Drive Electric, Save Money, Get a Deal: The 7 Best EVs for Families Under $60,000
This might be the best time to make the move to an electric car, especially for families. The uncertainty of gas prices, a surplus of EVs and dealer incentives mean that purchase and lease deals can be quite lucrative. While the federal tax incentive has ended, many states and power companies offer incentives, adding even more reason to consider an EV.
If you’re looking at an EV, lease is a better option say many financial advisors. A growing family’s needs can change in just a few years and EV technology advances quickly, so a lease avoids a long-term commitment.
And now, EVs are not the expensive luxury for the lucky few that they used to be; the changing tides of more models and have also led to more attainable prices. That means that many of the best EVs are ideal for families. Here are our picks for ones that won’t break the bank, but may make some necks sore from gawking friends and neighbors.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 Has Room and Luxuries For Everyone
The Hyundai Ioniq 9, priced from $59,995, might be the most modern 3-row SUV on the road, never mind that it’s electric. The lounge-like interior is posh and pretty, and it offers lots of great standard features, from the expansive multimedia screen to the flexible center console that opens from the front or from the rear so second row passengers can access it too; there are plenty of USB ports, air vents and cup holders so everyone has what they need.
And if they need something they can’t reach—to crank up the A/C or to change the radio station—they just have to ask. “Hey Hyundai, make it colder in here,” and the system is at your service. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger and a center row bench seat or captains chairs. The interior is elegant, with rounded corners and a minimalist look.
Best of all, though, is the charging system: the 800 volt architecture is designed for fast charging at a DC fast charger, adding up to 80% of battery charge in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 9 is offered in 6 trims and has a range of up to 335 miles; AWD models have a range of 320 miles and deliver 303 HP, though the top 3 trims increase HP to 422.
A word of caution: While we love this SUV for families, we advise against the Calligraphy trim until Hyundai addresses the issue with the rear power second and 3rd row seats, which can power forward without stopping and are dangerous.
Related: The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Will Convince You to Give Up Your Tesla S
Kia EV9: An Easy EV Transition, Seats Up to 7, and Has a Good Range
The EV9 is Kia’s answer to an all-electric three-row SUV, and in the US, was one of the first cars to break the ice in the segment. It has a range of up to 304 miles on a full charge, charges quickly, and looks fantastic.
It also comes with a respectable amount of cargo space. The EV9 has a long wheelbase, which allows for 81.7 cubic feet behind the first row, with an additional 3.2 cubic feet in the frunk. Even with the third row in use, the cargo space isn’t something to scoff at.
It’s nicely priced for a three-row starting at $54,900 MSRP, but Hyundai Motor Group, which partially owns Kia and provides the electric platform, has done exceptionally well with their EVs, which inspires confidence the EV9 will charm you for a very long time. Hyundai is set to announce its own version of the same SUV later this year.
Video: Tour the Kia EV9 With Us
Also Easy to Make the Switch: Hyundai IONIQ 5 is Worth a Serious Look
The IONIQ 5 is more than just good looks. It’s an affordable hatchback EV that pairs style and practicality. I tested the N version of this car, and I was stunned by how much space was in the back seat for my two girls. Their car seats fit snuggly, they loved the big windows, and the cargo space under the hatch was more than enough for two adults, two toddlers, their stroller, diaper bag, toys, and extra clothes or shoes.
It’s also very, very livable. Easy and quick to charge from home, a high range even with all-wheel drive, fantastic visibility, and when you’re alone, an absolute blast to drive.
What’s even more attractive than the wheels is the cost. The starting price is $35,000 MSRP, putting it up to bat with other gas-powered family-oriented cars, but with the added ego boost that you’re not contributing to global pollution when you drive it.
For families with two children or a 3rd adult, the EV9 may be more suitable, though those who want to install 3 car seats in the rear will be happy; the slim seats will fit and there’s plenty of room to maneuver both the seats and the kids.
Read: The First-Ever Disney-Themed Car: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is the Luxury SUV You Never Thought You Could Afford
This one surprised us quite a bit: The Mercedes-Benz EQB is the electric version of the “B” model SUV, a compact fun, and capable car. There is a gas-only version or an all-electric with an optional 3rd row with two seats for a total of 7 passenger seating.
Because this is a compact SUV, the 3rd row is small and captains chairs are not an option, but for those times when you need extra seating for a quick outing or carpooling kids, it’s great.
The EQB, which has an electric range of 251 miles, starts at $53,050, and the all wheel drive version starts at $57,200. The 3rd row option can be added for $1,250. And for that you get all the Mercedes goodies including the MBUX multimedia system with “hey Mercedes” voice assistance, leatherette seating an the sharp style of the B series SUV.
