Global electric car sales continue to grow with each passing year (over 10 million EVs were sold in 2022, constituting 14 percent of total car sales globally), and America is (understandably) striving not to miss out on the EV boom. As giant US automakers are investing billions in EV plants and infrastructure, consumers are gradually becoming spoiled for choice (which is not a bad thing at all). One shining example of this shift is America's slowly brewing love for electric SUVs. That's why many automakers are racing to introduce new electric SUVs to cater to a significant portion of the US population looking for larger, more spacious vehicles. This is where electric SUVs perfectly fit the bill for these car buyers, as many models deliver an impressive range per charge while remaining relatively affordable. So, if you're looking for a high-quality, worth-your-money electric SUV, now is an opportune time to explore your options. With a vast array of models boasting cutting-edge technology, better performance, and user-friendly features, one thing that can be said with certainty is that electric SUVs have come a long way.
10 Toyota bZ4X - $42,000
Toyota has a goal of producing 3.5 million electric vehicles by 2030, and it seems the automobile manufacturer has started on the right foot by producing its first mass-market electric vehicle — the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. Set to be sold at U.S. Toyota dealerships, this all-electric SUV may not dazzle with extravagant features or a lavish interior design (which actually leans towards minimalism), but it still manages to deliver enough excitement to captivate both newcomers to the EV market and loyal Toyota aficionados. Born in collaboration with Subaru, the bZ4X entices new buyers with an impressive list of standard features, progressive exterior design, roomy interior, and a commendable range.
The front-wheel drive, single 201 horsepower motor model boasts up to 252 miles of driving range, while its all-wheel-drive counterpart can cover 222 miles on a full charge. Toyota claims that an 80 percent charge is achievable in just an hour using a 150kW DC fast charger. The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is available in two trims: XLE, starting at $42,000, and Limited, with a base price of $46,700. In essence, one can say that the bZ4X is a no-frills electric SUV that perfectly suits those in search of their first foray into the exciting world of EVs.
9 Subaru Solterra - $44,995
Subaru has entered the EV market with its first Solterra SUV, co-developed with Toyota, to deliver a vehicle that the Japanese automaker's diehards have been wanting for quite some time. The 2023 Solterra is an impressive electric crossover with an outstanding all-wheel-drive system and all-terrain capabilities, making it a worthy contender for top 2023 electric SUVs. And owing to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an impressive 8.3 inches of ground clearance, navigating undiscovered places becomes a breeze in this all-electric SUV. Offered in three trims (Premium, Limited, and Touring), the Solterra is equipped with a dual-motor setup, producing a combined 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque.
Additionally, the 72.8 kWh battery pack ensures a driving range of an EPA-estimated 228 miles on a single charge. The pricing of the 2023 Subaru Solterra begins at $44,995, with delivery fee charges of $1,225 for the Premium base-level trim, and goes all the way up to $51,995 for the top-of-the-line Touring model.
8 Kia Niro EV - $39,550
Let's put it this way: The 2023 Kia Niro EV may not boast cutting-edge technology, rapid acceleration, or a flashy exterior, but it does an exceptional job of delivering a practical and comfortable driving experience. That's perfectly fine, as it checks numerous boxes when it comes to finding a top-notch electric SUV.
The Niro EV's powertrain receives a subtle upgrade for its second generation, with a single electric motor powering the front wheels and delivering 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The 64.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which takes 45 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent, offers a respectable EPA-rated 253 miles of range. This all-electric crossover comes with a premium price tag, starting at nearly $40,000 for the base Wave model and the Niro EV Wind costing around $46,000. Nonetheless, its blend of practicality and comfort makes it a worthy contender in the 2023 electric SUV market.
7 Hyundai Kona Electric - $33,550
Here's a worthy electric SUV that doesn't receive as much appreciation or publicity as it deserves. This highly competitive EV crossover embodies those traits we adore in its gas-powered counterpart. It comes fitted with a 65-kWh battery pack, which powers a 150-kW permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor, generating 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. You'll enjoy multiple driving modes, a spacious and comfortable interior, and numerous safety features.
Impressively, it can travel 258 miles on a full charge and requires less than an hour to charge from 10 to 80 percent at a 100 kW DC charging station. The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric comes in three electrifying trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. You can snag the base SE model for manufacturer's suggested retail price of just $33,550, or level up to the Limited trim for an MSRP of $41,550.
6 Chevrolet Bolt EUV - $28,795
While there are plenty of options out there, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a great choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly electric SUV. With a starting price of around $29,000, it delivers exceptional value by providing enhanced comfort, increased space, smooth driving, and a plethora of useful features. This family-sized electric SUV boasts a 65 kWh battery, which powers a front-mounted electric motor generating 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, ensuring a lively and engaging drive.
The Bolt EUV's competitive range allows it to travel approximately 247 miles on a full charge, making it a reliable choice for both short commutes and longer trips. Although all-wheel drive isn't offered, we believe that the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is one of the best electric SUVs under $30,000.
5 Volkswagen ID.4 - $38,995
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is a comfortable and spacious fully electric family SUV that offers a competitively priced option for those eager to effortlessly transition from internal combustion vehicles. The base model features RWD, a 201 horsepower electric motor and a smaller 58 kWH battery pack, capable of covering approximately 208 miles on a single charge. For those craving more power and extended range, consider the ID.4 AWD Pro – a dual-motor variant with 295 horsepower, equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack that increases the estimated driving range to 275 miles.
