Thoughts 11/8/24 * min read

6 Best Used Electric Cars for $25,000–$40,000 to Buy Right Now in the US

Mid-budget EVs dominate the US market. With a wide range of pre-owned models available between $25,000 and $40,000, selecting the right EV can be a daunting task.

Our guide aims to simplify this process by helping you find the ideal electric vehicle within your budget. We have put together a list of six EVs that meet diverse requirements, whether you're focused on range, performance, unique features, or superior interior quality.

Currently, there are no federal rebates or incentives for vehicles in this price bracket. However, depending on your state, you may qualify for state or private incentives. For example, if you purchase one of the vehicles on our list in Colorado, you could apply for the EV rebate fr om Xcel Energy and receive up to $3,000. To see if you qualify for any rebates or programs in your area, check out the Green Cars Compare EV Incentives Map.

Now, let’s get started on our journey through the best electric cars available for under $40,000 in the US used car market.

Tesla Model Y

We’ve awarded first place in this budget category to Tesla, this time for the Model Y. While the Ford Mustang Mach-E comes close, the Model Y edges out the competition with superior features and stronger sales figures. Below, you'll find the reasons that earned it first place.

Solid Range: The Model Y, consistent with Tesla’s reputation, delivers outstanding range. Most trims provide over 270 miles on a single charge (EPA-estimated), while the Long Range RWD configuration reaches an impressive 320 miles.
Impressive Acceleration: Many of the Model Y trims offer a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds, with the Performance trim reaching a remarkable 3.5 seconds, making it exceptionally fast for an midsize SUV.
Extensive Charging Infrastructure: Tesla provides a widespread Supercharger network, offering quick and convenient charging solutions for its owners across the country.
Family-Friendly 7-Seater: Tesla provides a 7-seater version in some Model Y trims, making it a solid choice for families looking for both space and performance.
Impressive Towing Capacity: The Model Y can tow up to 3,500 pounds, an excellent towing capacity for a midsize SUV.
Generous Cargo Capacity: The Model Y offers 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down — an impressive capacity for a midsize SUV.
Reliable Resale Value: As one of the most popular SUVs in the U.S., the Tesla Model Y holds its value well, making it easy to find in good condition and sell quickly when the time comes.
Autopilot Feature: The Model Y comes with Tesla's standard Autopilot system, featuring lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. For advanced self-driving options like auto lane changes and navigation, the Full Self-Driving package is available for an additional $8,000.

Absence of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Tesla’s powerful infotainment system performs well, but the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be a drawback for users who rely on full smartphone integration.
Minimalist Interior: The Model Y’s cabin embraces a sleek, minimalist design, featuring a large touchscreen and minimal physical buttons. However, interior color choices are limited, which may not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional layout.
Limited Rear Visibility: The Model Y's compact rear window may lim it your view when looking behind. Fortunately, the rearview camera provides a useful screen display to help monitor the area while driving.

The Tesla Model Y has been in production for one generation and received an interior upd ate in 2021. We recommend opting for a post-update Model Y, particularly if you live in northern states, as it includes a heated steering wheel. The upd ated interior provides added comfort with features like a power-operated trunk and dual wireless charging pads, with only a minimal price difference.

Our preferred trim is the Long Range AWD (2022-…). This trim offers an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles and accelerates fr om 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. It's worth noting that the EPA-estimated range for this trim was previously 330 miles before 2024, but it was revised to 310 miles in 2024 due to changes in EPA testing methods, reflecting more realistic figures. The actual driving range hasn't changed since 2021.

The Performance (2020-…) trim is also a great option. If you're looking for superior acceleration, it’s the fastest in the Model Y lineup, reaching 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. This extraordinary performance is surprising for an SUV and can impress both drivers and passengers alike.

The Tesla Model Y remains one of the top EVs, particularly in this price range. Whether you prioritize comfort for everyday driving or high performance, the Model Y checks all the boxes. Our recommendation is to go for the Long Range AWD (2022-…) trim, as it offers impressive range, solid driving dynamics, and strong market demand.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Mustang Mach-E is an SUV that blends powerful performance with a legendary design, and it’s already won the hearts of many customers across the U.S. But why did this "muscle EV" take second place in our ranking? Let’s dive into the details and see what influenced our decision.

