Top 10 best electric SUVs 2024
Electric SUVs combine style and practicality with low running costs, making them a very popular choice in the UK. Here are our top 10 favourites to buy in 2024
The SUV or sports utility vehicle comes in for a lot of stick - some of it justified, some of it not. It became a symbol of the worst excesses of internal combustion but car buyers, and motorists generally, love SUVs - you only have to look at the sales figures to see that. So as the car market transitions to electric power, electric SUVs have a key role to play in cleaning up the sector’s image. The best electric SUVs on sale are already selling in big numbers and if you’re considering one, out expert road testers have assembled this list of their favourites to help you decide.
For many people an electric SUV is the ideal option and the great news is that there’s no shortage of choice these days. From the wallet-friendly MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3 to the swanky Mercedes EQS SUV with its ‘Hyperscreen’ infotainment and the ridiculously fast Tesla Model Y - the UK's best-selling electric car - there’s an EV SUV for everyone. These eco-friendly family cruisers come loaded with features with eye-catching looks, practicality and low running costs.
In addition, company-car drivers will appreciate electric SUVs' rock-bottom Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates and zero road tax until 2025, while those who frequently drive into central London will enjoy exemption from the Congestion Charge (also until 2025).
To make finding the electric SUV that’s right for you a little easier, we’ve put together our round-up of the top 10 best electric SUVs on sale in 2024. Make sure to check out the winners of the 2024 DrivingElectric Awards and our list of the best electric cars as well to see what’s impressed us the most over the past year – and don't forget to follow DrivingElectric on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for the very latest news and reviews.
1. Kia EV9
What better way to start our list of the best electric SUVs with our DrivingElectric Car of the Year for 2024? Available with six or seven-seat configurations, the ultra-practical Kia EV9 is the ideal choice for larger families – or just those needing to carry lots of people regularly. A range of over 300 miles means longer journeys can be completed with ease, while the EV9’s tech-filled and surprisingly plush cabin make enduring such trips no arduous task. Buyers can choose from single and dual-motor powertrains, with all models coming generously equipped as standard. Topping all this off is the Kia EV9’s industry-leading seven-year warranty which is just the sprinkles on the top of a large and rather inviting SUV sundae.
Read our full Kia EV9 review to find out more.
2. Renault Scenic
Renault certainly isn’t pulling any punches with its Renaulution project, as the new electric Scenic SUV truly is a breath of fresh air compared to the old-fashioned petrol people carrier it replaced. Stylish inside and out, the Scenic knocks it out of the park in terms of in-car tech, electric range and value-for-money. We’re in love with the Scenic’s snappy Google-powered touchscreen, plus a range of up to 379 miles is a class-leading effort that not even the equivalent Tesla can beat. Moreover, starting from just over £40k, the Renault SUV is something of a family EV bargain, undercutting many direct rivals.
Read our full Renault Scenic review to find out more.
3. Hyundai Kona Electric
If you’re looking for an electric family car, few do it all like the new Hyundai Kona Electric. Sharing many of its parts with the Kia Niro EV, the new battery-powered Kona is available in two forms: one with a compelling price of around £35,000, and another with a country-crossing 300-mile range. No matter which version you go for, all Hyundai Kona Electric models get a striking (perhaps too much for some) exterior design and a slick dual-screen infotainment setup. The new Kona is more comfortable than the old car and a longer wheelbase means it’s much more spacious inside, too. Hyundai’s line-up of electric cars is already very impressive and we think this is perhaps the strongest weapon in the Korean brand’s arsenal.
Read our full Hyundai Kona Electric review to find out more.
4. Skoda Enyaq
Skoda is renowned for producing great-value and well thought-out family cars with petrol and diesel engines, but the Enyaq is the first to do the same with electric power. Using the VW Group's MEB electric-car architecture means an enormous amount of interior space for both passengers and luggage, not to mention great all-round visibility. You can choose from three different powertrains: the Enyaq 60, Enyaq 85 and all-wheel-drive Enyaq 85x. They deliver between 249 and 351 miles' range and there’s also a sporty-looking Enyaq Coupe model if you’d rather sacrifice a tiny bit of practicality in exchange for an extra dose of style.
