Best electric SUVs 2023
SUVs have led the electric revolution. Here are 10 of the best electric SUVs that you can buy today.
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The UK was already in love with SUVs before the electric car revolution began, but now plug-in SUVs are arguably the most sought-after new cars of the lot.
With their mix of practicality, comfort and ease of driving, their appeal is no surprise. Add the instant acceleration that comes with electric power, coupled to the fact that the layout of battery packs has opened the car market up to a whole new era of design language, and electric SUVs are some of the most expressive and forward-thinking cars of the moment – a far cry from when SUVs were demonised by climate protesters for their increased emissions and inefficiency.
Of particular appeal are the SUVs offered by premium manufacturers, whose leadership in EV powertrains has led to some fantastic new cars hitting the market. But there are less expensive models that are equally appealing for entirely different reasons – mostly with an electric range of over 200 miles, meaning they’re suited to most types of driving.
If you like SUVs, and the thought of driving an electric car is something that excites you, the list we have compiled here will be right up your street. It features some of the most exciting models available for buyers at every price point.
Range up to 280 miles
Our pick Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus single motor
A fully electric derivative of the Volvo XC40 was always part of the plan for the Swedish manufacturer’s mid-size SUV model, so it has the advantage of looking just like a conventional XC40 with the exception of its blanked-out aero grille.
Offered in three trim levels, the XC40 comes with single motor or dual motor layouts, the first of which is a two-wheel-drive car with 241PS, the latter a four-wheel-drive 413PS machine that’s discreetly as fast as some supercars.
Add in an electric range of up to 343 miles and a cabin with a modern, fresh feelgood factor and it’s no surprise that the XC40 is a hugely popular choice.
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Range up to 252 miles
Our pick Audi e-tron Technik 50 quattro
The Audi e-tron is now an entire family of SUVs, made up of a regular SUV and a coupe-like ‘Sportback’ SUV, similar to the BMW X6. There are also sporty ‘S’ variants of both, meaning a total of three power options in two different styles, each with between 200 and 260 miles of electric range.
The pick of the range is the entry-level car – the Audi e-tron Technik 50 quattro is still extremely well-equipped and desirable, but with the best overall combination of value, range and equipment.
It’s roughly the same size as the Audi Q5, so the Audi e-tron should offer plenty of space for five adult occupants, while the EV range can be increased usefully using the car’s regenerative braking feature.
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Range up to 285 miles
Our pick BMW iX3 M Sport
BMW was one of the pioneers of electric drive and the iX range covers everything from small cars to supercars, but the BMW iX3 is the pick of the lot.
Based on the popular BMW X3 SUV, existing BMW drivers will find the interior familiar: the gear selector is where you’d expect it, and there’s a 10.3-inch media system mounted on the dashboard. Standard equipment includes three-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof and an electric tailgate.
The BMW iX3 has an official range of 285 miles, which is impressive considering it uses an 80kWh battery – smaller than that of many of its rivals.
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Range up to 300 miles
Our pick Hyundai Kona 64kWh Premium
It may be the luxurious and vastly expensive models on this page that turn your head, but it’s the Hyundai Kona Electric that’s one of the most impressive and well-sorted all-rounders.
It’s affordable for a start – or at least more affordable than larger and more premium alternatives – but it still has a real-world range of over 250 miles if you opt for the 64kWh version.
For a small SUV, the Kona is reasonably spacious. Tall adults won’t need to contort themselves to fit into the back seats, but there isn’t a great deal of room to stretch out once you’re there. Only the 332-litre boot seems a little meagre, with less space on offer than in a Nissan Leaf or Volkswagen e-Golf.
Range up to 291 miles
Our pick Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE
The Jaguar I-Pace is a car that in many ways has changed the way in which we think about car design, its single-box layout offering massive passenger space and a short, stubby bonnet due to the fact there is no engine.
