Best EV SUVs

If you’re wondering what is the best electric suv car available, we cover all this and more in our guide below. Continue reading to find out all about EV SUVs, who they’re most suitable for and their key features. We’ll also provide a breakdown of some of the best EV SUVs you’ll currently find on the market.

What is an EV SUV?

The term SUV is an acronym for ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’. A common type of car found all around the world, these vehicles are recognised for their four-wheel drive, elevated seating, and sturdy yet stylish exterior. SUVs offer drivers lots of space and comfort, plus they’re ideal for driving over tough off-road terrain.

Historically, SUVs started out as military vehicles used by the US Army. They were favoured for their rugged and durable nature, and used to carry soldiers through challenging grounds. The term ‘SUV’ is claimed to have first been introduced in a 1974 Jeep Cherokee SJ brochure, however the name didn’t catch on until later. The 1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ is considered to have been one of the first modern SUVs.

Fast forward a few years and EV SUVs are rising in popularity due to their many benefits for drivers and the environment. The 1997 Toyota RAV4 EV is rumored to be the first-ever EV SUV.  Unlike the speedy supercars of today, the original RAV4 could only reach a top speed of 78 mph and its range was a modest 95 miles per charge. Nevertheless, the RAV4 inspired many of the EV SUVs we currently see on the roads, such as the Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model X.

Thanks to the robust and versatile nature of EV SUVs, they are traditionally used by drivers who spend time outdoors doing activities like canoeing, hiking and mountain biking. However, by merit of their generous space, comfortability and modern styling, people with varying lifestyles are making an EV SUV their vehicle of choice – be it families, professionals or couples.

What are the Best Electric SUV Cars?

EV SUVs are a very common type of electric vehicle. So much so that you might wonder whether all-electric cars are SUVs. The answer is that there is simply a high demand for EV SUVs, due to their many driving, comfort and efficiency benefits. What’s more, vehicle manufacturers are more likely to build cars that they are confident people will buy.

With there being such a full and diverse market of EV SUVs, it can be difficult to determine what is the best SUV electric car. But not to worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you – check out our list below:

Kia EV6

The EV6 is the first of a new generation of electric vehicles from Kia. A superb long-distance driving car, this vehicle offers a smooth drive, excellent handling, style and much more. This innovative EV features a sleek, futuristic and robust exterior. This is complemented by a cock-pit style interior which includes a range of smart and modern technologies such as heated seats, a 12.3-inch curved driver display and touchscreen navigation.

Described as a fully electric sporty crossover, this EV comes with five seats, five doors and tonnes of storage space. Its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and optimised flat cabin floor provides you with even more legroom and maximises space.

The EV6 can cover a commendable 328 miles on a single charge if you choose the rear-wheel drive (RWD) version. The alternative all-wheel drive (AWD) option can do an also impressive 314 miles. The standard RWD version has a powerful battery pack of 77.4 kW, 577 horsepower, and is designed to fast charge from 0% to 80% in just 18 minutes. With a top speed of 114 mph, this speedy electric SUV can go from 0-62 mph in around 7.3 seconds.

Compared to other EV SUV models, the Kia EV6 definitely stands out as a top-rated vehicle due to its build, efficiency, and innovative features.

Audi Q4 e-tron

A superb option for families looking to upgrade to a more premium EV SUV, the Audi Q4 e-tron offers comfort, style and reliability. With more of a conventional SUV design than the Kia EV6, this top-range electric vehicle can hold its own on tough roads.

This e-tron offers plenty of leg room and boot space – an impressive 18.3 cu ft to be exact! In addition to its appealing Audi badge, this EV SUV has a near-silent powertrain and a luxurious interior equipped with heated seats, three-zone climate control and an infotainment system any driver would be proud of.

Similar to the Kia EV6, the Audi Q4 e-tron has a range of 328 on a single charge depending on the drivetrain and trim you choose. It also features a 76.6 kWh battery - just slightly less powerful than the Kia EV6 – along with a maximum charging capacity of 135 kW on DC charging. The battery can go from 5% charge to 80% in just 29 minutes. With 204 PS (horsepower), the Q4 has less than half of the horsepower of the EV6, it also has 310 Nm torque and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan is one of the main car manufacturers that pioneered modern EVs, so it’s no wonder their 2021 Nissan Ariya has made our list. Like the Kia EV6, this vehicle sports a stylish, futuristic exterior and this continues into the interior with its clean lines and large user displays.

The Ariya is designed with Nissan’s signature e-4ORCE technology which uses an electric-drive four-wheel-control system to freely control driving force. Drivers can launch the vehicle with instant torque at all four wheels, tackle terrain with all-weather traction, and conquer corners with precise control.

In terms of range, the Ariya closely beats both the EV6 and Q4 e-tron with up to 329 miles, depending on the model you choose. Nissan offers a choice of batteries and you can choose between either a two-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive. When rapid charging, the Ariya can power up to 217 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes and it can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.6 seconds.

BMW iX

True to the BMW brand, the iX is a premium EV SUV with superb build quality, style and sophistication. Its large front grille is admittedly to an acquired taste, but everything else - from its futuristic design to its impressively comfortable and chic interior - makes this vehicle a popular choice for many drivers.

The iX’s interior features soft-touch materials and has two 14.5-inch curved screens for interactivity. These screens are designed with BMW’s signature Live Cockpit Professional media setup, along with the latest version of iDrive, so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your journeys.

This EV SUV is manufactured with state-of-the-art 5th Generation BMW eDrive technology, equipped with a totally electric all-wheel drive. Offering up to 380 miles between charges, the iX boasts the highest range in the list so far. The vehicle can deliver powerful acceleration from the start, going from 0 to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. This EV SUV also offers superb charging times – you can recharge 74 miles of range in just 10 minutes, or charge the battery entirely in less than 40 minutes.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla is a huge name in the electric vehicle world, so our list wouldn’t be complete without their Model Y EV SUV. Offering a more spacious interior than the Tesla Model 3, this vehicle is an excellent choice for families and those in need of more room. Tesla offers both a seven-seater and five-seater option in selected countries.

The Model Y has an attractive interior equipped with a standard panoramic roof, a 15-inch touchscreen display and an immersive sound system. Drivers can enjoy an elevated seating position and low dash, offering a full view of the road ahead. In terms of range, this EV SUV can achieve 319 miles between charges and it can reach a 9top speed of 150 mph. You can also get from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds with this vehicle.

Let’s not forget that driving a Tesla provides you with access to the brand’s Supercharger network –  so wave goodbye to range anxiety.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Don’t be fooled by the Ioniq 5’s compact design, this Hyundai [FA(S25] vehicle offers plenty of space and is therefore ideal for families and large groups. Designed with angular lines and featuring unique lighting, this is yet another EV SUV that presents a futuristic look – but this time there’s also a hint of retro.

The interior of the Ioniq 5 is minimalistic yet stylish, featuring two large 12.3 high-resolution displays and a BOSE premium sound system. Depending on the battery size selected, the Ioniq can deliver up to 315 miles of range per charge and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds, outdoing the EV6, Ariya and the e-tron. This EV SUV can also reach a top speed of 115 and when connected to a 350 kW ultra-fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 to 36 minutes.

Now you know which EV SUVs are the best on the market, you can decide if any of them suit your needs – whether you’re making a new purchase or simply hiring a car for a trip. There’s also a range of other EVs that could be suitable, take a read of the rest of our guides to learn more:

• Best EV hatchbacks
• Best EV pickups
• Best EV sports cars