The 7 Best EVs for Families Under $60,000—And Yes, There are Deals Right Now
This might be the best time to make the move to an electric car, especially for families. Prices are dropping, manufacturer and dealer incentives are increasing, and the lease deals can be quite lucrative. In fact, almost every EV lease price includes the federal tax incentive because a loophole in the law allows fleet buyers to claim the credit, so leasing companies can take the credit and pass it on to you.
And, many financial advisors say a lease is a better option for a growing family; your car needs can change quickly and with a lease, you don’t suffer the depreciation or have a long-term commitment to deal with.
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 fo 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 friends and neighbors as they gawk.
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.
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 a little pricey for a three-row at $56,395 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.
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 $43,195 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.
The Kia EV6 is Your Answer to a Sporty EV That Can Fit the Kids
As you can tell, Kia and Hyundai have a lot going for them as far as making EVs that fit into normal, everyday routines. The Kia EV6 is one of the best EVs and is included in that, with several trim levels, plenty of legroom and car seat compatibility in the rear, and a surprisingly large trunk.
No matter what you’re looking to get out of the EV6, there’s a trim level that best suits it. For instance, the Light edition has a smaller battery and therefore a shorter range of 232 miles on a full charge and has the least amount of horsepower with a starting price of $40,900.
All rear-wheel drive configurations, like the Wind Edition and GT-Line Edition, have a range of 310 miles, and the all-wheel drive variants have a 274-mile range. Prices range from $47,000 to $55,900.
For those looking to get into the EV game without sacrificing too much green, the EV6 is a very strong choice. Video: Tour and Test Drive of the Kia EV6
The Cadillac Lyriq is a Caddie for Baddies
The Cadillac Lyriq is a luxurious all-electric choice for those with families, and looking to add some style to their everyday routine. The Lyriq, aptly named after the words to your favorite song, will bring comfort and a feeling of familiarity while saving at the pump.
The Lyriq is spacious, the technology is incredibly user-friendly and responsive, and let’s be honest, it’s gorgeous. The lighting patterns on the front are very new-age, the interior resembles something you’d see out of a classic Rolls Royce, and the rear seats are arguably the best place to be (aside from behind the wheel, of course).
It speaks to the gas-powered Caddies of the golden years with flashy looks paired with legendary comfort and space. However, the Lyriq is fairly pricey (not unlike the Caddies of yesterday) with a starting price of $58,590 MSRP, and it has a respectable range of about 314 miles on a full charge. Plenty to get from work, back home, to soccer practice, and back home without using a drop of gas.
Chevy’s Compact Equinox EV is Easily One of the Best EVs for Families
The Chevy Equinox EV is the least expensive of the best EVs, but it doesn’t look or feel like the cheapest. It comes with a sleek front end, brash curves and sleek wheels, and a very cozy ride. The basic trim level, the 1LT, has a starting price of just $34,995, and the most expensive trim, the 3RS, starts at $46,795.
It also comes in an all-wheel-drive edition, which adds $3,000 and a tad more horsepower, but even then – it still adds up to be cheaper than almost all family-friendly SUVs.
The Equinox, along with plenty of foot room and car seat space, has a trunk capacity that’s perfect for a small family. A stroller would fit handsomely, with room for the groceries and diaper bag, too.
It also has a decent range. The front-wheel drive variants have a range of 319 miles on a full charge, and the all-wheel drive versions have a range of 285 miles. Which is good for a car that will be able to handle all four seasons.
Video: We took the Chevy Equinox for a test drive and toured its technology
The Nissan Ariya Will Make Your Family Feel Modern and Posh
While the arrival of the Nissan Ariya was not a surprise, its innovative cabin, clever details and minimalist modern design were. We didn’t expect this from Nissan. But the moveable front center console, the glove box drawer and the crafted floating center console give this car an elevated feel.
Also a surprise is the affordability of the Ariya, which starts at just $39,590, and our Empower test model, outfitted with many premium features, came in at just under $50,000. Nissan clearly knows how to build an EV; the Leaf is the best-selling EV in the world. This gives us confidence that the Ariya, which has a range of up to 289 miles of range and the option of all wheel drive, can go the distance.
It should go distance with kids car seats, too; the rear seat is quite roomy. We measured the rear seats an found ample room for rear facing car seats, a large cargo area and plenty of storage.
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?
Categorized:Car Culture
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