Impressive Acceleration: The majority of Mustang Mach-E trims can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, with the GT Performance trim boasting an impressive time of 3.5 seconds, comparable to the Tesla Model Y Performance.
Solid Range: All Mustang Mach-E trims, apart from the Standard Range versions, provide over 270 miles of EPA-estimated range. The Extended Range RWD model offers 320 miles, the same as the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD.
Multiple Trim Levels: Mustang Mach-E impresses with its extensive lineup, offering over 8 different trims. This ensures you'll find a configuration that perfectly fits your needs.
Access to Tesla Supercharger Network: As of 2024, Ford Mustang Mach-E owners can charge at Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide by using a CCS 1 to Tesla NACS adapter, giving them more convenient charging options on the road.
Muscle Car Aesthetic: By channeling the spirit of the classic Mustang, Ford created the Mustang Mach-E with a bold, muscle car-inspired design, making this SUV stand out with its athletic and aggressive look.
Spacious Frunk Storage: With a frunk capacity of up to 4.8 cubic feet, the Mustang Mach-E provides a larger storage area compared to many competitors in the midsize SUV category.

Rough Suspension: Driving the Mustang Mach-E on rough roads can be uncomfortable, as its suspension struggles to smooth out bumps and road imperfections, which may cause fatigue on longer drives.
Slow DC Charging Speed: The Mustang Mach-E’s 150 kW DC fast charging speed is relatively slow compared to other vehicles in this budget category. For instance, most Kia EV6 trims can charge at up to 230 kW, allowing for much shorter charging times.
No Towing Feature: In the U.S., the Mustang Mach-E is not officially rated for towing, which is something to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Interior Quality Concerns: Though the Mustang Mach-E shines in many aspects, some of the interior materials feel a bit cheap or don’t live up to the premium expectations of its price tag.
Outdated Multimedia Interface: The multimedia system in the Mustang Mach-E isn’t the most modern, featuring a layout that feels a bit old-fashioned, drawing comparisons to Tesla’s systems from several years back.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has nine available trims, each with its own se t of features and production changes. With such variety, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you, but we're here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect trim for your lifestyle and budget.

If range is your top priority, we recommend the California Route 1 AWD (2022-2023). It delivers 312 miles of EPA-estimated range, which is higher than other AWD trims within this budget, while still offering a 4.8-second 0-60 mph acceleration. There is also an RWD version of this trim, however, it only provides an additional 2 miles of range, and finding one on the market is more challenging.

For top performance, you should consider the GT trims. Our pick is the GT (2022-2023), which does 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, with Ford increasing the battery’s usable capacity in 2022. Although this didn’t change the EPA-estimated range of 270 miles, it positively impacted the real-world driving range. If you're lucky, you might find the rare GT Performance Edition (2021-2023) trim, which offers a quicker 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a more stylish exterior, though it's harder to find due to its rarity.

If you're in the market for a Mustang Mach-E but need to stay within a $30,000 budget, there are two strong options. The Extended Range AWD (2020-2022) offers a great blend of speed and range, with a 4.8-second sprint to 60 mph and 270 miles of range. It’s perfect for daily driving. On the other hand, if range is your top concern and AWD isn’t a must, the Extended Range RWD (2020-2022) is a solid alternative with 300 miles of range, though it’s slower, taking 6.1 seconds to reach 60 mph.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a strong contender in this budget segment, offering a stylish design, modern tech, and a broad range of trims. For daily driving, we recommend the California Route 1 AWD (2022-2023) trim, which combines an extended range for an AWD EV, strong dynamics, and a great feature se t.

Kia EV6

The EV6 stands out as one of the most technologically advanced cars in its price range, offering unique features that make it worth considering. It strikes a balance between impressive range, dynamic performance, and affordability. Let’s explore why the Kia EV6 earned third place.

800V Architecture: The EV6 features an advanced 800V architecture, enabling faster DC charging speeds than vehicles with the 400V architecture.
Fast DC Charging Speed: The Kia EV6 supports DC charging speeds of up to 233 kW, with the exception of the Standard Range RWD trim, which offers a respectable 175 kW.
Impressive Acceleration: Most trims of the Kia EV6 accelerate to 60 mph less than 7 seconds, but the GT trim offers an impressive 3.4-second sprint, making it the fastest on our list.
Generous Warranty: Kia offers an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the EV6's powertrain.
Impressive Towing Capacity: With a towing capacity of up to 4,795 pounds, the EV6 GT trim outperforms most cars in its budget class. While other trims can also tow, their capacity is lower.
V2L Capability: The EV6 includes a distinctive feature that lets it act as a generator, allowing you to charge other electrical devices, even including another EV.
Spacious Cabin Space: If passenger comfort is important to you, the EV6 stands out with its generous space, making it a solid contender for a comfortable ride.

