Best SUV EVs For 2022

The 2021 VW ID.4 is a competent electric crossover that easily matches most gas-powered rivals’ performance, comfort and convenience. Its electric architecture and low-mounted battery pack improve the center of gravity over conventional SUVs and greatly enhance the driving dynamics. While this isn’t the vehicle to take on unpaved backroads, it is ideal for urban adventurers and families who can charge at home, work or a station nearby. The ID.4 excels in its ability to blend modern influences with VW’s traditional styling cues, which appeals to faithful devotees of the brand.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 enters the market near the pinnacle of the compact electric SUV segment in almost every category. It lacks a few amenities, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless access for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its otherwise top-notch infotainment system and standard advanced safety features make up for those failings. It boasts attractive looks, excellent driving dynamics, super-fast charging capability, a capacious interior with loads of cargo space and light towing capacity.

Built on the same platform as the Model 3, the Model Y is said to fit seven passengers with an optional third-row seat. The base standard range version offers a claimed 244-mile range while the Long-Range option adds AWD for a 326-mile range; the top-of-the-line AWD Performance edition uses dual motors and offers a lower range of 303 miles. Both get an expansive glass roof, vegan leather seats and reclining seatbacks in the second row for an upscale experience.  

The Ford Mustang Mach-E lives up to its high-voltage hype with speedy, near-silent performance and up to 300 miles of driving range, and it costs less than a Tesla Model Y thanks to a $7,500 federal tax break that Tesla buyers can no longer claim. Ford’s handsome electric SUV can be had for as little as $36,495 (after the tax credit) with front-wheel drive and a 230-mile driving range. A good choice is the Mach-E Premium with eAWD and the extended-range battery ($5,000) that boosts the range to 270 miles ($48,700).  

Viewed casually, it’s difficult to tell the difference between the Audi e-tron and a conventional gas-powered Audi vehicle. Available as an SUV or four-door Sportback hatchback, a pair of electric motors, one front and one rear, provide a total output of 402 horsepower with 262 pound-feet of torque—490 pound-feet under full boost mode—and launch it to 60 mph in a claimed 5.5 seconds. And it still has room for five and cargo in the back. 

 Equipped with a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor, the EV produces an equivalent of 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque and achieves an EPA estimated driving range of 258 miles on a single charge. Like its gasoline-powered Kona sibling, the Kona EV ostensibly seats five, but it’s a snug fit. Its exterior design is less busy than the standard Kona, and a 10-year 100,000-mile warranty adds a security blanket for buyers concerned about the durability of battery technology.

The Kia Niro EV offers peppy performance, a quiet and comfortable cabin, and numerous standard features for the price, including a healthy set of advanced driver-assist technologies. It lacks a little bit of battery range relative to its rivals, but 239 miles should be more than enough for most drivers’ day-to-day needs and the ability to charge to 80% in an hour should provide enough juice for the occasional longer weekend jaunt.

The number of small SUV EVs continues to grow, but they vary wildly in terms of look, feel and luxurious appointments. The Volvo XC40 Recharge, like its gasoline-powered XC40 sibling, is an exception. The bite-sized Swede EV translates the Scandinavian pleasures of Volvo’s larger SUVs into a useful package with a 402-horsepower electric powertrain and a range of 223 miles of electric-only driving range. Slightly bigger than the Kona Electric and others, it straddles the line between compact and subcompact. (Note the rating displayed here is for the gasoline-variant, we have a full review of the XC40 Recharge in the works.)

Though it struggles to hit its advertised 253-mile range, the I-Pace offers quick acceleration, a sporty ride and handling, luxurious interior accommodations and that distinctively Jaguar styling. After taking 2021 off, the I-Pace returns as a single HSE trim that includes adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels and surround-view monitoring as standard equipment. There’s also a new infotainment system and an updated 11-kW onboard charger that reduces standard 240V outlet DC charging time.