The EPA Doesn’t Drive Like You Do
Electric car range ratings are a lie — not a malicious one, but a misleading one. They’re based on standardized cycles designed to give every EV a fair comparison. That means a lot of city driving, low average speeds, mild temperatures, and perfect conditions.
But out in the real world? On actual highways? With wind, hills, HVAC running, and 70+ mph speeds? The story changes.
That 310-mile EV you bought might deliver 250 miles. That 250-mile model? It might only get 190. And in the dead of winter, with heated seats, defrost, and road slush dragging on your tires, you could see even less.
That’s why this blog isn’t about EPA numbers. It’s about what actually happens when you take a used electric SUV out on the highway in 2025. We’re going beyond the sticker — looking at real range, real degradation, and how these EVs hold up when pushed.
If you want an EV that doesn’t just claim long range — but delivers it when it matters — this is the list to trust.
What Highway Driving Does to an EV
At higher speeds, everything gets harder. Drag increases. Rolling resistance climbs. HVAC loads increase. And there’s no regenerative braking on long stretches of flat freeway. You’re just draining the pack mile by mile.
Here’s what you need to understand:
Highway range is usually 20–30% lower than the EPA estimate
EVs with poor aerodynamics or oversized wheels suffer more
Cold weather can drop range another 10–30% depending on heat pump efficiency
Wind, elevation changes, and road surface all factor in
High-speed regen is minimal — so you’re not recovering much energy
What matters for true long-distance EVs is stability at 70+ mph. Consistent draw. Predictable range loss. And thermal systems that prevent overheating or charging slowdowns after long stints.
Let’s look at the best used EVs that still deliver.
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (2020–2023)
This is still the most consistent long-range highway EV on the used market. Not because it has the biggest battery — it doesn’t — but because Tesla has optimized every part of the system for high-speed efficiency.
With a drag coefficient of just 0.23 and strong pack management, the Model Y Long Range regularly delivers 250–265 real miles at 70 mph with moderate temps. Even at 80,000+ miles, most Model Ys hold 88–92% of original capacity.
Highway comfort is solid. Cabin noise is moderate. Ride quality is firm but stable. And Supercharger access means you can stay moving without worrying about plug compatibility or broken stations.
Charging after a long stretch? Still strong. Preconditioning ensures consistent 150–180 kW delivery even after 200+ miles of continuous driving.
Cold-weather loss is real, but manageable thanks to the heat pump introduced in 2021.
Highway Range (real): 250–265 miles
Charging curve (typical): 10–80% in 27–30 mins
Winter impact: ~18% range drop at 25°F
Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD (2022–2023)
The Ioniq 5 is a highway sleeper. It doesn’t scream range, but it delivers. Its shape is deceptively aerodynamic, and the 77.4 kWh battery provides a strong base.
At 70–75 mph, drivers report 230–240 miles of range even on older AWD models. The ride is cushy, and the cabin remains calm up to about 78 mph. It’s the kind of EV that soaks up miles without complaint.
Where the Ioniq 5 really shines is in charging speed. Thanks to its 800V architecture, it can go from 10–80% in under 20 minutes when warm — and still does it well past 60K miles.
Degradation has been low. Even high-mileage AWD versions tend to hold 86–90% capacity. The heat pump helps in winter, though preconditioning is critical for full charge speed when it’s cold.
Highway Range (real): 230–240 miles
Charging curve (typical): 10–80% in 18–22 mins
Winter impact: ~15–20% range loss
Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (2018–2022)
The Model 3 is still the most efficient high-speed EV ever sold at scale. And for highway use, the Long Range AWD version is the one to get.
Even with 90,000 miles, most used Model 3 Long Range units deliver 270–280 miles at 70 mph. That’s better than some brand-new crossovers with 100-kWh packs.
It rides lower than the Model Y, has better aerodynamics, and with 18-inch wheels, it’s quiet, stable, and smooth at speed.
Charging remains fast even with age, thanks to pack conditioning and tight cell management. The software adjusts the curve based on battery age, making long-term use smoother.
