Many car manufacturers are starting to compete for their place in the electric car manufacturing industry.
Elon Musk’s Tesla has been the pioneer in this industry. Since the start of mass production of Tesla’s electric cars, especially the Tesla SUV, the demand for these types of vehicles has increased dramatically.
The interest in electric SUVs continues to skyrocket, mainly because of their futuristic design and capabilities that rival any other SUV that has an internal combustion engine.
These attributes coupled with the increased awareness of the influence of CO2 emissions on the environment, especially in large cities and the Earth’s atmosphere in general, have continued to drive the demand for electric SUVs onward.
Considering the increased demand for electric SUVs and electric vehicles in general, we wanted to look at what the market of this type of vehicle has to offer to its buyers.
This blog will explore different options and weigh the pros of every SUV we have put on our top 10 best electric SUVs in 2023 (and 2024) list. We will take a look at the specifications of each car with a primary focus on its performance, reliability, battery life, and price.
In the following lines, we will show you these technological wonders that the electric car industry has given us. But first, let’s take a look at the brief history of electric SUVs and how it all started.
If you are not interested, you can skip this part and go directly to our list of the best electric SUVs in 2023 and 2024 .
A short history of electric vehicles
The origin of electrical vehicles, contrary to what you might think, dates back to the 19th century. There were several attempts to create an electric car solely fueled by electricity. Creating an electrical car with an electric motor wasn’t really that difficult.
The biggest problem was the lack of technologies, mainly the absence of efficient batteries. The lack of efficient methods to recharge the batteries quickly halted the progress and mass use and production of such vehicles.
Also, the lack of an accessible electrical grid was another problem that these early electrical car manufacturers faced.
Because of all of these issues, the electric car industry had to wait for a more convenient time to resume its efforts in creating a personal electric vehicle for mass production.
As we stated earlier, Tesla was the first modern car manufacturing company that seriously tackled all of these problems and was able to successfully mass-produce affordable electric vehicles.
Today, all car manufacturers are trying to compete with Tesla in creating a car that would solely be fueled by electricity.
First electric SUV
In the 1990s, the electric car industry was in many ways resurrected. Car manufacturers started to pay more attention to different types of electric cars that they could produce.
Toyota RAV 4 EV was probably the first electric SUV ever made. The first version of the RAV 4 EV became available on a limited basis in 1997.
The first electric SUV was not made available for sale to the general public when it first came out. You could only get it on a lease for a while. It was only possible to lease this car for businesses, cities, or utilities.
But in 2003, Toyota sold almost 400 RAV 4 EVs to the general public, after which production came to an abrupt halt.
From today’s perspective, the performance capabilities of the first electric SUV were modest at best. But in 1997, it was an engineering and technological miracle.
Its top speed of 137 km/h was nothing spectacular. It needed 18 seconds to reach 100 km/h, depending on the state of the battery. In 1997 this was really impressive.
The batteries of the first electric SUV, the Toyota RAV 4 EV, needed 5 hours to be charged at maximum capacity. Its range was about 150 km, and it was one of the few vehicles that had a single gearbox when introduced to the market.
Best electric SUVs in 2023 and 2024
After the Toyota RAV 4 EV, the electric car manufacturing industry developed and sold a number of different types of SUVs.
Now is the right time to present you our list of top 10 electric SUVs that are considered the best in 2023 and 2024:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- KIA EV6
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Nissan Ariya
- Toyota BZ4X
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV
- BMW iX
- Tesla Model Y
- Audi Q4 e-tron
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the premium and best electric vehicles in 2023, and it will probably be so in 2024 as well. It is an all-around electric SUV that offers a lot of features that most other car manufacturers do not.
It has a great style and a wide range of well-equipped choices. The car is roomy, comfortable, and well-balanced.
The modern design of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 makes it very attractive. It is a compact family electric vehicle that has the cabin space of an especially roomy midsize SUV.
Even though it is quite pricey with the highest level of equipment, it offers a long list of features that include pedestrian detection, wireless charging, and remote automated parking.
