If you’re shopping for the best electric vehicles (SUVs) in 2025, you’re spoiled for choice. Automakers have poured their best design, tech, and battery know‑how into electric crossovers and SUVs, because that’s what most of us actually drive, family haulers, commuting workhorses, and road‑trip companions.
Who this guide is for
This guide focuses on electric SUVs you can realistically buy or shop used in the U.S. in late 2025, not concept cars or limited‑run unicorns. You’ll see which models stand out for range, value, and everyday practicality, plus when it makes sense to buy used through a trusted EV marketplace like Recharged.
Why Electric SUVs Are Taking Over
Electric SUVs by the Numbers
SUVs already dominate U.S. driveways, and automakers followed the money: they electrified crossovers and SUVs first. The payoff for you is clear. An electric SUV gives you instant torque, quiet cruising, and lower running costs, wrapped in a body style that still fits kids, strollers, camping gear, and Costco runs.
How to Choose the Best Electric SUV for You
Start with how you actually drive
Before you fall in love with a badge, get honest about your life:
- Commute length: Daily miles matter more than fantasy road trips.
- Passengers: Do you regularly carry 4–5 adults, or is it usually just you and a kid?
- Cargo: Strollers, dogs, sports gear, home‑improvement runs, size them up.
- Weather: Cold climates shave range; all‑wheel drive can help with traction.
Then decide what you want most
No SUV is best at everything. Pick your top priority:
- Range: Least charging stops on long drives.
- Value: Lowest cost to buy or own.
- Space: Room for three rows and car seats.
- Luxury: Quiet, plush, and tech‑packed.
- Fun: Performance that makes you grin.
Once you know your priorities, it’s much easier to narrow down the field.
Pro tip: Think charging, not just range
A 260‑mile SUV that charges very quickly can be easier to live with than a 310‑mile SUV that sips power slowly. The smarter combo is enough range plus fast charging.
Best Overall Electric SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Ask a group of EV reviewers to name the best all‑around electric SUV right now, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes up again and again. It blends striking style, a roomy cabin, strong range, and ultra‑fast charging in a package that doesn’t feel like a science experiment.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Why It’s a Standout
A near‑perfect mix of value, space, and tech
Real‑World Range
EPA estimates run from around 245 miles in base trims up to roughly 318 miles with the larger battery and rear‑wheel drive.
Ultra‑Fast Charging
The 800‑volt electrical system lets the Ioniq 5 add roughly 10–80% charge in about 20 minutes on a capable DC fast charger, making road trips easier.
Space & Comfort
On the outside it’s a compact crossover; inside, the flat floor and sliding rear seats make it feel more like a roomy midsize, with a calm, lounge‑like interior.
Where the Ioniq 5 shines for most buyers
If you want one electric SUV that can do school runs, highway commuting, and weekend getaways without feeling fussy, the Ioniq 5 is a sweet spot. Used examples are starting to show up with attractive pricing, especially when you have a verified battery health report like the Recharged Score to compare cars confidently.
Best Long-Range Electric SUV: Tesla Model Y
If your number‑one priority is going as far as possible between charges, the Tesla Model Y still sets the pace in the compact SUV class. Recent updates have nudged range and efficiency higher, and the Supercharger network remains a big advantage for road‑trippers.
Tesla Model Y: Range Overview (2025 U.S. Lineup)
Exact EPA figures vary by wheel size and options, but this gives you the ballpark.
| Trim | Drive | Approx. EPA Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium RWD | RWD | ~300 miles | Entry model with strong efficiency and value |
| Long Range | AWD | ~330–340 miles | Best balance for most drivers |
| Performance | AWD | ~280–310 miles | Quicker, but range dips slightly |
Long range and decent efficiency are the Model Y’s calling cards.
Why the Supercharger network still matters
Teslas plug into the most mature fast‑charging network in the U.S., with simple payment, reliable uptime, and good station density. More non‑Tesla EVs are getting Supercharger access, but if you buy a Model Y now, you’re first in line to use the best parts of that network wherever NACS is live.
The flip side? Not everyone loves Tesla’s minimalist interior or the near‑total reliance on the central touchscreen. If you’re the type who likes physical buttons and knobs, you may be happier in a Hyundai, Kia, or Ford, even if you give up a little range.
