This Budget EV Will Make You Rethink Range And Affordability

Picking out “budget-friendly” cars can be hit or miss for some because everyone’s price ranges will differ from one another. It can also branch out into various areas, such as an affordable used car or the complete opposite, like a new car. For today, you’ll learn about one of the more budget-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) on the market, and its 2025 model is already out at the dealerships. The average price of electric vehicles has been dropping drastically, with the average being $56,351 in October and lowering to $48,397 the following month. That’s a good sign for people trying to pick up a new EV, and it helps understand what models can be considered “budget-friendly” with the thanks of knowing the average price of EVs.

Of course, there are going to be several candidates that fit the bill, and there isn’t just one right answer. You’ll see that soon because the upcoming EV that’s up for discussion will be compared to another model that may or may not do it better. That’s the great thing about the automotive world; no brand or car does it better or can take the crown of “The Best Ever.” Besides, you and everyone know that title would go to some year on the Porsche 911. With all jokes aside, the upcoming year looks to be a solid time to pick up a new car, and it just so happens that there is one EV in particular that should be on everyone’s radar.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Hyundai and Chevrolet and other authoritative sources, including FuelEconomy.gov and ConsumerReports.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Starts At $37,750

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is your go-to budget-friendly EV, and it just makes sense. Hyundai starts it out at $37,750 and goes up to $51,000. $37,000 might sound expensive to some, which it technically is, but compared to the average price of an electric vehicle, it still qualifies as a “budget-friendly” EV. If you look past that it is a tiny bit more expensive than some of the more affordable EVs, you’ll see that it feels like a steal with all the standard features you’re getting. Like Toyota, Hyundai makes it hard to see where they cut costs or are making money because the Ioniq 6 feels like the best bang for your buck.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Specifications

A Range Of Up To 342 Miles

One area in which EVs are a hit or miss is their fuel economy and range. This area is arguably the most competitive characteristic of an EV and can make or break its sales and popularity. Hyundai doesn’t try to break records by offering its EVs with the most range out of the whole field, but they don’t slack with it either. The 2025 Ioniq 6 houses a single or dual electric motor, which produces a range of horsepower of 149 to 225. Depending on your drivetrain, the rear or all-wheel drive trims offer a full driving range of 240 to 342 miles. In today’s world, any EV offering 330 miles and above is competitive. The 2024 Ioniq 6 was the most efficient electric car in 2024.

The Technology Steals The Limelight

While the Ioniq 6 may be lacking in that extra horsepower (for now), it comes filled with all the technology you could wish for. For driver assistance systems, Hyundai offers a variety of tech that assists with detection, collision prevention, parking, and warnings. That summarizes it to the T, but it’s one of those things you would get a better idea or picture in person. Technology centered around convenience or personalization includes ambient lighting, a heads-up display, a Bose sound system, and two 12.3-inch screens. There’s a lot to unpack with the Ioniq 6, and these technologies look to age well over the years, keeping this EV relevant.

The Ioniq 6 Offers Some Hefty Reliability

There are several needs and wishes when purchasing a vehicle, whether it’s excellent fuel economy or performance, but one area that should be above the rest is its reliability. Electric vehicles have had a bad rep in the past couple of years, with various people claiming they are unreliable. This isn’t true, and models such as the Ioniq 6 attest to their hefty reliability. The 2025 Ioniq 6 received a 76 out of 100 reliability rating through J.D. Power. A good track record also helps its case, with the 2023 and 2024 models only coming into contact with three recalls. The Ioniq 6’s reliability is just the cherry on top, showing that Hyundai focuses on dependability and the future. It also just so happens that it is the most dependable electric car in 2024.

The Ioniq 6 Is One Of The More Sought-After Electric Vehicles

In the last five years, Hyundai has been at the forefront of the electric automotive industry, pumping out two of the best EVs (Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6) on the market. It just so happens that the previous year takes home the win for TopSpeed’s best electric car of 2024.

Why You Should Buy The Ioniq 6

When you enter dealerships, the sales representative always tries to talk up a car and sell you a fantasy. Hyundai makes it easy and lets their vehicles do the bidding. While you could write a dissertation paper on why the Ioniq 6 is worth purchasing, you just have to take the bullet points to understand each reasoning. The Ioniq 6 encapsulates Hyundai’s sleek car styling, but it is also functional. There is so much attention to detail that the aerodynamics of the Ioniq 6 make it an excellent car with an optimal drag coefficient (Cd). If you move into the interior, you are surrounded by innovative technology, luscious materials, and designs offering vast comfort. Many other characteristics are worth noting, but one that sits above the rest is its efficiency. One of the best traits of the Ioniq 6 is its range and fuel economy.

Hyundai Plays A Major Role In The Electric Automotive Industry

The good thing about owning an Ioniq 6 is that you get more than you could wish for. It’s always a bonus to own a car from a brand that is changing the world one step at a time. Hyundai plans to deliver two million EVs to the global market by 2030. While doing this, they have changed pivotal areas within the charging infrastructure, engineered their E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) to be used in other vehicles, and developed new takes on technology seen in the automotive world. While that’s all Hyundai’s doing, it means you own a car through a reputable car brand that plans to improve the world.

The Other Affordable Option With 300+ Miles Of Range

Hyundai doesn’t promote the Ioniq 6 on just one detail. While its range and fuel economy are solid selling points, there are other electric vehicles out there that are more affordable and still offer more than 300 miles of range. If you’re in the market for an electric SUV that fits the bill, you might want to check out this EV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Starts At $33,600

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV
is far different from that of the Ioniq 6, but it is an honorable mention of a budget-friendly EV. Its MSRP sits lower, with the starting price coming to $33,600 and going up to $49,090. Like the Ioniq 6, it houses a single or dual electric motor that sits in the same ballpark in terms of power. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV is estimated to offer 319 miles, which seems realistic, with the 2024 model offering the same range. Whether you’re in the market for a sedan or SUV, these two EVs are ideal candidates to check out.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Specifications

You Can’t Go Wrong With Owning An Ioniq 6

Picking up an Ioniq 6 seems like a safe bet, and it comes jam-packed with all the bells and whistles. If playing it safe isn’t your style, you can wait longer for the highly-anticipated Ioniq 6 N. This performance-focused trim can be compared to the successful Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which blows most performance electric SUVs out of the park. But, for now, the Ioniq 6 is close to being perfect. Hyundai knows its clients and caters to each individual, whether you just want dependability or some added thrill.