Highway Range (real): 270–280 miles
Charging curve (typical): 10–80% in 25–30 mins
Winter impact: ~17% range loss
Kia EV6 Wind AWD (2022–2023)
Kia’s EV6 is every bit as efficient as the Ioniq 5 but rides lower and has sharper dynamics. On the highway, it feels planted, tracks well, and delivers 225–235 miles of range even with aged AWD packs.
The seats are a bit firmer than Hyundai’s, but long-haul comfort remains high. Fast charging is identical: under 20 minutes if the pack is warm and SOC is low.
Degradation numbers have been excellent. Most 2022 EV6 AWDs show over 87% capacity after 60–70K miles, and winter preconditioning is standard on all dual-motor trims.
Highway Range (real): 225–235 miles
Charging curve (typical): 10–80% in 19–21 mins
Winter impact: ~20% range drop with heat pump
Ford Mustang Mach-E ER AWD (2021–2023)
Ford’s Mach-E, especially in Extended Range AWD form, is surprisingly strong on the highway. It doesn’t advertise efficiency, but the big 91 kWh battery (88 usable) gives it long legs.
Real-world range at highway speeds is 240–255 miles, depending on wheels and temperature. The ride is a bit firmer than others, but the seats are among the best for long drives.
Charging performance is decent after recent updates, but heat matters. Without preconditioning, cold packs charge much slower.
Used Mach-E ER AWD models with 70K+ miles usually hold 85–88% capacity, and Ford’s software updates have improved thermal behavior and range consistency.
Highway Range (real): 240–255 miles
Charging curve (typical): 10–80% in 33–37 mins
Winter impact: ~22% range loss
Rivian R1S Large Pack Dual Motor (2022–2023)
This one’s heavy, but if you need to carry people or gear over long distances, it delivers.
R1S models with the Large Pack and Dual Motor setup deliver 270–280 miles at 70 mph — remarkable given the weight and size. Air suspension smooths out long road trips, and the cabin is whisper quiet even at 75+ mph.
Charging speed is solid: 150–170 kW when preconditioned, but winter behavior is highly dependent on user-initiated warming. There’s no automatic thermal conditioning unless you route to a charger in the nav.
Used R1S units with 50–60K miles are holding strong at 90%+ pack health. Rivian’s pack construction is proving durable early on.
Highway Range (real): 270–280 miles
Charging curve (typical): 10–80% in 35–40 mins
Winter impact: ~18–25% range drop depending on temp
BMW iX xDrive50 (2022–2023)
BMW’s iX doesn’t get talked about enough, but it’s one of the best highway electric SUVs you can buy used.
With a massive 111.5 kWh pack (105 usable), the iX delivers 290–310 miles at 70 mph depending on tires and load. It’s smooth, quiet, and comfortable in ways most EVs still can’t match.
The cabin is luxury-level refined. Wind and road noise are minimal, and the front seats are good enough for 6+ hour drives without complaint.
Charging is fast when warm — 195 kW peaks, 10–80% in 35 minutes — and the car manages heat like a champ. Preconditioning is automatic if you route via BMW’s navigation.
Highway Range (real): 290–310 miles
Charging curve (typical): 10–80% in 30–35 mins
Winter impact: ~12–17% loss thanks to high thermal efficiency
What We Think
If you plan to drive your EV far — not just across town, but across counties, states, or time zones — then you need more than range. You need real-world stability, thermal durability, charging reliability, and cabin comfort that holds up at 75 mph.
The best used EVs for highway range in 2025 don’t just win on EPA sheets. They win on I-95. On I-5. On road trips where conditions change, winds blow, batteries heat up, and every mile counts.
Our top picks:
Tesla Model Y Long Range: Proven range. Proven reliability. Still the standard
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Comfortable, fast-charging, holds steady at speed
Model 3 Long Range: Still the king of highway efficiency
BMW iX: The long-haul luxury champ
Rivian R1S: If you need big space and real legs
Kia EV6 / Ford Mach-E: Balanced, accessible, still solid after 100K
Use this list when range matters. When the next exit is 74 miles away. When your passengers are asleep. When it’s cold and dark and you still have 140 miles to go. These are the EVs that hold up.
