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15 hours ago
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Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range
Another torrential summer rainstorm sweeps across the motorway, making the BYD Dolphin Surf's wipers swipe from side to side like a feverish Tinder user. The back one would be doing the same but, annoyingly, the Dolphin Surf doesn't have one. I'd quite like to get home, which Google Maps tells me is 39 miles away. The thing is, the Surf's trip computer tells me I have only 37 miles until the battery is dead. Great. Advertisement - Article continues below Welcome to our range test of the six cheapest electric cars on the market, three from European brands, two from Chinese ones and a Hyundai from Korea. We're driving them until their digital displays flash up zero battery remaining, to prove how far you can actually go in these budget babies, and how they behave when driven to the point of no return. Not so long ago these tiny cars were strung out across the M1's lanes like jelly beans spilling across a sweet shop's counter. There's the bright green car of the moment, the Renault 5, the radiant yellow BYD and Fiat Grande Panda glowing like the intermittent sun, the dark Hyundai Inster (probably blackcurrant flavour), murky blue Dacia Spring and white Leapmotor T03, the result of a joint venture between Stellantis and China's Zhejiang Leapmotor. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below One by one they've headed back to base to recharge, leaving me alone in the rain and praying I can make it to the kerbside charger just around the corner from my home. Especially in this rain. There are more budget-friendly EVs to choose from than ever before, and the Auto Express Find a Car service is here to help. Click here to find the very latest electric car deals … Advertisement - Article continues below Ten hours ago, the BYD was hooked up to Osprey chargers in a Bedford roll call of the six cheapest electric cars on the UK market. Truth be told, the Citroen e-C3 would sneak into the top six but given that it's mechanically identical to its Fiat sister car, we've switched it for the Hyundai Inster, which starts at £23,505. Our cheapest EV is the Dacia Spring, which costs from £14,995 in the UK. Affordability is – along with the unreliable charging network, despite charging app Zap-Map saying the UK has 82,000 plugs to choose from – the biggest issue holding back the electric revolution. But all of these six cars, bar the Chinese-built Dacia – have entered the UK market in 2025, giving budget-conscious buyers unprecedented choice. It's an issue that's demanded Government action: within days of our test it announced a fund offering discounts of up to £3,750. But it's unlikely any Asian-built cars will qualify on environmental grounds. At present you can get £1,500 off the T03's £15,995 list price as part of Leapmotor's reaction to the Government's Electric Car Grant. And it's in one of them – the Hyundai Inster – that I start the day. The company's design team is on a bit of a roll at the moment, and the Inster looks like nothing else in the class. Even in the rather subdued matt paint finish of our test car, the round LED lighting signature combined with boxy arches, pixel-light indicators and four-spoke alloy wheels manages to mix an element of cutesy looks and scrappy toughness at the same time; a little like a Japanese kei car that's spent winter working on its gains at the gym. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below At 3.8 metres long, it's not fully kei-compliant, but it's still tiny on the road, making it all the more impressive that Hyundai has found so much space inside. It's really huge for such a small car. On the drive up to the charging station, it feels a little more grown up than the firm's smallest petrol car, the Hyundai i10, mainly because the electric motor delivers much more punchy performance. It's not a car that'll win any drag races, but the 113bhp and 147Nm on offer give sprightly speed away from the traffic lights, and it remains respectable at the national limit. There aren't many downsides, but the light steering – a boon around town – becomes a little vague towards motorway speeds, and road and wind noise aren't particularly well isolated from the cabin. On paper, it's got the most compelling specs, here, too. At 49kWh, it has a larger battery than any of its five rivals in this test, and that translates into a WLTP-claimed range of 229 miles. However, it's already fighting an uphill battle (never good for range). It's the most expensive of our six – the car pictured here in 02 trim costs £26,755. There's a smaller-battery model at 42kWh, which costs £23,505, but that would still rank it as the priciest here. It'll need to really sparkle against the rest of the competition. But there's plenty of talent set to arrive at our meeting point, and that point is hammered home by news reporter Ellis Hyde, who is next to show up in one of the most desirable cars – never mind electric vehicles – of 2025: the Renault 5. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Ellis has brought along the entry-level Evolution edition, complete with a smaller 40kWh battery and 118bhp motor (down from 148bhp paired with a 52kWh battery on the higher trims). At £22,995, it's the entry point to the 5 line-up. There's no doubt it looks fantastic even beside the quirky Inster, but I'll have to wait until later to drive it. As everyone plugs in to ensure that all the cars start this trip with 100 per cent charge, we confirm some ground rules. First and foremost, we must drive completely 'normally.' There will be no concessions towards hypermiling, overly slow driving when the range starts to run low, or any other shenanigans that would set us apart from a typical driver on a normal day. So aside from a couple of dynamic rural runs – all in the name of testing – we'll all be on our best behaviour. We stick to the speed limits, and the air-con remains set to 21 degrees or – in a car that doesn't have a temperature reading – in the middle of their temperature range. Ambient temperatures generally floated around the 20-degree mark for most of the day, which started in patchy cloud and gradually got worse, ending in torrential rain. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below With everyone assigned cars for the first leg, I hop into the model which, if the stats are to be believed, should run out of juice first: the Dacia Spring. The Spring has been around for some time in mainland Europe, but the UK has only got it since a mid-life facelift, which brought a more distinctive look inside and out. Despite the jazzy new design, the Spring isn't exactly shy in hiding its budget feel. Yes, there's a smart touchscreen and digital driver's display, but it sounds and feels more like a 15-year-old supermini than a brand-new car. Much of the ergonomic design is very much like a 15-year-old supermini's, too – but that's not a complaint. The big, round dials for the air-conditioning, chunky switches in the centre of the dash, and large steering wheel shortcut buttons all feel incredibly easy to use; few electric vehicles are so easy for newcomers. There's even a manual handbrake and a key to turn the car on. As the convoy rolls off from the charging bays, the Spring is reading 132 miles on its trip computer. And immediately it's clear that, rather than slick aerodynamic trickery or clever energy- management systems, simplicity and light weight work in its favour. At a time when so many EVs splurge to well over two tonnes, the dinky Dacia weighs just 984kg. That can be felt in all that it does; it feels light and nippy like small cars used to, with its narrow body letting it squeeze through tight gaps. There's not much power to play with, so the aim is to conserve momentum – working hand in hand with its efficiency aims. