Best electric SUVs in Australia, according to AI.

The Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, BYD Atto 3, Kia EV5, Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X, Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5, Hyundai Elexio, and Kia EV9 are the electric SUVs most consistently recommended and purchased in Australia.

🇦🇺 The Core Models Australians Buy Most

These models appear across Drive, NRMA, and CarsGuide as top picks, reflecting real‑world popularity and strong value.

Tesla Model Y — Australia’s benchmark electric SUV and top seller, praised for range, charging access, efficiency, and practicality. Ranked #1 by Drive and CarsGuide. BYD Sealion 7 — BYD’s top‑selling model in Australia, offering 482km WLTP, strong value, and a larger footprint than the Atto 3. BYD Atto 3 — One of Australia’s most familiar EVs, known for value, 420km WLTP, and everyday practicality. Kia EV5 — A mainstream family EV with 400km+ WLTP, strong dealer support, and balanced design. Geely EX5 — A fast‑growing value contender with 430km WLTP, appealing to buyers wanting a conventional‑feeling EV SUV. Zeekr 7X — Premium‑leaning Chinese EV with 480km WLTP, strong tech and cabin quality. Volkswagen ID.4 / ID.5 — VW’s mainstream electric SUVs, offering 522km WLTP and familiar brand confidence. Hyundai Elexio — Positioned between Kona and Ioniq 5, offering 546km WLTP and strong dealer support. Kia EV9 — A large three‑row SUV with excellent range, fast charging, and strong family appeal; ranked #4 by Drive and #3 by CarsGuide.

🏆 Drive’s 2026 Expert Rankings (Top 10)

Drive’s list highlights what reviewers consider the best overall electric SUVs in Australia:

Tesla Model Y Zeekr 7X BYD Atto 2 Kia EV9 Kia EV3 Polestar 4 Hyundai Kona Electric MINI Countryman Electric BYD Sealion 7 Leapmotor B10

💰 NRMA’s Top Mid‑Size Picks (Price‑Driven)

NRMA highlights the most competitive mid‑size electric SUVs Australians shop for, with pricing and WLTP ranges:

Tesla Model Y — from $58,900 BYD Sealion 7 — from $54,990 Geely EX5 — from $40,990 Zeekr 7X — from $54,990 Kia EV5 — from $56,770 BYD Atto 3 — from $39,990 Volkswagen ID.4 / ID.5 — from $59,990 Hyundai Elexio — from $59,990 Deepal S07 — from $53,900 Skoda Elroq — from $54,990

🧭 CarsGuide’s Top 5 (Sales & Segment Leaders)

CarsGuide focuses on popularity, range, and segment leadership:

Tesla Model Y MG ZS EV — Australia’s cheapest EV SUV (320km range) Kia EV9 Volvo XC40/C40 Recharge Polestar 3

✅ The Models Most Consistently Recommended Across All Sources

These are the SUVs that appear repeatedly across Drive, NRMA, and CarsGuide — the ones Australians actually buy:

Tesla Model Y BYD Sealion 7 BYD Atto 3 Kia EV5 Geely EX5 Zeekr 7X Volkswagen ID.4 / ID.5 Hyundai Elexio Kia EV9 MG ZS EV (budget leader)

A Quick Follow‑Up

Would you like the list filtered by budget, range, or size (compact, mid‑size, large)?

Here are the electric SUVs Australians are buying and the ones reviewers rate highly, grouped by size and budget.

Most popular mid-size electric SUVs

• Tesla Model Y is the clear sales leader. It had 20,396 deliveries in the first half of 2026, well ahead of the second-placed BYD Sealion 7 with 12,516. It combines strong driving range, excellent charging access and clever packaging. Prices start around $64,513 drive-away.
• BYD Sealion 7 is the main alternative. It's BYD's top-selling model, with a sleeker profile and stronger performance than the Atto 3. It starts from about $55,031 drive-away.
• Geely EX5 is the value pick in this size. It was third on the sales chart with 6,756 deliveries and starts from $45,963 drive-away.
• Zeekr 7X is a recent success. It has quickly become one of Australia's better-selling electric medium SUVs, thanks to competitive pricing, strong performance and advanced charging technology.
• Kia EV5 is a family favourite. It's a practical five-seat SUV with a wide choice of range and starts from $49,990 drive-away.
• MG S6 EV (sold as the MGS6 EV) was Wheels' pick. It delivers the most convincing all-round package for 2026.
• Skoda Elroq is a finalist in CarExpert's mid-size EV SUV award. It starts from $49,990 drive-away.
• Skoda Enyaq is a European option. The MY27 Enyaq 60 Select starts at $55,990 drive-away.
• BYD Atto 3 is an older, cheaper option. It has been in the top ten best-selling EVs three years in a row. It starts from $43,576 drive-away.
• Toyota bZ4X is worth a look if you want the Toyota badge. A 2026 update brought a larger battery, more power and a longer claimed range.