It can run over 480 km with one charge and can achieve a 185 km/h top speed. The price of this car starts at $43,000 for the base model SE.
KIA EV6
A brand new electric SUV on the market called Kia EV6 has an all-wheel drive format and it is one of the best EV SUVs in 2023. Electric car lovers should consider the new Kia, not only because of its price tag but because of its features too.
Kia EV 6 is a small sporty crossover with plenty of space, plenty of speed, and lots of built-in technology.
Its design reminds of the Tesla Y Model, and even though the engineers and designers of this vehicle tried to challenge the Tesla Y model’s design and features, we can say that the KIA EV6 is very much unique in its own way.
There are different versions of the car available on the market, every one of them uniquely specified to bring you the best from modern features such as remote automated parking and wireless charging.
The range of the car is said to be almost 500 km, and the power of the car is 320 horsepower. The top speed of the KIA EV6 is 250 km/h.
The average price of this car on the market is $44,000. The car is still not a Tesla, but it is close.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E
The next car we will be talking about comes to us from the legendary car manufacturer Ford. It’s a sporty and efficient all-electric SUV that is a worthy alternative to the Tesla Model Y.
Its muscular design can make you think that this is actually a muscle car, but its dead silent electric motor is going to surprise you.
It is very fun to drive, and some buyers have described the driving experience as amazing. It is available with all-wheel drive. The vehicle drives like a fine-tuned monster but also delivers the versatility and space you would expect from a compact SUV.
The Mustang Mach-E is a quick, agile, and well-balanced electric car and is a worthy alternative to more expensive electric vehicles.
Its range at full capacity is said to be around 500 km, and its top speed is around 210 km/h. Depending on the model of the car, it can go up to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
Its starting price on the market in 2023 is around $45.000. The price climbs to $68.000 for the highest-equipped Mach-E GT Performance.
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a particularly exciting option for those in the market for an electric SUV.
According to the EPA, with its optional 77.0-kWh battery pack, the ID.4 can travel up to an impressive 275 miles before needing to be charged.
At a starting price of $41,000, this vehicle offers a quality driving experience without breaking the bank.
What’s more, the ID.4’s contemporary interior includes high-tech features, ambient lighting, and plenty of cargo space.
Overall, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an attractive and sustainable option for drivers looking to reduce their emissions without sacrificing style or comfort.
Volkswagen ID.4 is already seen as the next big hit of this famous car company | Source
Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is poised to become one of the best electric SUVs of 2023.
This all-new electric SUV will be joining the Leaf hatchback in Nissan showrooms, offering a driving range of up to 304 miles. This is a significant improvement from the maximum range of 226 miles offered by the Leaf.
With a starting price of $44,500, the Ariya will boast a sporty look that sets it apart from other Nissan vehicles.
The design is a departure from the brand’s current sharp, angular lines.
The Ariya will be available with two different battery sizes and either front- or all-wheel drive.
Moreover, the vehicle will come equipped with a range of driver-assistance features, infotainment tech, and convenience items, positioning it to compete with popular EV crossovers like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Kona Electric.
Toyota BZ4X
As we move into 2024, electric SUVs are becoming increasingly popular and Toyota has jumped back into the game with their new bZ4X model.
Not only does this vehicle look futuristic, but it is also all-electric and has a starting price of $43,350
Inside the bZ4X, you will find a spacious and airy interior with a digital gauge display and a large 12.3-inch central touchscreen.
With standard wireless smartphone mirroring and navigation included for the first three years, this SUV is designed with modern technology in mind.
Both the single and dual-motor versions of the Toyota bZ4X come with high-capacity batteries, offering an impressive EPA range estimate of up to 252 miles on a single charge.
As far as electric SUVs go, the Toyota bZ4X is definitely one to keep on your radar.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is an impressive addition to the electric SUV market in 2023.
This Electric Utility Vehicle boasts a significantly more spacious cabin than its hatchback counterpart, providing ample room for passengers and cargo alike.
The Bolt EUV’s sleek SUV-like appearance is eye-catching, and the new Redline Edition package adds a touch of sportiness to its design.
