7 Best Electric SUVs to Buy in 2026

Electric SUVs are where the EV market lives now. They are the default family car of 2026 — spacious, cheap to run, and increasingly good to drive. But with dozens on sale, from £30,000 runabouts to £100,000 flagships, choosing the right one is harder than ever. These are the seven we would actually spend our own money on.

Best electric SUVs 2026 group test

What to look for in an electric SUV

Before the list, a quick buyer's primer. Range matters less than you think — most UK drivers cover under 30 miles a day, so anything with 250-plus miles of real-world range handles weekly life with ease. Charging speed matters more: a car that charges at 150kW will add meaningful miles in a coffee stop, while a slow-charging rival turns every motorway break into a saga. Check the heat pump too — it is often an option, and it makes a real difference to winter range. Finally, look at efficiency (miles per kWh): the most efficient SUVs cost noticeably less to run over three years than the thirsty ones.

1. Tesla Model Y

The benchmark, still. The updated Model Y combines up to 353 miles of range, 0–62mph in as little as 3.5 seconds in Performance trim, and access to the Supercharger network — the one charging network that simply works. Prices start from around £45,000.

Why buy it: unbeatable charging network; strong efficiency; constant over-the-air improvements. Watch out for: firm ride; minimalist cabin divides opinion.

2. Kia EV9

The EV9 proved a big electric SUV can have genuine character. Seven proper seats, up to 349 miles of range, 800-volt ultra-rapid charging, and a calm, lounge-like cabin. Prices from around £65,000.

Why buy it: the best seven-seat EV interior at any price; charges at up to 210kW. Watch out for: it's enormous — check your parking space.

3. Hyundai Ioniq 5

Still the coolest-looking EV on sale, and the 2026 updates made it better: bigger battery, up to 354 miles of range, and the riotous 641hp Ioniq 5 N for the brave. Prices from around £43,000.

Why buy it: distinctive design; ultra-fast charging; the N is an affordable super-SUV. Watch out for: boot is shallower than rivals.

4. Skoda Enyaq

The thinking family's choice. The facelifted Enyaq offers up to 359 miles of range, a huge boot, and Skoda's trademark clever touches — at prices from around £38,000 that undercut most rivals.

Why buy it: enormous value; practical, well-built cabin. Watch out for: not the sharpest drive; infotainment can lag.

5. BMW iX1

The premium compact pick. The iX1 xDrive30 delivers 313hp, 0–62mph in 5.7 seconds and up to 293 miles of range in a package that feels properly BMW inside. From around £44,000.

Why buy it: premium badge and cabin; tidy handling. Watch out for: range trails cheaper rivals; options add up fast.

6. Volvo EX90

The safety-first flagship. Volvo's seven-seat EX90 offers up to 374 miles of range, a serene Scandinavian cabin, and the most comprehensive driver-assistance suite in the class. From around £70,000.

Why buy it: supreme comfort; class-leading safety tech. Watch out for: steep price; some features arrived via updates.

7. MG ZS EV

Proof that going electric need not cost the earth. The ZS EV offers up to 273 miles of range, a well-equipped cabin and a seven-year warranty from around £30,000 — thousands less than the establishment.

Why buy it: unbeatable value; generous kit list. Watch out for: slower charging than pricier rivals; interior plastics are hard.

How we chose: every car here offers at least 270 miles of WLTP range, rapid charging of 120kW or more, and a five-star Euro NCAP rating or equivalent safety credentials. We prioritised real-world usability — boot space, charging speed, efficiency — over headline 0–62mph times.

What about running costs?

All seven are cheap to run compared with petrol equivalents, but the differences are real. Charging at home on an off-peak tariff typically costs 2–3p per mile — roughly a quarter of petrol money. Public rapid charging is pricier, at 8–12p per mile, which is why home charging (or workplace charging) transforms the ownership equation. Servicing is lighter across the board: no oil changes, no exhausts, and brake wear is slashed by regenerative braking. Expect to pay roughly half the servicing costs of a comparable petrol SUV over three years.

Depreciation is the sting in the tail. EVs have suffered heavier depreciation than petrol cars in recent years as prices fell and technology moved fast. The Tesla Model Y and Kia EV9 currently hold their value best in this class; budget accordingly, and consider a PCP or lease if you like changing cars every three years.

Final thoughts: if you want one answer, it is the Tesla Model Y for its charging network, the Skoda Enyaq for value, or the Kia EV9 if you need seven seats. The electric SUV has grown up — and in 2026, there is genuinely no bad choice on this list.

FAQ

What is the best electric SUV to buy in 2026? The Tesla Model Y remains the all-round benchmark, while the Skoda Enyaq is the value pick and the Kia EV9 the best seven-seater.

How much range do I need in an electric SUV? For most UK drivers, 250–300 miles of real-world range covers everything including motorway trips, provided you can charge at home or use rapid chargers.

Are electric SUVs expensive to insure? They typically sit in higher insurance groups than petrol equivalents due to repair costs — always get a quote before buying.