They’re roomy, with great visibility, loads of comfort and often loads of presence on the road, so it’s not hard to understand why Sports Utility Vehicles have become the car of choice for so many people.
The SUVhas also become the car of choice for many manufacturers looking to electrify their ranges and deliver cleaner, greener vehicles. It's not hard to see why. For a start they're desirable, but because of their size and height, more battery cells can be squeezed in without affecting overall practicality - and the bigger the battery, the more range an EV has from a single charge, meaning they can go further. All SUV-style EVs these days have a battery range that exceeds 200 miles, and some more than 300 miles.
Electric SUVs are already available in a range of price points, from the entry-level MG ZS EV through to highly desirable premium models like the Audi E-Tron and Tesla Model X.
Here's our pick of the top electric SUVs on the market. If you're looking for more info on everything on offers within SUVs, check out our run down of the very best SUVs in 2022.
Audi e-tron
The e-tron was Audi’s first entry into the electric market and it quickly became one of the most desirable SUVs full stop. It’s quick, with good range – close to 250 miles on a charge from the largest battery – and is just as beautifully put together as any Audi.
You can get the E-Tron in two power outputs: the standard model comes with a 71kWh battery that delivers 313hp, while a top-spec 95kWh unit packs a real punch with 408hp.
Find out how the e-tron compares against its rival the Porsche Taycan here.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
Like every Mercedes, the EQC offers that tempting blend of effortless, stress-free travel but the performance to surprise when you call upon it. Boasting a range of up to 255 miles from a single charge, the EQC can hit 62mph from standstill in just 5.1 seconds and comes with some incredible technology, including the mindblowing MBUX multimedia system that features both gesture control and intelligent voice activation to operate everything from the music to cabin temperature. Just tell the EQC that you feel cold and it will pop the heating on for you.
Jaguar I-Pace
Despite the might of the German car brands, it was actually Britain’s Jaguar that delivered the first real rival to Tesla. And somewhat surprisingly, it didn’t come in the form of a typical luxurious Jaguar saloon, but as a performance-oriented SUV – the I-Pace.
And what a surprise it was, in more ways than one. From the outset, the I-Pace proved itself to be the most dynamically capable car in the electric SUV category. It’s a joy to drive: poised and engaging with immense performance from its twin motors that produce 400hp. When they’re both working their hardest, the I-Pace can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds yet it can also deliver 292 miles of range from a single charge when driven with less haste.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is the natural choice for those who need a little extra space and are looking for an electric car in the Tesla family. This SUV sacrifices very little for it's added bootspace and practicality, with the Long Range spec achieving over 350 miles on a single charge.
The Long Range Model Y can also hit 62mph in just 4.8 seconds from a standstill, and the Performance version is even faster, reaching 62mph in just 3.5 seconds! It's this combination of practicality, power and range that makes the Model Y Tesla's top selling car nearly every month.
Hyundai Kona Electric
If a 1000-horsepower Tesla isn’t what you need, then the Hyundai Kona Electric might be the perfect electric SUV to bring you back down to earth. Hugely popular – and rightly so – the Kona can deliver superb 300-mile range in 64kWh battery guise, and is just one of the easiest and most practical small, family SUVs you could wish for. It’s got a great interior and there’s a proper list of safety technology available, from adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking to blindspot monitoring and road sign recognition.
For more on electric, take a look at our handy guides or check out our latest electric car leasing deals.