Best cheap and small electric SUVs

• BYD Atto 2 starts from $35,499 drive-away.
• GWM Ora 5 is the cheapest at $33,990 drive-away.
• Hyundai Inster starts from $35,990 drive-away.
• Jaecoo J5 EV starts from $36,990 drive-away. It sold 6,113 units in H1 2026.
• Chery E5 starts from $37,990 drive-away.
• Kia EV3 is Wheels' small-SUV winner. They chose it for its practicality, rewarding driving experience and a very solid list of standard features.
• Hyundai Kona Electric is a good all-rounder. The Kona is the second-best selling small SUV in Australia so far in 2026.

Seven seats

• Kia EV9 is a recommended large option. It's a genuine three-row electric SUV, and it seats seven on every grade except the six-seat GT.

Which one to pick

• Best all-rounder: Tesla Model Y.
• Best for value as a family car:

In Australia, the electric SUV market is still pretty concentrated: Tesla Model Y is the default volume seller, then the value Chinese models, then the mid-premium Korean pair, then premium European options. If you want models people actually buy and can get serviced/charged reasonably easily, shortlist these:

My practical Australian shortlist to test drive:

1. Tesla Model Y — if you want the safe default and best charging network.
2. BYD Atto 3 — if value matters.
3. BYD Sealion 7 or Kia EV5 — if you want a newer mid-size family SUV.
4. Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 — if you want a better-driving mid-premium EV.
5. Volvo EX30 — if you want small premium.
6. Mercedes-Benz EQB — only if you genuinely need seven seats.

Prices and stock move a lot in Australia, so check drive-away pricing in your state, local service/charging, insurance, and whether Apple CarPlay/Android Auto matters to you — notably, Tesla Model Y doesn’t have either.

Australia’s electric vehicle market is booming, with SUVs making up the vast majority of sales. If you’re shopping for an electric SUV down under, you’ll find options ranging from ultra-affordable compact crossovers to premium long-range family haulers.

The exact models Australians are actually buying—along with what makes them worth your money—break down into these top picks:

1. Tesla Model Y

• Category: Best-Selling / Benchmark Mid-Size SUV
• Price Range: ~$58,900 to $89,400 + on-road costs
• Why people buy it: It is Australia’s top-selling EV SUV by a landslide. The Model Y strikes an unmatched balance of interior space, cutting-edge software, safety ratings, and access to Tesla’s seamless Supercharger network.
• Which variant to get: The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) offers plenty of range (~466km WLTP) and performance for everyday Aussie driving. If you do frequent regional road trips, step up to the Long Range AWD.

2. BYD Sealion 7

• Category: Best Value Mid-Size Challenger
• Price Range: ~$54,990 to $63,990 drive-away
• Why people buy it: BYD’s direct answer to the Tesla Model Y has quickly become one of the most registered EVs in Australia. It offers a sleek coupe-SUV profile, exceptionally plush interior materials, and aggressive drive-away pricing that undercuts European and American rivals.
• Which variant to get: The Sealion 7 Premium (RWD) is the sweet spot for comfort and real-world range, while the Performance (AWD) adds dual motors for rapid acceleration.

3. BYD Atto 3

• Category: Best Budget / Compact Family SUV
• Price Range: ~$44,990 to $47,990 drive-away
• Why people buy it: The Atto 3 was the catalyst for mainstream EV adoption in Australia outside of Tesla. It offers great standard equipment (panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, rotating infotainment screen) at a price point that slips comfortably under state EV incentives and novated lease caps.
• Which variant to get: The Atto 3 Extended Range (~420km WLTP) is well worth the small extra cost over the Standard Range for peace of mind on weekend getaways.

4. Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Category: Best Tech & Fast-Charging All-Rounder
• Price Range: ~$65,000 to $85,000 + on-road costs
• Why people buy it: Built on a dedicated 800V architecture, the Ioniq 5 can charge from 10% to 80% in under 18 minutes on a 350kW ultra-fast DC charger (like Chargefox or Evie). Its retro-futuristic design, spacious lounge-like cabin, and suspension tuned specifically for Australian roads make it a journalist and buyer favourite.
• Which variant to get: The Ioniq 5 Dynamiq (RWD) for maximum efficiency, or the flagship Ioniq 5 N if you want one of the most thrilling high-performance track-capable EVs ever built. (Note: The twin-under-the-skin Kia EV6 is equally recommended if you prefer a sportier stance).

5. Kia EV9

• Category: Best 7-Seater Large Family SUV
• Price Range: ~$97,000 to $121,000 + on-road costs
• Why people buy it: If you have a big family and want a true full-size, seven-seat SUV without a petrol engine, the EV9 is effectively in a class of its own. It features a bold boxy look, massive interior space across all three rows, 800V fast charging, and up to 2.5-tonne towing capacity.
• Which variant to get: The Kia EV9 Earth (AWD) delivers the dual-motor performance and range standard families need without reaching the top-tier GT-Line price tag.

6. Volvo EX30

• Category: Best Small Luxury SUV
• Price Range: ~$59,990 to $69,990 + on-road costs
• Why people buy it: For suburban buyers who want a premium badge, minimalist Scandinavian interior, top-tier safety, and a compact footprint that’s easy to park in city car parks.
• Which variant to get: The EX30 Single Motor Extended Range provides the best mix of range (~476km WLTP) and luxury features.

Buyer's Tip for Australians: Novated Leasing & FBT Exemption

If you are buying through a salary sacrifice / novated lease arrangement, keep in mind the FBT (Fringe Benefits Tax) Exemption threshold for eligible zero-emission vehicles. Cars priced below the Fuel Efficient Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold qualify for significant tax savings, which makes models like the Tesla Model Y RWD, BYD Sealion 7, BYD Atto 3, and Volvo EX30 exceptionally cheap to own on a lease compared to petrol equivalents.

The most popular and best-selling electric SUVs that Australians actually buy are led by the Tesla Model Y, followed closely by strong contenders like the BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV3, Volvo EX30, and Toyota bZ4X.

Top Electric SUVs People Buy in Australia

Exact Model Name | Category / Size | Key Highlights (Range / Price Indicator) Tesla Model Y | Mid-size family SUV | Australia's top-selling EV; 466–681 km range; strong Supercharger access BYD Sealion 7 | Mid-size fastback SUV | Major Tesla Model Y rival; 450+ km range; RWD/AWD options (~$54,990+) Kia EV3 | Compact / Small SUV | Class-leading range with localized Australian suspension tuning Volvo EX30 | Sub-compact luxury SUV | Volvo’s smallest EV; stylish interior; strong urban performance Toyota bZ4X | Mid-size mainstream SUV | The trusted brand choice backed by Toyota's national dealer network

Key Models by Price & Buyer Type

Best Overall Family Choice: Tesla Model Y remains the undisputed benchmark for everyday family utility, cabin space, and long-distance road-tripping infrastructure via Tesla’s Supercharger network. Tesla Model Y Best Challenger to Tesla: BYD Sealion 7 has surged in popularity as a stylish, well-equipped mid-size alternative offering competitive range and aggressive pricing. BYD Sealion 7 Best Compact / Budget-Friendly Options: Kia EV3 and BYD Atto 2 offer practical urban dimensions, lower entry pricing, and easy maneuverability for city driving. Kia EV3 BYD Atto 2 Best Compact Luxury: Volvo EX30 brings Scandinavian minimalist design and punchy electric performance into a smaller footprint that fits tight apartment parking or city lanes. Volvo EX30

If you share your budget range or what you need the car for (e.g., daily school runs, towing, or long-distance road trips), I can narrow down the exact model and variant to look at.

The Australian electric SUV market is booming, with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for over 20% of new car sales. Rather than looking at what’s available on paper, Australian registration data (VFACTS) shows that buyers are heavily concentrating their money on a few specific models.

The highest-volume, top-rated electric SUVs Australians are actually buying span three clear price tiers.

The Volume Champions ($50,000 – $75,000)

This is the default territory for most Aussie families, offering a blend of long range, premium tech, and everyday practicality.

