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If you’re eager to buy a new electric SUV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is one of the most popular in its segment. With an MSRP of $46,895 for the base trim and $69,895 for the GT trim, it’s also one of the most expensive non-luxury electric SUV options, unfortunately. Thankfully, there are plenty of stellar options which cost less than $40,000.

1. 2022 Volkswagen ID.4

A side profile shot of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 compact electric SUV model, which is a rival of the Ford Mustang Mach-E
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 | Volkswagen of America, Inc. Newspress Limited

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 has an electric powertrain that produces 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, it gets 121 city and 102 highway MPGe, for a combined rating of 112 MPGe.

The electric range of the ID.4 is fairly standard for modern, non-luxury EVs at 280 miles. This is more than enough for most drivers unless you tend to travel for a living or enjoy long road trips. 

The charging time takes approximately 7.5 hours to reach a full charge, which is the fastest time on this list. The Volkswagen ID.4 is also able to boast that it has the most towing capability, with the ability to haul up to 2,200 lbs. Although less than the Ford Mustang Mach-E, that’s more than 700 lbs more than the Kia Niro or the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Some of the areas which have faced some criticism for the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 are the brakes, which feel spongy, and a powertrain that is so silent it can be dangerous to pedestrians.

The MSRP for the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 for the base trim is $37,495, and the MRSP for the top trim is  $53,745.

2. 2022 Kia Niro EV

The 2022 Kia Niro EV’s powertrain generates 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque, according to Edmunds. It has an EPA MPGe rating of 123 city and 102 highway. Its combined MPGe rating is 112.

As for the electric range, it has the least amount on this list, with an estimated 239 miles. The Niro EV also takes longer to charge than the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with a time of 9.5 hours. Additionally, its max payload capacity is 1,062 lbs.

The 2022 Kia Niro EV has received a lot of praise from Consumer Reports because it has features designed for everyday life.

The MSRP for the base trim is $39,990. If you’re interested in a higher trim level, the EX Premium has an MSRP of $44,650.

3. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Edmunds reports that the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a powertrain that generates 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It has a max towing capacity of 1,500 lbs and a max payload capacity of 943.

As for the mileage, you get 303 miles of electric range on its non-AWD model. It’s estimated that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets 132 city and 98 highway MPGe, with a combined total of 114 MPGe. As for the charging time, you’re looking at about 8.5 hours.

Sadly, for those who like colors that really pop, such as reds, greens, or even orange, that’s not an option. The color palette of the Ioniq 5 is very muted, which shades of black, gray, and white.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has many great safety features to make your driving experience go more smoothly, such as a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and turn signals on the mirror. This neat little electric SUV can even park itself with a mere press of a button on the key fob.

The MSRP is $39,950 for the base trim, but if you want to add more features, the top trim has an MSRP of $51,100.

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