Best Electric SUVs 2026: The Complete Buyer's Guide
From affordable options to luxury performers, the EV SUV market has never been better. We rank the best electric SUVs available in 2026 across price segments.
The electric SUV market has never been better. From affordable family haulers under $40,000 to luxury performers north of $80,000, 2026 offers more compelling electric SUV options than any prior year. We’ve tested them all, and here is our ranking across price segments.
| Chevrolet Equinox EV LT | $34,995 | 285 | 1,500 | 213 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD | $35,000 | 245 | — | 168 |
| Kia EV6 Light RWD | $42,900 | 237 | — | 167 |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | $44,990 | 327 | 3,500 | 310 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E ER AWD | $52,495 | 310 | 2,200 | 346 |
| Rivian R2 Performance | $57,990 | 330 | 4,400 | 656 |
| BMW iX xDrive45 | $75,150 | 312 | 3,500 | 516 |
| Lucid Gravity Grand Touring | $79,900 | 380 | 6,000 | 560 |
| Mercedes EQS SUV 450+ | $91,300 | 305 | 3,500 | 355 |
Under $45,000: Best Affordable Electric SUVs
Winner: Chevrolet Equinox EV LT ($34,995)
The Equinox EV is the most affordable EV with a credible 285-mile range and a practical package for families. It drives fine, charges at up to 150 kW on DC fast chargers, and has GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving available on higher trims. The interior is not luxurious, but it is functional and well-designed.
Runner-up: Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD ($41,995)
The IONIQ 5’s 800V architecture gives it the best DC fast charging speed in this segment — 233 kW peak, adding approximately 217 miles in 18 minutes. The 245-mile range is modest, and the car is smaller inside than the Equinox. But the driving experience is genuinely fun, and the 10-year battery warranty is class-leading.
Also Consider: Kia EV6 Light RWD ($42,995)
The EV6 shares the IONIQ 5’s platform and 800V architecture but has a slightly sportier driving character and a different design language. Range is 232 miles. The main advantage over the IONIQ 5 is availability — the IONIQ 5 often has long waiting lists.
$45,000-$65,000: Best Mid-Range Electric SUVs
Winner: Rivian R2 Performance Launch Edition ($57,990)
The R2 offers the best combination of range (290+ miles), off-road capability (genuine, not pretend), and interior quality in this segment. The Atlas computing platform is the most responsive infotainment system we’ve tested outside of Tesla. At $57,990, the Performance Launch Edition is pricey for the segment, but it justifies the price with capability.
Runner-up: Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range AWD ($52,495)
The Mach-E’s extended-range battery provides 310 miles of EPA-rated range — the best in the segment. Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving is competitive with GM Super Cruise. The car drives well and has gotten substantially better with software updates over its lifespan.
Also Consider: Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD ($42,990)
Tesla’s aggressive price cuts make the Model Y Long Range the lowest-priced entry in this segment at $42,990. The 330-mile range is best-in-class, and the Supercharger network remains the benchmark for DC fast charging reliability. The main drawback is the absence of CarPlay/Android Auto and the controversial brand perception issues.
$65,000-$90,000: Best Luxury Electric SUVs
Winner: BMW iX xDrive50 ($84,100)
The iX is the best luxury electric SUV you can buy. The interior is spectacular — the finest we’ve experienced in any EV. The dual-motor AWD system delivers 516 hp and goes 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. The 324-mile range is competitive. The iDrive 8.5 system is intuitive and fast. At $84,100, it’s expensive, but it justifies every dollar.
Runner-up: Mercedes EQS SUV 450+ ($104,500)
The EQS SUV is Mercedes’s largest and most luxurious EV. The Hyperscreen — three screens under a single glass panel — is a design statement. The 305-mile range is adequate. The air suspension delivers a genuinely magic carpet ride. The price premium over the iX is hard to justify unless Mercedes’s luxury reputation is worth the premium to you.
Also Consider: Lucid Gravity Grand Touring ($79,900)
The Lucid Gravity is the most efficient large EV ever made — 380 miles of range from a 92 kWh battery pack in the Grand Touring. It is astoundingly good on the highway. The interior quality is接近 Mercedes. The main drawbacks are limited service network and the brand’s relative newness.
What to Buy If You’re On the Fence
If you want the best value: Chevrolet Equinox EV.
If you want the best all-arounder: Rivian R2.
If you want the best luxury: BMW iX.
If you want the best range: Tesla Model Y Long Range.
Motorlinks publishes regular EV buyer’s guides. See our EV truck comparison for truck recommendations.
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