim at more premium EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Nissan Ariya, leaving the Niro EV to compete with entry-level models, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan’s Leaf.

Available in all 50 states, the 2023 Niro EV launches in whimsically named Wind and Wave trim levels. We spent some time in the higher-level Wave version for this review.

New for 2025, the EX30 is a big risk for Volvo, but one that could prove very rewarding for EV shoppers.

The EX30 is Volvo’s new entry-level model, positioned below the XC40 in the automaker’s lineup. Volvo’s previous attempts to move down-market in the U.S. have produced mixed results, and the Swedish automaker is compounding the risk by making its cheapest model an . But it’s also reshaping the current EV landscape.

That’s because Volvo plans to offer the EX30 with over 250 miles of range for less than $40,000, a combination that brings to mind the now-defunct Chevrolet Bolt EV, not something from the more prestigious Volvo brand. It also means the EX30 will undercut mass-market EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Niro EV, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4 while aiming to deliver the same experience as traditional Volvo models.

The EX30 is scheduled to reach U.S. showrooms during the summer of 2024 in Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance configurations, with Core (Single Motor only), Plus and Ultra trim levels. We drove single-motor and dual-motor versions, both in top Ultra spec.

Redesigned this year, the 2025 Countryman grows in size but remains a small crossover SUV. Expressively styled, infused with parent company BMW’s engineering and technology, and packed with cheeky Mini quirks, the Countryman is available in Cooper S All4, John Cooper Works All4, and electric SE All4 model series, each equipped with standard All4 all-wheel drive (AWD). It can comfortably hold rear-seat passengers, carries a competitive amount of cargo, and remains fun to drive.

Verdict: With prices starting at just over $40,000, the Mini Countryman sells in entry-level luxury territory. However, anyone expecting plush refinement will want to shop elsewhere because the Countryman is decidedly rough around the edges. We begrudgingly accept its quirks in exchange for its personality, but many people likely won’t.

The Solterra arrived for the 2023 model year as the first all-electric Subaru for the United States, and now it’s getting some significant updates. The 2026 Subaru Solterra has a new look, NACS fast charging, and more available horsepower. Rivals include other small electric crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volkswagen ID.4, plus the Solterra’s Toyota bZ twin (formerly the bZ4X).

Verdict: Numerous improvements make the 2026 Subaru Solterra a better EV, but not the best one.

The EV6 has an appealing design, a stylish and practical interior, and one of the most sophisticated EV platforms available at its price point. Additional hallmarks of the 2025 EV6 include commendable power, plenty of driving range, and quick recharging times. For this model year, Kia improves this electric crossover SUV with an exterior facelift, a revised interior, increased battery capacity, a new charging port, modified steering, frame enhancements to ensure safety, and next-generation infotainment technology.

Verdict: Can the Kia EV6 survive the discontinuation of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit? It deserves to, because it is one of the most appealing EV models available today. Aside from a few quirks associated with its onboard technology, there isn’t much wrong with the EV6, and plenty that is right with it.

Every automaker needs a successful electric SUV, and the best way to go about that is to make it look good. Ford’s bread-and-butter electric SUV does that by borrowing design elements from the legendary Mustang coupe and convertible, teaming them with a roomy interior and useful electric driving range. Offered in a variety of trims, the Mach-E works as a practical daily driver and can be had with big-time power and even as a rally-inspired trail beast.

Verdict: The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s appealing looks are backed up by a practical interior, a viable range, and a variety of trim levels. It doesn’t charge as quickly or go as far as some rivals and the ride could be better, but the Mach-E offers style in a market sadly lacking it.

Toyota is not known for . Aside from the RAV4 EV models built to satisfy California regulations, Japan’s largest automakers quest to reduce emissions has mostly focused on hybrids like the Prius. So the 2023 Toyota bZ4X is a major shift for the firm.

The bZ4X is Toyota’s first electric car for the United States market aimed at volume sales—and it won’t be the last. The “bZ” prefix stands for “Beyond Zero,” the name Toyota is using for a family of planned electric models. For now, the bZ4X enters a crowded market of small electric crossover SUVs, already populated with a long list of entries like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and Volkswagen ID.4, among others.

When it comes to configurations, Toyota keeps things simple. Buyers can choose between XLE and Limited trim levels, and single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains. This bZ4X review is based on our experience with an AWD Limited model.

