Don’t give up on the EV winners like Jeep Wagoneer, Kia EV6, and others.

By Keith Griffin

By now, everybody knows electric vehicles no longer receive government subsidies, which makes them more expensive. Also, lower gas prices compared to higher electricity rates make them tough to justify, too.

However, we can’t expect gas prices to stay low. Plus, EVs are still a lot more fun to drive than comparable internal combustion engines. Let’s take a look at the recent crop that has been parked in my driveway.

Kia EV6 GT

The Kia EV6 GT is the best of the current EV offerings in the non-luxury segment. When introduced, it was named the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and in 2025, it was significantly refreshed to look even better. The EV6 is a legitimate head turner.

For 2025, the EV6 introduces larger battery options, with the standard 63.0 kWh battery paired with a rear motor producing 167 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The available 84.0 kWh battery has a targeted to all-electric range of 319 miles in the GT-Line trims with the RWD configuration. This setup comes with a rear motor making 225 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The more powerful AWD option combines dual motors to deliver 320 hp and 446 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EV6 GT makes 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque. With standard GT mode activated, the GT surges with an impressive 641 hp and 568 lb.-ft. of torque. The GT’s new Virtual Gear Shift feature enhances driving immersion by simulating gear shifts with visuals, engine sound effects, and a tactile sensation through motor torque adjustments. Sure, it’s a gimmick and EV purists look down on them, but they enhance the driving experience.

The Kia EV6 has a starting price of $42,900.

Jeep Wagoneer S 4XE

The Wagoneer S 4XE is a true accomplishment for Jeep. It was easy to forget you were driving an electric vehicle until you stepped on the accelerator. Also, unlike other EVs, the Wagoneer can help tackle most any kind of weather New England decides to throw its way. For everyday driving confidence, the Jeep Wagoneer S comes standard with the Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system, with five selectable modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand, Eco).

The Wagoneer S is stunning on the inside. It has maximum usable screen space of more than 45 inches, best-in-class among EVs. There are more than 170 standard safety and security features, including drowsy driver alert, which I found appropriately attentive. Some systems are too aggressive.

Every Jeep Wagoneer S purchase or lease includes a 48-amp Level 2 home charger or public charging credits of equal value through Free2move Charge – Stellantis’ 360-degree charging ecosystem. To make charging quick and easy for customers, the Jeep Wagoneer S carries an efficient 400-volt, 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack that charges the vehicle from 20-80% in 23 minutes (with DC fast charger). A Level 1 home charger is in my carport, which was the only place where the Wagoneer glitched. It would claim charging times up to three times longer than actual delivery.

The Jeep Wagoneer S has a starting U.S. MSRP of $66,995 (including $1,795 destination).

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E

There are those who think the Mach-E shouldn’t wear the Mustang badge. Put me in that corner. The Mach-E really should stand alone.

For 2025, Mustang Mach-E adds a new standard heat pump, automatic lane changes using the latest version of available BlueCruise1 hands-free highway driving – BlueCruise 1.5 – and a new Sport Appearance Package, all with zero vehicle emissions. The latter has to be a strong inclination for the extra cost. You’re making the planet a little healthier.

For Premium model buyers seeking a sportier look, a new Sport Appearance Package brings key styling cues from Mustang Mach-E GT at a lower price point, including the front fascia and grille shield and painted red front Brembo-branded brake calipers, as well as 19-inch Monochromatic High-Gloss Black-Painted wheels and black-painted door cladding and wheel lips.

BlueCruise 1.5, the latest version of the available hands-free highway driving system, debuts on the 2025 Mustang Mach-E. BlueCruise 1.5 includes a new feature, Automatic Lane Change, where the system can smoothly and seamlessly perform a lane change for you without driver input.

BlueCruise 1.5 will initiate a lane change if the vehicle ahead is slower than the set speed or if a vehicle is following too closely in the passing lane. It keeps drivers engaged longer in hands-free mode and helps navigate traffic. Internal testing shows BlueCruise 1.5 automates up to 45% of driver-initiated lane changes on a typical drive.

The 2025 Mustang Mach-E starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,495.

2025 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning is a competent, comfortable, and powerful electrified truck. Yet the question remains, is it the right pickup for most buyers?

The surprising answer is yes. Because most people who buy pickups aren’t using them work trucks. They just like tooling around town. Not a practice I would embrace personally, but lots of buyers disagree.

The all-wheel-drive Lightning returns up to 78 mpg (equivalent) around town and up to 63 mpg on the highway. Those are great numbers from a beast of a truck.

Despite its size, the Lightning handles well. A lot of that could have to do with the battery distribution, which evens out the weight. One downside to that smoothness is it is incredibly easy to hit risky speeds on the highway (or so I’m told!).

The Lightning has a comfortable, spacious interior. The layout of the dashboard is intuitive and the seats adjust well for drivers of all shapes and sizes. Even taller passengers can survive in the rear seat.

Don’t think for a moment that the Lightning is a wannabe pickup. It can get the job done. Standard-range models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and extended-range models can tow up to 7,700 pounds with the Max Trailer Tow package, while extended-range models can tow up to 10,000 pounds with the Max Trailer Tow package.

The 2025 Ford Lightning has a starting MSRP of $49,780 and can easily head north of $85,000 with all the bells and whistles.

2025 Volvo EX30

The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a car with character. Its distinctive front grille sets it apart from other small SUV EVs. You’ll have no problem finding it in a parking lot.

Even though it’s small, the EX30 is comfortable for its size. Four adults could be comfortably transported.

One downside is its size holds it back from better range. With less space for batteries, according to numbers published by U.S. News  (a former employer of mine), the 2025 Volvo EX30 with the single motor and 19-inch wheels gets an EPA-estimated 127 MPG-equivalent in the city and 104 MPGe on the highway, and it has an EPA-estimated drive range of 261 miles. For models with 18-inch wheels, the EPA estimates 124 MPGe in the city and 103 MPGe on the highway and an estimated range of 257 miles. Twin-motor iterations with 20-inch wheels get 118/99 MPGe city/highway and have a 250-mile drive range. Models with 19-inchers get 116/100 MPGe city/highway and offer 253 miles of range. The EX30 will charge from 10% to 80% in about 27 minutes when plugged into a DC fast-charger. Plugging in at home can recharge the battery from 0% to 100% in about 8 hours.

MSRP for the Volvo EX30 starts at $44,900.

Keith Griffin, a  West Hartford resident, is a longtime automotive journalist and past president of the New England Motor Press Association.

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