Price remains the biggest factor for car shoppers looking to buy an electric vehicle. Just behind that, though, is what kind of efficiency the EV gets — which is equivalent to the fuel economy of a gas-powered vehicle. The more efficient an EV is, the more range it gets out of its battery. It's like buying a gas car with a fuel economy of less than 30 miles per galloon, versus one that gets 40 mpg.
That’s why I’ve been testing the best electric cars for the past year, driving them for a week to uncover their average efficiency. For the most part, 3 miles per kilowatt-hour (3 mi/kWh) is what I’d consider average efficiency. However, there are several that I’ve tested that even manage to go beyond 4 mi/kWh.
Not only will I share with you the most efficient EVs I’ve tested this year, but I’ll also briefly tell you some of the worst. What’s really interesting is that I found a surprising quirk about the most efficient models — they’re also super affordable.
Most efficient EVs of 2025: rankings
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Battery Size | Efficiency |
Hyundai Kona Electric | 64.8 kWh | 4.3 mi/kWh |
Fiat 500e | 42 kWh | 4.28 mi/kWh |
Subaru Solterra | 74.7 kWh | 4.2 mi/kWh |
Jeep Wagoneer S | 100.5 kWh | 3.7 mi/kWh |
Kia EV6 | 84 kWh | 3.7 mi/kWh |
Audi A6 Sportback | 100 kWh | 3.7 mi/kWh |
Most efficient EVs of 2025
Hyundai Kona Electric
- Average efficiency: 4.3 mi/kWh
- Battery size: 64.8 kWh
- Price tested: $39,880
For the second year in a row, the Hyundai Kona Electric is the most efficient EV I’ve tested. Specifically, I drove the N-Line trim that’s way more sporty than the base model — reaching an average efficiency of 4.3 mi/kWh. Despite its tiny 64.8 kWh battery, its smaller size and more aerodynamic design helps get the most out of its battery.
Even though the Kona Electric has an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles, which is pretty short compared to other EVs, it actually can get more miles out of a full charge. In fact, it can get upward of 278 miles from a full charge based on the 4.3 mi/kWh average I obtained testing the Kona Electric out.
Read our full review: Hyundai Kona Electric
Fiat 500e
- Average efficiency: 4.28 mi/kWh
- Battery size: 42 kWh
- Price tested: $35,500
Coming in second place is the Fiat 500e. Honestly, I think it’s really meant for city driving with stop-and-go traffic because it gets outstanding efficiency versus highway driving.
The 4.28 mi/kWh I averaged driving it for a week doesn’t come as a surprise, seeing that it’s the smallest EV you can buy in the U.S. — which really does help out its efficiency.
As a result, the Fiat 500e beats the EPA-estimated range of 149 miles it’s given because it can practically go upward of 179 miles based on its 42 kWh battery. Of course, the biggest downside to the Fiat 500e is that it doesn’t leave a lot of room for your passengers and gear.
Read our full review: Fiat 500e
Subaru Solterra
- Average efficiency: 4.2 mi/kWh
- Battery size: 74.7 kWh
- Price tested: $45,555
In third place is what I said is the most improved EV I’ve tested: the Subaru Solterra. The 4.2 mi/kWh efficiency I average is a big deal because unlike the previous two EVs, the Solterra’s a much larger sized crossover SUV — so it’s way more practical for what most people need in a vehicle. This is a big jump over the 2.9 mi/kWh average I got from last year's model.
I got this result with the 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT, which has a tested price of $45,555. Subaru claims it can get up to 278 miles of range, but my calculations put it more at 313 miles. Again, it proves that the more efficient an EV is, the better chance it’s able to exceed its range rating.
Read our full review: Subaru Solterra
Lucid Air Touring
- Average efficiency: 4 mi/kWh
- Battery size: 74.7 kWh
- Price tested: $101,850
I’m not surprised that the Lucid Air Touring is one of the most efficient EVs I’ve tested. Lucid Motors prides itself in designing EVs to be extremely efficient, and the 4 mi/kWh efficiency I got continues to prove that. This four-door luxury sedan is astounding in every way: from its sports car-like design, down to its spacious interior.