Tesla Model Y: The best-selling electric vehicle in Australia and a dominant force in the broader mid-size SUV market.The Draw: Unmatched efficiency, massive cargo spaces (including a 114L frunk), and seamless integration with the highly reliable Tesla Supercharger network. What People Buy: The standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is the most popular, while the Long Range RWD variant pushes range up to 681km (WLTP). The Draw: Unmatched efficiency, massive cargo spaces (including a 114L frunk), and seamless integration with the highly reliable Tesla Supercharger network. What People Buy: The standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is the most popular, while the Long Range RWD variant pushes range up to 681km (WLTP). BYD Sealion 7: The fastest-growing threat to Tesla’s crown, rapidly shifting massive volume to become Australia’s second best-selling electric SUV.The Draw: A highly competitive alternative that undercuts the Model Y on price while delivering a more traditional, plush cabin execution and a generous standard equipment list. What People Buy: The Premium RWD variant accounts for bulk sales, offering a sharp entry price, though a high-performance Dual-Motor AWD version is also highly sought after. The Draw: A highly competitive alternative that undercuts the Model Y on price while delivering a more traditional, plush cabin execution and a generous standard equipment list. What People Buy: The Premium RWD variant accounts for bulk sales, offering a sharp entry price, though a high-performance Dual-Motor AWD version is also highly sought after. Zeekr 7X: A premium mid-size entrant that has taken the Australian market by storm, sharing its mechanical platform with much pricier European luxury models.The Draw: Recognized by motoring judges as a top-tier package for undercutting the Model Y while delivering a luxury interior that rivals $90k+ European cars. What People Buy: The base RWD variant with its 615km WLTP range is the primary volume mover, boasting 450kW DC ultra-fast charging. The Draw: Recognized by motoring judges as a top-tier package for undercutting the Model Y while delivering a luxury interior that rivals $90k+ European cars. What People Buy: The base RWD variant with its 615km WLTP range is the primary volume mover, boasting 450kW DC ultra-fast charging.

The Budget Movers (Under $50,000)

Aggressive pricing from newer entrants has made sub-$50k electric SUVs highly accessible for urban commuters and small families.

Geely EX5: Geely’s entry has disrupted the value end of the market, rocketing into the VFACTS top-10 vehicle sales lists within months of arrival.The Draw: Offers a spacious "lounge room on wheels" vibe roughly the size of a Toyota RAV4, prioritizing a quiet cabin and comfort over sporty driving dynamics. What People Buy: The Extended Range models equipped with a 68.4kWh battery and a 475km WLTP range. The Draw: Offers a spacious "lounge room on wheels" vibe roughly the size of a Toyota RAV4, prioritizing a quiet cabin and comfort over sporty driving dynamics. What People Buy: The Extended Range models equipped with a 68.4kWh battery and a 475km WLTP range. MG S5: Replacing the older ZS EV, the MG S5 adapts the highly praised rear-wheel-drive dynamics of the MG4 hatchback into a highly functional compact SUV body.The Draw: Excellent point-and-shoot urban handling wrapped in a practical package that includes physical button controls beneath the touchscreen. What People Buy: The base Excite 49 serves as the budget entry point, but many opt for the larger battery variant to unlock 430km of driving range. The Draw: Excellent point-and-shoot urban handling wrapped in a practical package that includes physical button controls beneath the touchscreen. What People Buy: The base Excite 49 serves as the budget entry point, but many opt for the larger battery variant to unlock 430km of driving range. BYD Atto 2: Sitting just below the older Atto 3, this model is a highly sought-after gateway vehicle for first-time EV buyers.The Draw: Compact, incredibly easy to park, and heavily targeted toward a low driveway price while preserving robust safety metrics. What People Buy: The standard front-wheel-drive configurations tailored primarily for city and suburban running. The Draw: Compact, incredibly easy to park, and heavily targeted toward a low driveway price while preserving robust safety metrics. What People Buy: The standard front-wheel-drive configurations tailored primarily for city and suburban running.

The Large & Premium Picks ($80,000+)

For those needing multi-row capabilities or a strictly premium driving experience, traditional luxury constraints have shifted toward highly advanced Korean alternatives.