Related: The 17 Best New Cars of 2025 That We Can’t Wait to Drive
The VW ID Buzz Is the Most Spacious EV Ever
For families who need space—for kids, gear, tall people—there is no better option than the VW ID Buzz. It has more headroom, leg room and shoulder room in its 3 rows of seating than literally any other family car on the market (customizable vans not included). And then, there’s this: it’s cute, it’s capable and it has standard massaging front seats. Hello pampering for the driver while the kiddos chat about their day.
And then, this van is simply filled with charm. Priced from $59,995, the BW ID Buzz comes in 10 exterior colors, three interior colors and can add all wheel drive, center row captains chairs and a storage system behind the 3rd row. The rear seats and storage system are removable for extra cargo space. It has great technology, plenty of places to tuck a phone or other small things and the center console is removable if you don’t want or need it. Plus, there are fun Easter Eggs to discover throughout the cabin.
Add to that VW’s IQ Drive safety suite of technology, 230 miles of range and HP that ranges from 282 in the single motor model and 335 in the dual motor AWD model and you’re ready to roll in vintage modern style.
The Cadillac Optiq is a Caddie for Baddies
The Cadillac Optiq is a luxe all-electric choice and a great alternative to Cadillac’s more expensive EVs. It’s stylish, featuring vegan leather interiors and an expansive multimedia screen. The rear seat isn’t huge but it’s ample for the kids or the dog, or both. And the rear cargo area has space for all your gear.
Cadillac designed the Optiq to be the gateway to Cadillac ownership, so it’s outfitted with all the best features the company offers in its EVs: Super Cruise hands-free driving, phone-as-key function and My Cadillac App for plug-and-charge access, even at Tesla Superchargers. Best, though, is Optiq’s tech interface, which is incredibly user-friendly and responsive, and gorgeous.
We love the exterior look with modern lighting patterns and the lighted front grille, the classic Cadillac ‘fin’ style daytime running lights and tail lights and the lighted badge.
With a starting price of $50,900 MSRP, it has a respectable range of about 317 miles on a charge and delivers up to 440 HP. Plenty of power and fun to get from work to home, school, sports and back and drive by the gas station in style—without stopping.
Related: Road-Tripping the Rivian R1S With My 5-Year-Old
Mustang Mach-E Has Sporty Style—And Hands-Free Driving
If your family has been like so many, craving a Mustang but can’t possibly fit everyone and everything in this classic sports car, the Mustang Mach-E, starting at $37,995, answers your prayers. Yes, it’s a Mustang: Sleek, fast and fun. It carries the Mustang DNA inside and out, from its sporty design to a comfortable and minimalist interior. The biggest surprise is how roomy the rear seat is. This is thanks to the battery pack; legroom is a natural benefit.
The center screen holds all the controls you’ll need, though there’s a small driver’s display for instant access to information. The Mach-E includes all the other goodies too: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice-activated assistance (say “OK, Ford”), phone-as-key access to unlock and drive your car. We love the upper trim with a panoramic sunroof and light gray interior. And, there’s a large frunk that’s drainable so you can pack it with ice and drinks when the party is in front of your car.
The Mach-E was updated last year to include hands-free Blue Cruise driving, a feature we highly recommend: once on the highway, tap the adaptive cruise button and when road conditions allow —generally on limited access highways—the car will drive itself. It’ll even change lanes for you. You can take your hands off the wheel, but keep your eyes on the road or the system will stop working. With about 300 miles of range and power ranging from 266 HP in the standard and premium models and up to 480 in the Rally and GT models, this fun little pony will get you everywhere you need to go and you’ll have fun getting there.
Read: I Took a Solo Road Trip in the Mustang Mach-E Using Public EV Chargers. This is How It Went
Other Advantages of EVs for Families? Yes, There Are
Aside of the space and comfort in electric cars—the placement of the batteries create a naturally large frame and higher ground clearance than the average sedan—most EVs are upholstered in leatherette, chosen for its lightweight and sustainable properties. Parents love this because leatherette is easy to clean, resilient and looks nice.
Then, the best EVs tend to have flat rear floors, more interior storage and more tech features, sort of a “computer on wheels” which appeals more to younger consumers, the ones who are having children, than older car buyers who find the technology to be confounding and distracting.
And all that tech is updatable; most EV makers can send over the air updates to their cars which can improve the multimedia system, battery life and more, all with the push of a button.
And skipping gas station stops? That adds time to your day an money to your budget. What family can’t use more of both?
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