That translates to a unique style and a vastly luxurious cabin. The flowing design is low for an SUV, but it feels spacious inside, thanks to the extra room available by not having an engine.
The high-tech dashboard, with dials that appear to float above one of the touchscreens, is fitting for a car of the future, while its performance and nimbleness make it sporty to drive.
Its official range between charges – around 290 miles – should equate to more than 250 miles in real-world driving, which is more than enough for the vast majority of journeys.
Range up to 328 miles
Our pick Kia EV6 Air
Much like the Jaguar I-Pace, the Kia EV6 is an EV-only design, which means it has been designed to look far more progressive than electric cars based on manufacturers’ existing SUVs.
Low slung and wide, it’s amazingly spacious inside with a futuristic dash and supremely comfortable cabin. Each Kia EV6 comes with a 77.4kWh battery that powers either one or two electric motors, depending on your choice of rear or all-wheel drive options. The former is cheaper and plenty quick enough, but the flagship dual-motor Kia EV6 GT is something else, with an incredible 577bhp.
It isn’t cheap, but the EV6 is a credible rival to the Jaguar I-Pace or Porsche Taycan at a fraction of the cost.
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Range up to 273 miles
Our pick MG ZS Trophy Long Range
After being heavily revised in 2021 and with the introduction of a new long-range powertrain, the MG ZS EV evolved from a decent value also-ran that sold on price and equipment alone to one of the best-selling electric cars in the UK – and with good reason.
The new powertrain increased its range from a modest 171 miles to a much more competitive 273 miles, while styling and interior improvements and the addition of smartphone mirroring stereos made it a far more appealing car inside, too.
It’s a small SUV and it’s by far the cheapest model among the 10 mentioned here, but the ZS is a great choice for smaller families and even gets a seven-year warranty.
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Range up to 255 miles
Our pick Mercedes EQC 400 AMG Line
In terms of its size, price, performance and range, not to mention its customer demographic, the Mercedes EQC electric SUV is very similar to the Jaguar I-Pace. But that’s where the commonality ends, as the Mercedes is taller, with a conventional bonnet and large grille that’s more typical of petrol or diesel-powered cars.
An official range of 255 miles should translate to more than 200 miles when driven normally and, like its rivals, the car will accelerate swiftly from 0-62mph. In this case, it takes 5.1 seconds, thanks to the instant response from the electric motors.
At 4.7 metres long, it’s bigger than the family-friendly Mercedes GLC and a little shorter than the larger Mercedes GLE.
Range up to 348 miles
Our pick Tesla Model X Dual Motor
In many ways the Tesla Model X is the ultimate electric SUV, albeit one that doesn’t come cheap. For maximum range, space and performance it’s impossible to beat. You will pay for it, though, as prices for a brand new one start from over £100,000 and discounts don’t exist.
As with any electric car, maximum power is delivered as soon as you press the accelerator, which gives sports car-like acceleration. It’s extremely practical too, with a good-sized boot, an extra luggage compartment underneath the bonnet and five, six and seven-seat options.
Getting in the back might be the highlight of Tesla Model X ownership, though. The so-called ‘Falcon Wing’ doors are hinged at the top, and rise dramatically over the car. They require little space on either side of the vehicle, which is useful in tight car parks, but they are slow to open and – dare we say – a bit gimmicky.
Range up to 320 miles
Our pick Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance Life
Having achieved success with its all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback, it comes as no surprise that the German firm followed suit with an SUV model known as the ID.4, which is one of the best electric SUVs on the market thanks to the company’s electric car expertise.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the perfect choice for growing families, with a 543-litre boot, while under the skin it borrows a lot from the Audi Q4 e-Tron – and that’s no bad thing.
There are currently three power combinations on offer, making use of a 52kWh battery capable of 213 miles or a 77kWh battery, which Volkswagen claims will do around 320 miles on a full charge. Most drivers will find the smaller battery pack will achieve around 180 miles from a full charge in regular use.