American EVs Versus Gas Cars
Whether you’re driving an electric pick-up or a good old-fashioned gas-powered muscle car, you can’t deny that American automotive engineering may just be the best in the world. Here are some of the best electric and gas-powered cars to come out of the good ol’ US of A.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
When it comes to cars, nothing says ‘MURICA like a good old pick-up. The Silverado is one of Chevrolet’s most prominent nameplates, and the EV version of the truck offers just as much kick as its gas-powered counterparts, with rapid charging capabilities and a spacious 10-foot bed to boot.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Muscle cars are emblematic of the American spirit, and you don’t get more iconic than the Ford Mustang. The Dark Horse is all about performance and comes equipped with a 5.0L V8 engine capable of producing around 500 hp.
Tesla Model S Plaid
American automotive manufacturers are often caught between the desire to innovate and the urge to pay homage to everything that came before. Not Tesla, though. The Model S Plaid may be the most impressive EV on this list and is capable of reaching 60 mph in under 2 seconds.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Corvette nameplate is right up there with the likes of the Mustang, a prestigious moniker with a long history. The ZR1 is the most powerful Corvette to date, with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine capable of 1,064 hp and speeds of over 215 mph.
Lucid Air Dream Edition
America truly has it all when it comes to cars, with some of the best vehicles in every category. The Lucid Air Dream Edition is a luxury sedan that really dials up the luxury to 11 with its opulent interior and advanced features. It also has an exceptional range of up to 520 miles per charge.
Dodge Charger Sixpack
Nothing says muscle like a six-pack, right? The Dodge Charger Sixpack is a full-size muscle sedan that combines classic, retro aesthetics with modern performance capabilities thanks to its 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 engine.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford is perhaps still the best example of American engineering at its finest, and the Mustang Mach-E proves that they’re capable of applying their engineering chops to electric vehicles, too. It has a range of up to 312 miles and sporty performance.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Cadillac is right up there with Ford and Chevrolet when it comes to the best America has to offer. The CT4-V Blackwing is a luxury sports sedan powered by a 3.6L twin-turbo V6 engine that offers refined performance capabilities in a very cool luxury package.
Rivian R1T
Pick-ups are an American staple, and the Rivian R1T understands what you look for in one. Not only is it just rugged enough to handle the off-road, but its range of 314 miles ensures that you can take this bad boy on an adventure and still have enough space to store whatever you may find.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Camaro is one of the greatest vehicles to come out of the US, and the nameplate has never been retired since its arrival in the 60s. The ZL1 combines both agility and power thanks to its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine that allows it to dominate both the track and the road.
Cadillac Lyriq
In America, bigger normally means better unless you’re this mid-size SUV. The Cadillac Lyriq takes what we all know and love about SUVs and places it into an EV with a range of up to 326 miles, along with some advanced features like the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving, all wrapped up in a sleek and stylish design.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The best American cars almost always have names that sound like they could be applied to military vehicles and equipment. Case in point: the F-150 Raptor. With a name like that, it inspires fear and awe in equal measure and is a true beast when it comes to off-road handling and adventures.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
While many dream of owning a cool muscle car or a stylish pick-up, most people will invariably settle for a more economical car - but that doesn’t mean they should sacrifice performance. The Bolt EV from Chevrolet is a compact hatchback that’s easy to handle, especially in cramped cities, and has a range of 259 miles, all at an affordable price.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Muscle cars should be intimidating - they should command the road like no other vehicle can. That’s pretty much exactly what the Challenger SRT Hellcat does. If its name alone wasn’t terrifying enough, consider its supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine, which offers raw and roaring power on the road.
Ford F-150 Lightning
There’s a general consensus regarding EVs and their performance capabilities that they’ll never be as powerful as traditional gas-powered cars. Not if Ford has anything to say about it. The F-150 Lightning has its own onboard power generator, combined with powerful towing capabilities and a range of up to 320 miles.
Cadillac Escalade V
Most SUVs favor ruggedness over luxury, but when it comes to the Cadillac Escalade V, opulence is king. Besides its luxurious stylings, the Escalade V also features a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine, which gives it plenty of power to boot as well.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla is the unofficial leader of the electric car world, and the Model Y applies everything they’ve learned to a compact SUV. It features advanced safety features and has a range of up to 330 miles, as well as a luxurious interior that’ll make you feel like you’re living in the future.
Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance
Nothing says “Don’t mess with me” like a full-size SUV (monster trucks notwithstanding). The Tahoe RST Performance offers a good balance between comfort and power with its 6.2L V8 engine and can handle both off-road and city driving alike with ease.
GMC Hummer EV
You’d think that the generally lower power of EVs would restrict them from going off-road too often. Think again - the GMC Hummer EV was designed specifically to handle the worst off-road driving can throw at you and is capable of 1,000 hp and 350 miles per charge.
Ford Mustang GT
When all is said and done, the best that American automotive engineering has to offer still comes straight back to muscle cars. The Mustang GT is a classic muscle car in every sense, combining performance and power with style and precision.
Ford E-Transit
Most of the cars we’ve looked at so far have been for personal use, but businesses throughout the US have relied on fleet cars for their work. The E-Transit from Ford is probably the best electric fleet car you’ll come across, an electric van with built-in fleet management tools and a range of up to 126 miles.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
You’ve heard of the CT4-V Blackwing; now get ready for the CT5-V Blackwing. It’s pretty much a slightly more souped-up version of that earlier model and comes powered by a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine.
Lucid Gravity
Above all, American automotive engineering is all about pushing the envelope and innovation. When it comes to electric SUVs, none are more innovative than the Lucid Gravity, which features advanced driver-assist features, a luxurious interior, and a range of up to 400 miles.
Dodge Durango SRT
SUVs are great because they make for excellent family vehicles while still offering plenty of tough, mean performance to turn heads. The Durango SRT comes with a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that gives you plenty of power despite being wrapped up in a family-friendly frame.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST
The Silverado nameplate is probably one of the most famous in the US, and while we’ve already mentioned its electric counterpart, you can’t beat the gas-powered classics like the 1500 RST, which offers great towing capabilities in a practical, everyday package.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
This electric mid-size crossover SUV launched in 2023 and made a name for itself across the US for its stylish and spacious design alongside its performance-orientated SS trim. What’s more is its powerful 0-60 MPH in 3.4 seconds when equipping its Wide Open Watts mode. It's no wonder it was awarded MotorTrends SUV of the year in 2024!
Ford Bronco Raptor
A little less sleek and a little more rugged means this off-road SUV offers some exceptional off-road capabilities, perfect for the canyon trails of Arizona to the red rocks of Utah. This gas-powered masterpiece features a high-output 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, truly proving to be an American dream.
Tesla Cybertruck
The old faithful pickup truck has been given a facelift with this next entry. Nothing screams American technological revolution more than the Tesla Cybertruck. This electric pick-up truck is renowned for its futuristic design, durability, and 300-mile range, making it a vision of the future of American technology.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
While a futuristic pickup truck is truly something to behold, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 takes the cake as one of the most powerful modern American gas off-road pickup trucks of the century. The perfect lock-up and go, this truck, powered by a 3.6L V6 engine and enhanced suspension, is perfect for some serious off-road adventuring.
Rivian R1S
Sleek, modern, and electrifying. This electric SUV offers spacious three-row seating for supreme comfort while still maintaining an impressive off-road prowess. With a range of up to 316 miles and a 0-60 MPH acceleration of 4.5 seconds, this US-born and bred car proves that electric cars are just as powerful as their gas predecessors.
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
Who says you can’t enjoy the best of both worlds? The Corvette E-Ray combines a 6.2L V8 engine with an electric motor and is capable of delivering 655 hp with a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds.
Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
This pick-up really puts the power in PowerBoost. With a 3.5L V6 engine and an electric motor, the PowerBoost can produce 430 hp and is capable of 570 lb-ft of torque.
Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD
Despite its compact size, the Maverick Hybrid AWD is capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds. Combined with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and electric motor, you’ve got an electric-hybrid pick-up for the ages.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
It’s honestly quite a travesty that it’s taken us this long to mention Jeep, but better late than never. In any case, this fantastic hybrid comes equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine and electric motors and can produce up to 375 hp.
Honda Accord Hybrid
It may seem like cheating to include the Honda Accord Hybrid here, but it’s manufactured in Ohio, so we think it counts. It offers a smooth ride and a spacious interior, not to mention its advanced safety features.
