Best Electric SUVs Of 2023

It wasn't too long ago that the conversation surrounding the best electric SUVs always came back to something with a Tesla badge, but times are changing. Other manufacturers have caught up to Tesla's Model X and Model Y, offering superior luxury, better handling, higher levels of build quality, or a more attractive price. Often, it's a mix of all of those factors. That's not to say that Tesla isn't still competitive -– the sales figures of the Model Y prove the opposite –- but it's no longer quite as cut-and-dry when it comes to choosing an electric SUV.

The 2023 model year has now come and gone in some cases, and certain SUV models have proved so popular that they've already sold out. To buy one, you'll have to get on the waiting list for 2024. Still, to provide a fair comparison, we're only including 2023 model year cars in this list, even if 2024 models are already on sale. Narrowing the list down is no easy task, and there are plenty of good cars that just barely missed out. However, we think these 10 represent the best electric SUVs on the market for 2023.

The smaller of Tesla's two SUVs is arguably the better, especially if you're looking for a seven-seater. The option to add two extra seats to the base configuration of the Tesla Model Y was lowered in price from $4,000 to just $1,000 at the end of April, making this SUV an even more attractive option. 

The cheapest Model Y starts at just under $48,000, and all variants pack at least 269 miles of range, with up to 330 miles available with the Long Range AWD. In addition, buyers get access to two of the key things that have given the brand's cars a competitive edge for years now – Tesla's innovative range of in-car features and access to the Supercharger network.

The Model Y has proven to be a consistent bestseller since its launch, and it's currently the best-selling EV in America. Other rivals might offer fresher design or a higher level of build quality, but it seems like Tesla got the formula just right with the Model Y, as it can barely keep up with the demand for it.

Hyundai's luxury arm might not have gained the brand recognition of its Japanese or German competition just yet, but its cars can very much compete with the big players. The electric Genesis GV60 is the brand's first car built on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), meaning it was built from the ground up as an EV rather than converted from a traditional ICE platform. It gets all the essentials right, as its styling is sharp and distinctive, its interior feels as upmarket as its rivals, and its range of at least 235 miles is competitive with what else is on offer in the segment.

Alongside the basics, the GV60 adds a few fun features that make it more memorable to drive than many other electric SUVs. The best of those is the Boost button on the steering wheel, which gives you a temporary increase in horsepower for quicker overtakes or just having fun on open roads. Charging is speedy, too, with Genesis claiming a 10% to 80% charge takes just 18 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger. Like several other SUVs on this list, the biggest issue with the GV60 is availability. It's only available in select states and in limited numbers, which means it remains out of reach for many buyers.

Rivian might still be the new kid on the block, but the R1T pickup and R1S SUV prove it means business. The R1S sports the same distinctive styling that debuted on the R1T, with chunkier, more upright proportions than we're used to seeing on an EV. Driving it, you notice that chunkiness, especially on the highway, where we found Rivian's Highway Assist to end up driving uncomfortably close to neighboring trucks. The beefy tires on our tester also increased road noise and wind noise was more noticeable than in other electric SUVs.

However, that's part and parcel of driving a boxy SUV with all-terrain capability, and if anything, it should endear the car to buyers who might normally find an EV a little clinical. The interior is great too, and we found none of the quality control issues that often plague cars from startup car manufacturers. It might not be a typical EV in some senses, but the R1S carves out its own distinct niche in this still-emerging market, and it's a compelling alternative to the usual crowd of luxury three-row SUVs, electric or not.

As the cheapest of Audi's electric vehicles, the 2023 Q4 e-tron provides a middle ground between the usual raft of affordable EVs and the often prohibitively high pricing of luxury electric cars. It's only a tad more expensive than rivals from Ford, Volkswagen, and Tesla, yet it feels considerably more premium than all of them. It's comfortable, there's plenty of tech as standard, and although the lack of one-pedal driving might put off long-time EV drivers, first-time switchers won't mind.

It's not as luxurious as Audi's higher-priced electric SUVs, and with 201 horsepower available in base trim, it's not as fast either. Even so, it feels brisk enough for everyday driving, and higher trims benefit from dual motors making a combined 295 horsepower. The official range sits between 236 and 265 miles depending on the trim you pick, and with a suitably powerful DC fast charger, charging from 5% to 80% takes 36 minutes. 

A lot of EV makers tend to prioritize either luxury or aggressive pricing in an attempt to woo customers, but if you can afford to pay the premium, the Q4 e-tron strikes a great balance of both.

The EQS SUV is the SUV version of the EQS, which is itself the unofficial electric version of the S-Class, the brand's flagship luxury sedan. Still following? 

Either way, Mercedes has a reputation for filling its lineup with cars covering a wide range of niches, and the 2023 EQS SUV is very much a niche interest. If you can justify an EV with a price tag north of $130,000 after extras, though, it's a very appealing car. It's a particularly tech-heavy affair, with the huge MBUX Hyperscreen forming the centerpiece of the dashboard. It incorporates three separate displays into one car-spanning screen, which can be a little overwhelming if you prefer cars with minimal distractions.

The interior is exactly what you'd expect from a car that's been billed as an electric S-Class SUV -– supremely comfortable, with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated seats with massage functions. The 64-color ambient lighting adds a futuristic aesthetic that our own Chris Davies described as "like drifting through a sea of electroluminescent jellyfish." At the same time, the car's 10% to 80% fast charging time of 31 minutes means you'll have plenty of time to admire the uniquely colorful interior. 

Ultimately, the EQS SUV is predictably pricey and the car's 285 mile range isn't the best in class. Still, if you can justify the initial outlay, the EQS SUV is one of the techiest SUVs on the market — with a healthy dose of opulence thrown in to boot.