Kia EV5

Short answer for Australia: if you want the safe, mainstream pick, buy a Tesla Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive. If you want better value and more conventional controls/features, buy a BYD Sealion 7 Premium. If you want a cheaper family EV SUV, look hard at the Geely EX5 Complete Extended Range or BYD Atto 2 Premium.

I’m treating “best” as models Australians are actually buying, not niche EVs. In August 2026, Australia’s top-selling BEV models included Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X, and BYD Atto 2; Model Y alone had 6,414 August deliveries and 31,454 year-to-date, while BYD Sealion 7 had 2,213 August and 17,277 YTD. (carexpert.com.au)

My actual shortlist

If you asked me to narrow it down to three test drives:

1. Tesla Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive — default answer for most Australians.
2. BYD Sealion 7 Premium — best value rival to the Model Y.
3. Geely EX5 Complete Extended Range — best value family-sized EV SUV below the Tesla/BYD mid-size price point.

If you want a more traditional ownership experience, swap the Geely for the Kia EV5 Air 2WD Long Range. If you want something more premium and long-range, swap it for the Zeekr 7X Long Range RWD.

Important: Australian EV pricing changes constantly and on-road costs vary by state/territory. Treat the prices above as list or published pricing, then get a drive-away quote in your state before deciding.

The Australian electric vehicle market is currently experiencing a historic boom, with electric vehicles officially outselling traditional petrol and diesel cars for the first time.

If you’re looking to make the switch, SUVs are where the action is. Rather than generic brand names, several specific models have captured the market, driven largely by highly competitive pricing, impressive range, and federal Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemptions on novated leases.

These are the best electric SUVs in Australia that people are actually buying right now, broken down by category.

1. The Undeniable King: Tesla Model Y

• The Vibe: The default choice for a reason.
• Price: From approx. $58,900 before on-roads (around $64,000 driveaway depending on your state).
• Why it’s a best-seller: The Tesla Model Y isn’t just Australia’s favourite EV; it frequently tops the overall Australian new-car sales charts, occasionally beating out legacy heavyweights like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Ranger.
• The Appeal: It is the benchmark for cabin space, cargo capacity, and software integration. Aussies love the hassle-free Tesla Supercharger network, which makes road trips along the East Coast seamless. To sweeten the deal, the arrival of the highly anticipated 6-seater Model Y L variant has made it an even bigger hit for growing families.

2. The Model Y’s Fiercest Rival: BYD Sealion 7

• The Vibe: The premium-feeling challenger offering serious value.
• Price: From $54,990 before on-roads (often featured with promotional "free on-road costs" driveaway offers).
• Why it’s a best-seller: The Sealion 7 is currently the second-best-selling EV in Australia. Since launching, it has taken a massive bite out of Tesla's market share.
• The Appeal: Built on BYD’s ultra-safe "Blade" LFP battery tech, the mid-tier Premium RWD variant offers a real-world WLTP range of 482km. It features a more traditional, comfortable, and quiet cabin than the Tesla, complete with a massive 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen and an upgraded 11kW AC charger.

3. The Premium Compact Hit: Volvo EX30

• The Vibe: Chic Scandinavian luxury for city dwellers.
• Price: From $49,990 before on-roads (down from its original $59,990 launch price, or roughly $55,990 driveaway).
• Why it’s a best-seller: Volvo holds a highly trusted reputation in Australia, and massive price cuts on the EX30 have made this premium compact SUV an absolute steal.
• The Appeal: It’s small, incredibly fast, and looks fantastic. The Single Motor Extended Range Plus variant delivers a very usable 462km WLTP range. If you live in Sydney or Melbourne and want a premium badge that’s easy to park but still packs a punch, this is the one people are flocking to.

4. The Legacy Safe-Bet: Kia EV5

• The Vibe: Bold, futuristic looks from a brand Australians trust.
• Price: From approx. $56,770 driveaway.
• Why it’s a best-seller: Not everyone wants to buy from a pure-play EV startup. For those looking for the peace of mind of a massive Australian dealer network and a 7-year warranty, the EV5 is a very popular "safe bet".
• The Appeal: Stealing the blocky, rugged design language of its massive sibling (the EV9), the mid-sized EV5 stands out on the road. It is highly practical, extremely quiet, and Kia’s local ride-and-handling program means its suspension is specifically tuned to handle rough Australian regional roads.