On the highway where efficiency typically drops, the Lucid Air Touring's aerodynamic design combined with its road-hugging stance allows it to maintain its impressive efficiency — whereas other EVs tend to perform worse.
Yes, it’s the priciest model in this list at over $100,000, but the Lucid Air Touring comes with premium features you won’t find elsewhere.
Read our full review: Lucid Air Touring
Jeep Wagoneer S, Kia EV 6, and Audi A6 Sportback
- Jeep Wagoneer S efficiency: 3.7 mi/kWh
- Kia EV6 efficiency: 3.7 mi/kWh
- Audi A6 Sportback efficiency: 3.7 mi/kWh
There’s a three-way tie for fifth place, as the Jeep Wagoneer S, Kia EV6, and Audi A6 Sportback all delivered 3.7 mi/kWh efficiencies with my testing. Better yet, they’re all relatively larger than the previous models.
With the Wagoneer S, it’s a big win for Jeep because its first ever electric vehicle impresses me in more ways than one. Not only is it the largest of the bunch as a mid-size crossover SUV, which gives it more utility, but I’m surprised something as big as this can get as good efficiency as smaller vehicles.
Read our full review: Jeep Wagoneer S
If you prefer a sportier drive, the Kia EV6 doesn’t disappoint with its sports-tuned driving performance and Tron-like interior ambient lights. While smaller in size than the Wagoneer S, the Kia EV6 getting 3.7 mi/kWh efficiency is nothing to overlook given it’s a way more fun to drive.
Read our full review: Kia EV6
And finally, there’s the Audi A6 Sportback. The 3.7 mi/kWh average efficiency I got from testing it wasn’t something I was expecting to get from a luxury EV, but it’s nonetheless surprising considering how it’s cheaper than the Lucid Air Touring. I’ve put the Lucid Air Touring vs Audi A6 Sportback to the test and you’ll be surprised by why I’d end up choosing the Audi.
Read our full review: Audi A6 Sportback
Least efficient EVs of 2025
GMC Hummer EV
- Average efficiency: 4 mi/kWh
- Battery size: 212.7 kWh
- Price tested: $101,850
Well, this one’s not surprising. As cool as it is driving this monster of a truck through Lincoln Tunnel in New York City, the GMC Hummer EV is pretty terrible with its efficiency — but I think we all could have predicted that.
The 1.6 mi/kWh efficiency I got from testing the Hummer out for a week is the worst average I recorded all year, but hardly surprising considering its immense size and weight.
What’s even shocking is the capacity of the battery, which at 212.7 kWh is more than double the size you get in many full-size SUVs. Yet, there are some sweet perks that come with the Hummer EV — like its sizable frunk, crab walking ability, and one of the most spacious interiors around.
Read our full review: GMC Hummer EV
Chevrolet Silverado EV
- Average efficiency: 1.74 mi/kWh
- Battery size: 170 kWh
- Price tested: $83,045
One of the most stylish all-electric pickup trucks around is the Chevrolet Silverado EV. I would go far to say it’s the sportiest-looking pickup around, but don’t expect a whole lot out of the battery.
The Silverado's 1.74 mi/kWh efficiency is only a smidge better than the Hummer EV, making it incredibly inefficient considering that 3 mi/kWh is the target I’d like to get.
Then again, you’re not buying the Silverado EV for its efficiency. Instead, its biggest selling point is the utility of its flatbed in the back. You can even pull down the back seats to extend the space, while a spacious frunk rounds out its package.
Read our full review: Chevrolet Silverado EV
Cadillac Escalade IQ
- Average efficiency: 2.2 mi/kWh
- Battery size: 200 kWh
- Price tested: $150,640
Although it’s better than the other two, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is the third least efficient EV I’ve tested this year. Similar to the Hummer EV, the Escalade is packing a massive 200 kWh battery, which resulted in a 2.2 mi/kWh average efficiency. Obviously, these hefty sized EVs aren’t known for being efficient.
However, if you need an EV that can comfortably seat up to 7 passengers, the Escalade IQ has enough room as a 3-row SUV. There are other premium features that help offset its poor efficiency, like a night vision camera to see in the dark, electronically controlled doors that open and close, large frunk, and much more.
Read our full review: Cadillac Escalade IQ
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