Low Range in Certain Trims: Unfortunately, some EV6 trims fall short in range capabilities. The Standard Range RWD offers just 232 miles of EPA-estimated range, and the top GT trim has only 218 miles, which is considerably lower than other vehicles in this price segment. For instance, the Polestar 2 Long Range Performance trim provides 42 miles more range than the EV6 GT.
Limited Rear Visibility: Some drivers might experience discomfort due to the vehicle's design, which limits the rear view and affects driving confidence.
Rough Suspension: Some owners note that the EV6 has a slightly firmer ride than other vehicles within this budget category.

Although the Kia EV6 is new to the U.S. market, arriving in 2022, it has quickly become a popular option. It comes in four major trims, each with unique strengths. Let’s dive into the differences to figure out which trim best suits your priorities and driving preferences.

For top range performance, we suggest the Long Range RWD (2022-2024) trim. It provides 310 miles of EPA-estimated range, with a moderate 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7 seconds. Its towing capacity of 2,300 lbs is on par with the Long Range AWD (2022-2024) trim—rare for a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Although the AWD version offers a quicker 0-60 time of 5 seconds and is more widely available, the RWD version stands out for its longer range. The AWD variant, at 282 miles, doesn't offer as much range.

Aside from the EPA-estimated range of 218 miles, the GT trim offers a great driving experience. With a remarkable 0 to 60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, few EVs in this budget category can match its acceleration, and its towing capacity of up to 4,795 pounds is impressive as well. It’s important to say that the GT could be hard to find in this budget category. Overall, if the range is not your priority and you have time to search for the best deal, the GT trim is one of the best options under $40,000.

The Standard Range RWD (2022-…) could be a decent option under $30,000, but when compared to other EVs, it falls short in certain areas. For instance, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range RWD (2020-2022) offers 300 miles of EPA-estimated range, 68 miles more than the EV6 Standard Range. Additionally, if acceleration is a key factor, the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor (2021-2023) outperforms the EV6 Standard Range RWD by about 1 second to 60 mph, making a noticeable difference in dynamics.

Overall, the Kia EV6 is an appealing choice for buyers under $40,000. It delivers impressive performance, rapid DC charging, and unique features not found in other EVs. We recommend the Long Range RWD (2022-2024) trim for its excellent balance of range and features, while performance could be better. However, if long-range capability isn’t a priority for you, the GT trim stands out as one of the quickest options in this price range, with its fast DC charging potentially compensating its lower range.

Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 merges innovative Chinese EV tech with refined Swedish design, creating a compelling option for EV enthusiasts. As the first fully electric vehicle from Polestar, it has swiftly attracted fans and pleased customers. Let’s see why this newcomer has already won a significant piece of the U.S. EV market.

Solid Range: With most trims offering an EPA-estimated range above 260 miles, the Polestar 2’s Long Range Single Motor trim delivers a solid 320 miles, matching our top contenders, such as the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD and Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range RWD.
Strong Acceleration: While the top Long Range Performance trim may not match the acceleration of other performance EVs, most Polestar 2 trims achieve a solid 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph—making it a very competitive option for mid-level trims.
User-Friendly Infotainment System: The Polestar 2 features Google’s Android Automotive system, designed for ease and comfort with integrated Google Assistant functionality and a sleek, modern interface.
Intelligent Adjustable Suspension: The Long Range Performance trim features an adjustable Ohlins suspension system, allowing you to switch between a soft and smooth ride or a sportier feel. While flexible, the manual adjustment process has been noted as less user-friendly by some drivers.
Distinctive Design: The Polestar 2’s body style invites many opinions; some view it as a hatchback, while Polestar refers to it as a fastback. We consider it a liftback. The range of interpretations highlights the success of Polestar’s designers in crafting a truly unique vehicle.
Liftback Advantage: With its liftback body, the Polestar 2 offers convenient trunk access, combining sporty sedan aesthetics with the functionality typically found in an SUV.

