Top 10 best electric SUVs 2023

If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, there’s no shortage of choice these days. From the affordable MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3 to the exciting Mercedes EQS SUV with its ‘Hyperscreen’ infotainment and the ridiculously fast Tesla Model Y, the UK's best-selling electric car. These zero-emissions family haulers boast a desirable set of attributes: fashionable styling, useful 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 2023, with video reviews on (nearly) all of them below so you can learn more:

Make sure to check out the winners of the 2023 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. 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 lineup 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.

2. 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.

3. Kia Niro EV

The Niro EV picks up right where the hugely successful e-Niro left off, adding sharper styling, more boot space and intuitive infotainment to the brand’s popular electric family-car package. Every model comes with dual 10.25-inch screens taken straight out of the larger EV6, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity to boot. The range is a healthy 285 miles, while the addition of one-pedal driving capability makes it great around town. Ride quality is on the firm side of comfortable, but overall the Niro EV is another example of sensible electric motoring that’ll be easy to live with.

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Read our full Kia Niro EV review to find out more.

4. MG ZS EV

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. For 2022, 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. 

5. Tesla Model Y

The Model Y is the electric SUV many people were waiting for. 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. BMW iX

The 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.

7. Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron

The Q4 Sportback e-tron uses the same underpinnings as the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, so it has a range of up to 324 miles and 135kW rapid-charging. It's also Audi's most affordable electric car and is great for families, because it’s spacious inside and comfortable to drive. The Q4 Sportback’s interior is as upmarket as you’d expect from an Audi, while there’s lots of rear leg and headroom – despite the sloping roofline – and a big boot. At just under £1,000 more than the standard Audi Q4 e-tron, we think the Sportback is a great deal for the sleeker looks and boot space it offers.

Read our full Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron review to find out more.

8. Nissan Ariya

It took Nissan more than a decade to launch a follow-up to the pioneering Leaf hatchback, but the Ariya was well worth the wait. Its striking looks help it stand out in the crowded electric family-car class, as do the comfortable ride, impressive refinement and spacious cabin. A new entry-level ‘Engage’ model starts from under £40,000, but all Ariyas feel every bit the premium product – despite the Nissan badge – and come with loads of kit for the money. To top it all off, Nissan’s electric family SUV can deliver a range of up to 329 miles and 130kW rapid charging.

Read our full Nissan Ariya review to find out more.

9. Jeep Avenger

Jeep may have ruffled some feathers when it announced its first electric car was to be a front-wheel-drive electric crossover that shares its parts with the Fiat 600e, but don’t let that fool you – the Avenger is a pretty capable off-roader and an all-round solid choice if you’re looking for a small electric SUV. Its raised suspension gives the Avenger drivers a commanding view of the road, while light steering and a nippy electric motor make darting around through city traffic a breeze. It is pretty expensive, but thankfully the Jeep Avenger holds onto its value a little better than its Vauxhall Mokka Electric and Peugeot E-2008 siblings.

Read our full Jeep Avenger review to find out more.

10. Mercedes EQB

Before the EQB arrived on the scene, the only seven-seater EVs around were van-derived minibuses and the ultra-premium Tesla Model X. All EQBs sold in the UK come with three rows as standard; the rearmost seats provide enough room for children and get ISOFIX points. Both the EQB 300 and EQB 350 get a 66.5kWh battery for a range of over 250 miles, plus all-wheel drive, with enough power in even the entry-level version for a smooth and relaxing driving experience. The EQB also gets the same great MBUX infotainment setup as the more expensive EQC.

Read our full Mercedes EQB review to find out more.

Best electric SUVs to buy now

1. Hyundai Kona Electric
2. Skoda Enyaq
3. Kia Niro EV
4. MG ZS EV
5. Tesla Model Y
6. BMW iX
7. Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
8. Nissan Ariya
9. Jeep Avenger
10. Mercedes EQB