Looking for the best electric SUV you can buy in 2025? You’re not alone. More of us than ever are switching to electric cars, and SUVs remain the most popular bodystyle thanks to their commanding driving position, comfort and family-friendly practicality. The good news? There’s now a great choice of good electric SUVs on sale. The bad news? That can make picking the right one tricky.
That’s where we come in. We’ve driven every electric SUV that matters – from compact EV crossovers to premium family movers and seven-seat giants. Whether you’re looking for maximum driving range, fast public charging, ample boot space or just great value, we have tested the top contenders and ranked them in a way that’s easy to understand.
We’ve chosen our favourites based on real-world driving experience. This list includes affordable models, premium picks, and the most exciting newcomers. So, if you’re short on time but want the confidence to make the right choice, scroll down to discover the best electric SUVs of 2025 – starting with our current Car of The Year, the Renault Scenic E-Tech.
Winner: the best electric SUV to buy in 2025
Best for: All-round brilliance and family-friendly features
Two battery sizes are offered with the smaller, cheaper pack managing 260 miles according to official tests. The bigger battery ups this to 379 miles, with more than 300 easily achievable with sensible driving. Peppy performance and keen handling round off a highly recommendable package. And the icing on the cake? Renault has worked exceptionally hard to ensure that finance deals are super-competitive, meaning your monthly payments are kept as low as possible.
To find out more, read our full Renault Scenic E-Tech review
Pros
- Well-priced
- Impressive range
- User-friendly interior
Cons
- Boot has a high loading lip
- There are comfier options
Highly recommended: other electric SUVs to consider
Kia EV3
Best for: Downsizers wanting premium feel in a compact SUV
It’s the best compact electric SUV you can buy today, with a generous range, practical interior and comfortable ride being its stand-out attributes. That it's also easy to drive, and looks so desirable, simply adds icing to the top of this tasty cake. It nails the brief for a smaller electric family car, and we can see it's already selling really well.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV3 review
Pros
- Generous interior space
- Superb comfort and refinement
- Great to drive
Cons
- Entry-level models can feel cheap inside
- Rear visibility isn’t the best
Best for: Spacious practicality and effortless everyday driving
Driving the Elroq is a smooth and enjoyable experience and that makes it so easy to live with. It offers balanced ride and handling, with responsive steering and decent ride quality. The Elroq also boasts an impressive electric driving range of up to 360 miles, fast charging capabilities, and a tempting cash price, positioning it as a formidably strong contender in its class.
To find out more, read our full electric Skoda Elroq review
Pros
- Generous rear-seat space
- Excellent ride and handling balance
- High-quality interior
Cons
- Long-range model increases the price significantly
- Desirable options can be expensive
Kia EV9
Best for: Seven-seat space and long-distance comfort
Being a Kia EV, the charging time is one of the quickest out there, although efficiency isn't quite as impressive as its lower, lighter siblings. Six and seven-seat versions are available with rear- or four-wheel drive.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV9 review
Pros
- Spacious, even in the third row
- Rapid charge times
- Tidy handling
Cons
- Unsettled ride
- Efficiency not the best
Best for: No-nonsense value and relaxed family motoring
It was built for comfort rather than speed, though – and for that reason, we’d say avoid the sporty vRS variants. In the real world, they’re no faster or more exciting than the standard Enyaq. You’re better off sticking with the two-wheel drive model and dumping your cash into Skoda’s larger 82kWh battery pack.
To find out more, read our full Skoda Enyaq review
Pros
- Great value-for-money
- Roomy interior
- Over 300-mile range
Cons
- Not especially sporty
- Optional extras can jack up the price
Kia EV6
Best for: Sporty driving experience with ultra-fast public charging
Inside the EV6, there’s plenty of space for passengers and luggage – and we particularly like the car’s infotainment system, which is fast, responsive and easy to use. Perhaps the best part though is its charging rate. It has a similar 800V setup to the Porsche Taycan, which means its battery can zap from 10-to-80% capacity in just 18 minutes if you can find a 350kW rapid charger.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV6 review
Pros
- Impressive real-world range
- GT variant is startlingly fast
- One of the fastest charging rates out there
Cons
- Firm ride
- Mostly touchscreen controls inside
BMW iX
Best for: Luxury experience, long range and next-gen refinement
Other cars on this list (such as the Enyaq) offer more storage space than the iX, but the BMW claws back some ground with its impressive infotainment and suite of driver assistance technology. It's also tremendously refined. Opt for the range-topping M60 variant, and you’ll have 620hp at your disposal. That’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds.
To find out more, read our full BMW iX review
Pros
- Outstanding refinement
- Longest SUV EV range
- Huge performance
Cons
- Divisive exterior styling
- Not as practical as others on this list
Best for: Straightforward practicality with a modern twist
It's also keenly priced and well-equipped, even in entry-level trim. Rear- and four-wheel drive are available, and we'd expect a couple of different battery sizes to be available soon enough. We still prefer the Enyaq to this, but we'd take an Explorer over the ID.4 and Q4.
To find out more, read our full Ford Explorer review
Pros
- Corners well
- Available with four-wheel drive
- Long real-world driving range
Cons
- Rivals have bigger boots
- Heavy reliance on touchscreen
Best for: Style-conscious drivers who still love a B-road
That's partially because it doesn't chase neck-snapping acceleration. Instead, a focus on saving weight and finessing the chassis leads to an SUV that's fun to drive without having to hammer it everywhere. Range and rear space aren't amazing, although it's to be expected from such a small SUV.
