10 Budget EV Alternatives To Consider Over These More Expensive Gas-Powered Cars

One of the primary knocks against EVs is cost, with buyers understandably having to consider higher sticker prices (sometimes considerably) than ICE comparables. The difficulty, though, lies in comparing apples to oranges, as EVs bring a different dynamic to the comparison chart—energy efficiency, the cost of “refuelling” and how you pay for it, level of technology, and ownership costs for maintenance.

But not every EV carries a financial penalty, and in some cases, EVs undercut their ICE equivalents—particularly in instances where combustion versions command a premium price for performance credentials or their brand prestige. As the following examples illustrate, even when comparing just sticker prices, EVs aren’t always more expensive than comparable ICE counterparts (or near-counterparts, anyway).

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and Edmunds. The models below are presented in descending order based on their starting MSRP.

2025 Cadillac Optiq – Starting Price: $52,895

Compared To The 2025 Lexus RX 350h ($52,875)

The ICE-powered car being the cheaper one to begin with may confuse some of you (even though the difference is just $20), but here’s why we included it. The 2025 Cadillac Optiq enters the luxury EV crossover space as a well-balanced offering that blends brisk acceleration, a quiet ride, and a cabin stocked with modern amenities. It caters to buyers seeking both refinement and everyday usability, with an interior that prioritizes digital interfaces, upscale finishes, and flexible passenger- and cargo-carrying ability. And though it’s boldly modern, it’s undoubtedly a Cadillac, with traditional cues.

Held up to the 2025 Lexus RX 350h, Optiq highlights the split between all-electric modernity and traditional luxury practicality. Although not as old as traditional Cadillacs, the Lexus RX hybrid counters with one of the most fuel-efficient powertrains available anywhere, a history of reliability, and a plush, comfort-focused, and eerily quiet cabin for an ICE vehicle. Space and amenities are comparable.

2025 Kia EV6 AWD – Starting Price: $50,300

Compared To The 2025 BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe ($54,600)

The all-wheel-drive 2025 Kia EV6 (it also comes in RWD) positions itself as a strong value in the EV space, blending long-distance capability with spritely acceleration and handling. With its dual-motor/bigger battery combination, it delivers brisk acceleration and extended range to make it suitable for daily family needs and weekend road trips. Inside, the EV6 emphasizes modern styling, generous space, and user-friendly technology.

The 2025 BMW 430i xDrive, in contrast, reflects traditional luxury grand touring accommodations in a more user-friendly Gran Coupe profile (BMW speak for notchback sedan). The BMW emphasizes refined road manners, a proven gasoline engine (enhanced with mild hybridization), and a more intimate traditionally-equipped cabin geared toward driving dynamics. The BMW leans on prestige and a traditional luxury feel, while the EV6 highlights modernity.

2025 Tesla Model Y AWD – Starting Price: $48,990

Compared To The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback ($55,990)

The 2025 Tesla Model Y continues to serve as a benchmark among electric crossovers, combining efficiency, performance, and versatility in a compact package that’s friendly to families and the urban/suburban environment. In its dual-motor Long Range AWD form, it delivers swift acceleration and stable handling, and a driving range that is among the best in its class. Inside, its minimalist cabin emphasizes technology with a large central touchscreen to control nearly all functions.

The Audi Q5 Sportback emphasizes traditional craftsmanship in a sporty profile, a quieter and more polished ride, and a richly finished cabin with tactile controls, as well as the ability to effortlessly transition from on-pavement smoothness to dirt-trail competence. For comparison, the Tesla offers more interior volume and emphasizes cutting-edge tech, while delivering greater efficiency.

2025 Tesla Model 3 AWD – Starting Price: $47,490

Compared To The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic ($50,450)

The Tesla Model 3 stands out as one of the most well-rounded sedans, EV or otherwise, in the market, delivering a blend of efficiency, performance, and practicality that fits neatly into both the premium compact segment and the family-car class. Its dual-motor setup provides swift acceleration and all-weather traction, while its range remains among the longest in its class, making it ideal for both daily urban driving and weekend getaways.

Compared with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic, the Model 3 underscores the divide between modern innovation and traditional luxury. In keeping with the family heritage, the Mercedes C-Class sedan prioritizes craftsmanship, tactile interior quality, and a refined driving experience that combines ride suppleness with precise handling. The Tesla, meanwhile, highlights efficiency, quicker acceleration, and advanced driver-oriented tech.