Kia EV9: Australia’s most dominant large, dedicated electric 7-seater.The Draw: It completely bypasses luxury European price points while delivering a massive, modular family layout, 800-volt charging infrastructure (10% to 80% in 24 minutes), and a commanding road presence. What People Buy: Primarily long-range family variants designed for regional road-tripping and towing. The Draw: It completely bypasses luxury European price points while delivering a massive, modular family layout, 800-volt charging infrastructure (10% to 80% in 24 minutes), and a commanding road presence. What People Buy: Primarily long-range family variants designed for regional road-tripping and towing. Hyundai Ioniq 9: Hyundai's newly deployed luxury flagship three-row SUV, establishing itself alongside the EV9 at the premium end of town.The Draw: A highly refined, high-end cabin structure with up to 2,410 liters of cargo space and a massive 110.3kWh battery. What People Buy: Heavily favored in the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive formats for maximum performance and stability. The Draw: A highly refined, high-end cabin structure with up to 2,410 liters of cargo space and a massive 110.3kWh battery. What People Buy: Heavily favored in the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive formats for maximum performance and stability.

To help narrow down the list for your driveway, tell me:What is your realistic budget range? Do you require a 5-seater or a larger 7-seater? How far do you typically travel on a weekend road trip? I can match the exact model specifications to your daily driving routine.

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The top electric SUVs Australians are actually buying right now are led by the Tesla Model Y, followed closely by the BYD Sealion 7, with strong performers like the Geely EX5, BYD Atto 3, Kia EV5, and Zeekr 7X also seeing big sales volumes.

These dominate recent full-year (2025) and partial 2026 sales data from sources like VFACTS/FCAI and the Electric Vehicle Council. SUVs make up the majority of EV sales in Australia, with mid-size models particularly popular due to family practicality, boot space, and higher seating. Here's a breakdown of the specific models with the highest registrations (focusing on pure battery-electric SUVs, not PHEVs):

• Tesla Model Y — The clear bestseller and Australia's top EV overall for multiple years running (e.g., 22,239 units in 2025, with strong continued momentum into 2026). It's the go-to mid-size electric SUV for many buyers thanks to its range, performance options (RWD and AWD variants), Supercharger network, and tech/features. Prices typically start around $59k–$89k+ drive-away depending on spec.

• BYD Sealion 7 — A standout newcomer that rocketed to second place among all EVs in 2025 (13,410 units in its launch year) and remains highly competitive in 2026. This mid-size coupe-style SUV offers strong value, decent range, and features at a lower price point than the Model Y (often from the mid-$50k drive-away range). It's a direct rival that's winning over buyers looking for alternatives to Tesla.

• Geely EX5 — One of the fastest-rising models, frequently in the top 5 EVs (e.g., ~3,944 units in 2025, with even stronger growth in 2026 YTD). It's a practical RAV4-sized mid-size SUV with competitive pricing (around $42k–$46k+), solid range claims, and good equipment levels—appealing to value-focused buyers.

• BYD Atto 3 — A consistent seller in the smaller/compact-to-mid SUV segment (thousands of units annually, e.g., 3,861 in 2025). It's well-established for urban and family use with its stylish design, decent range, and affordability (often in the low-to-mid $40k range).

• Kia EV5 — Strong growth story with thousands of sales (e.g., 4,787 in 2025, up massively year-on-year). This mid-size option benefits from Kia's warranty and dealer network, making it popular for first-time EV buyers seeking reliability and practicality.

• Zeekr 7X — Emerging fast as a value-packed mid-size SUV rival (hundreds to thousands of units in short order in 2025–2026). It shares platform tech with premium models but at a more accessible price, gaining traction quickly among buyers comparing it to the Model Y or Sealion 7.

Other notables that sell in solid volumes include the Kia EV3 (smaller, more affordable option with good uptake), BYD Atto 2 (compact SUV gaining ground), and premium choices like the BMW X1 (electric versions) or Polestar 4, though these trail the volume leaders.

In Australia, Chinese brands (BYD, Geely, Zeekr, etc.) have surged due to competitive pricing, features, and rapid model launches, while Tesla holds strong on brand/tech/ecosystem. Popularity also varies by state/territory (e.g., Model Y often ranks high in overall vehicle charts in places like NSW or QLD alongside utes and hybrids).

When choosing, consider your needs: range for longer trips (check real-world WLTP figures and charging access), boot space/family use, warranty (Kia and others often lead here), and test drives for ride/handling. Prices fluctuate with incentives, on-roads, and deals—shop around locally via dealers or sites like carsales. EV sales have grown rapidly (over 10–20%+ market share in recent periods), so new models keep arriving. Check the latest VFACTS data or speak to a dealer for current stock and incentives in your area.