To find out more, read our full Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce review
Pros
- Joyful handling
- Strong acceleration
- Undercuts some rivals on price
Cons
- Cramped rear seats
- Low-rent interior
Best for: Range, boot space and tech-heavy commuting
As with all Teslas, the Model Y offers the option of extremely rapid performance from its electric motors and a generous driving range of up to 387 miles per charge from its battery packs. But it isn’t great to drive or comfortable, especially when specified with the larger 20-inch alloy wheels. If you can't get past Musk, then we have a list of Tesla alternatives for you to choose from.
To find out more, read our full Tesla Model Y review
Pros
- Good real-world range
- Plenty of space inside
- Tesla Supercharger network is great
Cons
- Inconsistent build quality
- Uncomfortable suspension
Still not sure which electric SUV is right for you? Dive into the Parkers car reviews more everything you need to know. Whether you’re buying outright or looking for a great lease deal, our advice is designed to save you time, money and stress. Ready to start shopping? Tap on any car above to read more.
FAQs: Best electric cars buying guide
Are electric SUVs practical for family life?
Absolutely. Many electric SUVs are designed with family needs in mind – they offer roomy interiors, lots of luggage capacity, and quiet, comfortable driving. Models like the Renault Scenic and Skoda Enyaq have more than enough space for kids, shopping, and everything in between. Some, like the Kia EV9, even come with seven seats.
The added bonus is that electric SUVs are often smoother and quieter than petrol or diesel models, which can make long journeys and school runs more relaxing. Charging is something to consider, but if you have a driveway or local public charging point, it’s rarely a deal-breaker.
How far can electric SUVs go on a charge?
Most electric SUVs today will offer a real-world range of between 200 and 300 miles, with some long-range versions stretching that closer to 350 or even 400 miles. Our 2025 Car of The Year, the Renault Scenic E-Tech, for example, claims up to 379 miles depending on the version you choose.
Bear in mind that factors like cold weather, high speeds and heavy loads will reduce that range. But for everyday use – commuting, school runs, weekend trips – most electric SUVs provide more than enough range to get by without anxiety.
How long does it take to charge an electric SUV?
That depends on the charger you use. At home on a 7kW wallbox, most electric SUVs will charge from empty to full overnight – typically in eight to 12 hours. Perfect if you’re plugging in while you sleep.
Out and about, many support rapid charging. This can add around 80% charge in just 30 to 45 minutes using a fast public charger, making longer road trips easier than you might think – especially if you plan your stops for lunch or coffee breaks.
What if I forget to charge or can’t find a charger?
It’s a common worry, but one that becomes less of an issue with experience. Apps like Zap-Map or the best sat-nav apps make finding chargers straightforward, and many sat navs in electric cars will show you nearby options. Planning a route with charging stops is simple – and becomes second nature.
Most electric SUVs also show you your real-world range clearly, so you know how far you can go. If you’re regularly driving long distances without reliable charger access, a plug-in hybrid might be a better interim step. But for most users, range anxiety quickly fades with familiarity.
Do electric SUVs work well in winter?
They do, but colder temperatures can impact battery efficiency and reduce your range by up to 30%. That’s because the battery has to work harder and you’re often running heating, lights and heated seats – all of which use power.
The good news is that modern electric SUVs are getting better at managing this, with pre-conditioning features that warm up the battery and cabin while still plugged in. Using heated seats and steering wheels instead of blasting the heater can also help conserve range.
Can I tow with an electric SUV?
Yes, but check the towing capacity first, as it varies by model. Some EVs, like the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y, are rated to tow more than 1,000kg, while others aren’t suitable for towing at all.
Electric SUVs can actually be great for towing thanks to their instant torque, which helps get things moving smoothly. Just be aware that towing will reduce your range quite significantly, so make sure you plan accordingly if you’re heading on a longer journey with a trailer or caravan.
How long do electric SUV batteries last?
Most EV batteries are designed to last at least eight to 10 years, and many manufacturers offer warranties that reflect this – typically covering the battery for up to 100,000 miles. Brands like Tesla, Kia and Renault all offer long battery warranties, which should give buyers peace of mind.
In real-world use, EV batteries degrade slowly. After five-to-seven years, you might see a 5-10% reduction in total range, but this doesn’t usually impact everyday usability. Cars are also getting smarter at managing battery health, with clever cooling systems and software updates helping to preserve life.
Are electric SUVs cheaper to run than petrol or diesel?
In most cases, yes, especially if you can charge at home. Electricity is cheaper than petrol or diesel, and EVs tend to be more efficient in town driving. maintenance costs are also lower due to fewer moving parts.
However, electric SUVs can be more expensive to buy or lease upfront, and public charging is often pricier than home charging. It’s worth using total cost of ownership calculators to compare, but if you do most of your charging at home, the savings can really add up.
How do electric SUVs perform on long journeys?
Many models now offer real-world ranges exceeding 250 miles on a single charge, making them suitable for extended trips. Additionally, the expanding network of rapid chargers across the UK allows for convenient recharging during breaks, with many vehicles capable of adding significant range in 30–45 minutes.
Planning ahead is key. Utilizing route planning tools and apps can help identify charging stations along your journey, ensuring a smooth travel experience. With these resources and the advancements in EV technology, long journeys in electric SUVs are more practical than ever.
What incentives are available for electric SUV buyers in the UK?
The government offers several incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These include grants for home charging point installations and reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates for company car drivers. Additionally, electric vehicle owners benefit from exemptions or discounts on congestion charges in certain cities.
Incentives can vary and may be updated periodically. Keep reading Parkers, so you can hear about the available benefits when getting hold of a new electric SUV.
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