The best electric SUVs are now as useful as they are attractive, thanks to significant developments in battery and charging technology.
Since practically all automakers are currently concentrating on EVs and SUVs, the electric SUV class is arguably the most competitive of them.
The greatest models in it are both elegant and useful, and they are both affordable and enjoyable to drive. However, which ones are we referring to?
After conducting extensive testing on all available models, our knowledgeable team of reviewers has determined that the Smart #3 is the finest electric SUV available right now. They do this by evaluating electric cars in 18 distinct categories.
Here the names of Top 10:
(1) Smart #3:
The #3 is the second model to join Smart’s revitalized lineup, despite what its name implies. Additionally, it’s more than just a #1 with a lower roofline, despite what you might assume from its appearance.
Despite having many parts in common, the #3 is wider and longer than its twin. As a result, it enhances the already outstanding #1 in practical ways rather than being diminished by its sleeker design.
The #3 is a more sensible option for families because of the larger boot that results from the additional length. Additionally, it still offers a large amount of room in the back seats and a high-end, technologically advanced interior.
In addition to having a little longer range (283 miles, officially, in our preferred trim), the #3 is even more enjoyable to drive than the #1. However, the #3 is just somewhat more expensive than its sister and less expensive than competitor coupé SUVs like the Volvo EC40 and Skoda Enyaq Coupé.
(2) Genesis GV60:
The upscale Korean brand Genesis took the foundations of the superb Kia EV6 and gave them a further polish with the GV60.
The GV60 is incredibly refined and has a delightfully elegant interior in addition to having a large range of up to 321 miles and ultra-fast charging (a 10-80% top-up may be completed in as little as 20 minutes).
Although the GV60 costs more than the EV6, you receive a lot of benefits for your money. For instance, all GV60s have adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and wireless phone charging.
(3) Smart #1
Smart used to exclusively produce little city cars with short ranges, but these days the company sells two of the greatest small electric SUVs.
Surprisingly, the #1’s extensive list of features includes impressive speed; in fact, during our tests, it beat its stated 0–60 mph sprint time, requiring only 5.8 seconds. That is quicker than the more costly Kia Niro EV or the similarly priced BYD Atto 3.
The interior of the #1 looks and feels luxurious, and two six-footers won’t feel crowded on the back seats, so don’t assume it’s all go and no show either. Unless you push the sliding back seats forward and give up some legroom, the boot is the only rather disappointing feature.
(4) BMW iX3:
It would be difficult to distinguish the BMW iX3 from its combustion-engined sibling, the BMW X3, save from a few design cues and the fact that an electric motor has taken the place of the combustion engine.
That’s not a terrible thing, though, because it means you’re getting a stylish and roomy SUV with one of the best entertainment systems available in a new car, along with a sizable boot.
The iX3 is simple to recommend when you combine those qualities with a smooth ride, confident handling, and a good range of up to 285 miles between charges. Just be mindful that some competitors are quicker, both in terms of charging speed and acceleration.
(5) Skoda Enyaq:
With a smooth ride and reassuring handling, Skoda’s first custom electric vehicle is useful and enjoyable to drive.
You also get a lot of equipment; even the least expensive model has cruise control, 19-inch alloy wheels, and dual-zone temperature control. We advise upgrading to the “85,” which can officially cover up to 348 miles between charges, as the “60” version’s range is on the short side.
The interior of the Enyaq feels well-built to withstand the rigors of family life, and it is reasonably priced.
(6) Volvo EX30
Among its main competitors are the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and Smart #1. Volvo’s smallest electric SUV stands out for providing comfort and luxury at a comparatively low cost.
The EX30 is, in fact, appropriately posh inside, with materials that feel and look expensive, even though it undercuts some of those vehicles. In the meanwhile, there is a ton of standard equipment, such as dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a motorized tailgate, and adaptive cruise control.
We would continue to use the less expensive Single Motor Extended Range models of the EX30, which should satisfy your range anxiety while still offering sufficient performance for the majority of families. It will, in fact, allow you to go farther between charges than the #1 or Jeep Avenger, with a stated range of up to 295 miles from its 64kWh battery. And when you do need to stop, a 10-80% top-up can take as little as 26 minutes.
(7) Hyundai Kona Electric
Despite being a compact electric SUV (less than 4.4 meters long), the Kona Electric’s interior is very roomy.
In fact, similar to the Smart #1, it can comfortably fit four adults or a large rear-facing child seat behind a driver who is at least six feet tall. Additionally, the Kona can simultaneously consume a sizable amount of luggage, unlike the #1.
Although the Kona isn’t as clever (pun intended) inside or as good to drive, the suspension skillfully absorbs the majority of bumps and potholes, and light steering makes navigating the city a breeze.
(8) BMW iX
The interior of the BMW iX is exquisitely furnished, combining the Audi Q8 e-tron’s build quality with the rival Mercedes EQC’s aesthetic appeal. The ultimate effect is an interior that you will enjoy spending a lot of time in.
The fact that the iX is quite quiet is helpful. Additionally, the xDrive40 version’s ride is a touch rough, but the xDrive50 version has air suspension, which can absorb various bumps and bumps on the road.
If you choose the xDrive50, you’ll also receive a larger battery (enough for 284 miles between charges) and better speed (the 0-62 mph sprint takes just 4.4 seconds). It’s unfortunate that it raises the cost by almost thirty thousand pounds.
(9) Renault Scenic
The most recent Scenic’s excessively harsh ride disappointed us when we initially drove it, but Renault has subsequently adjusted the suspension, and it now does a great job of maintaining comfort.
It’s true that compared to certain competitors, you pay for this by having more body lean in corners. On the other hand, you can position the front end just where you want it thanks to the precise steering and plenty of grip.
The Scenic’s appeal is increased by its roomy and well-built interior, which has a number of well-considered features that make family living easier. Additionally, the official range of the larger battery is up to 379 miles.
(10) Kia EV6
One previous What Car? Car of the Year was the Kia EV6. It is still a great option even though more recent competitors have now outperformed it in several ways.
Family outings shouldn’t include a charging stop because the RWD version we choose can officially travel up to 328 miles on a single charge, which is more than the Volkswagen ID 4 can handle. If they do, though, the EV6’s 238kW peak charging rate allows them to top off the battery in as little as 16 minutes.
Additionally, the EV6 is comfortable because it has ample room for everyone to stretch out in addition to having a properly upscale interior that even surpasses the quality of its Hyundai Ioniq 5 sister vehicle. Additionally, we were able to fit seven carry-on bags inside the EV6’s boot, which is sufficient for most families’ vacation bags.
Conclusion:
How we choose the best electric SUVs
We rigorously examine each new model and continuously reevaluate the entire class to identify the best electric SUVs available. This ensures that our list of the best models is always current with our most recent findings.
Our ratings are derived from information provided by thousands of drivers who answer our yearly reader poll about the features they value most in a new vehicle. After applying this rigorous testing to every model on sale, have concluded that the Smart #3 is the best electric SUV you can currently buy.