Best Family & 3-Row Electric SUV: Kia EV9
For families who need real three‑row space without burning gasoline, the Kia EV9 is the electric SUV that finally makes sense. It’s roughly the size of a Telluride, with available captain’s chairs, legitimate third‑row room, and up to about 304 miles of EPA range in certain rear‑drive trims.
Kia EV9: Built Around Real Families
Space, safety, and range in one package
Three Rows That Work
Two or three kids in car seats? The EV9’s wide doors, sliding seats, and available captain’s chairs make buckling everyone in much less of a circus.
Safety & Tech
Modern driver‑assist features, plenty of USB‑C ports, and an intuitive infotainment system make life on the road easier for drivers and passengers.
Road‑Trip Ready
Up to about 304 miles of rated range in some trims and DC fast charging that can go from 10–80% in ~25 minutes mean fewer meltdowns at charging stops.
Watch the weight and wheel size
On big three‑row electric SUVs like the EV9, large wheels and loaded trims can noticeably cut real‑world range. If you road‑trip a lot, lean toward smaller wheels and rear‑drive configurations when you can.
Best Affordable & Compact Electric SUVs
Not everyone wants a spaceship‑priced SUV. If you’re looking for a more attainable electric crossover, maybe as a second car or city runabout, compact EV SUVs deliver the benefits of electric driving without the sticker shock of a luxury rig.
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Compact crossovers that still feel grown‑up
Volkswagen ID.4
The VW ID.4 offers a comfortable ride, user‑friendly interior, and up to roughly 291 miles of range in newer long‑range trims. It’s not the flashiest EV, but it’s one of the more approachable ones, especially on the used market, where early models now list well below new‑car prices.
Subaru Solterra & Toyota bZ4X
These siblings share a platform and much of their hardware. You get available all‑wheel drive, a raised ride height, and typical Subaru‑style capability in light snow and dirt. Range is more modest, roughly the 220–250‑mile band, so they’re best for drivers who rarely knock out 300‑mile days.
How used can stretch your budget
Compact electric SUVs like the ID.4, Mustang Mach‑E, and older Model Y are starting to show significant depreciation. Buying one used with a verified battery health report through Recharged can deliver a lot more SUV for the same monthly payment compared with a brand‑new budget model.
Best Luxury Electric SUVs
If you want your electric SUV to feel like a rolling high‑end lounge, 2025 is a good year. You can pick from Scandinavian calm, American startup swagger, or traditional luxury badges that finally take EVs seriously.
Top Luxury Electric SUV Picks
When comfort and presence matter as much as range
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S combines genuine off‑road capability with a chic, modern interior. Three rows, tons of torque, and adventurous design make it feel like a luxury overlanding rig that just happens to be electric.
Jeep Wagoneer S
Jeep’s first all‑electric SUV, the Wagoneer S, launches with about 600 hp, dual‑motor all‑wheel drive, and an estimated range around the 300‑mile mark. Early testing has shown impressive real‑world efficiency and a cabin that wouldn’t look out of place in a European luxury SUV.
Volvo EX90 & EX30
Volvo’s electric SUVs bring the brand’s usual quiet confidence: clean design, excellent seats, and strong safety tech. The big EX90 targets families, while the compact EX30 gives you luxury‑brand style in a smaller, more affordable package.
Don’t let the badge blind you
With premium electric SUVs, it’s easy to get swept away by horsepower and screens. Before you sign, check the basics: usable range in your climate, charging speeds, and what the battery warranty looks like on the specific vehicle you’re considering, especially if you’re shopping used.
Charging, Range, and Battery Health Basics
Every electric SUV on this list can handle daily commuting without drama. Where things diverge is in how fast they charge and how gracefully the battery ages. Understanding a few fundamentals helps you pick a SUV you’ll be happy with in year eight, not just year one.
- Range (miles): EPA‑rated range is a lab number. Expect real‑world range to be 10–30% lower in cold weather, at highway speeds, or when fully loaded.
- Charging speed (kW): A higher DC fast‑charge rating (like 150 kW, 200 kW, or more) usually means less time parked on road trips, especially if the SUV has 800‑volt architecture (Ioniq 5, EV9, some luxury models).
- Battery size (kWh): Bigger packs give more range but add weight and cost. Many sweet‑spot electric SUVs live in the 70–100 kWh band.
- On‑board charger (AC kW): For home charging, a 9.6–11 kW on‑board charger means faster overnight top‑ups, assuming you have a capable Level 2 charger installed.
