Latest electric car reviews
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Small Electric Cars
Best Small Electric Cars for 2023
August 3rd, 2023
- Starting price:
- $27,495
- Length:
- 163.2 in
- EV range:
- 259 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 278 miles (+7.3%)
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The best small electric car this year is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt. It is one of the least expensive EVs on sale, plus it's eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The Bolt's small size makes it easy to maneuver, yet it's roomier inside than it looks. Possible… deal-breakers for the Bolt are its small cargo area and the fact that it doesn't really exude the "I want to show this off to my friends" factor that some EV buyers crave.- Starting price:
- $28,795
- Length:
- 169.5 in
- EV range:
- 247 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 265 miles
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Chevy Bolt EUV finds itself in a 1A and 1B situation with its sibling. The EUV stands for "Electric Utility Vehicle" and it shares much of its powertrain with the Bolt EV. The main difference is that it's longer, and its extra 3.1 inches of rear legroom… means it can fit adults comfortably in the back seat. The same pros and cons from the Bolt EV apply here, including an attainable starting price and eligibility for the full federal tax credit. The Bolt EUV is heavier, which means that the range drops slightly versus the Bolt EV, but it's worth giving up the 12 miles if you'll often carry more than two passengers.
- Starting price:
- $42,785
- Length:
- 182.5 in
- EV range:
- up to 303 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 270 miles *2022 Limited dual-motor
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 makes it on our list thanks to retro-futuristic styling and the latest in electric vehicle design. It is comfortable and practical and has plenty of standard features. The Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range has an EPA range estimate of 220 miles.… All other trims have a bigger battery pack. Rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 models with this larger pack enjoy 303 miles of EPA-estimated range, while opting for all-wheel drive reduces the range to 260 miles. Additionally, we named the Ioniq 5 the Edmunds Top Rated Electric SUV for 2023.
- Starting price:
- $40,875
- Length:
- 174.0 in
- EV range:
- 253 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 280 miles
2023 Kia Niro EV
The third-best small electric car is the Kia Niro EV. It enters its second generation with a full redesign, which gives it new styling and an upgraded cabin that includes animal-free materials. Standard equipment is also generous, with a pair of 10.3-inch… display screens provided even in the entry-level Wind trim level. In our real-world test route, the Niro EV also beat its EPA range, covering nearly 280 miles. Sizewise, the Niro EV is a bit of a tweener as it's larger than a Chevy Bolt but still a bit smaller than the Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
- Starting price:
- $41,630
- Length:
- 184.8 in
- EV range:
- up to 333 miles
2023 Tesla Model 3
The fourth-best small electric car is the Tesla Model 3. The Model 3 is easy to recommend to people looking for their first EV since it offers excellent range, a spacious interior, a comfortable ride and satisfying performance. The available battery range… starts at 272 miles and goes up to 333 miles on the Long Range trim. When combined with the $7,500 federal tax credit, the Model 3 makes for a compelling value proposition.
- Starting price:
- $54,645
- Length:
- 174.8 in
- EV range:
- 223 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 240 miles *2021 model
2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge
The fifth-best small electric car is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. The XC40 Recharge is a small luxury SUV based on the gas-powered XC40. Highlights include a helpful Google-based infotainment system and quick acceleration. While range is an EPA-estimated 223… miles, it still lags behind other EVs that are less expensive. Also, the XC40 Recharge's cargo and passenger space can be snug by SUV standards.
- Starting price:
- $29,235
- Length:
- 176.4 in
- EV range:
- up to 212 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 237 miles *2022 Leaf Plus
2023 Nissan Leaf
The sixth-best small electric car is the Nissan Leaf. The Leaf may not be as cool as a Tesla Model 3 and doesn't offer the latest in EV technology, but it does have an established track record as one of the longest-running electric cars on the road. With an… EPA-estimated 149 miles of range in its affordable base trim and 212 miles in the Leaf Plus, this Nissan can easily cover most commutes and daily driving situations. It's also comfortable and quiet. Our primary gripes are limited storage and rear seats that don't fold flat.