Slow DC Charging Speed: Prior to 2024, the Polestar 2 offered a 150 kW DC charging speed, relatively slow compared to other EVs in its price range. Fortunately, the 2023 facelift brought an upgrade to 205 kW for all trims, placing it on par with today’s EV charging standards.
Limited Rear Passenger Space: The rear seating can feel a bit cramped, particularly for taller passengers who may find headroom and legroom lacking.

In 2024, the Polestar 2 received a facelift with notable upgrades. If your budget is around $40,000, we recommend opting for the facelifted model, as it offers extended range thanks to a larger battery, 205 kW DC fast charging, and improved acceleration. Below, we’ll share our perspective on both the facelifted and pre-facelifted versions.

The Long Range Single Motor (2024-…) trim offers an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. Remarkably, you can find this trim for around $30,000, providing excellent range at an affordable price. It's important to mention that the drivetrain switched from FWD to RWD in 2024, a change likely to attract driving enthusiasts.

If you’re after quicker acceleration and AWD with a higher budget, consider the Long Range Dual Motor (2024-…), which reaches 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and has a range of 276 miles. Alternatively, the Long Range Performance (2021-2024) trim offers a slight performance boost, with a 16-mile reduction in range, and features an adjustable Ohlins suspension system.

For a budget under $30,000, the Long Range Dual Motor (2020-2024) is a good choice, delivering a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time and AWD for a more dynamic drive, though with a lower range of 249 miles. If you’re lucky, you might come across a Long Range Single Motor (2024-…) trim, which we mentioned before, but you’re more likely to find the pre-facelift version. However, with its 270-mile range and slower 7-second acceleration, the pre-facelift model may not be the best choice.

In summary, the Polestar 2 is a fresh but popular entrant in the U.S. EV market, making it a solid choice in this budget category for a used vehicle. With a blend of strong dynamics, reliable range, an intuitive infotainment system, and eye-catching Swedish aesthetics, it’s worth considering in 2024. Our recommended trim is the Long Range Single Motor (2024-…), as it offers impressive range at a favorable price on the used market.

BMW i4

The BMW i4 is the only German model in our top choices, and it certainly earned its place. It provides an impressive balance of performance, range, and timeless Bavarian design. Read on to see what made it our fifth pick.

Solid Range: All BMW i4 trims offer decent range, even the eDrive35, which delivers 256 miles on a single charge based on the EPA cycle, making it one of the best ranges for base trims.
Strong Acceleration: All BMW i4 trims reach 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, a great figure for base and mid-level trims. The i4 M50, however, excels with a 3.7-second 0-60 time, offering solid performance for a sporty trim.
Premium Quality Interior: Inside the i4, you’ll find top-notch materials throughout, creating an atmosphere of elegance and premium craftsmanship.
Liftback Advantage: The i4's liftback design allows for easier loading of larger items, a rare feature among EVs. It combines the sleek, low seating of a sedan with the practicality and comfort of an SUV's trunk space.
User-Friendly Infotainment System: BMW’s i4 offers a well-designed infotainment system that’s not only visually appealing but also simple to operate, enhancing your driving experience.

Limited Rear Passenger Space: Due to its liftback configuration, the i4 may not provide sufficient legroom and headroom for taller rear passengers, making it a less suitable choice for those prioritizing rear passenger comfort.
No Frunk Available: Like many German EVs, the BMW i4 lacks a front trunk (frunk), which may lim it cargo space and affect convenience.

Among the four main trims of the BMW i4, only two are available within a $40,000 budget.

We recommend the eDrive40 (2022-2024), as it offers a strong EPA-estimated range of 301 miles, accelerates to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds. The eDrive35 (2022-2024) is also a good option, providing 256 miles of range and a 5.8-second 0-60 time, but we advise waiting until it falls under $30,000 for the best deal.

Sadly, the xDrive40 (2024-…) and M50 (2022-2024) trims are currently out of our pre-defined budget, but we expect them to be available for under $40,000 within a year.

With solid specs, liftback cargo versatility, and a premium car experience, the BMW i4 is a great choice. Although not all trims are accessible right now, the i4 eDrive40 (2022-2024) is a strong option if you need a daily-use RWD vehicle that delivers on range and performance, backed by one of the world’s most iconic carmakers.

