More Choice Equals More Satisfaction
Research firms track customer satisfaction in a variety of categories, but some have become especially focused on the auto industry. An annual survey tracks the satisfaction of owners immediately after purchase right through to several years later. Some of this research even targets electric vehicles. In a recent survey, owners of EVs were said to be happier with their vehicles than owners of gasoline-powered cars.
Battery-electric vehicles now represent over 9 percent of the overall new car market in the U.S., up from 8.4 percent the year prior, the growth in market share is fueled by a larger number of EVs available in multiple segments. Many of the new entries to the market are more affordable, mass-market EVs, and owners reportedly absolutely love them.
When reporting the number of problems experienced with their vehicles, owners of EVs from mainstream brands experienced fewer problems than owners of premium-brand EVs, though the gap is narrower than years before. Seven of the top 10 models with the fewest reported problems come from mainstream brands.
Most Satisfying Mainstream EVs
In a recent survey of over 6,000 electric vehicle owners, and from mainstream brands, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was ranked as the most satisfying EV to own, scoring a total of 751 points out of a possible 1,000. The sleek, efficient, long-range sedan won high marks across the board for: accuracy of stated battery range; availability of public charging stations; battery range; cost of ownership; driving enjoyment; ease of charging at home; interior and exterior styling; safety and technology features; service experience; and vehicle quality and reliability.
Hot on the heels of the Ioniq 6 was its platform relative, the Kia EV6, a stylish, spacious, and fast crossover; the bargain-priced Chevrolet Equinox EV SUV; the Hyundai Ioniq 5; and the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Rounding out the top 10 were the Kia EV9 three-row SUV; compact Hyundai Kona EV; the Ford Mustang Mach-E; Subaru Solterra; and Kia Niro EV. The segment average for ownership satisfaction was 725 out of 1,000.
BMW Takes Top Rank for Luxury EVs
Premium electric vehicles had slightly higher overall satisfaction scores, with the segment average reaching 756 out of 1,000, though owners did report more issues with high-tech features like driver assist technology and complicated infotainment systems.
The BMW iX, an EV SUV built on a dedicated platform with a huge interior, impressive performance, and excellent range and charging, took top spot in the premium segment with a score of 790 out of 1,000, which also made it 2025’s most satisfying EV to own, according to the survey. It was followed by another BMW, the i4 hatchback, with a score of 783; the Rivian R1S SUV; Tesla Model 3 sedan; and Polestar 2. Tesla’s Model Y crossover, the Audi Q8 e-tron, and Cadillac Lyriq also ranked among the top models.
EV Owners Won’t Go Back to Gas
The EV survey also showed that electric car owners have a strong intent to stick to electric for their next vehicle. Indeed, 94 percent of EV owners are likely to consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle, a rate that’s also matched by first-time EV buyers. Only 12 percent of EV owners said they were likely to consider replacing their electric car with a gasoline-powerred one.
One potential fly in the ointment for continued EV sales growth and owner satisfaction is the current federal administration’s intention to eliminate or reduce EV tax incentives and public charging infrastructure funding. Over half of EV buyers in the survey cited tax credits as a reason for purchasing their vehicle, making it one of the most influential purchase drivers and federal spending on EV charging infrastructure has helped make the switch to electric easier.