- Starting price:
- $40,290
- Length:
- 180.5 in
- EV range:
- up to 275 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 288 miles *2021 ID.4 Pro
2023 Volkswagen ID.4
The seventh-best small electric car is the Volkswagen ID.4. It is an all-electric SUV that is roughly the size of VW's compact Tiguan SUV. But thanks to a platform designed from the ground up for electrification, the ID.4 is noticeably more spacious than its… gas-powered sibling. There's a lot we like about the ID.4, including its long list of standard features and smooth ride. The ID.4's control interface, which can be distracting and frustrating to use, is its main drawback.
- Starting price:
- $49,800
- Length:
- 181.3 in
- EV range:
- up to 270 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 289 miles *2022 Long Range Single Motor
2023 Polestar 2
The eighth-best small electric car is the Polestar 2 sedan. Not familiar with this brand? Polestar itself is a fairly new company, but buyers hesitant about considering an EV from an unknown automaker shouldn't worry — Polestar is actually a spinoff brand from… Volvo. Not surprisingly, the Polestar 2's cabin has an abundance of high-quality materials and digital screens. We also like the Polestar 2's quick acceleration, comfortable ride and practical rear hatch.
- Starting price:
- $35,485
- Length:
- 173.3 in
- EV range:
- 100 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 114 miles *2022 model
2023 Mazda MX-30
The ninth-best small electric car is the Mazda MX-30 compact SUV. It is Mazda's first electric vehicle and consequently has some growing pains. While the MX-30 steers, brakes and handles well, its sluggish acceleration isn't quite what you'd expect from a… modern electric vehicle. It took a full 9 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. For reference, the electric Mini Cooper got there in 6.5 seconds. And then there's the 100-mile range to contend with. While most EVs today have roughly twice the range, the MX-30 comes up short in this regard.
- Starting price:
- $30,750
- Length:
- 151.7 in
- EV range:
- 114 miles
- Edmunds Tested Range:
- 150 miles *2020 model
2023 Mini Cooper SE
Last but not least, we have the Mini Cooper SE in the 10th spot of the best small electric cars. As its name suggests, it is also the smallest electric car on the market today, though that may change next year, with the arrival of the ultra-compact 2024 Fiat… 500e. The Mini Cooper SE is based on the Hardtop 2 Door Mini and is all about affordability, style and fun. Like the aforementioned Mazda MX-30, the Cooper SE offers significantly less range (114 miles) than most of the other models on our list. While it may not seem like much, the truth is that 114 miles should still cover most commutes. Plus, we managed to eke out 150 miles out of a Cooper SE in our real-world EV testing.
Fuel cost: Electric cars vs. gas cars
Comparing the costs of electricity required to run an electric car versus the costs of gasoline to power a regular car is still an arcane science with many variables. Charging at home overnight, for example, allows you to charge at off-peak hours, reducing your costs. If you charge during the day, you'll see those rates jump. If you often charge at work or an outside charging station, you'll need an account with one of the growing numbers of electricity providers. Generally speaking, electricity costs less than gasoline and its pricing is more stable. But there's a learning curve to understanding when it's cheapest to tap into the grid to top up your EV.
Fully electric cars vs. plug-in hybrids
Electric cars are just that: cars powered solely by electricity stored in a battery pack. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, use a regular gasoline engine paired with a battery pack and electric motor. The battery pack can be recharged from an electrical outlet or charging station, but it can also store energy recaptured during braking. Usually the battery pack on a plug-in runs out of electricity within 20-40 miles, at which point the gas engine takes over, so you never need to worry about running out of juice. Full EVs require more thought, route planning, and an evolving knowledge of the location of charging stations. (Most onboard navigation systems can help locate stations and eliminate the guesswork in unfamiliar areas.)
Next steps
For many buyers, an electric car makes perfect sense. Even drivers with average commutes can often make it through a full workweek on a single charge. Electric cars offer a clean commuting alternative and are usually eligible to use HOV lanes with a single driver. And today's electric cars range from mainstream compact picks to vehicles with luxury-grade sport and comfort, so there's something for every budget. For drivers not quite ready to take the all-electric plunge, plug-in hybrids are an excellent alternative. When you're ready to explore the world of plug-in and electric cars, Edmunds can help you research EVs and find a great deal in your area.
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