In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), 2023 has proven to be a landmark year. With a surge in demand for sustainable and efficient transportation, automakers have risen to the challenge, delivering a range of electric SUVs that combine performance, luxury, and eco-friendliness. Here are our top picks for the best electric SUVs of 2023.
1. Tesla Model Y
No list of electric vehicles would be complete without a mention of Tesla. The Model Y, Tesla’s compact SUV, continues to impress with its advanced autopilot features, impressive range, and sleek design. With the ability to travel up to 326 miles on a single charge and accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds, the Model Y is a testament to Tesla’s commitment to combining performance with sustainability.
Pricing:
- Base: $52,630
- Long Range: $54,630
- Performance: $58,630
Key Features:
- The Model Y lineup no longer includes a Standard Range rear-wheel drive cost-leader trim. The new base model that’s coming has the same dual-motor all-wheel drive setup as the other two.
- The all-wheel-drive Long Range offers 330 miles of range; the Performance model’s estimated range drops to 303 miles. The entry-level model comes with a different battery pack than the other two, and its range is lower at 279 miles per charge.
- The EPA estimates that the Long Range model is good for 127 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model’s fuel economy estimates are 115 MPGe city and 106 MPGe highway.
- The Model Y’s interior is crafted from low-quality materials and all of the SUV’s controls are accessed through a singular infotainment display mounted to the dashboard.
- The Model Y can be had with a feature that those utes don’t offer, one which gives it a leg up with family buyers with small children: a third row of seats.
- Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
- Warranty coverage for the Model Y mirrors that of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X models, which means four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors.
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s entry into the electric SUV market, the Mustang Mach-E, has been a game-changer. This SUV offers a unique blend of the classic Mustang’s sporty feel with the practicality of an SUV. With a range of up to 300 miles and an acceleration of 0-60 mph in roughly 3.5 seconds in its GT Performance Edition, the Mach-E is a worthy contender in the electric SUV market.
Pricing:
- Select: $44,795
- Premium: $48,795
- California Route 1: $58,795
- GT: $61,795
- GT Performance Edition: $66,795
Key Features:
- Available with either a standard-range 70.0-kWh battery or an extended-range 91.0-kWh pack.
- The motors combine to make 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque in the GT and GT Performance models.
- Less powerful models have 266 to 346 horsepower and 317 to 428 pound-feet of torque.
- Ford says the 2023 Mustang Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of up to 312 miles in its California Route 1 trim, which is exclusively all-wheel drive.
- The midlevel Premium model with rear-wheel drive follows, with a Ford-estimated driving range of 306 miles.
- The Mach-E’s battery is located under the floor of the car, which allows for maximum cargo and passenger space.
- The Mach-E has 29 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and up to 60 with the back seats folded.
- The Mustang Mach-E runs the software through a vertically mounted 15.5-inch touchscreen that allows for easy access to the system’s array of apps and features.
- Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode.
3. Rivian R1S
Rivian, a newcomer to the automotive industry, has made waves with its R1S SUV. Designed for off-road adventures, the R1S boasts a range of up to 316 miles and can wade through water up to 3 feet deep. With its spacious interior and innovative features like the “camp kitchen,” the R1S is perfect for those who want to explore without leaving a carbon footprint.
Pricing:
- Starting Price: $78,000
Key Features:
- The R1S is available with three AWD drive systems: Dual-Motor, Performance Dual-Motor, and Quad-Motor. All three deliver exceptional performance, both on-road and off.
- Based on the drive system and battery pack you choose, you’ll get an estimated 260–390 miles of range.
- Dual-Motor AWD: 600 hp, 600 ft lbs torque, 0–60 mph in 4.5 sec, up to 390 mi range.
- Performance Dual-Motor AWD: 700 hp, 700 ft lbs torque, 0–60 mph in 3.5 sec, up to 390 mi range.
- Quad-Motor AWD: 835 hp, 908 ft lbs torque, 0–60 mph in 3.0 sec, up to 321 mi EPA range.
- The R1S can drive through 3+ feet of water, rock crawl a 100% grade, and traverse just about any terrain with 14.9 inches of ground clearance.