Nissan Ariya

Looking for a Japanese EV with solid specs? Nissan’s new Ariya could be the perfect match! Plus, it’s the most affordable model on our list, with all trims available for under $30,000. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of this EV from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Distinctive Electric Motor Technology: The Ariya features an externally excited synchronous motor (EESM), unlike most EVs on the market. Nissan suggests that this motor type is inherently more reliable due to its unique construction.
Extensive Standard Features: Nissan packs the Ariya with numerous standard features, including a head-up display, which is often optional—or not available at all—on other EVs, like the Tesla Model Y.
High-Quality Interior: Nissan incorporates unique materials in the Ariya’s interior, like a velvety dashboard surface, alongside quality plastics and other premium materials for a refined tactile experience.

Slow AC and DC Charging Speeds: The Ariya’s 7.2 kW onboard charger and maximum 130 kW DC charging rate are relatively low, making it slower to recharge than many other modern electric vehicles.
Low Range in Certain Trims: Base trims with the 63 kWh battery pack provide modest range, with the FWD version reaching 216 miles and the AWD e-4ORCE model delivering 205 miles, based on EPA estimates.
No Frunk Available: As with many European and Asian EVs, the Ariya does not include a front trunk (frunk), beneath the hood.
No One-Pedal Driving Capability: The Ariya does not support true one-pedal driving, so drivers need to use the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, which can feel inconvenient, especially in traffic conditions.

The Ariya launched in the U.S. market in 2023, offering four trims. We advise against choosing the 63 kWh battery trims, as they provide limited range and unimpressive performance, while the cost difference to the 87 kWh battery trims is not so noticeable. Let's compare the two 87 kWh trims to help you decide which one fits your needs best.

Your choice between trims should focus on whether range or speed is the higher priority. The 87 kWh FWD (2023-…) model provides 304 miles on a charge, though it reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which may feel a bit slow. If you prefer better performance, the 87 kWh e-4ORCE AWD 290 kW (2023-…) trim is a solid choice, accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, the quickest among Ariya’s options.

One of the best things about the Ariya is its affordability—every trim can be found for under $30,000, providing an almost new car with no accident history. Some base trims are even priced around $20,000, positioning the Ariya as the most budget-friendly choice in our lineup.

The Nissan Ariya is a good match for budget-conscious buyers looking for solid specs suited for daily driving. While it doesn’t offer top-tier range or acceleration, its affordability and standard features make it a compelling choice. Our recommended trim is the 87 kWh e-4ORCE AWD 290 kW (2023-…), which delivers the best performance and a decent range.

Audi e-tron/e-tron Sportback

As a bonus, we’ve added the Audi e-tron to our list. This Audi may not shine in terms of range or performance, but it earns its spot in this special category for other reasons: exceptional driving comfort and its higher-class appeal.

What makes the e-tron unique and worthy of this special mention? First, it’s the only car on our list with standard pneumatic suspension, providing an exceptional level of driving comfort and even the ability to adjust ride height. Second, the e-tron is larger than any other model on our list, offering the best comfort for all passengers. Finally, as Audi’s top-tier electric SUV, the e-tron’s interior showcases premium materials—soft leather, Alcantara, and high-grade soft-touch plastics—making it a luxurious choice for any driver.

Let’s delve into the trim levels and specifications. You have the option of two body styles: the standard SUV e-tron or the sportier e-tron Sportback, allowing you to choose between practicality and aesthetics. In terms of trims, both e-tron models come with two options: the 55 quattro and the S trims. The S trims are designed for faster acceleration to 60 mph and come equipped with sporty features like a better braking system, but finding one for under $40,000 is a tough task. The 55 quattro trim, on the other hand, achieves a respectable acceleration time of about 5.5 seconds to 60 mph, offers a better EPA-estimated range than the S trim at 222 miles (218 for the Sportback)—though it’s still behind other models on our list—and has a towing capacity of up to 4,000 lbs.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a roomy, high-end vehicle that delivers comfort for the driver and all passengers, along with the capacity to tow trailers, the e-tron or e-tron Sportback might be worth your consideration.

Each vehicle highlighted in this article presents unique advantages and certain limitations. To determine the right one for your needs, think about your priorities: range, performance, charging speed, cargo space, and features.

After you've narrowed down your choices, it’s important to evaluate the specific option available. We recommend inspecting the car when the battery is fully charged to compare its actual range with the EPA-estimated range, as this will give you an indication of any battery degradation. Additionally, make sure that both AC and DC charging functions are operational, and seek a vehicle with a valid powertrain warranty.

We hope this article guides you in finding the ideal electric vehicle to match your needs and budget!