- Battery warranties: Most automakers cover the battery for around 8 years or 100,000 miles, often guaranteeing it will retain at least 70% of its original capacity.
What battery health actually looks like
EV batteries don’t suddenly fall off a cliff at year eight. They tend to lose a bit of range early on, then degrade more slowly. The trick is to know the actual state of health on any used SUV you’re considering, something Recharged’s battery‑focused Recharged Score report is designed to show in plain English.
Should You Buy a Used Electric SUV?
With more early EV adopters trading up to newer models, the used‑electric‑SUV market in 2025 is finally getting interesting. You’ll see gently used Hyundai Ioniq 5s, Kia EV6s, Ford Mustang Mach‑Es, Volkswagen ID.4s, and Tesla Model Ys at sizable discounts versus new.
Why used can be a smart move
- Lower purchase price: EVs typically depreciate faster than comparable gas SUVs in the first few years.
- Features for less: You may afford a better‑equipped trim, larger battery, AWD, premium audio, for the price of a new base model.
- Known track record: By 2025, we’ve learned a lot about how different EV batteries age in the real world.
What to watch out for
- Battery health: Capacity loss directly affects range. Demand documentation or a third‑party health report.
- Charging history: Lots of DC fast charging isn’t a deal‑breaker, but you want evidence of normal use and good maintenance.
- Warranty status: Check how many years and miles of battery coverage remain, and whether it transfers to you.
How Recharged simplifies the used EV SUV puzzle
Every vehicle listed on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health, pricing transparency, and expert guidance. That means you’re not guessing whether a used Ioniq 5, Model Y, or ID.4 still has the range you need, you can see it in black and white and compare options side‑by‑side.
Electric SUV Buying Checklist
10 Must-Do Checks Before You Buy an Electric SUV
1. Confirm your real range needs
Add up your longest typical days, commutes, sports practice, errands, and add a buffer. You may find that 230–260 miles is plenty, which opens up more affordable SUVs.
2. Map your charging routine
Will you charge at home, work, or a nearby public station? If home charging is tricky, favor SUVs with faster DC charging and better public‑network support.
3. Check battery health on used SUVs
For any used electric SUV, insist on a clear battery health report. On Recharged, the Recharged Score gives you this upfront so you can compare vehicles confidently.
4. Compare range across trims, not just models
The same SUV can have very different ranges depending on battery size, wheel size, and AWD vs. RWD. Look at the specific trim you’re buying.
5. Sit in the back seats, especially in two-row SUVs
Some compact EV crossovers have tight rear headroom due to sloping rooflines. Bring your passengers and sit where they will.
6. Test the tech in the driveway
Pair your phone, test the nav, adjust climate controls, and try driver‑assist features. If the interface annoys you standing still, it won’t improve in traffic.
7. Consider total cost of ownership
Factor in lower fuel and maintenance costs, potential tax incentives, and any home‑charging installation expenses, not just the monthly payment.
8. Think about winter and hills
If you live where it’s cold or mountainous, range will dip. All‑wheel drive may be worth the efficiency hit for traction and confidence.
9. Review charging network coverage for non-Teslas
If you’re eyeing a non‑Tesla SUV, pull up fast‑charging apps and map stations along your typical routes and holiday trips.
10. Plan your test drives back-to-back
Test a couple of electric SUVs the same day, say an Ioniq 5, Model Y, and ID.4. Differences in ride, noise, and interface will jump out more clearly.
Best Electric SUVs: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric SUVs
Bottom Line: The Best Electric SUV Is the One That Fits Your Life
If you take just one thing away from this guide, let it be this: the best electric SUV isn’t the one with the wildest horsepower number or the longest spec‑sheet range, it’s the one that fits how you actually live. For many drivers, that’s a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model Y. For growing families, a Kia EV9 finally makes an all‑electric three‑row practical. And for those chasing comfort and cachet, Rivian, Volvo, and Jeep now offer compelling electric alternatives to traditional luxury SUVs.
Your next step is simple: decide how you drive, pick the handful of SUVs that truly match your life, then compare new and used options side‑by‑side. If you’re leaning used, shopping through Recharged gives you visibility into battery health and pricing that traditional listings simply don’t. That way, whichever electric SUV you choose, you’ll know you’re getting the right vehicle, not just the right marketing story.