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Unfortunately, there's one thing that works against conserving momentum, and that becomes clear as soon as we turn off for some rural driving. The Spring runs on Linglong tyres, and there's no way to put this delicately: they're awful. Even on warm, bone-dry roads, the budget rubber struggles to generate much grip. There's little feedback, either, so not only does the front axle scoot sideways sooner than you'd expect, but it's only the disconnect between steering angle and direction of travel that gives the game away that something is up. And no, nobody is demanding sports-car levels of cornering ability, but the Spring makes the next car I hop into, the Fiat Grande Panda, feel like a sports car through the same set of turns. In reality, the Panda is just a perfectly acceptable supermini to drive, with decent grip and keen steering, but it feels so much more secure – a big plus in the unlikely event of having to take emergency action to avoid a hazard. The Panda shows the Dacia that there's room for improvement. As it turns out, the Fiat reveals there's plenty more that its rivals can work on. All of these cars are built to a budget, but the Fiat will leave you feeling harder pressed than most to discover where Stellantis has pinched the pennies. The top-spec La Prima cabin is a joyous place to sit; the wood-effect trim on the dash contrasts with the clear yellow Perspex and the blue seat upholstery. It makes every other cabin here feel rather dull. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Well, almost every other cabin. We roll into Milton Keynes and I hop inside the Renault 5. We've banged on plenty about just how fantastic the new 5 feels, but with good reason; it, like the Panda, delivers a huge feelgood factor. But the 5's talents lie far beyond its retro-modern styling inside and out. It's fair to say that a motorway isn't the natural habitat for these pint-sized EVs, but owners will expect to drive on them from time to time. So our convoy carves around Milton Keynes' famous roundabouts and hits the M1 northbound, to test the cars' efficiency and motorway-speed cruising. The Renault 5 feels like the most complete model here. Refinement is top notch for a small EV; in terms of tyre roar, wind noise and stability, it feels like a clear step above its five rivals. Despite being the base model, performance is great, leaving most of the competition behind, and it handles sharply without being unduly firm. Our only criticism remains that it isn't the most spacious small car, but it's kind of average in the supermini segment - a little less than a Renault Clio, offering closer to Toyota Yaris levels of space. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below We continue up the M1 to Northampton services, and stop there to check the state of play. The short higher-speed hop has seen a couple of cars use up plenty of their juice, and unsurprisingly, the Dacia is the one that's feeling the heat the most. Even though it's proving to be the most efficient so far, at 4.3mi/kWh, its battery level is dropping, so it's time for its chaperone to turn around and head back to Bedford, where we can run its battery down in close proximity to a charger. Next for me is the Dacia's closest rival, the Leapmotor T03, and we head north again. The T03 has already impressed us – enough that in a previous road-test encounter with a Dacia Spring, it emerged victorious. On that occasion, we felt that the margin of victory would have been much greater were it not for the fact that the Leapmotor's touchscreen-focused user interface was so poor; the tiny on-screen controls and fiddly sub menus are a pain to use, which is an even greater issue when basic functions such as the Leapmotor's lights and windscreen wipers are confined to the display. It doesn't take many miles on the road to work out where the T03's strengths lie compared with the Spring, though. It feels more sturdy, the cabin is more hushed and its slower, slightly heavier steering adds a sense of security on the road. It's still not exactly stunning through the corners, and sidewinds can catch that tall, narrow body, but at least it does wear some proper tyres – from Continental. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below It appears our first contender has made it back to base. Ellis posts in the group chat: 'The Spring is dead! After 109.1 miles, it hit 0 per cent battery.' The final car I'm hopping into has 72 miles of range remaining. Saying that, I'm also 70 miles from Bedford, our targeted regroup point. The model is another Chinese newcomer: the BYD Dolphin Surf. We firmly believe it's the best the brand offers in the UK. While much of the BYD proposition is merely good rather than outstanding, the Dolphin Surf fights any shortcomings with really punchy pricing. The range starts at just £18,650 – barely any more than the Spring for a well equipped Fiesta-sized car – although that does only get you a modest 30kWh battery and 87bhp. We've got the top-spec Comfort, complete with 154bhp, a 43.2kWh pack and a starting price of £23,950. The generous standard kit is immediately apparent, with electric seat adjustment a novelty in this group. Despite the range estimate, I set off for base, with the air-con whispering gently in the background. While I don't want to drive too keenly, that 154bhp motor lends the Dolphin Surf some of the most punchy performance on this test – 0-62mph takes 9.1 seconds. Yet sometimes it's too punchy; in the rain, a heavy right foot can cause bursts of wheelspin before the traction control system reins things in. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The rest of the drive is a mixed bag. Refinement and ride are okay – not on the 5's level, but a bit more hushed at a cruise than the Inster. Instead, it's the steering that needs work; a sticky self-centring feeling means that you constantly make corrections without ever feeling it's where you want it to be. But that's nothing compared to the frustration of the driver-attention warning system. Peering slightly to the side to look around an approaching corner, looking close to the front of the car's nose when squeezing through a small gap, even a quick glance in the rear-view mirror; all of these things caused the car to demand attention with the grammatically incorrect instruction, 'keep eyes on road!' I soon turned it off and was instantly happier. Happiness turns to a little stress as the miles wear on, however. Another jaunt or two on 70mph dual carriageway roads has cut the range so that it's touch and go to make it back. When you just want to complete the journey after a long day, you're acutely aware of the constant battle raging between estimated range and the distance to go. There's 25 miles to home but only 24 miles of range remaining. Every hill causes a mild disgruntled chunter as it chips previous mileage from the range, while downhill stretches leave you with the merest hope that it can be recovered again. A mix of anticipation and willpower keeps as many lights green as possible, because braking and accelerating again will waste more mileage. I see other messages pop up from my colleagues – Rich is in the Panda, Phil in the Renault, Paul in the Leapmotor – suggesting all of those cars have lost their energy before the BYD. It's now only the Dolphin Surf and Hyundai Inster vying for the long-distance medal. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below In the BYD, there's 10 per cent charge remaining. A warning light pops up on the dash. But it's not until the charge hits five per cent that it becomes a little twitchy. The mileage estimate disappears off the driver's display; the automotive equivalent of a car shrugging its shoulders and saying "you're on your own now, mate' and the power is restricted. Three miles from home, I have a choice: either take a straight dual carriageway that's right on the limit of that three miles, or take a shorter route that takes the form of a slower, twisty road that climbs steeply uphill. I go for the latter, and it proves to be the right decision. I make it to the chargers with just one per cent remaining, leaving the Dolphin Surf enough juice to circle the block a couple of times until its range turns to nought. So which car went furthest on a charge? That prize goes to the Inster, which covered 184 miles before running down to zero per cent. The Dolphin Surf was second, at 168 miles. Up next is the Renault 5, at 143 miles, beating the T03 by one mile. Not only did the T03 get closest to its WLTP range, its trip computer also recorded the most accurate data. The disappointment of the group was the Panda, which averaged just 3.1 miles/kWh on its way to a distance of 134 miles; motorway driving decimated its range. The car that covered the shortest distance was also the most efficient by some margin; in covering 109 miles, the Spring and its tiny battery averaged 4.4 miles/kWh. But distance wasn't the main consideration for this test – we wanted to find out how these EVs react when they reach zero, how easy they would be to live with every day. We've even worked out which costs the least money per mile not only to run, but to buy outright, based on its overall range. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below On that first point, running these cars to the limit really helps to take your mind off the concerns over range. They all estimated their ranges impressively accurately, something that wasn't a certainty on EVs in the past. With some forward planning, it makes even longer journeys easier to work with. But it's time to conclude the final running order. Bringing up the rear is the Spring. It's cheap and its efficiency is superb, but that range will limit it to second-car only status for many, and the slightly cheap feeling in places makes us wonder if a used EV could offer more for less cash. The T03 has recently become more appealing, thanks to a £1,500 discount, which means, in terms of miles per pound of retail price, it's by far the best-value car here. But the same used versus new car debate remains. If it wasn't for the infuriating touchscreen, it likely would have fared much better. Fourth place doesn't look great for the Hyundai Inster, but it runs the two cars above very close. Its versatile cabin is the most spacious here, and its real-world range also led the way. Yet it's expensive compared with rivals, and the cabin finish and overall refinement don't quite align with that price. There's a tie for second place between the Fiat Grande Panda and the BYD Dolphin Surf. The Panda is a very likeable car, it's roomy (with a generous boot), great to drive and very desirable, but it's let down by poor efficiency here – especially at higher speeds. In this company, the Dolphin Surf delivers superb value for money, with plenty of kit, space and comfort. It was second best overall in terms of range, so it could realistically be used as an only car. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below All six of us unanimously agreed that the Renault 5 should take top spot. It's priced competitively among this group of EVs and its efficiency isn't far off some much more basic and less powerful rivals, yet it also feels like a significantly more expensive car than anything else here. Its cabin design, refinement, quality, handling and in-car tech feel a significant cut above this competition. As far as cheap, small EVs go, it's a clear winner. Ranking Car Price Net battery capacity Distance covered Official range % of official range achieved DC charge rate Indicated mi/kWh Calculated mi/kWh Pence per mile at 70/79p/kWh Retail price per mile 1 Renault 5 E-Tech Evolution 120hp £22,995 40kWh 143 miles 193 miles 74.10% 80kW 3.9 3.6 1.9/21.9 £160.80 =2 BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort £23,950 43.2kWh 168 miles 200 miles 84.00% 85kW 4.3 3.9 1.8/20.3 £142.56 =2 Fiat Grande Panda La Prima £24,000 43.7kWh 134 miles 199 miles 67.30% 100kW N/A 3.1 2.3/25.5 £179.10 4 Hyundai Inster 02 £26,755 49kWh 184 miles 229 miles 80.30% 85kW 3.9 3.8 1.8/20.8 £145.41 5 Leapmotor T03 £15,995 36kWh 142 miles 165 miles 86.10% 48kW 3.9 4 1.8/19.8 £102.08 6 Dacia Spring Extreme 65 £16,995 25kWh 109 miles 142 miles 76.80% 30kW 4.2 4.4 1.6/18.0 £155.92 Price: £23,950 £23,950 Powertrain: 43.2kWh battery, 1x e-motor 43.2kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/torque: 154bhp/180Nm 154bhp/180Nm WLTP range: 200 miles 200 miles 0-62/top speed: 9.1 seconds/93mph 9.1 seconds/93mph Size (L/W/H): 3,990/1,720/1,590mm Tester's notes by Dean Gibson The lurid yellow paint won't be to all tastes, but get beyond that and the Dolphin Surf offers a lot of car for the money. The kit is on a par with far higher-spec machines – it even features BYD's trademark rotating infotainment touchscreen. There are a few ergonomics that take some getting used to. The drive selector is on the end of a bank of rotary controls and is somewhat hidden away, while putting it into park needs a press of the end of the row of controls, so you're trying to press something you can't actually see. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The touchscreen is the hub through which everything is controlled, but it's not the most intuitive set-up, and the safety systems are extremely over-zealous in their activation. While the BYD is fine to drive, the snappy throttle response seems unnecessary. The power delivery is quite punchy, and even in a straight line the front wheels can torque steer as the tyres scrabble for grip. Latest BYD Dolphin Surf deals Price: £16,995 £16,995 Powertrain: 26.8kWh battery, 1x e-motor 26.8kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/torque: 64bhp/113Nm 64bhp/113Nm WLTP range: 142 miles 142 miles 0-62/top speed: 13.7 seconds/78mph 13.7 seconds/78mph Size (L/W/H): 3,701/1,583/1,519mm Tester's notes by Ellis Hyde 'Flimsy' is the best and most polite word I can use to describe the Dacia Spring. It's immediately obvious from the tinny sound as you close the doors. Its compact size means that few gaps are too small in town, but the tall, narrow body means you'll have to brace yourself from any crosswinds if overtaking a lorry on the motorway. In windy weather, the Spring can feel a bit unsettled at times. At least there's little concern about the lane-keep system getting unsettled by the gusts though, because unlike so many of its rivals here, the Dacia makes it incredibly easy to disable the driver-assistance tech. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Where the Chinese competition forces the user to dive into touchscreen menus to switch off the lane-keep assist and speed-limit warnings, a simple physical shortcut button does the trick in Dacia's smallest model. Latest Dacia Spring deals Price: £24,000 £24,000 Powertrain: 44kWh battery, 1x e-motor 44kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/torque: 111bhp/122Nm 111bhp/122Nm WLTP range: 199 miles 199 miles 0-62/top speed: 11.0 seconds/82mph 11.0 seconds/82mph Size (L/W/H): 3,999/1,763/1,629mm Tester's notes by Richard Ingram Despite sitting on the Stellantis group's most basic 'Smart Car' platform, the Fiat felt more grown up to drive than most of the cars here. It's still susceptible to the odd crosswind – this is a relatively upright vehicle, with not a lot of weight to hold it down – but it feels substantially more car-like than both the Dacia and Leapmotor, if not quite as deft as the Renault 5. It's comfortable, too; I did the longest of my various stints in the Grande Panda, and despite being subjected to some pretty dire weather and heavy rain at times, I wasn't desperate to get out and into something else. Latest Fiat Panda deals Price: £26,755 £26,755 Powertrain: 49kWh battery, 1x e-motor 49kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/torque: 113bhp/147Nm 113bhp/147Nm WLTP range: 229 miles 229 miles 0-62/top speed: 10.6 seconds/93mph 10.6 seconds/93mph Size (L/W/H): 3,825/1,610/1,575mm Tester's notes by Alex Ingram Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Unlike the flattering WLTP test cycle, our efficiency test included some dynamic rural road runs and long motorway stints, but the cars were all treated equally so we can use those results to gauge a relative rating between them all. With that in mind, the Inster scored a solid mid-table result in terms of energy use – almost a match for the BYD Dolphin Surf, and slightly behind the two dinky city cars: the Dacia and the Leapmotor. The Hyundai's trip computer calculated its efficiency rating more accurately than all but the Leapmotor too, which makes it easy to trust on the occasions that you do need to make a longer journey – something the Inster's decent range makes it the best for here. Latest Hyundai Inster deals Price: £15,995 £15,995 Powertrain: 37.3kWh battery, 1x e-motor 37.3kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/torque: 94bhp/158Nm 94bhp/158Nm WLTP range: 165 miles 165 miles 0-62/top speed: 12.7 seconds/81mph 12.7 seconds/81mph Size (L/W/H): 3,620/1,652/1,577mm Tester's notes by Paul Barker In some ways, you get what you pay for, in others the Leapmotor impressed. At less than £17k (pre-discount), you're never going to get a car that feels as welcoming or characterful as the Panda or Renault 5. The T03 feels functional and cheap inside, because it is cheap even in this company, but you really feel the difference in terms of how the cabins look, feel and welcome you. The exterior is ungainly with a narrow body sitting on those skinny wheels where its rivals have some style and character. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below But the T03's range performance is impressive. That's a very decent result versus its official range figure, and gives confidence in the tech. In excess of 150 miles would easily be possible in the right conditions. Focus on what it is – cheap, no-frills, reliable and sensible transport – and this car can really work in the right circumstances. But we'd wait for the mooted styling overhaul. Price: £22,995 £22,995 Powertrain: 40kWh battery, 1x e-motor 40kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/torque: 120bhp/225Nm 120bhp/225Nm WLTP range: 193 miles 193 miles 0-62/top speed: 9.0 seconds/93mph 9.0 seconds/93mph Size (L/W/H): 3,922/1,774/1,498mm Tester's notes by Phil McNamara Europe vs China: the car industry's battle for supremacy underscores this test. Renault and Fiat used the same heritage-led approach to create desirable EVs with superb interiors. Designer Francois Leboine shaped both of them, working on the R5 before becoming Fiat's head of design. With its beautiful grey fabric armchairs, grooved surfaces and minimalist controls, the Renault creates a beautiful, living room ambience. It's the complete opposite to the impressive BYD, with its cockpit's bank of stylish but fiddly rocker switches and zany exterior lines. And the less said about Leapmotor's Noddy-car looks, the better. I spent a lot of time tailing the Panda, whose blocky design has so much road presence, topped by that exquisitely retro 'PANDA' script on the boot. The Europeans trigger warm nostalgia, a powerful sentiment to fuel commercial success. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Renault 5 deals Unlike some of the other cars in the test, which warn of a low battery when the charge drops to 20 per cent, the Dolphin Surf saves its alert until it hits 10 per cent. Keep pushing through the rest of the battery energy, and at five per cent the estimated range display goes blank and – despite no obvious warning – power becomes limited to a maximum output of 50kW – that's the equivalent of 67bhp – to maximise the remaining charge. Running out of battery in the Dacia Spring was about as dramatic as a school nativity play. The only hint of concern was a suggestion that we could use Eco mode as we hit 13 per cent charge remaining. Once we reached 2 per cent, the instrument panel stopped showing a range estimate but didn't bring our attention to that fact. By that point we felt the Spring was struggling to accelerate even to 20mph, but it probably wasn't that much quicker when it was fully charged. We had 24 per cent energy remaining when the Grande Panda first warned us of its low range – a small orange battery light popped up on the driver's display to alert us. At around four per cent energy, the Fiat's range estimate readout turned blank and the battery warning light switched from orange to red. At this point the Grande Panda's climate control system switched off and couldn't be turned back on again. At one per cent, the warning 'Battery level critical: Performance reduced' appeared on the digital display. Our first on-screen warning came with the Inster's battery at 20 per cent, with the charge bar turning amber and accompanied by a polite request to visit the nearest charging station. At 10 per cent capacity, the bar turned red and made the same request. With the battery gauge down to zero and no range showing, a tortoise icon appeared on the display with a 'Power limited' sign, but the car's responses didn't alter. At zero capacity and range, the display read 'Charge immediately Power limited'. battery demise in the T03 was pleasantly manageable and gradual. A light on the dash popped up with zero fanfare when 20 per cent of the battery remained. When we got below 10 per cent, the car felt sluggish and reluctant to accelerate, but there were no major warnings. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below At four per cent, a 'Low battery please charge immediately' warning repeatedly appeared on the dash, and then the miles to empty went blank to reinforce the point. Although power was severely limited, we cruised into Brewpoint's car park to charge. The Renault 5 treats your impending marooning with a Gallic shrug. The French manufacturer's newcomer doesn't bat a headlamp until there's only 15 per cent battery left, at which point the icon goes amber and politely enquires if you've entered Eco mode. At five per cent and with 12 miles remaining, the battery icon starts flashing red and the projected range remaining evaporates. That was unlike the power, which wasn't throttled back at any point, even when the electric supermini reached zero battery remaining. Alex Ingram - chief reviewer 1. Renault 5 2. Hyundai Inster 3. BYD Dolphin Surf 4. Fiat Grande Panda 5. Leapmotor T03 6. Dacia Spring Richard Ingram - deputy editor 1. Renault 5 2. BYD Dolphin Surf 3. Fiat Grande Panda 4. Hyundai Inster 5. Leapmotor T03 6. Dacia Spring Paul Barker - editor 1. Renault 5 2. Fiat Grande Panda 3. Hyundai Inster 4. BYD Dolphin Surf 5. Leapmotor T03 6. Dacia Spring Phil McNamara - editor-at-large 1. Renault 5 2. BYD Dolphin Surf 3. Hyundai Inster 4. Fiat Grande Panda =5. Dacia Spring =5. Leapmotor T03 Dean Gibson - senior test editor 1. Renault 5 2. Fiat Grande Panda 3. Hyundai Inster 4. BYD Dolphin Surf 5. Dacia Spring 6. Leapmotor T03 Ellis Hyde - news reporter 1. Renault 5 2. Fiat Grande Panda 3. BYD Dolphin Surf 4. Hyundai Inster 5. Leapmotor T03 6. Dacia Spring Making the switch? Our Find a Car service has plenty of top EVs ready to go with new, used and leasing deals to choose from... Find a car with the experts Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range Korean brand acts swiftly to cut prices on all its electric cars, amid confusion over Government's grant scheme New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k Citroen's revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price The 'car with no rear window' is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It's our Deal of the Day for July 28
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
New Study Reveals What Buyers Really Want In A Budget Car
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Frill-free base trims still have their place For budget car shoppers, more isn't always more. That's the general sentiment when looking at the results of AutoPacific's Future Attribute Demand Study (FADS), which studied how interested car shoppers are in over 160 features and technologies. More specifically, the study compares the demand for specific features between those shopping in the $25k to $35k category, relative to those shopping for cars at over $35k. At a time when tariffs are raising car prices, it's no surprise that many in the budget car category are looking for simpler cars with the essentials, not unnecessarily flashy extras that cost more to buy and maintain. The study also makes it clear what the perfect budget car looks like. Costco members can save $3,000 on a new Chevy Corvette Watch More Autonomous Driving Features And Digital Displays Not Essential Looking more closely at the data, shoppers in the budget category demonstrate a lower demand for high-tech driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control with lane centering (6 to 7% less interested) and reconfigurable digital gauge clusters (-6%) when compared to those spending over $35k on a new car. While we would never advocate for fewer safety-related features in any car, let's look at the cheapest new Honda (the Civic LX) as an example. It has standard adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist. If Honda removed those three items from the base model, it could potentially lower the price of the base Civic. The following items are also less important for buyers in the sub-$35k category: Head-up display Panoramic sunroof Selectable driving modes Branded premium audio Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Source: AutoPacific Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Many of these features are found on sub-$35k models despite a lower demand for them, indicating that lower MSRPs are within reach if a few of these non-essential amenities were cut. 'Front wheel drive, base stereos, cloth seats with various manual adjustment, and analog gauges are 'in,' for these more frugal shoppers,' says Robby DeGraff, AutoPacific's manager of product and consumer insights, 'so the array of standard equipment found on entry- and mid-level trims of today's popular vehicles within the $25,000 to $35,000 price range may need to be reexamined as consumers tighten their belts in the face of economic uncertainty.' Straightforward Sedans With Gas Engines Are Ideal Budget Cars Source: Nissan Based on the survey, which analyzed the responses of over 14,000 people intending to buy a new car, straightforward sedans were seen as especially appealing. Gas engines were a first choice, with just 20% of budget shoppers wanting a hybrid and only 5% interested in an EV. This group considers the ideal $25k to $35k vehicle to be one without flashy extras like massive glass roofs are LED welcome lighting. They don't mind cloth seats with manual adjustments, a 'modestly-sized' touchscreen paired with physical buttons/knobs, and an analog gauge cluster. However, not everything has to be basic, and features like wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and active safety technologies like rear cross-traffic alert are still important. Source: Honda According to the study, these budget car shoppers have a median household income of $50,000, are Millennials or Boomers, and most have no children in their households. Considering these findings, are automakers listening? Small sedans like the Ford Focus, Toyota Yaris, and Mitsubishi Mirage have disappeared. Of the small sedans remaining, recent sales figures support the study's results: Sales of the cheap Nissan Versa are up dramatically, and Kia's sedan sales are growing more rapidly than Kia SUVs. Fortunately, models like the Camry, Accord, Civic, and Corolla still come in at comfortably below $35k. Final Thoughts While new technologies have their place in more expensive vehicles, there is clearly still a demand for smaller, simpler cars in the USA. At the very least, automakers should look to offer more base models where the technologies mentioned here are either not available or optional. Some are doing this, as the study points out Mazda and Hyundai's reintroduction of certain base trims. 'It's good for models in that [lower] price range to offer some fancier, lower-demand features, but those should be optional and limited to higher trim levels, which can also serve to capture customers of bigger and nicely-equipped models who may be downsizing into more affordable segments as they tighten their belts,' says Ed Kim, AutoPacific's president and chief analyst. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
The National
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Best budget cars in the UAE for less than Dh100k, from BYD and Jetour to Toyota and Mazda
