Guide to EV Crossover

When choosing an electric vehicle, it’s important to find exactly the right model for your needs. The guide below will outline some of your best options within the crossover (CUV) area of the market.

Highlighting each vehicle's key attributes and features, feel confident that our Hertz guide can help you make the right choice for the specific type of driving you do.

Whether it’s for extended road trips or daily commuting, your move to more sustainable driving is right around the corner, and families are catered for perfectly.

What is a crossover?

Crossover cars are becoming increasingly popular and, whilst some consumers and automakers use the term interchangeably with SUVs, the key difference is that a crossover is lighter and built on a car platform, as opposed to the traditional truck chassis of an SUV.

With an increased ride height, crossover vehicles are great at handling different terrain and offer a more comfortable journey, alongside better fuel economy and a safer passenger environment.

Crossovers are an ideal fit for families who love adventure, with the ability to tow and offer copious amounts of space and storage. The EV versions of these vehicles that have arrived in the past few years are now competing for attention with some of the larger SUVs.

Nissan Ariya

This compact crossover was first introduced in July 2020 and available to the US market in 2022. Available in the Advance and Evolve versions, this CUV boasts simple and clean Japanese design, particularly inside the cabin with switchgear symbols shining through the wood veneer. With a 12.3” digital dashboard, navigation and control are made simple and the interior is impressively spacious.

The Nissan Ariya offers the following specifications:

• Up to 466 liters of cargo space.
• Range of up to 304 miles on a full charge.
• 389 horsepower on selected trims.
• Towing ability of 1,500 lbs.

The fact that the Ariya arrived a little later in the EV space than planned, meant that it lost ground to a few of its direct competitors in terms of unique features. However, the sleek futuristic interior will draw many people in.

BMW iX

After going on general sale in November 2021, both versions of the BMW iX, the xDrive50 and M60, are twin-motor AWD, with options to customize wheels, upholstery and trim alongside color. The flat floor, long wheelbase and width all contribute to boosting the space inside the cabin. The classic BMW drivability is intact, with accurate steering and smooth, prompt acceleration.

BMW iX can offer the following specifications:

• ·         0-60mph in 3.8 seconds.
• ·         Up to 307 miles on a full charge.
• ·         Up to 90 miles of driving with just a 10-minute DC fast charge.
• ·         516 horsepower.

If you’re looking for a more dynamic BMW drive, then the iX may fall a little short. However, in terms of a comfortable ride and a soothing cabin for its passengers then it’s hard to beat.

Kia Niro EV

Released at the top of 2022, the Kia Niro EV is the follow-up to the much-lauded Kia e-Niro which was the first electric car to win the What Car? Car of the Year Award. This in-brand pressure aside, the Niro EV performs fantastically, the soft suspension protecting drivers from most road imperfections.

The cabin offers premium space, a benefit that’s also extended to the trunk space, meaning families can head off on long trips with no fear of discomfort. The heated seats and steering wheel are a true bonus.

The Kia Niro EV offers the following specifications:

• 201 horsepower & 188 lb-ft torque Electric Drive Motor.
• Estimated range of 253 miles on a full charge.
• Fuel economy – 113 MPGe.
• 99.7 cubic ft interior volume.

In terms of in-car options, with only an 8.0-inch touchscreen and some of the plastics throughout the interior on the basic model, the chance to upgrade may be essential for some. Otherwise, this works as a very affordable and reliable model, that generally punches above its weight.

Volkswagen ID.4

Making its global debut at the end of 2020, the first thing to notice is how roomy the ID.4 is, with a generous-sized back row making it an ideal family transit vehicle. Basically the same size as the company’s Tiguan SUV, there are also lots of clever storage spaces built into the interior. Drive-wise, it offers smooth power delivery and brisk off-the-line performance, and being firmly sprung, tight cornering isn’t an issue.

The following specifications are available from the Volkswagen ID. 4:

• 223 miles of range via a 52kWh battery.
• 543 liters of boot space.
• Range of 328 miles with the pro model.

The minimal approach to the cabin may not be to everyone’s taste, especially if you’re looking for plenty of buttons to push. However, the famed Volkswagen design and reliability keep it as a keen contender in the world of crossover SUVs.  

Volvo C40 Recharge

The Volvo C40 Recharge is a derivative of the XC40, which was released in the first quarter of 2021 and arrives in a couple of versions, the Recharge and Recharge Twin. The latter has a 75kWh battery that feeds two electric motors, totaling 402bhp. Typically for a Volvo, the seats are as comfortable as you’d hope, with the interior containing no leather, and all fabric and carpets made from recycled matter. Minimalism rules with no engine start button, and all major functions operating through the mid-mounted portrait touchscreen.

The following specifications are available from the Volvo C40 Recharge:

• 29/341 miles of range from the single/twin motor versions respectively.
•  12-inch driver display.
• 0-60 in 4.7 seconds (Recharge Twin).
• 27-minute charging from 10-80 percent with 150 kW DC fast charging.

The impressively quick acceleration of the twin version may be a deal-breaker for some and the C40 Recharge was awarded the top five-star safety rating. However, the lack of rear seat headroom and smaller trunk in comparison to models like the Volkswagen ID. could pose limitations for families.

Audi Q4 Sportback

This relatively compact but well-proportioned crossover was first produced by Audi in 2021. The interior is equipped with pleasingly tactile buttons and the drive itself is solid and smooth due to its carefully tuned suspension, handling graveled tracks equally as well as smooth highways. The model comes with two battery pack choices offering a range of either 200 or 300 miles.

The following specifications are available with the Audi Q4 Sportback:

• Battery charging from 5% to 80% in 29 minutes.
• Range of up to 328 miles on a full charge.
• Maximum charging capacity of 135 kW.
• 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds.

The infotainment system with its large 11.6-inch touchscreen is a cut above its rivals like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq. However, at a premium price tag, the Q4 Sportback has a limited recharge rate and has inevitably sacrificed some interior space due to its sleek design.

The crossover range of electric SUVs provides the perfect solution for families looking to live a life of exploration and travel, whilst improving their environmental footprint, and vehicle performance.  

Want to hire an EV Crossover for your next trip? Browse our range here.