This Electric Car Under $40,000 Packs More Features Than a Lexus

Lexus has long been a go-to for premium cars in the U.S., and its reputation is well-earned. But in 2025, the price tags are starting to raise eyebrows—especially when many of its models ride on Toyota’s TNGA platform, originally built to cut costs, not inflate them.

The luxury EV market, meanwhile, is buzzing. Between legacy automakers and ambitious newcomers, there’s no shortage of sleek, high-tech electric sedans aiming to outshine the competition. Everyone wants a piece of the premium pie, and it shows in the explosion of stylish, full-size electric flagships hitting American roads.

But here’s the twist: you don’t need Lexus money to get Lexus-level features. There’s a midsize EV sedan from a respected South Korean brand that quietly delivers standout value—offering comfort, tech, and efficiency for under $35,000. It might not have the same badge appeal, but if you’re after smart luxury without the markup, this one’s worth a serious look.

Related

Table of Contents

Toggle

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Doubles as a “Mobile Studio” and Packs Plenty of Range

The new Hyundai Ioniq 6 has big range, plenty of modern features, and can be your mobile office.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 Delivers Lexus-Level Luxury—Without the Price Tag

If you’re looking for an EV that nails the sweet spot between value, efficiency, and features, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is tough to beat. The 2025 lineup kicks off at $37,850 for the SE Standard Range, with the Extended Range at $42,800. From there, you’ve got the more feature-rich SEL at $45,600, and the fully loaded Limited topping out at $51,100.

The base SE trim keeps things simple, but not spartan—it comes with stain-resistant cloth seats and an electronically adjustable driver’s seat. Up front, you’ll find dual 12.3-inch screens—one for infotainment, one for your instrument cluster—both sharp, responsive, and packed with features like built-in navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

You also get thoughtful touches that make everyday driving feel a bit more premium, like a rearview monitor with parking guidance and dual-zone climate control with rear vents. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend Lexus money to get a solid blend of comfort and tech.

Step up to the SEL trim, and things start to feel a lot more upscale. You get H-Tex (faux leather) upholstery, heated front seats, power adjustments for both front passengers, and a few luxury perks like a wireless phone charger, digital key access, and 64-color ambient lighting. Even small details like auto-up/down windows and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink make a difference in daily driving.

The Limited trim takes it further, leaning fully into premium territory. It adds ventilated front seats, memory settings for both the seats and mirrors, a crisp Bose sound system, and a head-up display to keep your eyes on the road. There’s also a wide sunroof and a handy vehicle-to-load system, which can even power small appliances—perfect for road trips or emergency situations.

Hyundai keeps things pretty straightforward when it comes to options—most add-ons are limited to accessories like cargo organizers and protective trim pieces. Standard paint colors include Transmission Blue, Curated Silver, and Onyx Black, but if you want something flashier, Ultimate Red or Serenity White will cost you $500. Feeling bold? The Gravity Gold Matte finish goes for $1,000 and definitely turns heads.

Regardless of trim, there’s a $1,195 destination fee baked into the final price. But here’s the good news: Hyundai is currently offering zero percent APR financing for up to 60 months across the entire Ioniq 6 lineup. If you’ve been on the fence, this deal might just make now the perfect time to jump in.

You’re probably thinking, “Wait—didn’t all those trims cost more than $35K?” Technically, yes—but for a limited time, Hyundai is offering a hefty $7,500 discount on any Ioniq 6 currently sitting on dealership lots. That means you could easily drive one home for well under sticker price.

Why the sudden discount? Despite forecasts of EV growth in 2025, sales haven’t taken off like expected—so automakers are trimming prices to clear out inventory. On top of that, a refreshed version of the Ioniq 6 is on the horizon, which gives dealers even more reason to move existing models quickly—and gives you a prime opportunity to snag a great deal.

Pros

• Head-turning, aerodynamic design
• Cabin packed with intuitive tech and big screens
• Impressive range—up to 361 miles on a full charge

Cons

• Rear-wheel drive versions aren’t exactly quick off the line
• Cargo space feels tight unless you fold the back seats
• Base price is on the higher side (unless you catch a deal)

Related

Hyundai Just Pulled the Covers off the New Ioniq 6

The updated Hyundai Ioniq 6 makes its debut with a more streamlined design and thoughtful enhancements.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 Packs a Punch With 320 Horsepower

The Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range keeps things modest with 149 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which means a 0-60 MPH time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 115 MPH. Step up to the larger 77.4 kWh battery, and you’ll get a boost to 225 horsepower, cutting your 0-60 time to a quicker 6.2 seconds.

If you’re craving more power, the Dual-Motor setup delivers a punchy 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, slashing the 0-60 time down to just 4.9 seconds, though the top speed remains the same. Whether you’re after a more efficient ride or serious performance, the Ioniq 6 has a trim that suits your needs.

Performance and Efficiency Specifications

Related

Meet the Hyundai NEXO: A Hydrogen Game-Changer Ready to Impress

Hyundai just introduced the second-gen NEXO, a hydrogen-powered SUV offering over 400 miles of range, 201 horsepower, and a focus on interior comfort.

The Ioniq 6 Delivers Impressive Efficiency

The Ioniq 6 becomes even more appealing when you check out its impressive energy efficiency stats. The base SE with the standard battery offers 151 MPGe in the city, 120 MPGe on the highway, and a combined 135 MPGe, along with 25 kWh per 100 miles. While the smaller battery limits range to about 240 miles per charge, it still packs an impressive punch for everyday driving.

On top of that, the EPA estimates you’ll save up to $5,500 on gas over five years while spending just $550 annually on electricity. That breaks down to about 94 cents for every 25 miles you drive—pretty budget-friendly for an electric ride.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EPA Fuel Consumption Estimates

Even with the added weight of the extended battery, upgrading actually boosts efficiency. The EPA estimates it will deliver 153 MPGe in the city, 127 MPGe on the highway, and a combined 140 MPGe, with just 24 kWh per 100 miles. Plus, you get an impressive 361-mile range on a full charge—perfect for longer trips.

While the five-year fuel savings and annual energy costs stay the same, you’ll only spend 90 cents to drive 25 miles. It’s a great balance of power and efficiency for those who want more range without sacrificing too much on energy use.

The dual-motor setup with the smaller 18-inch wheels strikes a nice balance between performance and efficiency. It delivers 130 MPGe in the city, 111 MPGe on the highway, and a combined 121 MPGe, with an impressive 316 miles of range on a full charge. While the energy consumption is a bit higher, it still saves you $5,250 in fuel over five years and costs around $600 annually to recharge.

With these numbers, you’ll be spending about $1.02 to drive 25 miles. It’s a solid choice for those who want a bit more power without sacrificing too much on efficiency.