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Best electric SUVs: large vehicles you can plug in

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.
Rivian

The best EVs still aren’t as affordable as their non-electric counterparts, but more and more models are rolling out, giving customers an increasing number of options to choose from. The result? These days, EVs range from small sedans to large SUVs. We’ve seen a number of new electric SUVs roll out over the past year and there are now a few great three-row SUVs for larger families or those who simply want a little more space.

In this article, we’ll mostly be talking about actual SUVs, and not crossovers that are marketed as SUVs, but really aren’t. We’re also only including vehicles that are available to order right now — for example, at the time of this writing, the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 was not available, but when it is, it will likely be featured on this list.

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Without further ado, here are the best electric SUVs you can get right now.

Rivian R1S

Second-Gen Rivian R1S
Rivian

Starting price: $75,900

Range: Up to 410 miles

Dimensions: 200.8 inches long, 81.8 inches wide, 77.3 inches high

The Rivian R1S is often considered to be the best electric SUV out there, and for good reason. While the vehicle may be a little expensive, those who can afford it and want a large electric SUV will want to at least consider the R1S because of its stylish design, three rows, and long range.

The vehicle is now in its second generation and comes in a number of different models. The dual-motor version of the R1S starts at $75,900 and offers 270 miles of range in the base version. However, you can upgrade to a longer-range model with a larger battery that offers up to 410 miles of range, which is excellent. Rivian is also selling a tri-motor version of the vehicle that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.9 seconds and has 380 miles of range. Eventually, Rivian will also sell a quad-motor version that can accelerate to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. However, we don’t yet know the range of that car, and it won’t begin shipping until 2025.

Kia EV9

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters
Christian de Looper / Digital Trends

Starting price: $54,900

Range: Up to 304 miles

Dimensions: 197.2 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, 77.9 inches high

The Kia EV9 is an excellent alternative for those who want a three-row SUV, but don’t want to pay Rivian R1S prices. The EV9 starts at $54,900, which is still a lot of money to be sure, but not quite as high as other options on the market right now.

There are a number of different trim levels of the EV9, and the base version of the car offers 230 miles of range with a single motor powering the rear wheels. There’s a longer-range version of that rear-wheel drive model that offers 304 miles of range. That’s the highest range that you’ll get on the EV9. The other models of the vehicle, which are all all-wheel drive models, offer between 270 and 280 miles of range. That range isn’t huge; however, the EV9 thankfully charges very quickly at up to 350 kilowatts. That means you can charge the EV9 from 10% to 80% in only around 20 minutes at a compatible charging station.

Volvo EX90

2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.
Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends

Starting price: $79,995

Range: Up to 310 miles

Dimensions: 198.3 inches long, 77.3 inches wide, 68.8 inches high

It feels like a million years ago that the Volvo EX90 was first announced, but the vehicle is now finally available for order. It’s also a little expensive and actually has a starting price higher than the likes of the Rivian R1S. However, it is a true SUV with options for either six or seven seats, twin motors in the base model, and more.

One of the best things about the Volvo EX90 is its Scandinavian design. The exterior of the vehicle is relatively handsome, but the interior is scaled back and minimalistic in a way that many of the other vehicles on this list are not. At the front of the car, you’ll a large 9-inch infotainment screen with Android Automotive built into it. The vehicle is expected to get some helpful updates down the line, including wireless CarPlay support and even improved self-driving tech that makes use of the lidar sensor on the top of the vehicle. Of course, we’ll have to wait and see if that actually happens and how long it takes. The EX90 has a range of up to 310 miles, with the base model still offering a helpful 300 miles. It supports charging at up to 250kW and can go from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.

BMW iX

A 2023 BMW iX M60.
Ronan Glon / Digital Trends

Starting price: $87,250

Range: Up to 309 miles

Dimensions: 195 inches long, 77 inches wide, 67 inches high

The BMW iX may be a little controversial in design due to its oversized kidney grille on the front, but the vehicle has a lot going for it as BMW’s take on the electric SUV. The iX is relatively sporty and available in two main variants, the iX xDrive50 and the more powerful iX M60, which costs around $25,000 more. The iX only has five seats, so don’t expect a third row — but those seats are comfortable and covered in premium material.

