As electric vehicles continue to democratize high-end performance and efficiency, the sub-$80,000 segment is heating up in 2025. With federal tax credits phased out after September 2025, buyers are eyeing models that deliver premium features without crossing into luxury territory. Enter Lucid’s Gravity SUV: a three-row electric beast promising up to 450 miles of range, supercar acceleration, and family-friendly utility—all starting under $80K for its base trim. But is it truly “affordable” in a market flooded with budget-friendly options like the Chevy Equinox EV? Let’s break it down, from specs to real-world value, and stack it against competitors.
Lucid Gravity: The Luxury Contender in Disguise
Lucid Motors, the EV upstart backed by Saudi investment, unveiled the 2025 Gravity as its first SUV—a direct shot at Tesla’s Model X and Rivian’s R1S. Production kicked off late last year for the higher-trim Grand Touring, with the more accessible Touring model slated for deliveries starting late 2025. Here’s the rundown:
- Pricing Breakdown:
- Touring (base, 5- or 7-seater): Starts at $79,900 (before the $1,650 destination fee, bringing it to ~$81,550). This dual-motor AWD variant offers an estimated 440+ miles of EPA range, making it a road-trip champ.
- Grand Touring (premium, standard 7-seater): $94,900–$96,550, with up to 828 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and a peak 450-mile range.
- No Sapphire ultra-high-performance trim yet, but expect one pushing $250K+ with a tri-motor setup.
- Range and Efficiency Promise: Lucid’s 123-kWh battery pack is the star here, delivering class-leading efficiency (estimated 3.5–4 mi/kWh). The 440-mile estimate for the Touring holds up in early tests, outpacing the Model X’s 326 miles and matching Rivian’s top-end R1S. Real world? Prototypes hit 420+ miles on highways, thanks to aero-optimized design (0.29 Cd drag coefficient) and adjustable air suspension. Charging is blistering: 200 miles in 12 minutes via 400-kW DC fast chargers, beating most rivals.
- Performance and Handling: Don’t let the three-row setup fool you—this is a sports car in SUV clothing. The Grand Touring’s 828 hp and 909 lb-ft torque launch it like a Ferrari, yet it corners flat with low center-of-gravity battery placement. Early drives praise its “soulful” ride: quiet cabin, precise steering, and adaptive dampers that switch from plush family hauler to canyon carver.
- Interior and Tech: Space for seven, with 112 cu ft of cargo (including frunk) and second-row captain’s chairs. The 34-inch curved glass cockpit runs Lucid’s intuitive UI, with DreamDrive Pro ADAS (hands-free highway driving) and over-the-air updates. Materials scream luxury: sustainable veg-leather, massaging seats, and a 21-speaker Dolby Atmos system. It’s a “mobile living room” with zones for work, zen, or entertainment.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched range for the price | Third row is tight for adults |
| Supercar speed in family form | Charging network relies on Electrify America (not Tesla’s Superchargers yet) |
| Spacious, tech-loaded cabin | Base model waits until late 2025 |
| Towing and utility punch | Higher trims exceed $80K easily |
Lucid’s promise? An SUV that “redefines sustainable mobility” without skimping on wow-factor. Early reviews call it “as good as EV SUVs get,” blending Rivian ruggedness with Mercedes refinement.
How Does It Stack Up? Affordable EV SUV Rivals Under $80K
The Gravity isn’t alone in the “premium-but-accessible” lane. Here’s how it fares against 2025’s top under-$80K EVs, focusing on SUVs for apples-to-apples comparison. (All prices include destination; ranges are EPA estimates.)
| Model | Starting Price | Max Range | HP / 0-60 | Key Features | Why Consider? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucid Gravity Touring | $81,550 | 440 miles | ~620 hp / ~4.0 sec | 7 seats, 400-kW charging, luxury interior | Best range; luxury on a (relative) budget |
| Chevy Equinox EV LT | $34,995 | 319 miles | 213 hp / 7.5 sec | 17.7″ infotainment, Super Cruise ADAS, 56 cu ft cargo | True affordability; everyday hero with GM’s Ultium platform |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE | $42,500 | 318 miles | 225 hp / 7.3 sec | 800V ultra-fast charging (10-80% in 18 min), bidirectional power | Retro-futuristic style; V2L for camping |
| Kia EV6 Light | $43,975 | 310 miles | 167 hp / 7.2 sec | Sporty handling, 350-kW charging, 50 cu ft cargo | Fun-to-drive; Kia’s 10-year warranty |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $44,990 | 320 miles | 295 hp / 6.6 sec | Autopilot, 15″ touchscreen, OTA updates | Supercharger access; resale king |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E Select | $39,995 | 250 miles | 264 hp / 6.0 sec | BlueCruise hands-free, 91 cu ft cargo | Mustang spirit; rugged AWD options |
| Volkswagen ID.4 S | $38,995 | 275 miles | 201 hp / 7.7 sec | 82 cu ft cargo, IQ.Drive suite | Spacious German build; value-packed |
| Rivian R1S Adventure | $75,900 | 410 miles | 533 hp / 4.5 sec | Off-road prowess, 14.9″ display, air suspension | Closest Gravity rival; adventure-ready |
The Gravity shines in range and power but trails in outright affordability—it’s more “aspirational luxury” than entry-level. For pure value, the Equinox EV steals the show: 319 miles for under $35K, with Chevy’s dealer network for easy service. If you crave style, the Hyundai/Kia duo offers pixel-perfect designs and warp-speed charging. Tesla’s ecosystem edges it for convenience, while Rivian matches the Gravity’s premium vibe at a similar price.
The Bottom Line: Worth the Hype?
Lucid’s Gravity delivers on its 440-mile promise, proving you can have an 800+ hp family hauler without guzzling gas—or breaking $80K on the base. It’s a game-changer for buyers ditching gas guzzlers like the BMW X5, offering Tesla-beating range in a more practical package. That said, if “affordable” means sub-$50K, look to Chevy or VW—the Gravity’s for those who want luxury without the $100K+ badge.
Reservations are open now via Lucid’s site; expect waitlists for the Touring. Test drive one (if available) and crunch numbers with local incentives. EVs under $80K are no longer a compromise—they’re the future. What’s your budget sweet spot?
