Best Used Electric SUVs Under $25,000 Include Hyundai Ioniq 5, Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Equinox EV, and VW ID.4
Spending $25,000 on a used SUV doesn’t sound particularly exciting these days, especially when you consider how much prices have climbed over the past several years. But what if that same money could buy you a relatively modern electric SUV with impressive technology, strong acceleration, and enough driving range to make everyday life easy? That’s becoming a very real possibility as depreciation continues to create some interesting bargains in the pre-owned EV market. We’ve been paying close attention to these deals at Automotive Addicts, and a new Edmunds report published through the Associated Press highlights four electric SUVs worth considering for less than $25,000. The choices include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volkswagen ID.4.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV might be one of the more practical choices on the list, particularly for buyers looking to maximize driving range without spending a fortune. Introduced for the 2024 model year, the Equinox EV offers up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range, along with a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and plenty of modern technology. Its relatively conventional crossover styling also makes it appealing to buyers who aren’t necessarily interested in driving something that screams electric vehicle. Edmunds recommends looking for the 2LT trim, which adds heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a hands-free liftgate, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. With used examples beginning to fall into the $25,000 price range, the Equinox EV is becoming a compelling alternative to similarly priced gasoline-powered compact SUVs.
For drivers who appreciate something a little sportier, the Ford Mustang Mach-E deserves a serious look. Ford’s electric crossover has been around since 2021, meaning there’s now a healthy selection of pre-owned examples available at much more approachable prices. Depending on the configuration, buyers can enjoy rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, strong acceleration, and an EPA-estimated range exceeding 300 miles with certain extended-range battery models. Edmunds suggests focusing on 2021 through 2023 models, particularly the Premium trim with the larger battery pack. While the high-performance Mach-E GT is certainly tempting, the Premium offers an appealing combination of comfort, technology, and performance without necessarily stretching the budget. It’s worth remembering that many of these vehicles carried original window stickers well above what they’re selling for today.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is another standout, and admittedly, it’s one we’ve developed a growing appreciation for at Automotive Addicts. Its distinctive retro-inspired styling still looks fresh, while the spacious interior and clever packaging make it more practical than its relatively compact exterior dimensions might suggest. The Ioniq 5 also benefits from Hyundai’s 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling exceptionally quick DC fast charging under ideal conditions. Edmunds points out that low-mileage 2022 through 2024 examples can be found below $25,000, making the Ioniq 5 one of the more attractive used EV bargains. We’d recommend looking for the larger-battery versions, particularly the rear-wheel-drive configuration capable of delivering up to 303 miles of EPA-estimated range. The base SE Standard Range model offers only 220 miles, so spending a little more for the larger battery is probably worthwhile.
Rounding out the list is the Volkswagen ID.4, which might not generate the same excitement as the Ioniq 5 or Mustang Mach-E but offers plenty of value for buyers prioritizing comfort and everyday usability. The ID.4 features a roomy interior, generous cargo capacity, and a smooth, quiet driving experience that works particularly well for commuting and family transportation. Depending on the model, EPA-estimated driving range reaches up to 275 miles. Edmunds specifically recommends searching for a 2023 ID.4 Pro S, which adds a panoramic glass roof, upgraded seating materials, and a larger infotainment display. These vehicles have experienced substantial depreciation, and that means shoppers can potentially find well-equipped examples with relatively low mileage for considerably less than their original purchase prices.
What’s particularly interesting about all four vehicles is how much technology and performance can now be purchased for what amounts to the price of an ordinary used gasoline-powered crossover. Many EVs that originally cost $40,000 or more are entering a price range that makes them accessible to a much broader audience. Of course, depreciation isn’t always good news for the original owners, but for anyone buying secondhand, it creates an opportunity to get considerably more vehicle for the money. There are also potential savings on fuel and routine maintenance, especially for drivers who can charge at home. Depending on local electricity rates and driving habits, operating an EV can be substantially less expensive than regularly filling a gasoline-powered SUV.
That doesn’t mean every used EV is automatically a great purchase. We always recommend checking the battery’s health, available warranty coverage, charging performance, and vehicle history before making a decision. Some earlier models may also require charging adapters to access certain newer public charging networks. Tires deserve special attention, too, since the additional weight and instant torque of electric vehicles can contribute to relatively expensive tire replacement. Buyers should also evaluate whether they have convenient access to home charging, because relying exclusively on public fast chargers can eat into the savings that make electric ownership attractive in the first place. As with any used vehicle, an attractive asking price means very little if the car has been poorly maintained or has unresolved mechanical or electrical issues.
From our perspective, this is exactly why the pre-owned electric vehicle market has become so interesting lately. We’ve already been looking at higher-performance used EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT, but these more affordable models demonstrate that you don’t need a huge budget to experience the benefits of electric driving. For less than $25,000, buyers can potentially get a spacious, modern SUV with strong acceleration, useful range, and features that would have seemed expensive just a few years ago. Personally, we’d put the Ioniq 5 near the top of our shopping list, with the Mustang Mach-E close behind for anyone who values a more engaging driving experience. The Equinox EV might be the smarter choice for maximum range, while the ID.4 makes a strong case for comfortable everyday transportation. Whichever direction you go, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the value available in used electric SUVs, especially when the alternative is spending considerably more on a brand-new model.