With its glossy black exterior trim and distinctive red stripe wheels, the Bolt EUV stands out from the crowd.
Most importantly, the Bolt EUV’s price has been cut by $6300, making it an even more competitive option in the market, with its starting price of $28,795.
If you’re looking for a spacious, stylish and affordable EV SUV, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV should be at the top of your list.
BMW iX
The German legendary car manufacturer dipped its toes into manufacturing top electric cars a while ago.
But the BMW iX seems to be the pinnacle of their efforts in order to create a well-balanced electric car that comes with a lot of features and a polarizing design.
This car is a 5-seater, the most popular style is the xDrive50 sports activity vehicle. What BMW did is vastly improve their electric car’s range with a dense battery capacity and a rapid onboard charger.
The asking price of the SUV is steep. It’s quite more expensive than the Audi e-tron or Volvo Recharge. But those competitors don’t offer the range, utility, or technology of a BMW.
Its price starts at around $71.000. But, there is no doubt that one of the most attractive electric SUVs in 2023 will not find buyers.
The BMW iX range at full capacity is around 413 km and its top speed varies between 200 km/h and 250km/h. It also has cool features such as the panoramic moonroof, forward collision warning, active cruise control with stop & go, traffic jam assistant and more.
Tesla Model Y
The low centre of gravity, impact protection, and rigid structure make the Tesla Model Y one of the safest electric cars on the market. This vehicle provides maximum versatility. It can accommodate 7 passengers together with their cargo.
The production started not long ago, in 2020. This car has a built-in dual motor that digitally controls the torque of the front and rear wheels which give the driver better handling, stability, and traction control.
Over the past few years, Tesla cars have been the best-selling EVs on the market. In 2022, of all-electric cars sold in Europe, more than 50% are actually Tesla Model Y.
What’s most impressive about this car is that it is very fun to drive. It has a superior electric driving range and has the best infotainment system in the industry.
The performance indicators say that the Tesla Model Y can go to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. It has a long-range battery with a driving range of around 485 km. The top speed of this vehicle is around 220 km/h.
Tesla Model Y’s price on the market starts at around $66.000 and can go up to $93.000 with the highest level of equipment and Red Multi Coat color.
The car is not only faster than its key rivals on the market, but it also has a bigger driving range with a single charge than most of its rival companies. The interior of the car is as futuristic as its powertrain, with a trendsetting minimalistic design.
Audi Q4 e-tron
Now, this model of electric SUV is something to seriously consider buying if you like the conservative and recognizable exterior design coupled with high horsepower and enhanced handling.
The Audi Q4 e-tron is a 5-seater that comes in 3 trim levels (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim level). One of the greatest features of this car is that it emits nothing into the atmosphere except minor fumes from its lubricants.
This car is pretty compact and heavy in comparison to other electric SUVs, but the power and the acceleration features (especially the boost mode feature) are going to make up for that.
Its inventive interior design coupled with 3 electric motors will provide you with the opportunity to do circus tricks of torque vectoring that are beyond most people’s wildest dreams.
The Audi Q4 e-tron is a little bit slower compared to other SUVs in its class. It has a top speed of 178 km/h and a range at full capacity of 387 km.
The price you will have to pay for this electric SUV starts at around $50,000 and goes up to $65,000.
Conclusion
The electrical SUV industry is in many ways just starting out its progress and development. There is really a large competition in the industry compared to previous decades.
The need for eco-friendly vehicles will only increase with time, and electrical SUV lovers will have plenty of options to choose from in the near future.
SUVs will become more affordable, just like other electric vehicles have. This will be especially noticeable when Chinese electric SUVs enter the world market.
With so much detail about the electrical SUV features and benefits, you will be able to order a car that will be tailor-made for your preferences.
The increased competition between car manufacturing behemoths will only benefit the customers more.
The fact is that with increased healthy competition in the car industry, innovations always follow, which will, in the end, benefit the customers even more than we can imagine right now. It’s an exciting time to be an electrical SUV enthusiast for sure.