Inflation is real. You only need glance at the receipts of your weekly groceries to glean that your hard-earned dirhams don't carry you nearly as far as they used to five years ago. Even so, those in the market for a new car can take heart as there's still an assortment of capable vehicles priced under the Dh100,000 mark – be it a sedan or SUV. The influx of Chinese brands in recent years has added great depth to the market and triggered even keener competition among carmakers to snare budget-conscious buyers. Here is our guide to the dozen best sub-Dh100,000 buys. BYD Qin Plus Design, from Dh74,900 China's BYD (Build Your Dreams) is on a charge, last year eclipsing Tesla as the world's biggest seller of EVs. The Qin Plus Design sedan is the brand's most affordable model, priced from Dh75,000. Propulsion comes from a 1.5-litre hybrid motor that ekes out 177hp and 316Nm, so you get lively performance, along with a claimed touring range of 755km on a tank of fuel. The cabin is smartly presented, and standard kit includes twin airbags, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cruise control and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max, from Dh82,500 Chery's Tiggo 7 Pro Max represents great value for money as it's a spacious and feature-laden SUV for just over Dh80,000. The Tiggo 7's motive power is provided by a 1.6-litre turbo motor that cranks out 197hp and 290Nm, with drive relayed to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Chery quotes a respectable 0-100kph split of 8.28 seconds, and a miserly fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per 100km. The generous standard features quota includes LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloys, an electric tailgate, eight-speaker Sony audio, dual 12.3-inch display screens and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Geely Preface, from Dh87,400 Geely has some excellent vehicles in its line-up, and among these is the stylish Preface. Offering prestige-car comfort and quality at a wallet-friendly price, the 4.8-metre-long sedan is also decently rapid. Its 2.0-litre turbo motor sends outputs of 215hp to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, enabling it to dash from 0 to 100kph in just 6.9 seconds. The tastefully trimmed cabin features a 13.2-inch infotainment screen and a 10.2-inch full-colour LCD instrument cluster. Among the safety features on offer is ADAS driver assistance system that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. Hyundai Kona, from Dh85,000 The futuristically styled Hyundai Kona is a popular seller in the UAE, and with good reason. Embodying the comprehensive engineering and immaculate build quality synonymous with the South Korean marque, the Kona also hits the sweet spot with its affordable price tag and compact yet spacious dimensions. Serving up polished ride and handling that's up there with European brands, the Kona is a pleasant chariot to pedal, although the standard 149hp 2.0-litre engine is a bit short on grunt. The attractively presented cabin features a dual 12.3-inch digitised display and premium (for the price) trim materials. Jetour Dashing, from Dh93,450 The Jetour Dashing is another Chinese offering that's been a hit in the UAE, with its striking looks and impressive fit and finish serving as major drawcards. Measuring 4.6 metres, the Dashing offers comfortable seating for five and a decently sized cargo bay. The standard 1.5-litre turbo engine doles out a modest 157hp and 210Nm but spending a bit more will get you a livelier and more desirable 1.6-litre engine with 190hp/275Nm. The cabin is cutting edge for its segment, with an expansive 15.6-inch infotainment screen dominating the user interface. The Jetour is backed by an industry-leading 10-year, warranty up to 1 million kilometres. Kia K4, from Dh81,990 Kia has steadily expanded its reach with an ever-growing portfolio of capable offerings, and the latest addition to the range is the space-age-inspired K4 sedan. Its mould-breaking design language sets the Kia fastback apart from anything else in its segment, and the rest of the package is appealing too. The driver is faced by a huge 29.9-inch panoramic display that houses three screens, providing an immersive digital experience across the dashboard. The rest of the cabin is also ultra-modern in look and feel, while standard features include front and rear parking sensors, dual airbags and LED headlights. Mazda CX-30, from Dh92,000 If driver engagement and aesthetic appeal are the yardsticks, Mazda is among the best of the Japanese car brands. The CX-30 is the embodiment of both these attributes, and its keen pricing means you can acquire a premium-feel vehicle for an affordable outlay. The pleasingly proportioned bodywork is complemented by an attractive and sensibly laid-out cabin, even if larger individuals might find rear space a bit tight. The Mazda is a delight to drive, and even the base model is equipped with 18-inch alloys, seven airbags, an eight-speaker stereo, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. MG HS, from Dh88,830 The HS compact SUV showcases the engineering depth and stylistic appeal that are characteristics of MG's recent offerings, and it's also excellent value. Measuring just under 4.7 metres from bumper to bumper, the MG seats five in comfort and offers 507 litres of luggage space, making it a sound choice for couples with two or three kids in tow. Unlike some SUVs, the HS isn't a frumpy looker, and it also drives with a decent level of flair. A 1.5-litre turbo motor with 173hp and 275Nm is standard, but an added spend gets you a punchier 231hp 2.0-litre engine. Nissan Kicks, from Dh84,900 The second-generation Nissan Kicks is altogether more desirable than its predecessor, debuting eye-catching new styling and a much more substantial footprint on the road as it's 71mm longer and 41mm wider than the oldie. Its chunky bodywork clothes a capable chassis that delivers tidy ride and handling, while the 2.0-litre engine's outputs of 142hp and 190Nm make for respectable performance. Although compact in exterior dimensions, efficient packaging means the Kicks isn't claustrophobic inside. Cabin highlights in the base model include a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, cruise control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Renault Arkana, from Dh83,900 Renault is a brand that flies under the radar in the UAE, but there's plenty to like about the coupe-esque Arkana SUV. A 1.3-litre turbo motor might seem small for a mid-size five-seat SUV, but outputs of 155hp and 262Nm deliver a 0-100kph sprint in 9.1 seconds, which is decent for its segment. The seven-speed dual-clutch auto is a smooth-shifting unit, and the Arkana rides and handles with a decent level of composure. Renault is big on safety, and among the accident-avoiding features available in the Arkana are a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. Toyota Corolla, from Dh76,900 The trusty Toyota Corolla is the best-selling automotive nameplate of all time, with more than 50 million units sold since the original launched in 1966. It's no surprise, as bulletproof reliability and user-friendly driving characteristics have ensured the Toyota stalwart remains a popular choice around the world. Although past Corolla generations have been somewhat staid, the latest version is a decent looker and engaging to drive. Build quality is immaculate, too. The base model is powered by a 121hp 1.6-litre motor, but we'd recommend spending Dh7,000 extra for the 168hp 2.0-litre unit if you can afford it. Volkswagen T-Roc, from Dh94,900 Volkswagen is another brand that has traded on its robust durability and day-to-day dependability. The T-Roc blends these traits in a practical and neat-looking compact SUV that brings German quality within the grasp of many buyers. Its 1.4-litre turbo engine punches out 150hp and 250Nm, with an eight-speed auto dispensing these outputs with utmost smoothness. As you'd expect, safety is a strong point, with standard features including six airbags, front and rear parking sensors and lane-change assist with blind-spot monitor. The base model rides on 16-inch alloys and is equipped with black roof rails and LED headlights and taillights.
