Electric vehicles in 2025 are no longer a niche — they’re mainstream, with choices that span from affordable crossovers to luxury hyper-sedans and adventure-ready trucks. Below I compare the ten EVs that have been dominating headlines, showroom floors, and long-distance trips this year — focusing on real-world EPA ranges, starting MSRPs, and headline performance (0–60 / power) so you can quickly see where value, range, and thrill meet.
1. Tesla Model Y — The mass-market champion
Range: ~337–357 miles (Long-Range variants; Tesla lists up to 357).
Starting MSRP: mid-$40k–$50k (varies by trim/market).
Performance: Long-Range ~4.0s 0–60 (Performance quicker).
The Model Y remains the world’s best-selling EV thanks to its combination of range, charging network access and practical packaging. Tesla’s 2025 lineup emphasizes Long-Range RWD for maximum EPA mileage while Performance trims give the quick sprint times for buyers wanting pace. Tesla+1
2. Tesla Model 3 — The value performance sedan
Range: up to ~346 miles (Long Range).
Starting MSRP: low-to-mid $40k (varies).
Performance: Long Range ~4.2s 0–60; Performance below 3.5s for quicker trims.
Model 3 continues to undercut rivals on price-per-mile-of-range and still leads in efficiency — making it a go-to choice for buyers who want Tesla range and tech in a compact sedan. Tesla+1
3. Lucid Air — The luxury range king
Range: up to ~512 miles EPA estimate (Grand Touring spec; other trims lower).
Starting MSRP: about $70k+ (Pure) to much higher for top trims.
Performance: some trims 0–60 in ~3.0s; top power ~800+ hp in Sapphire/Grand Touring.
If range is the single most important stat, Lucid’s Air — particularly the Grand Touring/Sapphire configurations — is the headline grabber in 2025. It’s expensive, but it redefines long-distance EV comfort and charging speed in the luxury segment. Home | Lucid Motors+1
4. Rivian R1T — Adventure-ready electric truck
Range: ~258–330 miles depending on pack and configuration.
Starting MSRP: roughly $71,700 (Dual-motor Adventure base), rising into six figures for tri-motor/Max battery.
Performance: well under 4.5s for high-end trims; strong torque for off-road and towing.
Rivian carved out a niche with rugged design, clever utility (bed, storage) and genuine off-road capability — 2025 trims refine range and option value while keeping Rivian near the top of the EV truck conversation. rivian.com+1
5. Hyundai IONIQ 5 — Feature-packed compact SUV
Range: up to ~303 miles (depending on battery/trim).
Starting MSRP: low-to-mid $40k range for core trims.
Performance: dual-motor versions up to ~320 hp; quick but tuned for comfort.
Hyundai still impresses with the IONIQ 5’s combination of styling, usable interior, 800-V charging architecture (fast top-up sessions), and competitive pricing — a strong mainstream alternative to Tesla in 2025. hyundaiusa.com+1
6. Hyundai IONIQ 6 — Sleek long-range sedan
Range: EPA up to ~342 miles for RWD Long Range variants.
Starting MSRP: high-$30k to low-$40k territory for base trims.
Performance: RWD long-range ~5.0s 0–60 for dual-motor models quicker.
The IONIQ 6’s aerodynamic shape pays dividends on highway range and it often undercuts rival luxury sedans on price — an efficient option for buyers who favor form and long highway distance. hyundaiusa.com+1
7. Kia EV9 — Three-row EV for families
Range: ~230–304 miles (EPA varies by battery/trim; extended-range versions reach the higher figures).
Starting MSRP: approx. $55k (Light trims) to $70k+ for upper trims.
Performance: AWD trims provide stronger acceleration; tuned for comfort and family utility.
Kia’s EV9 expands the EV market into the three-row SUV space — it’s a practical family mover with modern tech and a competitive price for a big EV. kiamedia.com+1
8. Ford Mustang Mach-E — The sporty crossover alternative
Range: up to ~320 miles in higher-range trims.
Starting MSRP: roughly $38k–$58k depending on trim.
Performance: GT/Rally variants up to ~480 hp with sub-4s 0–60 capability.
Ford’s Mach-E balances sporty handling with usable range and price. It remains a strong “non-Tesla” contender thanks to well-rounded dynamics and a refreshed 2025 lineup that keeps it competitive. https://www.ford.com/+1
9. Mercedes-Benz EQS — Luxury and composure
Range: up to ~390 miles EPA for the most efficient sedan variants.
Starting MSRP: roughly $100k+ for EQS 450+ base in the U.S. market.
Performance: EQS580 & AMG variants deliver brisk acceleration (sub-4s for the fastest models).
If you want classic luxury in an EV — silence, sophisticated suspension, and top-tier interiors — EQS remains a benchmark, albeit at a premium price. Recent model-year adjustments nudged pricing and specs, but the EQS still leads in cabin tech and refinement. mbusa.com+1
10. Volkswagen ID.4 — Practical and affordable crossover
Range: EPA ~206–291 miles depending on battery and drivetrain.
Starting MSRP: low-to-mid $40k range.
Performance: modest; tuned for efficiency and comfort rather than outright pace.
ID.4 is the pragmatic pick: comfortable, widely available, and frequently priced to appeal to mainstream EV buyers. It isn’t the longest-ranger, but it’s balanced for everyday use and continues to be a best-seller in multiple markets. vw.com+1
Quick takeaways — what matters in 2025
- Range leaders (Lucid Air, some Tesla trims) push beyond 400–500 miles on paper — game-changing for long trips but expensive. Home | Lucid Motors+1
- Best value per mile currently comes from mainstream crossovers (Model 3/Y, IONIQ 5/6, ID.4), where competitive pricing meets practical ranges. Car and Driver+1
- Performance varies by segment: trucks like the Rivian R1T and sport trims of the Mach-E deliver true low-4s (or quicker) acceleration, while family SUVs prioritize comfort and usable range. Car and Driver+1
- Charging and ecosystem matter as much as range. Access to fast charging networks (Tesla’s Supercharger/NACS adoption, Hyundai/Kia adding NACS, and expanding public DC fast infrastructure) is a major part of the ownership picture. Tesla+1
Final thought
2025’s EV market is less about asking “which single car is best” and more about choosing the right tool for the job: a long-range flagship if you road-trip nonstop (Lucid/Tesla Long-Range), a family three-row for daily life (Kia EV9), a utility truck for adventurers (Rivian), or an efficient, affordable daily driver (Ioniq 5, ID.4, Model 3). Use the ranges and prices above as a starting point, then prioritize charger access, local incentives, and the trim that matches your daily mileage and driving style.
If you want, I can convert this into a side-by-side spec table (range / MSRP / 0–60 / key pros & cons) for easy comparison — tell me which three models you’d like compared head-to-head and I’ll make a clean table with the latest EPA and MSRP figures.