Speaking of the seats, the interior of the vehicle is perhaps the best thing about it. It’s much more luxurious than many of the other options on this list, with an expansive sunroof and stunning accent lighting. At the front of the vehicle is a dual display setup, with the main infotainment display supporting wireless CarPlay and Android Auto — a helpful touch given the fact that BMW’s iDrive software isn’t all that great. The BMW iX has a range of up to 309 miles, and while expensive, if you can afford it and want luxury, it’s definitely worth considering.

Lucid Gravity

A Lucid Gravity electric SUV on the road.
Lucid Group

Starting price: $94,900 (cheaper model coming 2025)

Range: Up to 450 miles

Dimensions: 198.2 inches long, 78.7 inches wide 65.2 inches high

The Lucid Gravity is the long-awaited SUV from the company that has long offered the longest-range sedan in the Lucid Air. The Gravity is a taller take on the Air, and while the base model has two rows of seats, there is an option for a third row with six or seven-seat configurations. In classic Lucid fashion, the Gravity boasts an incredible range of up to 450 miles, which beats all of the competition by quite a lot.

On top of offering a huge range, the Gravity is also quite powerful with up to 828 hp. It offers a great-looking dual display software system at the front, sleek ambient lighting, and a range of other luxury features. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, only the more expensive Lucid Gravity Grand Touring was available, but a cheaper Lucid Gravity Touring will go on sale at some point in 2025.

GMC Hummer EV SUV

GMC Hummer EV Omega Edition
GMC

Starting price: $96,550

Range: Up to 315 miles

Dimensions: 207 inches long, 86 inches wide, 78 inches high

If you’re not necessarily concerned about getting the best value for money and want a large SUV that you can drive in style, then the GMC Hummer EV SUV may be worth considering. As you would expect from a Hummer, the vehicle is muscular and large, but it actually has a lot to offer as an electric vehicle too. Sure, it starts at an expensive $96,550, but for that money, you’ll get a relatively capable vehicle.

The base model of the Hummer EV SUV is the Hummer EV 2X, which has a range of 303 miles and up to 570 horsepower. GMC also sells the Hummer EV 3X, which has up to 314 miles of range and 830hp. There are a few other special-edition models of the Hummer EV, which, as you would expect, cost extra. The Hummer EV SUV certainly isn’t the way to go for those looking for great value, however, if you like the Hummer design aesthetic and want an electric SUV, you’re certainly not getting a bad vehicle in the Hummer EV SUV.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Inc

Starting price: $44,990

Range: Up to 337 miles

Dimensions: 187 inches long, 76 inches wide, 64 inches high

The Tesla Model Y is one of the most popular vehicles in America, and for good reason. It’s also the first vehicle on our list that’s marketed as an SUV, but is really much more of a crossover-sized car. The Model Y has two rows by default, but there is an option for a third. Keep in mind that the third row will take up the majority of the trunk space in the Model Y and really doesn’t offer enough room for most adults, especially when driving longer distances.

The Model Y does have a lot going for it. It has a starting price of $44,990, which is cheaper than most of the other vehicles on this list. The base model is a rear-wheel drive model that offers 320 miles of range, which isn’t bad. From there, you can step up to an all-wheel drive model that performs better and has a slightly lower range at 308 miles. The most expensive model is the Model Y Performance, which has 279 miles of range, but can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in a very quick 3.5 seconds. Even that model is cheaper than the base model of the larger Kia EV9, so if you’re looking for something more affordable and don’t mind smaller vehicle, it may be the way to go.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD rear end side profile from driver's side with trees and a metal fence in the back.
Joel Patel / Digital Trends

Starting price: $41,800

Range: Up to 303 miles

Dimensions: 186 inches long, 76 inches wide, 62 inches high

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is perhaps the most popular electric crossover. It does not have an option for a third row, so if you need something with three rows of seating, you’ll need to look elsewhere. However, it does have a fun and interesting design and comes at a reasonable price as well.

The base model of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range, which offers only 220 miles of range from a single motor powering the back wheels. You’ll get 303 miles of range from the rear-wheel drive option and 266 miles from the all-wheel drive option. Finally, there’s the Ioniq 5 N, which is built like more of a track car. It has a range of 221 miles and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds. It’s not the best range out there — however, the Ioniq 5 does support superfast 350kW charging speeds, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes. That’s not to mention the fact that Hyundai has been very aggressive in offering great lease deals for the vehicle, so if you’re willing to lease and don’t want to pay much, the Ioniq 5 is worth considering.

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
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