Best electric SUVs 2024
If you've drawn up a list of potential new cars, the chances are it includes several SUVs. Maybe one or two are electric, because, let's face it, an electric SUV makes a lot of sense.
It's like having everything you love about SUVs – the space, practicality and high driving position – but with the bonus of lower running costs, near-silent running and that feeling that you're doing something positive about local air quality.
So it should come as no surprise to discover that the list of electric SUVs is growing all the time. Almost every manufacturer builds an electric SUV of some description, so you shouldn't have a problem finding the right one for you.
To help you on your way, we've come up with a list of the 10 best electric SUVs currently on sale.
Best electric SUVs |
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Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq iV electric SUV is genuinely one of the best on the market. A roomy, confident-looking five-seater, it is a modern take on the Skoda family style that has proved so popular here in the UK. There are two battery options, 62kWh and 82kWh, and buyers can choose from front- or all-wheel drive. The most efficient 77kWh version has a vast 339-mile range, but even the most affordable Enyaq iV can travel 246 miles between charges. All models get a 13-inch touchscreen and rear parking sensors, and all are refined and satisfying to drive – particularly the driver-focused Sportline versions.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
If you're buying on looks alone, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 should be at the top of your shortlist. It somehow manages to fuse retro styling with a glimpse into the future, so be prepared for the admiring glances when you drive by in your retro-futuristic electric car. Inside, the cabin looks just as interesting, with a minimalist design and an impressive array of tech. There are two battery types, a smaller 58kWh unit with a 238-mile range, and a 77kWh version with a range of up to 315 miles. Some might argue that the Ioniq 5 is more of a large hatchback than an SUV, but we reckon it's the blueprint of what an electric family car should look like. Prices start from around £43,500.
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Audi Q4 e-tron
The stylish Audi Q4 e-tron (and its coupe-style sibling, the Q4 e-tron Sportback) push forward the German brand’s electric agenda. With a bold grille, distinctive body creases and big wheels, the Q4 e-tron is an attention-grabbing take on the compact electric SUV. Its futuristic interior is another notable draw, although Audi hasn’t forgotten the basics; sharing underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.4 means ample space for five people and a decent boot. Audi uses ‘power badges’ to reference output: the 40 produces 204hp and 50 Quattro produces 299hp (along with all-wheel drive for rapid off-the-line acceleration). Both have a 77kWh battery, with the 40 offering a range of 302-321 miles and the 50 a range of 293-311 miles.
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BMW iX
The BMW iX is a head-turning large electric SUV from the German EV innovator. More than a decade after BMW made waves with the i3, the iX aims to do the same again. The iX is significantly larger than the i3, and boasts undeniably divisive styling, but it’s easier to agree on the interior – it’s beautiful and extremely luxurious. The roomy five-seat iX is a superb car to sit in, while top-notch refinement and comfort continue the premium vibes. There are three versions: the xDrive40, xDrive50 and M60. The 40 has 326hp, a 71kWh battery and a 262-mile range; the 50 boasts a massive 105.2kWh battery and a 382-mile range to make full use of its potent 523hp output. At £123,000, the M60 isn't cheap, but it boasts a massive 619hp and a useful 346 miles of range – that's quite a combination.
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Volkswagen ID.4
A former World Car of the Year winner, the Volkswagen ID.4 is the SUV alternative to the cheaper ID.3 family hatchback. It's currently offered with two batteries: the entry-level 52kWh unit for 223 miles of range and the 328-mile 77kWh version. Related to the Skoda Enyaq iV and Audi Q4 e-tron, the ID.4 focuses on the common-sense approach inherent in all Volkswagens. It is easy to drive, refined and comfortable, and very easy to live with. Even rare niggles such as the fiddly infotainment system are being resolved by regular over-the-air software updates. Confident behind the wheel and well supported by Volkswagen’s comprehensive smartphone app, expect the ID.4 to become a familiar sight on UK roads.