- It has a towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs.
- The R1S offers multiple drive modes for a smooth ride around town or off-road trail. Drive modes adjust things like ride height, suspension, and more to optimize for your driving preferences and different terrain conditions.
- The interior features vegan leather and optional ash wood accents.
- The second-row seats fold and slide forward for easy third-row access.
- All second- and third-row seats can be individually folded flat.
- The R1S is designed to be a fully connected experience, with in-vehicle software and app working together to help you get where you’re going safely and comfortably.
- It offers 104 cubic feet of storage space, with seating for 7.
4. Audi Q4 e-Tron
The Audi Q4 e-Tron is a luxury compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance. With a range of up to 250 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, the Q4 e-Tron offers a smooth, quiet ride characteristic of electric vehicles. Its high-quality interior and advanced tech features make it a comfortable and stylish choice.
Pricing:
- Premium: $71,995
- Sportback Premium: $75,195
- Premium Plus: $78,995
- Sportback Premium Plus: $82,195
- Chronos Edition: $87,595
- Sportback Prestige: $90,495
Key Features:
- All-wheel-drive powertrain that generates 355 horsepower with an EPA-estimated range of as much as 222 miles (or 218 miles for e-tron Sportback).
- In Sport mode, the e-tron can produce as much as 402 horsepower.
- The e-tron’s 150-kW fast-charger can recharge the battery up to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
- The e-tron has a 4000-pound towing capacity.
- The regular e-tron has an EPA-estimated driving range of 222 miles, and the Sportback version is rated at 218 miles.
- The e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S boosts output to 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet of torque.
- The e-tron SUV is expected to earn 78 MPGe combined, and the Sportback model is rated slightly lower at 77 MPGe combined.
- The e-tron’s infotainment system runs through dual touchscreens, with a 10.1-inch display on top and an 8.8-inch unit below it.
- Standard safety features include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out with its retro-futuristic design and impressive tech. It offers a range of up to 300 miles and can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a fast charger. With spacious interiors and innovative features like a solar roof, the Ioniq 5 is a practical and sustainable choice.
Pricing:
- SE Standard Range RWD: $39,700
- SEL Standard Range RWD: $43,200
- Limited Standard Range RWD: $48,200
- SE Long Range RWD: $43,650
- SEL Long Range RWD: $47,150
- Limited Long Range RWD: $52,150
- SE Long Range AWD: $45,900
- SEL Long Range AWD: $49,400
- Limited Long Range AWD: $54,400
Key Features:
- Available in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions.
- Standard Range models have a 58.0-kWh battery pack, while Long Range models have a 77.4-kWh pack.
- The Long Range RWD model is estimated to provide up to 303 miles of driving range.
- The Ioniq 5’s cabin is spacious and modern, with a flat floor and a sliding center console that allows for flexible seating arrangements.
- The Ioniq 5 offers two 12.0-inch screens—one for the digital gauge display and one for the infotainment system.
- Standard driver-assistance features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Things To Consider When Going Green
Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV)? While the environmental benefits and fuel efficiency are undoubtedly appealing, there are a few key considerations that first-time EV owners should be aware of. One of the most significant changes you’ll experience is the driving sensation itself.
The instant torque and smooth acceleration of an electric motor can be quite different from what you’re accustomed to with a traditional internal combustion engine. Additionally, range anxiety can be a concern, so it’s important to plan your trips and be aware of charging station locations.
Another factor to keep in mind is the cost. While the upfront price of an EV may be higher, remember that you’ll likely save on fuel costs in the long run. Moreover, consider the cost of installing a home charging station and any potential maintenance and battery replacement expenses.
Lastly, make sure to research and understand the available incentives, tax credits, and subsidies offered by governments and utility companies, as they can significantly offset the initial investment. By considering these factors, first-time EV owners can embark on their journey with confidence and make the most of their electric driving experience.
Final Drive
In conclusion, 2023 has been a fantastic year for electric SUVs, with numerous models offering a blend of performance, luxury, and sustainability. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, we can only expect to see more exciting developments in the years to come.
