Buying an electric car for short city trips is easy. They all seem fine at 35 mph, zipping between errands. But get them out on the highway—and that’s when the real story starts.
Suddenly, that 300-mile range on paper starts looking more like 210. Battery drain climbs fast, charging stops take longer than planned, and if the car’s noisy or rides rough, you feel every mile.
That’s what this guide is about.
We’re going past the spec sheets and listing the best used EVs for real highway use in 2025—tested by owners, backed by road trips, and reviewed where it counts: behind the wheel, at 70 mph, with cruise control on and a charger a few exits away.
Why Highway Driving Changes Everything for EVs
Here’s what people new to electric cars don’t always understand: EVs act totally different on the highway than they do around town.
At low speeds, you get regen braking. You stop often. You use less energy.
But once you’re cruising on the interstate?
- There’s no coasting or regen to save you. It’s just a steady drain.
- Air resistance eats energy fast. At 70 or 75 mph, you’re pushing wind full-time.
- Cabin noise matters. A little wind or tire hum at city speeds becomes a roar on open roads.
- You can’t fudge your range. If it says 40 miles left and the next charger is 42 away, you’re sweating.
And if you bought the wrong EV? You’ll find out about it fast—usually when you’re sitting in a parking lot waiting for a Level 2 charger at midnight.
The 9 Best Used EVs for Highway Driving in 2025
These aren’t the newest or flashiest. They’re the ones that last, perform, and stay consistent when you need to stretch the battery and enjoy the drive.
Let’s go through them.
1. 2018–2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range
If you want to know why Tesla took over the EV space, this is it.
- Real-world highway range: 280 to 310 miles, even with moderate battery aging
- Battery health: Around 90% capacity after 4–5 years for most owners
- Ride quality: Calm, composed, and nearly silent on the interstate
- Charging: 10–80% in 20–25 minutes on Superchargers
- Used price in 2025: $24K–$30K
What We Think:
This is the used EV benchmark. You’ll find newer EVs with more tech or softer rides, but none match this car’s mix of range, Supercharger access, and low highway stress. It’s a road trip weapon.
2. 2022–2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD
The Ioniq 5 proves you don’t need to spend Tesla money to get a legit highway car.
- Highway range: 250–270 miles with conservative driving
- Battery health: Minimal degradation so far—Hyundai’s packs are holding strong
- Comfort: Spacious, airy cabin with Lexus-level smoothness
- Charging: Among the fastest available—under 20 minutes to 80%
- Used price in 2025: $28K–$34K
What We Think:
This car just works. Highway comfort is excellent, the seats feel high-end, and the charging system is top-tier. Great for families or anyone planning regular road trips.
3. 2021–2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range RWD
Ford did something right here. This version of the Mach-E was made for miles.
- Highway range: 250–280 miles in real use
- Battery aging: Slightly higher than Hyundai/Tesla but still reliable
- Feel at speed: Stable, no floating, and very little wind noise
- Charging: Not the fastest, but consistent (~38 minutes to 80%)
- Used price in 2025: $27K–$32K
What We Think:
It’s not flashy, and you’ll wait a bit longer at chargers—but the Mach-E is a strong long-distance EV with a solid feel. With the Extended Range battery, you’ll actually reach your destination.
4. 2022–2023 Kia EV6 Wind RWD
This car feels like the Ioniq 5’s cooler sibling—just as competent, slightly more fun.
- Highway range: 250–270 miles
- Battery health: Excellent—low degradation so far
- Ride comfort: Tight chassis, low road noise
- Charging speed: As fast as the Ioniq 5 (under 20 minutes)
- Used price in 2025: $27.5K–$33K
What We Think:
This is a great pick if you’re doing longer solo drives or like a sharper feel. The platform is rock solid. Kia doesn’t get enough credit for this car—it’s one of the best used EVs out there.
5. 2020–2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range
Think of it like a Model 3 with more space, and just as much highway stamina.