Toyota’s quirkiest model returns as a fully electric compact crossover that shares its platform and battery with the bZ Woodland but trades practicality for personality. With 338 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a starting price of $38,450 (including destination), the 2026 Toyota C-HR offers an entertaining drive at a reasonable price.

Verdict: The 2026 Toyota C-HR won’t be the right fit for buyers who need lots of space, but it’s a genuinely fun electric crossover that doesn’t cost a fortune. If you’re an EV shopper who values driving enjoyment more than cargo capacity, the C-HR belongs on your shortlist.

Many automakers have had a tough time launching electric vehicles, as teething problems have resulted in build-quality issues, gremlins, and production delays. Hyundai, however, got it right from the start with the Ioniq 5. Not only did this compact crossover nail the basics, it has also struck a chord for its stylish looks, fast charging capability, good range, and practicality.

Verdict: Five years into its run, the Ioniq 5 is still the electric vehicle we would recommend to most EV buyers. A drive around Hyundai’s factory in Savannah, Georgia, only reinforced our position.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is the smallest and most affordable of Subaru’s three-vehicle EV lineup, slotting beneath the Trailseeker and Solterra with a Crosstrek-sized footprint and a starting price of $36,445 (including destination). Available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations with up to 338 horsepower, the Uncharted prioritizes driving engagement over outright practicality, and it largely delivers.

Verdict: The Uncharted is the Subaru EV you buy because you want to enjoy the drive, not because you need the most practical option. The Sport trim at $41,245 is the sweet spot, pairing AWD and 338 hp with a well-equipped cabin at a competitive price.

While the Chevrolet Equinox EV may not have the performance or pizzazz of some other electric vehicles, it concentrates on what really matters: price and range. With more than 300 miles on a single charge and a bottom line that competes against non-electric SUVs, it brings EV ownership within reach for many shoppers who were previously left out.

Verdict: The Equinox EV’s combination of an affordable price and generous range makes it a standout value among electric vehicles.

While Ford outsells all other brands with its full-size pickup trucks, it's dead last in the midsize class. The Ranger, once the king of small trucks, sold terribly after Ford relaunched it for the 2019 model year. The smaller Maverick outsold the Ranger by three to one in 2023. For 2024, the new Ranger brings more of everything—power, tech, refinement, space, and most importantly, choice. Is it too late for Ford to catch up? We tested a Ranger XLT to find out.

Verdict: With new V6 engines and a Raptor trim, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers greater choice and capability to finally match the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.

If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, you might think all battery-powered options are priced out of reach. Heck, it’s tough to find a gas-powered vehicle that won’t break the bank, let alone one that is powered by the latest and greatest technology.

That is where the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV comes in. This second-generation subcompact crossover got a redesign for the previous model year and now comes with more features and value than before, all wrapped up in a sleek little package. Sure, there are others that might perform better, but if you’re cost-conscious and are willing to settle for slightly slower acceleration, you’ll be rewarded with a competent and comfortable electric car.

Verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric goes big on value with fresh styling, myriad features, and an excellent starting price.

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 now comes with more choice, including three distinct design themes, three powertrain and drivetrain options, and seven trim levels. It has a hybrid drivetrain as standard, offering a claimed 44 mpg combined, along with more standard features, a quicker operating system, and improvements across the board to bolster its bestselling position.

Verdict: The good gets better, but the RAV4's lineup is confusing enough to need a Venn diagram.

The 2026 Nissan Leaf represents the latest redesign of Nissan’s pioneering EV since the 2017 model year. This third-generation Leaf boasts more range, up-to-date tech and charging hardware, and new styling that looks more crossover than hatchback. But where the original Leaf was pioneering, the new Leaf returns to a mature segment populated by competent rivals from Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Verdict: The new Leaf picks up where the old one left off with low pricing, and it only occasionally reminds you of that.

The Mini Cooper is redesigned for 2025 with a host of alterations throughout. It’s a little bigger inside and out, while sporting all-new infotainment tech and quirky interior design to help maintain the badge’s fun personality. It still weighs less than 3,000 pounds, too, and when combined with a potent turbocharged four-cylinder in the Cooper S, that makes for some truly hilarious fun-to-drive attitude.

Verdict: Although substantially larger than the original BMW Mini that reached America’s shores in 2002, and no longer offering a manual transmission as standard, the new Mini Cooper continues to be a stylish and fun-to-drive way of getting around, and will even return solid overall fuel economy in the process.