5. The Luxury Dark Horse: Zeekr 7X

• The Vibe: High-end luxury features at a mid-tier price point.
• Price: From approx. $54,990 to $64,109 before on-roads.
• Why it’s a best-seller: Zeekr (a sister brand to Volvo and Polestar under Geely) has made a massive splash. The 7X has quickly climbed into the top five best-selling EV charts as buyers realise how much luxury they get for the money.
• The Appeal: Positioned as a luxury alternative to the Model Y, the 7X offers air suspension, an incredibly plush interior, blistering acceleration, and premium sound systems that you'd normally have to pay over $100k for in a European legacy EV.

6. The Budget Champions: Geely EX5 & BYD Atto 3

• The Vibe: Practical family haulers that won’t break the bank.
• Price:
  • Geely EX5: From $40,990 before on-roads (approx. $45,963 driveaway).
  • BYD Atto 3: From $39,990 before on-roads.
• Why they are best-sellers: Price parity with petrol cars is finally here, and these two models represent the sweet spot for budget-conscious families.
• The Appeal: The BYD Atto 3 has been a beloved staple on Aussie roads for years due to its quirky interior and solid reliability. However, the newer Geely EX5 has rapidly gained ground, offering a more conservative, spacious, and tech-laden option that feels like a much more expensive car than its sub-$45k price tag suggests.

Summary: Which one should you buy?

• If you want the safest, most proven bet with the best charging network: Buy the Tesla Model Y.
• If you want the best balance of range, build quality, and value: Buy the BYD Sealion 7.
• If you want premium styling and a compact size for city driving: Buy the Volvo EX30.
• If you want legacy dealer support and unique rugged styling: Buy the Kia EV5.
• If you are on a strict budget but need a family-sized SUV: Buy the Geely EX5 or BYD Atto 3.

Tip: If you are employed, look into getting these on a Novated Lease. Thanks to the federal government’s FBT exemption on EVs under the luxury car tax threshold, you can save thousands of dollars a year by paying for the car and its running costs out of your pre-tax salary.

If you want the best electric SUVs people actually buy in Australia, the shortlist is led by the Tesla Model Y, with strong current alternatives including the Kia EV3, Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X, BYD Sealion 7, and MG MGS5 EV.

Here are the specific model names worth considering in Australia right now:

• Tesla Model Y — still the benchmark mainstream electric SUV in Australia and described as the country’s most popular battery-powered SUV.
• Kia EV3 — a newer compact electric SUV that has been ranked among the top options in Australia.
• Geely EX5 — positioned as a value-focused electric SUV and ranked in recent Australian “best EV SUV” lists.
• Zeekr 7X — a premium mid-size electric SUV that has topped some 2026 Australian rankings.
• BYD Sealion 7 — a mainstream mid-size EV SUV that has been highlighted as a strong contender in Australian reviews.
• MG MGS5 EV — one of the strongest value picks in the medium electric SUV class in Australia.
• Toyota bZ4X — a well-known mainstream option that still appears in top Australian electric SUV lists.
• Porsche Macan Electric — a premium choice that Drive ranks as a leading electric SUV in Australia.
• Volvo EX40 — a strong small-to-medium electric SUV choice, including recognition in Australian SUV awards coverage.
• BMW iX — a large luxury electric SUV that remains a notable Australian-market option.

If you want the best buys by type, the current Australian market looks roughly like this:

If you want, I can turn this into a buying shortlist by budget for Australia, for example:

• under $50k
• $50k–$70k
• $70k–$100k
• luxury over $100k

The Tesla Model Y dominates electric SUV sales in Australia, followed by strong challengers like the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X, Kia EV5, and smaller options such as the BYD Atto 3/Atto 2. These are the models Australians are actually buying in volume, based on recent 2025–2026 sales data from sources like the FCAI, Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), and automotive outlets.

EV sales have surged (hitting records in 2026, with BEVs sometimes outselling petrol/diesel in monthly tallies), driven by falling prices, improving range/charging infrastructure, and models tailored to Australian preferences for practical family SUVs. Medium SUVs lead the segment. Chinese brands (BYD, Geely, Zeekr) offer strong value and features, while Tesla leads on tech, range, and resale. Kia provides warranty and dealer advantages.

Here are the standout models people are buying most (focusing on pure EVs/SUVs, with approximate recent sales context and key Australian considerations like pricing before on-roads, typical range, and why they sell):

• Tesla Model Y (various trims, e.g., Rear-Wheel Drive or Long Range All-Wheel Drive): The clear bestseller and often Australia’s top vehicle overall in monthly charts. It racked up ~20,400 sales in H1 2026 and over 31,000 YTD by August, frequently outselling utes like the Ranger or Hilux in peak months. Buyers love the ~500–680+ km WLTP range options, Supercharger network, over-the-air updates, and strong resale. Starts around $58,900+ before on-roads. It’s the benchmark for performance, tech, and practicality in a family SUV.

