- Best Electric SUVs of 2023
- Characteristics Of The Best Electric SUVs in 2023
- What Electric SUV Should I Buy?
- Pros
- Cons
- What New Electric SUVs Are Coming In 2023?
- Three-row Electric SUVs Are Coming
- FAQs about All-electric SUVs
- What is the most affordable electric SUV?
- How long does it take to charge an EV?
- Which electric SUV has the best range?
- Longest Range Electric SUVs for 2023
Best Electric SUVs of 2023
There are more electric SUVs for sale in the USA today than ever before. Though not necessarily ideal for off-roading, they make for exceptional urban cruising as quick, silent, and smooth operators. Some of the best electric SUVs of 2023 hold out truly impressive performance capabilities, both in acceleration and in how far they can travel on a full charge.
- SUVs With Best MPG
- Small SUVs With Best MPG
- Midsize SUVs With The Best MPG
- Large SUVs With the Best MPG
- 3-Row SUVs With the Best MPG
- Luxury SUVs With the Best MPG
- Hybrid SUVs With the Best MPG
- Best Hybrid SUVs
- Best Small Hybrid SUVs
- Best Midsize Hybrid SUVs
- Best Large Hybrid SUVs
- Best 3-Row Hybrid SUVs
- Best 7-Seater Hybrid SUVs
- Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
- Largest Electric SUVs
- Best Diesel SUVs
Characteristics Of The Best Electric SUVs in 2023
- Practicality: This is one of the most defining qualities of the segment. The reason that high-riding SUVs sell so well in comparison to sedans, for example, is because they supply so much extra room for passengers and cargo. In the past, plug-in hybrids and, by extension, EVs had to make some sacrifices in this area to accommodate the large battery packs under the rear seats. Automakers have since found new ways to incorporate the technology without negatively impacting these areas.
- Towing capacity: While many automakers are loathe to give this figure when discussing their electric SUVs, it is nevertheless an important topic. Since these vehicles are already quite heavy, they take a hit when it comes to fuel economy, and adding the extra weight of a trailer or caravan can make their maximum range dwindle quickly. That is not to say that they can’t handle decently sized loads, but they are not currently well-equipped to do so over longer distances.
- Range: A sad fact of the matter is that all electric SUVs are hampered by the size and capacity of their batteries, as well as their own weight. They will never be able to travel as far on a full charge as their smaller sedan or hatchback counterparts. However, this is something every manufacturer is working hard to improve upon. Also, most EV SUVs come standard with, or offer, AWD, so they can go off road when absolutely necessary. Most drivers won’t have the confidence to take them too far off the beaten path, though, lest they run out of charge far from the nearest station.
What Electric SUV Should I Buy?
There are plenty of options to choose from, and more are being added every year, but everyone’s needs are different so picking a single model that will appeal to everyone is impossible. However, whether you are looking at a small crossover or full-size SUV, or a budget-friendly family hauler as opposed to a luxury cruiser, most EV cars share a similar list of pros and cons that you should keep in mind:
Pros
- They are cheap to run since electricity is more abundance than gasoline
- Zero carbon emissions are great for the environment
- There is no delate between applying the throttle and getting moving
- The engine is silent, resulting in serene cruising
- The list of models is ever-increasing and the maximum range is improving
Cons
- The initial capital outlay is much higher than a regular gasoline car
- Your maximum travel range is limited as batteries run flat rather quickly
- Recharging takes time, especially on low-level chargers
What New Electric SUVs Are Coming In 2023?
More and more brands are getting into the EV game, so you can expect to see new models hitting the market in the USA at a faster pace moving forward. Some of the best electric SUV models in 2023 will have three rows.
Three-row Electric SUVs Are Coming
The number of seven-seater SUVs is already quite small, and making an EV SUV big and heavy enough to accommodate so many passengers is no small task. However, several automakers have announced their intentions to deliver a 3-row electric SUV with 7 seats in the coming years. So far, Kia publicized the concept design of its EV9, while Hyundai has presented the Ioniq 7. Ford has also promised to release an electric version of the highly popular Explorer.
FAQs about All-electric SUVs
What is the most affordable electric SUV?
While this is subject to change, especially in the new year as more EVs are hitting our markets, the current cheapest electric SUV is the Mazda MX-30 EV. The base model starts at a little under $35k, though that is not the best-selling model in the range. The Premium Plus is closer to the $40k mark.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
This varies depending on the size of the battery and the power of the outlet. However, most household Level 2 charging units will take around six to 12 hours to fully charge an EV’s battery. Fast chargers found at public stations are quicker, though the 15-45 minutes they need is still a lot longer than a gas stop.
Which electric SUV has the best range?
Currently, the BMW iX and Ford Mustang Mach-E lead the pack in terms of range. The former is rated at a solid 380 miles, while the latter gets 379 miles to a charge. This is better even than Tesla’s Model X, which only manages 348 miles before needing to be recharged. Of course, these figures are determined using the largest battery available to each model.
For more information on electric SUVs, we recommended you read our comprehensive reviews of the best electric SUVs and follow the newsfeed at CarBuzz.
Longest Range Electric SUVs for 2023
The longest range electric SUVs are determined based on analyzing all electric vehicle models and their maximum EPA estimated range.
The longest range electric SUV is the Fisker Ocean based on our analysis of all electric vehicles to assess their estimated EPA ranges. The Fisker Ocean has a a maximum EV range of 360 miles. Behind the Ocean is the Tesla Model X with a range of 360 miles. Ranked #3 is the Rivian R1S with a 340 mile max EV range.
Much like traditional SUVs, electric SUVs have rapidly gained popularity in recent years. While many of the earliest electric cars were small, entry-level hatchbacks like the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf, the last few model years have seen a wave of electric crossovers and SUVs debut, along with high-performance sedans like the Porsche Taycan and utilitarian pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1T.
But SUVs remain the most popular vehicle type, and automakers looking to succeed in the electric car market are introducing everything from luxury models, like the BMW iX xDrive 50, Mercedes-Benz EQS 450, and Rivian R1S, to more affordable starting price options like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Nissan Ariya, and Toyota BZ4X. Most of these SUVs offer at least 200 miles of range, with several long-range versions delivering 300 or more miles.
Unfortunately, the higher profile, higher weight, and common use of all-wheel drive (AWD) makes these electric SUVs less efficient than lower profile, single motor rear-wheel drive sedans like the Tesla Model 3 or Lucid Air Grand Touring. These sedans are some of the longest range electric cars you can buy due to their large battery packs, single electric motors, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, all of which help maximize real-world driving distance on a single charge for reduced range anxiety.
But the same benefits seen in traditional SUVs transfer to electric models, including the elevated ride height, confidence of all-wheel drive during inclement weather, and off-road driving when an adventure calls. There are even high performance options, like the dual-motor Mercedes-AMG EQS SUV and Tesla Model X Plaid, both of which offer horsepower and acceleration specs normally reserved for exotic sport coupes. These powertrains sacrifice some driving range for quicker acceleration, a worthwhile trade for some electric SUV shoppers.
Below you’ll find a complete list of electric SUVs ranked by their EPA-rated driving range on a full charge. These numbers reflect the longest possible range available for a given model, which is almost never the base model and usually a specific “long-range” trim, such as the Mustang Mach-E with its largest kWh battery pack and the Tesla Model Y Long Range.