Starting at an attractive $38,995 for the entry-level Standard model and with the feature-packed Pro S Plus trim available at an MSRP of $55,245, the ID.4 offers options to suit varying budgets and preferences. Overall, the ID.4 stands out as a well-built electric SUV, blending a modern aesthetic with advanced features, abundant storage capacity, and a genuinely satisfying driving experience.
4 Nissan Ariya - $43,190
We all know that looks alone can't make an electric vehicle go places, and fortunately, this potentially "game-changing" vehicle for the company (which happens to be the Japanese manufacturer's second all-electric offering after the Nissan Leaf) delivers impressively in most aspects. The Ariya is available in both Front-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive configurations, offering several trim options to cater to your preferences. The entry-level Engage trim comes with a 63 kWh battery pack, supplying power to an electric motor that generates 214 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This configuration provides a range of up to 216 miles. For those seeking greater range, the Venture+ FWD trim boasts a larger 87 kWh battery that powers a 238-horsepower motor, delivering an impressive EPA-estimated range of up to 304 miles.
Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the Platinum+ e-4ORCE AWD trim, which features 389-horsepower AC synchronous motors and an 87 kWh battery, achieving 0-60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. When it comes to the price of the 2023 Nissan Ariya, the base model Engage trim is the most affordable variant with a starting MSRP of $43,190. And if you opt for the Platinum+ e-4ORCE trim, it has an MSRP of $60,190.
3 Ford Mustang Mach-E - $45,995
Imagine an electric SUV that masterfully combines high performance, distinctive style, and effortless convenience - that's the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. This all-electric compact SUV has quickly become one of the best-performance electric SUVs, which is good news for Ford since it is banking a lot on its success. Moreover, Ford is significantly increasing the production of the Mustang Mach-E and reducing prices to meet the rising demand. Looking beyond the captivating aesthetics of the 2023 Mach-E, one discovers a highly competent all-encompassing electric crossover that delivers on its performance claims. So if you opt for the entry-level model (Mach-E Select), it's available with the 266-horsepower single-motor or dual-motor all-wheel drive option with the standard 70-kWh battery pack.
The Premium and California Route 1 trims utilize a 91 kWh battery pack and come in eAWD configuration only with a dual-motor drivetrain to deliver a total of 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. And then there is the 2023 Mustang Mach-E GT, which delivers a total of 480 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. The estimated driving range for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E varies from 224 to 314 miles, influenced by the choice of the battery pack and electric motor configuration. As for the cost of ownership, the 2023 Mustang Mach-E's price spectrum spans from an accessible starting MSRP of $45,995 to a more premium $63,995 for the GT trim.
2 Kia EV6 - $48,700
"Almost perfect" is how you would describe the 2023 Kia EV6, one of the best all-electric SUVs that has an attitude like no other. Do you want sleek and modern styling? It has a daring and futuristic exterior to make you instantly fall in love with it. In search of a long driving range? The EV6 delivers 310 miles on the rear-wheel drive Wind and GT-Line trims. For those wanting a sporty option, there's the new 2023 EV6 GT, which boasts 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque from a pair of electric motors. This Kia EV6 GT version, the fastest and most powerful model in Kia's history, rockets from 0-60 mph in a staggering 3.4 seconds. However, this breathtaking performance limits the GT model's range to 206 miles.
The Kia EV6 trims are available in two battery sizes: 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh (which Kia claims can charge from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 18 minutes when connected to a 350 kW fast charger). Since the 2022 entry-level Light trim has been dropped, you can buy the RWD Wind model for a base price of $48,700 and the top-of-the-line GT AWD for an MSRP of $61,600. That being said, if you're in search of an electric SUV that effortlessly combines an abundance of features, unparalleled quality, and outstanding value, the 2023 Kia EV6 has you covered...big time!
1 Hyundai Ioniq 5 - $41,450
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, with its distinctive and chic styling, is a super comfortable, tech-laden, fun-to-drive electric compact crossover SUV. Fresh off a victory lap from the 2022 World Car Awards - where it nabbed not one, not two, but three prestigious accolades: World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year - the 2023 Ioniq 5 mostly sticks to everything that made it a huge success in the first place. It is available in three electric powertrains to suit your preferences. The RWD standard range model comes with a 125kW motor, 168 horsepower, and 258 pound-feet of torque, all powered by a 58 kWh battery that'll take you 220 miles on a single charge.
If you're a wanderer at heart, the extended RWD version boasts a 77.4 kWh battery that'll carry you a whopping 303 miles, producing 225 horsepower for those open road adventures. And for the thrill-seekers, the AWD Ioniq 5 packs dual electric motors, pumping out a combined 320 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 446 pound-feet of torque (albeit with a 266-mile range). And don't worry about lengthy charging stops either. Thanks to its lightning-fast 350-kW DC fast charging, the Ioniq 5 recharges from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. As far as the pricing is concerned, this amazing electric SUV starts at a reasonable MSRP of $41,450 for the SE model and tops out at $52,600 for the feature-packed Limited version.