2025 Honda Prologue AWD – Starting Price: $47,400

Compared To The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe ($60,490)

The 2025 Honda Prologue presents itself as a practical and approachable entry into the midsize EV SUV market. With standard all-wheel drive, a reasonable driving range, and a cabin designed for comfort and utility, it appeals to buyers who want an electric vehicle that feels familiar but is modern. Its interior emphasizes easily-manipulated space and versatility, with straightforward technology and supportive seating.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe serves up off-road readiness with the ability to extend journeys through plug-in hybrid flexibility. Traditionally, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers towing strength and trail capability beyond the Prologue’s scope, while the latter focuses on refined pavement manners and exemplary efficiency. Both have the rugged SUV look, but the Jeep walks the walk.

2025 Toyota bZ4X AWD – Starting Price: $39,150

Compared To The 2025 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury AWD ($44,490)

Like every other EV from a volume automaker, the Toyota bZ4X positions itself as a practical, well-equipped, tech-intensive vehicle aimed at buyers who want a comfortable, efficient vehicle with modern amenities. Its electric drivetrain ensures smooth acceleration and quiet operation, and with all-wheel drive (the standard setup is single-motor FWD), it provides all-weather sure-footedness, secure handling, and balanced performance.

The 2025 Cadillac XT4 AWD sits in contrast to the bZ4X by emphasizing premium finishes, a more traditional interior layout (though not as spacious and utilitarian as the Toyota), raw power, and refined road manners. The Toyota, in contrast, leans on efficiency, lower running costs, and the appeal of a zero-emissions drivetrain. Both rely on brand cachet, with the XT4’s placed on traditional luxury and the bZ4X on reliability.

2025 Subaru Solterra – Starting Price: $38,495

Compared To The 2025 Nissan Murano AWD ($41,470)

The 2025 Subaru Solterra focuses on practicality, safety, and usability. Standard all-wheel drive gives it the confident traction Subaru buyers expect, while its electric drivetrain provides smooth, quiet performance for comfortable everyday driving. The cabin emphasizes space and simplicity, with supportive seating, intuitive tech, and versatility for both city errand-running, car-pooling, and adventuring.

Set against Solterra, the 2025 Nissan Murano SV AWD reflects the experience of a gasoline crossover veteran, with refined ride quality, a smooth V-6 that’s one of the best ever produced, and a more traditional luxury-leaning interior. Though the Subaru prioritizes efficiency and modern technology, it lacks the Murano’s long-range convenience and practical interior comfort.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV AWD – Starting Price: $36,600

Compared To The 2025 Ford Explorer AWD ($42,050)

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT1 is the accessible entry point into Chevy’s electric line-up, and is the most affordable electric SUV in the market, offering a balance of practicality, technology, and everyday usability. The AWD option provides sure-footed handling, smooth acceleration, and quiet operation. The cabin is spacious, straightforward, and digitally intensive, with supportive seating and ample cargo flexibility.

The renowned Ford Explorer is almost the diametric opposite of the Equinox EV, offering traditional SUV capability, more passenger space, and a versatile platform better suited for comfort on long trips and towing ability. The Chevy electric crossover counters with greater efficiency, lower operating costs, smoother performance, and easier-to-handle day-to-day versatility.

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric – Starting Price: $32,975

Compared To The 2025 Lexus UX 300h FWD ($38,035)

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric combines a compact footprint, practical range, and user-friendly technology that’s ideal for the urban or suburban family dipping its toes into EV transportation. Affordable and efficient, it offers smooth, quiet performance well-suited for city errand-running and commuting, while its electric FWD provides instant torque for confident response in traffic. Inside, it’s equally simple and usable, with comfortable seating and spacious versatility.

For comparison, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h offers fuel flexibility, traditional refinement, and a more upscale interior with premium finishes. The Hyundai offers zero-emissions driving, lower long-term operating costs, and a roomier cabin, while the UX leans on Lexus luxury and heritage in a package that is equally small-family practical and city-friendly, with the added versatility of extended trips without range anxiety.

2025 Nissan Leaf – Starting Price: $28,140

Compared To The 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hybrid Hatchback ($30,495)

Before its redesign and segment change for 2026, the Nissan Leaf finishes up the hatchback stage of metamorphosis as the most attainable electric vehicle in the market, offering simplicity, efficiency, and affordability for buyers seeking a practical dive into EV waters. Its compact size was built for easy maneuverability in urban environments, while its electric drivetrain delivers quiet, smooth acceleration, and its cabin emphasizes functionality, with straightforward controls and supportive seating.

If you’re looking for something that does more than just get you from rec center A to shopping mall B, though, the 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hybrid Hatchback offers driving flexibility for extended highway trips, sharper handling for “run-what-you-brung” track days, and a more premium interior presentation. Like other Civics, the Honda hybrid hatchback caters to owners looking for sportier performance, while still saving some money at the pumps.