Provided is a method using a distance to empty prediction with kinetic energy change compensation. The method is provided for estimating distance to empty (DTE) for a vehicle. The method includes a controller which may, in response to detecting a change in a vehicle kinetic energy level due to vehicle acceleration or deceleration during a drive cycle, output a DTE modified by a predicted DTE range adjustment selected to include a kinetic energy compensation input corresponding to and correcting for the change in the vehicle kinetic energy level. An electrified vehicle having an energy conversion device, an energy source, one or more brake systems, and at least one controller is also provided. The controller may be programmed to, in response to detecting a change in a vehicle kinetic energy level due to vehicle acceleration or deceleration during a drive cycle, output a distance to empty to the interface based on conditions of vehicle components and the energy source compensated by a kinetic energy compensation input.