Thanks to the marvelous adaptability of modern automotive construction, dedicated electric vehicle platforms allow manufacturers the freedom to play around with body styles. Sleek, low-drag sedans like the Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz EQS will be the most efficient EVs for performance and range — but people want SUVs, and electric ones will be a substantial segment of the EV market. Whether it's a spacious family crossover or a badass, rock-crawling off-roader, SUVs are the vehicles that buyers want.
Electric SUV options will proliferate in the coming years; new electric SUVs like the three-row Rivian R1S and Nissan Ariya should arrive very soon. But there are still a number of compelling options on sale right now — with Tesla's Model X and Model Y leading the way on range and potential cargo space.
But Elon doesn't have a complete lock on the market. Here are the best electric SUVs you can currently buy in America.
Chevrolet
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Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV debuted for 2022. It's a larger (though still subcompact) version of the new Bolt EV. It's only available in front-wheel drive, but it was the first Chevrolet vehicle to offer Super Cruise hands-free driving.
EPA Range: 247 miles
Cargo Space: 56.9 cu ft
Seats: 5
Starting Price: $33,000
Hyundai
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Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona Electric is Hyundai's full-electric version of the Kona subcompact crossover. It only comes in front-wheel-drive.
EPA Range: 258 miles
Cargo Space: 45.8 cu ft
Seats: 5
Starting Price: $34,000
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Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is Tesla's smaller compact crossover, available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive.
EPA Range: Up to 326 miles
Cargo Space: 68 cu ft
Seats: 5-7
Starting Price: $39,900
Kia
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Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is a FWD subcompact crossover. It shares a powertrain (and much more) with the Hyundai Kona Electric, although it offers more cargo space — but less range.
The Ford Mustang Mach E is a five-passenger crossover built on a modified platform that is available in both RWD and AWD.
EPA Range: Up to 305 miles
Cargo Space: 59.7 cu ft
Seats: 5
Starting Price: $42,895
Volvo
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Volvo XC40 Recharge
The XC40 Recharge is Volvo's first EV, a battery-electric version of the XC40 compact crossover. It comes in AWD, and makes 402 horsepower from dual electric motors.
The Model X is Tesla's midsize crossover, which launched in 2015. It's available as a dual-motor AWD car and offers the most potential range and cargo space for a current electric SUV. The "falcon wing" rear doors are a distinctive feature.
EPA Range: Up to 371 miles
Cargo Space: 87.8 cu ft
Seats: 5-7
Starting Price: $79,900
audi / polestar
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The 33 Electric Cars We're Most Excited to Drive in the Future
The next few years will be packed with new EVs. These are the ones that have us jazzed the most.