Read our full Skoda Enyaq review to find out more.
5. Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is the electric SUV many people were waiting for – and by ‘many’, we mean over 200,000 people in Europe, making the Tesla SUV the world's best-selling EV. Based on the Model 3 saloon, it boasts a spacious cabin, slick infotainment and boatloads of practicality thanks to a 117-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet and a whopping 854 litres of boot space. Performance is still staggering, thanks to dual-motor setups in both the Long Range and Performance models. Prices now start from under £45,000, thanks to the addition of a new Rear-Wheel Drive variant, plus one of the major benefits of Tesla ownership is the brand’s extensive Supercharger network. Use one of its latest V4 Superchargers and you can top up the Model Y's battery from 0-80% in just 36 minutes.
Read our full Tesla Model Y review to find out more.
6. Mercedes EQB
If you, like many people, need a bigger SUV with 7 seats, you don’t have that many options when looking at getting into an electric model. Luckily the Mercedes EQB ticks most of the boxes. Offering a spacious seven-seat configuration, it caters to larger families while its refined driving experience, characterised by smooth acceleration and responsive handling, keeps the driver engaged. The EQB also features a dual-screen setup with Mercedes' MBUX system.
The price point, exceeding £55,000, may deter some buyers seeking a more affordable electric SUV. Additionally, while its range of approximately 250 miles is respectable, it falls short compared to some competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the Mercedes EQB's blend of comfort, technology, and versatility makes it a compelling choice.
Read our full Mercedes EQB review to find out more.
7. BMW iX
The BMW iX is the premium German brand's flagship electric SUV, and the largest model in its rapidly expanding i range of zero-emissions models that now includes the BMW iX1 crossover, plus the i4, i5 and i7 saloons. Thanks to the dual-motor setups in all three versions available to UK buyers, you get all-wheel-drive and impressive performance. The iX is also great to drive for a car of this size, and can cover up to 382 miles on a charge. The centrepiece of the iX’s beautifully crafted and rather avant garde cabin is the slim instrument panel, which incorporates a 14.9-inch curved screen and 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. Inside, the iX overall feels light and airy, plus there's room for adults in the back and a 500-litre boot.
Read our full BMW iX review to find out more.
8. Peugeot E-2008
The Peugeot E-2008 makes our list for its attractive design, practicality, and well-equipped interior. Despite not quite being the small electric SUV class leader, it offers a decent real-world range of 251 miles and competitive pricing. An unexciting driving experience and awkward driving position detract from its overall appeal.
The most recent facelift brought improvements such as an enhanced electric range and an upgraded infotainment system, featuring a larger touchscreen and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A high list price and the availability of cheaper, more spacious rivals pose challenges but the Peugeot E-2008 stands out for its blend of style, functionality, and affordability.
Read our full Peugeot E-2008 review to find out more.
9. MG ZS EV
Yes, you can indeed get a fashionable electric SUV with enough space for the whole family for around £30,000. Since it launched in 2019, the ZS EV has undercut fashionable and expensive electric SUV rivals, offering a fuss-free, comfortable driving experience. It may feel rather cheap inside, but consider the MG’s budget price and capacious 470-litre boot and you’ll understand why it places so high in our ranking. A couple of years ago, MG gave the ZS EV a facelift, updating its styling and introducing a new Long Range version, with a range of up to 273 miles. The latest refresh has also brought with it an improvement in connectivity, thanks to a new digital driver’s display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
Read our full MG ZS EV review to find out more.
10. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers a striking retro futuristic design, impressive ultra-rapid charging, and comfortable ride quality. It lacks a rear wiper and the top-spec versions can get quite pricey but an impressive range of up to 315 miles (77kWh RWD) and 18-minute charge time (10-80% with 220kW charger) more than make up for that. The Ioniq 5 has a great array of technology, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless smartphone charging, LED headlights, and smart cruise control. This balance of features and performance makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to take the leap into an electric SUV.
Read our full Ioniq 5 review to find out more.
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