Auto Blog
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Cheapest Chevy Car For 2025: What You Get For $20k
And one of its main rivals is another Chevrolet Chevy recently released the Corvette ZRX1 and it's expected to cost way north of $200,000. But on the other end of the scale, this is still a brand for budget-conscious commuters. From small sedans to subcompact crossovers and cheap EVs, Chevy caters to those who need an uncomplicated car with low running costs. But what is the cheapest new Chevy car of all? Let's take a look at this model and how it compares to key rivals. The Cheapest New Chevrolet Is The Trax LS 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS — Source: Chevrolet For $20,500, the Chevy Trax LS is not only the cheapest Chevrolet, but it's also one of the cheapest new cars in America at the moment. This price excludes the destination charge of $1,395, but even with that included, it's less expensive than the cheapest new Toyota. Oddly, the Trax is larger than the Trailblazer in length, wheelbase, and height, yet it's priced below it. Nevertheless, the Trax's price places it in line with other subcompact crossovers like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, and Honda HR-V. A new generation of the Trax was introduced for the 2024 model year, so it still looks and feels fresh in 2025. Design: Basic But Contemporary 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS The latest Trax is a vast improvement over its predecessor, with a wider and sportier stance than before. The slim headlights follow the shape of the garnish that flows into the mesh grille, and the black wheel arch trim adds a touch of toughness that crossover shoppers seem to love so much. With steel wheels, black trim, and white paint, the Trax LS looks a little basic, but most of this can easily be remedied with one of the more interesting colors (such as Crimson Metallic) and the optional alloys. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The following exterior features are standard: 17-inch steel wheels with covers LED headlamps with auto on/off IntelliBeam (automatic on/off for high beams) Rear spoiler The $995 LS Convenience Package addresses many of the issues some would have with the basic standard spec, adding 17-inch alloys, body-color mirrors with heating, and a few more amenities to the interior. Interior: Sporty Design But Typical Budget Finishes 2025 Chevrolet Trax 2025 Chevrolet Trax After sitting behind the wheel of several more expensive cars with huge digital displays and fiddly controls, the Trax LS is quite refreshing with its conventional shift lever, legible analog gauges, and physical climate controls. It's not devoid of modern amenities, though, as even this base model gets a smartly integrated eight-inch touchscreen. Although the car feels solidly screwed together, the abundance of hard plastics give away its low price, and elements like the hard armrests bothered us when we reviewed it. If you want a classier subcompact crossover, consider the Mazda CX-30, but be prepared to spend more on that. A lower seating position and more rear legroom are improvements in this Trax compared to the previous-generation model, and cargo space is acceptable at 25.6 cubic feet behind the second row. You can free up 54.1 cubes by folding down the second row. The following interior features are standard: Cloth upholstery Six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat Tilt and telescopic steering column Single-zone manual climate control Eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Four-speaker sound system Wi-Fi hotspot The safety suite includes essentials like automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning. The optional extras are reasonably priced, such as $395 for the Driver Confidence Package with its rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The LS Convenience Package we mentioned earlier also includes heated front seats. For the most part, the Trax LS gets the basics right and makes a decent level of customization possible, while still keeping the overall price low. Performance: Keep Your Expectations Low Source: Chevrolet The Chevy Trax LS has a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, and you can expect a 0-60 mph time of roughly nine seconds. From one traffic light to the next in congested cities, the Trax doesn't feel terribly slow, but when more is asked of it, the engine's low power and the transmission's slow shifts hold it back. Most rivals have more power, too. Gas mileage is good at 28/32/30 mpg city/highway/combined, good for a total range of almost 400 miles when the tank is full. The Trax can also run on E85 gas, but this drops combined consumption to 22 mpg. Ride and handling are competent, with the Trax LS feeling secure enough on the highway and responsive enough through turns. Comparison With The Base Trailblazer Source: Chevrolet If you're shopping for cheap Chevy cars, it makes sense to compare the base Trax with the cheapest Trailblazer, as they're so closely priced. The Trailblazer LS starts at $23,100, only $2,600 more than the Trax LS. It gets the same 1.2-liter engine with 137 hp, but a few additions over the Trax include a larger 11-inch touchscreen, standard alloy wheels, and a total of 10 airbags (the Trax LS has six). For under $400, you can also specify the Trailblazer with a more powerful 1.3-liter turbo engine developing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Another option is AWD, which the Trax doesn't offer. Transmissions are different, too, with the Trax restricted to a six-speed automatic. In the Trailblazer, you get a CVT, which is replaced by a nine-speed automatic when specified with the larger 1.3L engine and AWD. In terms of practicality, these two crossovers have almost identically sized trunks. However, the Trailblazer has a bit more space for passengers at the back. If you have around $25k to spend on one of these cheap Chevrolet cars, we'd rather get the more powerful Trailblazer. But if value for money trumps everything else, go for the Trax. Summary: Chevy's Cheapest Crossover Is Great Value Source: Chevrolet For a vehicle with such a low price, the Chevy Trax LS hardly misses a beat. The few criticisms we do have – such as a lack of power and some cheaper materials – are not dealbreakers. It's still a solid, efficient, and modern crossover that is perfect as a starter car. Unlike some other budget cars, we appreciate that the base Trax LS can be upgraded with a few extras without significantly increasing the overall price. It may not be the fastest or most premium subcompact crossover, but it's certainly worth a look. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Attention Parents: The IIHS Recommends These Safe Cars for Teen Drivers