If you’re buying a fully electric SUV in Australia, I’d start with these exact models—not just a list of brands. The strongest evidence that these are cars Australians actually buy is the September 2026 sales tally: the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5 and Zeekr 7X were the four best-selling EVs that month; the BYD Atto 2, Kia EV3 and Kia EV5 also made the top 20. (business.carsales.com.au)

My three-car test-drive shortlist: Tesla Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive, BYD Sealion 7 Premium and Geely EX5 Complete Extended Range. They cover the mainstream, feature-rich and lower-cost approaches to a five-seat electric SUV. If you need a third row, look instead at the Kia EV9 Air—a seven-seater, rather than another five-seat alternative. (business.carsales.com.au)

WLTP figures are laboratory ratings, not a promise of highway range. Before ordering, compare drive-away quotes for your state, check home-charging arrangements, and test-drive the exact variant you intend to buy. (bydautomotive.com.au)

For most Australians, the best electric SUV shortlist is Tesla Model Y, Zeekr 7X, BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5, Kia EV3, Geely EX5 and Toyota bZ4X. These are specific models with meaningful Australian sales, strong reviews, or both—not merely aspirational brand recommendations.

Best electric SUVs in Australia

*Prices are approximate Australian advertised starting prices before some on-road costs and can change with promotions or model updates.

The recommendations

1. Tesla Model Y — safest default recommendation

Choose the Tesla Model Y if the priority is a well-understood, practical EV with efficient energy use, a mature charging network and strong resale awareness. It remains Australia’s most popular battery-electric SUV, although the firm ride, lack of Apple CarPlay and reliance on Tesla’s controls will not suit everyone.

Best version for most buyers: Model Y Long Range if regular highway travel matters; Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive if keeping the purchase price down is more important.

2. Zeekr 7X — best feature-for-money choice

The Zeekr 7X is arguably the strongest alternative to the Model Y. It offers a more luxurious cabin, extensive standard equipment and impressive claimed range, while starting at a similar price. Australian sales have been significant, with more than 7,000 recorded year-to-date in 2026 in one industry report.

Best version for most buyers: Zeekr 7X RWD; choose an AWD grade for substantially stronger performance and improved traction.

3. BYD Sealion 7 — best value for a stylish medium SUV

The BYD Sealion 7 suits buyers wanting a comfortable, well-equipped medium SUV with a more conventional interior than a Tesla. It is priced aggressively against the Model Y and Zeekr 7X, and its range of variants lets buyers choose between value and performance.

Best version for most buyers: the standard rear-drive model unless all-wheel drive or rapid acceleration is a priority.

4. Kia EV5 — best mainstream-brand compromise

The Kia EV5 is a sensible choice for buyers who prefer an established dealer network and a conventional ownership experience. It combines family-friendly dimensions with a seven-year warranty and has already generated meaningful Australian sales.

Best version for most buyers: Kia EV5 Air or the equivalent long-range grade, depending on the latest local specification.

5. Kia EV3 — best small electric SUV

The Kia EV3 is one of the strongest choices for urban and suburban buyers who do not need a large SUV. It is praised for its polished cabin, comfortable driving manners and excellent claimed range, with the Long Range Air listed at up to 604km WLTP.

Best version for most buyers: Kia EV3 Air Long Range if the budget allows; the standard-range version is better value for mostly urban use.

6. Geely EX5 — best affordable medium-sized option

The Geely EX5 is worth considering when purchase price matters most. It provides medium-SUV space and competitive equipment at around $41,000 before on-road costs, making it substantially cheaper than many similarly sized EVs.

Best version for most buyers: the higher-grade Geely EX5 Max if its extra safety and convenience equipment justify the price difference.

Which one should you buy?

• Best overall: Tesla Model Y
• Best alternative to the Tesla: Zeekr 7X
• Best value: Geely EX5
• Best mainstream-brand EV: Kia EV5
• Best small SUV: Kia EV3
• Best three-row family SUV: Kia EV9
• Best premium SUV: Porsche Macan Electric
• Best if charging access is limited: choose the model with the strongest local dealer and public-charging support; the Kia EV5, Toyota bZ4X and Tesla Model Y are the easiest mainstream choices to live with nationally.

Before ordering, compare the actual grade, not just the model name: battery size, rear- or all-wheel drive, claimed range, charging speed, warranty terms and whether the quoted price includes on-road costs can vary substantially between variants.