- Highway range: 270–290 miles
- Battery reliability: Around 88–92% health after a few years
- Cabin comfort: Quiet, upright, roomy—excellent for road trips
- Charging: Supercharger access, fast as ever
- Used price in 2025: $31K–$38K
What We Think:
People buy this car thinking it’s just a taller Model 3. It’s not—it’s better on the highway. Tons of usable range, especially for families or dog owners. Still one of the easiest EVs to own.
6. 2022–2023 BMW i4 eDrive40
You want a luxury badge with real highway legs? This is it.
- Real-world highway range: 270–300 miles
- Battery degradation: Not enough long-term data yet, but holding well
- Ride and feel: Classic BMW smoothness—confident, quiet, planted
- Charging: About 30 minutes to 80%
- Used price in 2025: $36K–$42K
What We Think:
It looks like a sleeper but drives like a road-tripper. If you want the classic BMW mix of power, comfort, and control—but without the gas—you’ll like this one.
7. 2021–2022 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor
Quietly one of the best highway EVs nobody talks about.
- Highway range: 240–260 miles
- Battery durability: Solid—many still reporting 95%+ SOH
- Build quality: Top-tier for the price
- Charging: 35–40 minutes from 10–80%
- Used price in 2025: $28K–$33K
What We Think:
It’s a Volvo underneath, so it’s made for comfort. Cabin insulation is excellent. As a used buy, the Polestar 2 offers serious value and grown-up road manners.
8. 2019–2021 Tesla Model S Long Range
If you’ve got the budget and want max comfort, this one still leads.
- Real-world highway range: 290–330 miles
- Battery aging: Roughly 10–12% drop by year 5
- Ride quality: Exceptionally smooth
- Charging: ~30 minutes to 80%, still very fast
- Used price in 2025: $38K–$45K
What We Think:
This is what you get when you want to eat highway miles without thinking about charging. Bigger than the 3/Y, quieter, and built for speed. It’s a grand tourer that just happens to be electric.
9. 2022–2023 Rivian R1T (Adventure Pack)
You want an EV truck that’s actually ready for real roads? This is it.
- Highway range: 270–290 miles (large pack)
- Battery reliability: Strong early data—minimal loss so far
- Ride quality: Better than most trucks, still firm
- Charging: 40–45 minutes to 80%
- Used price in 2025: $55K–$60K
What We Think:
It’s expensive, but if you’re hauling, camping, or driving through weather, the R1T has range and resilience. Great build quality and clever storage help justify the price.
Used EVs to Avoid for Long-Distance Driving
Not every EV is built for highways. These fall short in either range, comfort, or long-term battery life:
- Chevy Bolt EV (2017–2021): Shorter range, slow charging, heat issues
- Nissan Leaf (non-Plus models): No thermal battery management, fast degradation
- BMW i3: Stylish but useless beyond the city—range under 90 miles highway
- Mini Cooper SE: Fun but sub-100 mile range and stiff ride at high speeds
Smart Tips When Buying a Used EV for Highway Use
- Bigger battery = safer buy. Don’t settle for “standard range” if you’ll be doing road trips. Go for extended or long-range versions when available.
- Always ask about battery health. Real owners will show you reports. Look for 85%+ capacity. Anything below 80% = expect major range loss.
- Test drive at 70 mph. Don’t let the dealer loop fool you. Get on the freeway. Listen for noise, feel the ride, and watch range drop.
- Check for fast charging compatibility. Some EVs charge painfully slow. If you’re doing long trips, 10–80% in 20–30 minutes should be your baseline.
What We Think
EVs are finally hitting a point where buying used makes sense—but only if you choose the right one.
For real highway performance, you need range, efficiency, comfort, and fast charging. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y still dominate that space, but newer challengers like the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and BMW i4 are catching up fast—and in some cases, outdoing them in comfort.
Whatever you pick, don’t go by EPA estimates alone. Real-world highway driving tells the truth.
And that’s what we’re here for.
