The best electric SUV market has never been more competitive. Where buyers once had to settle for compromises — limited range, sparse charging networks, or steep price tags — the class now covers everything from sub-£30,000 family haulers to luxurious long-rangers that'll cover 350 miles on a charge. Choosing the right one, though, still takes some work.

This guide cuts through the noise. We've assessed each contender on real-world range, charging speed, practicality, running costs, and overall value — not just headline figures from a manufacturer's brochure. Whether you're making the switch from petrol for the first time or upgrading from an older EV, there's a strong case for several of these models.

What makes a great electric SUV?

Range and price are obvious starting points, but the best electric SUVs earn their place on this list through the full package: how quickly they charge, how much they cost to run, how practical they are day to day, and whether they're genuinely enjoyable to drive. We've weighed all of it.

One thing worth saying upfront: the used market has transformed what's achievable on a budget. A 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 or Hyundai IONIQ 5 can now be found from around £11,000–£13,000 — figures that would have seemed implausible two years ago. If you're open to used, your money goes considerably further than the new car price lists suggest.

Tesla Model Y — the benchmark

The Model Y is the best-selling car in the UK outright — not just the best-selling EV. That popularity is earned. The standard RWD version offers up to 331 miles of WLTP range, and real-world figures of 250–280 miles on a motorway run are realistic. The Long Range variant pushes that further, though the price jumps considerably.

What really separates the Model Y from the competition is the Supercharger network. With over 1,200 charge points across the UK and typical speeds of 150–250kW, long journeys are genuinely stress-free in a way that public charger-dependent rivals can't quite match. Reliability has also improved significantly on post-2022 cars.

Used examples from 2022 start from around £16,000, making it one of the best-value propositions in the segment once depreciation has done its work. That said, insurance costs run high — factor that in before committing.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 — the tech leader

The IONIQ 5 rewrote what a family EV could look like when it launched, and it's only improved since. The 800V electrical architecture means it can accept up to 220kW of rapid charge — adding roughly 70 miles of range in five minutes at a compatible charger. For anyone regularly using the public network, that's a significant practical advantage over most rivals.

The interior deserves a mention too. It's airy, genuinely different from any petrol car, and the sliding centre console is one of those details you notice every single day. Boot space is a reasonable 527 litres, though the flat floor and generous cabin space compensate for anything the boot lacks.

Used 2022 examples are available from around £13,000 — remarkable value for what remains one of the most technologically advanced electric SUVs on the market. The 58kWh standard range version works well for urban and suburban use; go for the 77.4kWh long-range if motorway miles are part of your routine.

Kia EV6 — the driver's choice

The EV6 shares the same 800V platform as the IONIQ 5 but wraps it in a lower, sportier body that's noticeably more engaging to drive. Steering is direct, body control is well-judged, and the GT-Line trim's 20-inch wheels fill the arches properly. The GT version — 577bhp, 0–62mph in 3.5 seconds — is genuinely quick, though most buyers will be better served by the standard AWD or RWD variants.

Range on the 77.4kWh battery is up to 328 miles WLTP, and real-world figures are competitive with anything in the class. The interior is less dramatically styled than the IONIQ 5 but arguably more intuitive to live with daily.

Used prices start from under £12,000 for 2021 Air models, though these early examples have covered significant mileage. Budget £16,000–£20,000 for a 2022–23 car with sensible miles.

Volkswagen ID.4 — the sensible choice

The ID.4 won't win any awards for excitement, but that's not the point. It's spacious, comfortable, practical, and efficient — a genuine family SUV that happens to be electric rather than an EV that's been adapted for families as an afterthought. The 77kWh Pro version offers up to 339 miles of WLTP range, one of the stronger figures in the class.

The interior is clean and logical, though early software niggles earned the ID.4 a poor reputation in its first two years. Post-2022 over-the-air updates resolved most issues, and buying a 2022 or newer example sidesteps the majority of the early frustrations.

With over 500 used listings on Bobi from under £11,000, the ID.4 is one of the most accessible ways into a capable electric SUV. Running costs are low, servicing is straightforward, and the widespread Volkswagen dealer network means finding support is never difficult.