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MG ZS EV
Already an affordable electric car favourite, MG has made the ZS EV even more appealing with a far-reaching facelift. The previous model had a decent 163-mile electric range. But thanks to a larger 72.6kWh battery, the Long Range version stretches this to a very impressive 273 miles. Prices remain keen, however, starting from around £30,000. The update also delivered a more modern look to the exterior and a crisper, larger infotainment touchscreen inside. With decent space for five and a capacious 448-litre boot, the MG ZS EV is among the best electric SUVs for affordable family motoring. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a competitive new EV.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
We love Ford’s approach with the Mustang Mach-E: take the wow-factor of the legendary Mustang sports coupe, then blend it into an entirely new electric SUV that takes the brand into entirely new territory. Although this approach delivers instant kudos, Ford hasn’t forgotten the important stuff. The Mustang Mach-E has plenty of space for five, a decent boot and a choice of two battery sizes: 75.7kWh or 98.7kWh. You can pick all-wheel drive, but the rear-wheel drive model has the best range, offering up to 372 miles. A massive Tesla-style portrait touchscreen inside will make the kids fall in love, and you’ll love the sporty dynamics of the Mustang Mach-E from behind the wheel. Prices start from just over £51,000.
Kia EV6
Kia is on an absolute roll when it comes to electric cars. With several excellent models behind it, the EV6 has pushed the boundaries still further, and it ticks an awful lot of boxes. The looks are eye-catching, and it’s impressive to drive, with a comfortable ride, crisp handling that belies its size and very brisk acceleration, especially if you opt for the dual-motor AWD model. The tech under the surface is bang up to date, with a range of up to 328 miles on a single charge and an infotainment system that looks slick and is intuitive to use. It’s spacious too, with back seats big enough for family life, and a boot to match. Kia has made the EV6 a very easy car to like.
Nissan Ariya
Nissan was one of the mass-market pioneers of battery-powered cars, thanks to the Nissan Leaf, which launched back in 2011. Today, Nissan is still at the forefront of the electric-car market with the Ariya. This rival to cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 takes the qualities of the very popular petrol/diesel-powered Qashqai family SUV and melds them with the latest electrical know-how. The result is a contemporary and stylish car with a fantastic quality interior. With a battery range of up to 329 miles, according to official figures, those journeys can be pretty far before you need a top-up. All-in-all, the Ariya is a worthy continuation of Nissan’s electric expertise, and one of the best electric SUVs on sale today.
Genesis GV60
If the retro looks of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are a little too, well, retro for you, the Genesis GV60 should have a hold on your heart if you're after something modern. It shares a platform with the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, but comes with stylish looks, a superb cabin, an array of clever tech and a name that will send your neighbours into a land of confusion. Fully charged, a GV60 offers a range of up to 321 miles, providing you remember to, ahem, turn it on again. Prices start from £54,000 for the rear-wheel drive Sport model, rising to £67,500 for the all-wheel drive Sport Plus.
Which electric SUV has the longest range?
With so many new electric SUVs coming to market, the title of Longest Range changes hands very regularly. But at the time of writing in 2023, you’ll get up to 382 miles out of a single charge of the BMW iX, followed by the Polestar 3, which will give you up to 379 miles before it needs to be plugged in. Next up is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which offers up to 371 miles of range.
What is the cheapest electric SUV?
Once again, this list changes very regularly, but as we write this, the cheapest new electric SUV you can buy is the MG4 EV, with prices starting at £26,995 for the entry level (but still well-equipped) SE model. That’s a good chunk more affordable than the second-place entry, which is the £30,495 MG ZS EV.
Are electric SUVs a good choice for families?
Family-focused buyers are drawn to SUVs because of their space efficiency. Electric SUVs only build upon this. Although battery packs have to be squeezed in, the latest models use the space normally taken up by an engine to open out the cabin. The result is flat-floor practicality and a real feeling of roominess, further enhancing their appeal to families.
What are the best electric cars for towing?