Buying a safe, affordable car for a new driver can be a heck of a challenge, but the IIHS breaks down some choices for parents. What was your first car? For many drivers, the first taste of absolute freedom coming of age is that first drive after passing the driver's test and tasting the air on the open road behind the wheel. It's the first feeling of near-total autonomy; the idea that you could stay out late, pick up your friends, go to the mall, the movies, or [insert your teenage hangout spot] without calling mom or dad to pick you up at a certain time. Indeed, we still had to go to school, but from my experience, rolling up to your spot in the senior parking lot is much better than sharing a school bus with the freshmen. Looking back on my first years behind the wheel, it's easy to understand how choosing a first car for a new, teen driver can be a costly and anxiety-ridden experience for parents, as they not only have to juggle a limited budget, but also the stress of finding something that would keep their precious munchkins safe in the unfortunate event of a crash. Teenage girl learning to drive from mother during weekend The safety experts pick their favorite budget cars for your youngins Luckily, the experts at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) collaborated with Consumer Reports to compile a list of the safest cars for teenage drivers for parents on tight budgets. All the cars on the IIHS's list weigh at least 2,750 pounds and earned a rating of at least 3 out of 5 in Consumer Reports' braking, emergency handling, and routine handling tests, which it feels is key in helping young drivers drive defensively and avoid accidents. In addition, all the cars listed earned at least a 2 out of 5 in CR's control and display usability to keep teens' eyes off the screens as much as possible. They have electronic stability control, and absolutely none of the institute's choices are big SUVs, pickup trucks, sports cars, high-performance models, or over $20,000 for one in good condition and low miles (according to data from Kelley Blue Book). IIHS picks for best used small cars: Toyota Corolla, Honda Insight, Mazda3 hatchback Compact cars are a good choice for a first car, and the three most inexpensive models on the IIHS's Best Choices list are some of the smallest in this specific group. The cheapest car on this list is the 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla sedan, which has an estimated KBB price of $9,500. 2023 and newer models are also good, but prices for those will be significantly higher than for the older models. The IIHS also recommends the 2019-2022 Honda Insight, which has an average KBB value of $11,600. Prior to the reintroduction of the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Insight was Honda's compact hybrid offering, providing fuel-sipping EPA fuel economy numbers of 55 mpg city, 49 mpg, and 52 mpg combined—numbers that can give peace of mind for youngins between fuel stops and keep parents from their kids nagging for gas money. Though no bona fide sports cars are on the IIHS's list, the closest thing to it is the 2019-present Mazda 3 hatchback, which can go as low as $12,100, according to KBB data. Though its standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G inline-four cylinder pumps out 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, experts state that its premium looks and fun-to-drive persona make a compelling package. IIHS picks for best used mid-size cars: Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Subaru Legacy Although compact cars are a good choice for young drivers, sometimes life's activities require more space, or sometimes the new driver's car becomes the default family hauler or grocery getter. In times like these, midsize sedans are the way to go, and the cheapest in this category on the IIHS's Best Choices list is the venerable 2018-present Toyota Camry. With an estimated KBB value as low as $13,100, the Camry's larger size can help solve situations when a Corolla is too small. The IIHS also recommends the 2019-2021 Mazda6, though it only applies to units built after June 2019. While it may be a bit of a bump up in price at a KBB-estimated $14,000, the Mazda6 offers a slightly more premium and driver-focused feel akin to the smaller and cheaper Mazda3. The 2020-present Subaru Legacy rounds out the top three on the IIHS's Best Choices list, with an estimated KBB value as low as $15,700. While it is a higher price on average than a Camry or a Mazda6, the Subie sedan has the distinction of having the automaker's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive as standard, which can prove useful on those days when a blizzard didn't call for a snow day. IIHS picks for best used large cars: Genesis G80, Genesis G90, Acura RLX Many of the full-size cars offered today are from luxury brands. However, for the price, teen drivers will have a lot of car for the price. The least expensive of the IIHS's Best Choices is the 2017-2020 Genesis G80 at a KBB-estimated $12,200, which offers modern comfort features and also earned Top Safety Pick+ distinction from the Institute. The Genesis's larger sibling, the G90, can be had for not much more than the G80. According to Kelley Blue Book, 2017-2022 iterations of the G90 have a Blue Book value of $12,400 on the private market. However, the 2018-2020 Acura RLX could also prove to be a good value for teens at a KBB-estimated $16,700. Acura packed a full suite of driver-assist features, which includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. IIHS picks for best used small SUVs: BMW X2, Mazda CX-3, Subaru Forester Many parents will likely consider putting their children into small SUVs and crossovers, as their popularity would almost guarantee their availability, and their upright and elevated driving positions would make both young drivers and parents comfortable on suburban roads littered with Tahoes and F-150s. The least expensive of the IIHS's Best Choices in this category is the 2019-present BMW X2, with a KBB-estimated value of $12,200 on the used market. While the BMW badge may carry some clout in the senior parking lot, parents should be warned that it could also carry higher premiums with insurance companies and higher shop bills for maintenance and repairs. The 2020-2021 Mazda CX-3 is the next small SUV on the IIHS's list at a KBB-estimated $12,900, though the word 'small' shouldn't be considered an understatement. The CX-3's size classifies it officially as a subcompact crossover SUV, putting it on the small side among other options. However, it can be a nimble, fuel-efficient, and affordable option for a teen driver. However, the 2019-present Subaru Forester, which has a KBB-estimated used value of $13,000, rounds out the top three of the IIHS's Best Choices in this category. The Forester is one of Subaru's top-selling models and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, as it features standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive and Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite of driver assistance features. IIHS picks for best used mid-size SUVs: Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Lexus NX The biggest vehicles on the IIHS's list are midsize SUVs, as it feels that the longer stopping distance and unpredictable handling associated with full-size SUVs and pickup trucks could prove to be dangerous in the hands of teen drivers. The cheapest vehicle here is the 2017-2020 Acura MDX, which has a KBB-estimated value of $13,100 on the used market. Though Acura is a premium luxury brand, the MDX's Honda underpinnings can help parent and kid owners keep some peace of mind when it comes to maintenance and repairs. In addition, our experts find that it is as family-friendly as it is enjoyable to drive. The IIHS also recommends the 2018-or-newer Volvo XC90, though it emphasizes vehicles built after March 2018. Its KBB-estimated value of $14,600 is a small price to pay for a 3-row luxury SUV that is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick; a small token for Volvo's kind reputation for unrelenting safety. The 2019-present Lexus NX takes the third position in this category at a KBB-estimated value of $14,900, though it should be said that, like the Mazda CX-3, it is smaller than the other midsize SUVs above. Final thoughts The IIHS says that dollar values in the list above are rounded to the nearest $100 and are based on 'average U.S. values from March 27, 2025, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year.' The list is supplemented by another list of more affordable 'good choices' and additional 'best choices,' which can be found on the IIHS's website. Some of their 'good choices' can go as low as KBB-estimated $5,500, which can be compatible with even the tightest budgets if buyers do their digging and research.