Audi Q4 e-tron — the premium pick

Built on the same MEB platform as the ID.4 but with noticeably higher interior quality, the Q4 e-tron is the right choice for buyers who want the premium feel of an Audi without the six-figure price of an e-tron GT or Q8 e-tron. The S line trim adds sharp looks; the augmented reality head-up display is one of the best in class.

Range on the 40 (single motor, RWD) is up to 316 miles WLTP, and the 45 quattro adds AWD for buyers in areas where that matters. Charging tops out at 135kW, which is respectable if not class-leading. Where the Q4 e-tron excels is refinement — it's quieter and more polished than the ID.4, which counts for something on long motorway runs.

Used examples from 2021–22 start from around £14,000. At that money, it's one of the more compelling premium electric SUV propositions available.

Ford Mustang Mach-E — the wildcard

Ford's electric SUV divides opinion — the Mustang name feels incongruous on a five-door family car, and residual values have been inconsistent. But the Extended Range RWD version's 379-mile WLTP figure is the highest in this comparison, and the 15.5-inch portrait touchscreen remains one of the most usable infotainment systems in any EV.

Charging speed maxes out at 150kW, which is adequate rather than exceptional. Ford's BlueOval charging network adds some useful coverage, though it lacks the density of Tesla's Supercharger network.

Where the Mach-E stands out is value in the used market. Depreciation has been heavier than some rivals, meaning buyers can pick up a 2021–22 Extended Range for £14,000–£18,000 — strong value for a car with genuine long-range capability. Worth considering if range is your primary concern and budget is a constraint.

How to choose the right electric SUV for you

The best electric SUV isn't the one with the longest range or the lowest price — it's the one that fits your life. Here are the questions worth asking before you commit.

Do you have home charging? If yes, running costs drop significantly and range anxiety becomes largely irrelevant for daily use. If not, you'll be relying on the public network, which makes charging speed and network coverage more important than raw range figures.

How far do you drive regularly? For most UK drivers, 150 miles of real-world range is more than enough for daily use. The 300-mile-plus club is worth paying for only if you regularly cover long distances without stopping overnight.

What's your priority — new or used? The used market has created extraordinary value. A 2022 IONIQ 5 or ID.4 for under £15,000 represents a level of EV capability that simply wasn't accessible at that price point two years ago. New makes sense if you want the latest software, full warranty coverage, and manufacturer incentives.

Best electric SUVs: what about running costs?

Electric SUVs cost less to run than their petrol equivalents in almost every scenario where home charging is available. Charging at home overnight on a standard tariff typically works out at 6–8p per mile, compared to 15–18p per mile for a comparable petrol SUV at current fuel prices. Servicing is cheaper too — no oil changes, fewer brake replacements thanks to regenerative braking, and generally lower annual service costs.

Public rapid charging narrows that gap. At 70–85p per kWh on some networks, the cost per mile can approach petrol territory. For drivers without home charging who rely primarily on public chargers, the financial case for an EV weakens considerably.

Best electric SUVs: our verdict

The Tesla Model Y is the best all-round electric SUV in the UK right now. The Supercharger network alone justifies the choice for most buyers, and the combination of range, practicality, and resale value is unmatched at its price point.

If charging speed matters more than network coverage, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the one to have. Its 800V architecture makes rapid charging genuinely fast, and the interior is unlike anything else on sale.

For drivers who want something more engaging, the Kia EV6 is the pick. It shares the IONIQ 5's best tech but drives with considerably more verve.

On a budget, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers the most space and one of the longest ranges in the class — and the used market makes it accessible from under £11,000. The Audi Q4 e-tron adds premium polish for a modest premium over its VW sibling.

And if outright range is your priority and budget is tight, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range's 379-mile WLTP figure makes a compelling case in the used market.

Not sure whether an electric SUV is right for you at all? Read our electric SUV vs petrol SUV comparison for a head-to-head breakdown.

Explore further

• Looking for maximum range? See our picks for the best long range electric SUVs in the UK.
• Shopping on a tighter budget? Browse the best affordable electric SUVs under £30,000.
• Spending up to £40,000? Read our best value electric SUVs under £40,000 guide.
• Need to tow? We've picked the best electric SUVs for towing.
• Doing long distances regularly? See the best electric SUVs for long distance driving.