Shopping for a new car is the default for most people, but there’s something satisfying about scoring a great used vehicle—especially if it’selectric. With EVs evolving so quickly, yesterday’shigh-techflagship can easily become today’s used-car bargain.
Unlike gas-powered models, EVs tend to depreciate faster, mostly because demand in the used market hasn’t quite caught up. That’s great news for buyers, because a used EV can offerfuturistic techand design for the same price as a basic new compact car.
Many of these EVs sold for nearly $50,000 just a few years ago, but now you may snag one for under $30K. So which one gives you the most for your money?
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Hyundai and other authoritative sources, including CarEdge, Green Cars, and Kelley Blue Book.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Has Everything—and It’s Now Under $25K Used
We know we’ve sung this car’s praises before, but the hype is absolutely justified. TheHyundai Ioniq 5keeps showing up on our lists for a reason.
Hyundai nailed the formula with this one—great design, smooth ride, and loads of tech. And the best part? According toKelley Blue Book, you can now find a 2023 Ioniq 5 for around $20,920.
Dig a little deeper into the listings, and you’ll spot some 2022 models going for even less. That’s a serious deal for a car that still feels brand-new.
Roomy, Relaxed, and Ready for Anything
If you’re shopping for a used EV under $25K that can do it all, it better have room for it all, too. Good news—the Ioniq 5 more than delivers.
With 106.5 cubic feet of passenger space, it actually edges out theTesla Model Y. Half a cubic foot might not sound like much, but that’s basically the size of a microwave—and when it comes to comfort, every inch counts.
So, whether it’s passengers, gear, or just room to stretch out, the Ioniq 5 packs more space than you’d expect at this price point.
1.8 Cubic Feet (N/A—AWD)
4.7 Cubic Feet
When it comes to cargo space, the Ioniq 5 doesn’t quite match up to the Model Y. It offers 59.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the Model Y boasts a roomy 72.1 cubic feet.
The front trunk tells a similar story—the Ioniq 5 gives you about 2 cubic feet up front, but that drops to just 0.85 cubic feet if you go for the dual-motor AWD version. Meanwhile, the Model Y’s front trunk doubles that at 4.1 cubic feet.
Practical Features You Didn’t See Coming
Practicality isn’t just about space—it’s about how you use it. That’s why we’re big fans of the Ioniq 5’s interior design, which feels fresh and smart in all the right ways.
For example, the center console slides back and forth, giving front passengers more legroom or letting rear passengers grab some extra storage. Instead of a typical glove box, there’s a handy drawer, and a magnetized fabric panel on the dash lets you personalize your space—kind of like decorating a fridge.
One standout feature that’s just catching on in 2025 but was ahead of its time here is the vehicle-to-load (V2L)tech. It lets you power your gadgets, appliances, or even your home during outages using the car’s battery—and yes, you can even trickle-charge another EV. It might sound like a gimmick, but when the power goes out, you’ll be the neighbor everyone envies.
Eye-Catching Design That Turns Heads Everywhere
Looks matter just as much as practicality, and the Ioniq 5 doesn’t disappoint. Even as a used EV under $30,000, it’s snagged plenty of design awards and still turns heads better than many brand-new gas cars in the same price range.
Honestly, you’ll feel proud pulling up in an Ioniq 5—it’s proof that style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Classic Vibes With a Modern Twist
Is it a crossover or a hatchback? Honestly, it’s hard to tell just by looking. The Ioniq 5’s design tricks the eye—its proportions feel compact, like aLancia DeltaHF Integrale, but in person, it’s surprisingly roomy.
That retrofuturistic style really hits the mark, especially with the eye-catching Parametric Pixel LED lights. The lower trims sport black cladding and 19-inch wheels, while the top models step it up with 20-inch wheels and silver accents.
Of course, flush door handles are a must-have for any modern EV, and the Ioniq 5 nails this detail. They pop out when you unlock the car and tuck back in when you lock it, while higher trims add a power tailgate for extra convenience.
An Interior That’s Cozy and Inviting
The Ioniq 5’s interior feels more like a stylish lounge than a typical car cabin. Most trims come with a sleek black interior, but if you want to step it up, the optional white interior really brightens the mood.
No matter which version you choose, you’ll get two sharp 10.25-inch screens, soft-touch materials, and a mix of leather and eco-friendly textiles. Plus, there’s plenty of room for five people, wiredApple CarPlay and Android Auto, and handy wireless charging to keep your devices juiced up.
Go for the higher trims, and you’re treated to ambient LED lighting with 64 colors and a panoramic glass roof that opens up the cabin. You’ll also get leather or leatherette seats, a premium Bose sound system, and those awesome Relaxation Seats—complete with footrests for the front passengers.
Yes, even the driver gets to kick back, which is a nice touch while waiting for a charge. Plus, there’s a household outlet inside the car, thanks to its handy vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature.
Get More for Less With a Used Ioniq 5
Scoring an Ioniq 5 for under $30,000 is a sweet deal. Since it’s already gone through most of its depreciation, you’re jumping in when the value drop slows down—and that means you get to enjoy all the savings that come with driving electric.
More Affordable to Drive Than Its Rivals
Let’s start with insurance—EVs often gettagged as pricier to insure because repairs can be more complex. According toCarEdge, the average yearly insurance for the Ioniq 5 is about $2,354, which is roughly $723 more than the typical SUV.
That said, your actual insurance bill can swing quite a bit based on where you live and your driving history. So keep that in mind when budgeting.
1-Sppeed AT
1-Speed AT
167 HP
225 HP
320 HP
258 LB-FT
268 LB-FT
446 LB-FT
58.0 kWh
77.4 KwH
77.4 kWh
0–60 MPH
7.4 Seconds
4.5 Seconds
Charging costs really come down to how often you use public chargers versus ahome setup. Charging at home is hands down the cheapest way to go—way cheaper than filling up at the pump—so having a garage or home charger is a huge advantage.
If you’re in an apartment or condo without easy charging access, public chargers can sometimes cost more than gas. On the bright side, EVs have fewer moving parts, which means maintenance costs tend to be lower, too.
Battery Peace of Mind: Longevity and Coverage
Worried about how long the Ioniq 5’s battery will last? Well, one guy in South Korea put that fear to rest by racking up over 400,000 miles—413,992 to be exact—in less than three years. He was a traveling salesman averaging nearly 380 miles a day, which is way more than most of us will ever drive.
Hyundai actually swapped out his battery at 360,000 miles—well past the U.S. warranty limit of 10 years or 100,000 miles—not because it failed, but because they wanted to study how it held up under such intense use. They found that the battery was still holding 87 percent of its original capacity, despite frequent fast charging all the way to 100 percent.
So, if that’s what extreme use looks like, everyday drivers have nothing to stress about. As long as you care for it properly, the Ioniq 5’s battery is built to go the distance.
