Consumer Reports – September 2019

Electric Vehicles

Under $60,000

Hyundai Kona Electric The Hyundai is one of the

best among the affordable

EVs, with a robust range of

258 miles and the practicality

of a small SUV. It’s much

quicker and quieter than

the regular Kona, and it’s

enjoyable to drive. See the

full test results on page 63.

The field of more reasonably priced electric cars is

growing. Here are the five EV models under $60,000

that CR has rated, ranked by Overall Score.

BMW i3

The i3 stands out because

it handles well and is very

reliable. Otherwise, this

diminutive EV has a short

electric driving range, it’s

hard for rear passengers to

get in and out, and it has

very limited cargo space.

Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 is agile and

fun to drive, and has

comfortable front seats

and a long driving range.

However, its stiff ride and

distracting controls hurt the

overall experience. Tesla also

has low brand reliability.

Chevrolet Bolt

The Bolt’s long range,
nimble handling and quick
acceleration make it a
solid choice among EVs.
We wish that Chevrolet
would shorten the charge
time and improve the front
seats and ride comfort.

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf has a quiet interior,

and it's easy to get in and out,

plus it has standard automatic

emergency braking. But

some versions have a short

driving range. Its handling is

a bit clumsy, and the driving

position is awkward.

STARTING MSRP

ROAD

TEST RANGE IN MILES

 RELIABILITY

OVERALL

SCORE

64

62

$29,990

03

140

STARTING MSRP

ROAD

TEST RANGE IN MILES

 RELIABILITY

OVERALL

SCORE

78

76

$36,950

40

258

STARTING MSRP

ROAD

TEST RANGE IN MILES

 RELIABILITY
OVERALL
SCORE

71

76

$36,620

30

250

STARTING MSRP

ROAD

TEST RANGE IN MILES

 RELIABILITY

OVERALL

SCORE

70

70

$44,450

50

153

STARTING MSRP

ROAD

TEST RANGE IN MILES

 RELIABILITY

OVERALL

SCORE

65

82

$39,900

20

Electric-Only 310

Hyundai Kona Electric

SEPTEMBER 2019 CR.ORG 57