The electrification wave sweeping through the automobile sector has shown no signs of slowing down, with an ever-increasing number of EVs offered across all market segments.
Gone are the days when only a few automakers controlled the EV market. The SUV market space, in particular, has seen a plethora of options spread across customer considerations such as affordability, practicality and styling.
Some of the standout performers are highlighted below, electric SUVs that offer a nice blend of versatility, performance and design.
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD
- Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD
- Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro
- Subaru Solterra
- Nissan Ariya
- Kia EV6
- BMW iX xDrive50
- Toyota bZ4X AWD
- Genesis GV60
- Tesla Model Y (Long Range)
Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD
Image Credit: Car and Driver
Specifications
- MSRP: starts at $41,650 USD / $56,940 CAD
- Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front and rear)
- Power / Torque: 320 hp / 446 lb-ft (Combined)
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 110 MPGe (City) / 87 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 256 miles (412 km)
- Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles (100,000 km)
Our Take
The IONIQ 5 was Hyundai’s first full foray into the EV segment, and it’s been quite the revelation for the brand. Winner of several international awards already, the IONIQ 5 immediately stands out with an eye-catching design on the exterior. The interior is also well laid out, with ample room, comfortable seating and an intuitive infotainment system.
Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD
Image Credit: EV Database
Specifications
- MSRP: starts at $44,795 USD / $61,240 CAD
- Engine: 2 Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motors
- Power / Torque: 346 hp / 428 lb-ft (Combined)
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 99 MPGe (City) / 86 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 270 miles (435 km)
- Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles (60,000 km)
Our Take
In August 2023, the Mustang Mach-E became the second highest-selling EV in the US, ranking only behind the Tesla Model Y. It’s a testament to how well the EV has been received since its launch for the 2021 MY. The Mach-E scores strong points with a refreshing design, nimble handling, quick acceleration and decent cargo space.
Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro
Image Credit: Edmunds
Specifications
- MSRP: $45,290 USD / $61,918 CAD
- Engine: 2 Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motors
- Power / Torque: 295 hp / 339 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 104 MPGe (City) / 93 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 255 miles (410 km)
- Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Our Take
Volkswagen designed the ID.4 with an eye on simplicity and usability. The design is clean and feels familiar. Its range may not be the best in its class, but the ID.4 excels with excellent build quality, reasonable pricing and a generous cargo space.
Subaru Solterra
Image Credit: CarBuzz
Specifications
- MSRP: $46,220 USD / $63,190 CAD
- Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front and rear)
- Power / Torque: 215 hp / 249 lb-ft (combined)
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 114 MPGe (City) / 94 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 228 miles (367 km)
- Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles (60,000 km)
Our Take
The Solterra is Subaru’s first all-electric vehicle. It’s not cheap, but for the price, you do get perks like standard AWD, dual-motor setup, loads of driver-assists and credible off-road capabilities. The Solterra launched for the 2023 MY and will compete with rivals like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 and the Volkswagen ID.4.
Nissan Ariya
Image Credit: Philadelphia Inquirer
Specifications
- MSRP: starts at $44,555 USD / $60,913 CAD
- Engine: Current-excited synchronous AC Motor
- Power / Torque: 238 hp / 221 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD (AWD also available)
- 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 109 MPGe (City) / 94 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 216 miles (348 km)
- Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles (60,000 km)
Our Take
The Ariya is a big step forward from the Leaf, Nissan’s other EV that’s been around for over a decade. The bold design may not be to everyone’s tastes, and the driving experience could do with some extra performance. However, the Ariya is still a pretty decent package with comfortable interior space and generous tech loadout. It is currently one of the best EV offerings from a mainstream Japanese automaker.
Kia EV6
Image Credit: Digital Trends
Specifications
- MSRP: starts at $43,925 USD / $60,050 CAD
- Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor
- Power / Torque: 225 hp / 258 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD (AWD also available)
- 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 136 MPGe (City) / 100 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 232 miles (373 km)
- Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles (100,000 km)
Our Take
The Kia EV6 operates in a spectrum that prioritizes driving engagement whether you opt for the base model or the top-spec GT option. There’s plenty of power packed within its frame, and the EV6 also benefits from a sharp handling feel and well-balanced driving dynamics. The EV6 is a viable option to consider if you are not impressed with its sibling, the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
BMW iX xDrive50
Image Credit: Pistonheads
Specifications
- MSRP: $84,195 USD / $115,107 CAD
- Engine: Current-excited synchronous AC Motor (front and rear)
- Power / Torque: 516 hp / 564 lb-ft (combined)
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 86 MPGe (City) / 87 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 290 miles (467 km)
- Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Our Take
Unlike the i4 sedan, the iX SUV is an ambitious move from BMW, being a ground-up build on a brand-new platform. It’s a premium offering that combines performance, range and comfort into an excellent package.
Toyota bZ4X AWD
Image Credit: Autoblog
Specifications
- MSRP: starts at $43,350 USD / $59,265 CAD
- Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front and rear)
- Power / Torque: 214 hp / 248 lb-ft (combined)
- Drivetrain: AWD (FWD also available)
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe (City) / 92 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 222 miles (357 km)
- Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles (60,000 km)
Our Take
The bZ4X shares the same platform with the Subaru Solterra. Unlike the Subaru EV, the bZ4X does come with a front-wheel-drive option, able to deliver 252 miles of range. The Toyota EV looks ahead with its sharp styling. The list of standard equipment is lengthy and includes several ‘nice-to-have’ features like the panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.
Genesis GV60
Image Credit: Top Gear
Specifications
- MSRP: starts at $60,415 USD / $82,600 CAD
- Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front and rear)
- Power / Torque: 314 hp / 446 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 103 MPGe (City) / 86 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 248 miles (399 km)
- Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles (100,000 km)
Our Take
The GV60 is a clear statement of intent from the carmaker as it aims to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2025. The SUV is a tech fest wrapped in a very stylish package. The GV60 also boasts super-fast charging capabilities and a well-appointed interior. It is well poised to take on rivals from carmakers like Tesla and BMW.
Tesla Model Y (Long Range)
Image Credit: Top Gear
Specifications
- MSRP: $57,190 USD / $78,187 CAD
- Engine: 1 Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor + 1 AC Induction Motor
- Power / Torque: 384 hp / 376 lb-ft (Combined)
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 127 MPGe (City) / 117 MPGe (Highway)
- Range: 330 miles (531 km)
- Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Our Take
Tesla has long dominated the EV market with the Model Y as one of its bestsellers and is, in fact, one of the top-selling vehicles in the US. It shares a platform with the Model 3 but with a taller roofline and, consequently, more interior room. A range in excess of 300 miles is one of the Model Y’s strongest points. That, and the car’s quick acceleration, overshadow some of the quality niggles that plague the model.