• BYD Sealion 7 (RWD or AWD variants): A close second among EVs and a top mid-size SUV seller. It achieved ~12,500 sales in H1 2026 and strong monthly figures (e.g., thousands in peak months), often ranking high in overall SUV charts. Priced competitively (around $55k–$64k drive-away examples noted), it offers good range (hundreds of km), fast charging, and premium features at a lower cost than equivalents. Popular for value and space.

• Geely EX5: A rising budget-friendly mid-size contender with thousands of sales (e.g., ~6,700+ in H1 2026 and frequent top-10 EV/SUV placements). Starts around $42k before on-roads, with ~450–475 km range. Appeals to buyers seeking affordable entry into a practical EV SUV with solid features; it undercuts many rivals on price while delivering family-friendly space.

• Zeekr 7X: Fast-growing premium-leaning mid-size option with strong early momentum (~5,500+ in H1 2026 and rising). Priced from ~$58k before on-roads, it boasts excellent range (up to ~615 km claimed), high spec (ventilated/massaging seats, large screens, advanced driver aids), and value that challenges the Model Y. Reviewers and buyers highlight it as a standout for features and driving experience.

• Kia EV5: Reliable performer in the compact/mid-size space, with thousands of sales (e.g., thousands in 2025 and steady 2026 figures). Benefits from Kia’s 7-year unlimited km warranty and dealer network. Competitive pricing and practicality make it a smart choice for families wary of newer Chinese brands.

• BYD Atto 3 (or newer Atto 2): Popular smaller/compact SUVs. The Atto 3 has long been a volume seller (thousands annually), with the Atto 2 adding strong recent numbers (~5,400 in H1 2026). Affordable (often under $50k), with good urban range and features—ideal for city driving or first-time EV buyers.

Other notables include the Jaecoo J5 (small SUV with solid volume) and occasional mentions of models like the Hyundai Kona EV or larger BYD Sealion variants, but the above dominate pure EV SUV purchases.

Key Australian buying tips: Check current drive-away pricing (varies by state incentives, stamp duty, and FBT exemptions for eligible buyers), real-world range in Aussie conditions, and home/public charging access (networks are expanding). Test drive for ride/handling on local roads, compare warranties/servicing, and review ANCAP ratings. Tesla’s ecosystem suits tech-focused buyers; BYD/Geely/Zeekr excel on spec-for-price. Sales shift quickly with new arrivals and incentives, so verify latest figures via VFACTS/EVC reports.

These recommendations reflect actual buyer behaviour—volume leaders rather than just expert picks. Visit dealers or configurators for the latest specs and deals tailored to your needs (e.g., family size, budget, towing).

The top electric SUVs that Australians are actively buying include the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X, Kia EV5, BYD Atto 3, and Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5, each offering strong range, technology, and real-world practicality.

Top Recommended Models

1. Tesla Model Y

Range: From 466 km WLTP Highlights: Offers a spacious interior, third-row seating (optional), and an unmatched charging ecosystem in Australia. Known for software updates and efficiency, it consistently tops new car sales in the EV SUV segment.

2. BYD Sealion 7

Range: From 482 km WLTP Highlights: A premium-feel family SUV with all-wheel-drive options, modern tech-rich cabin, and strong value for money. Ideal for those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to Tesla while retaining space and comfort.

3. Geely EX5

Range: From 430 km WLTP Highlights: Mid-size electric SUV that provides high practicality and conventional styling, offering good room and comfort. A strong value option with substantial EV experience behind the brand.

4. Zeekr 7X

Range: From 480 km WLTP Highlights: A premium-leaning Chinese EV that blends performance, technology, and upmarket interior design. Offers strong storage and tech features, though its local dealer network is still growing.

5. Kia EV5

Range: From 400 km WLTP Highlights: A family-friendly SUV with well-known Kia reliability and a solid dealer network. Offers balance between interior space, technology, and affordability.

6. BYD Atto 3

Range: From 420 km WLTP Highlights: Compact and practical, great for urban and suburban driving. Strong value proposition with a distinctive interior and attractive price for first-time EV buyers.

7. Volkswagen ID.4 / ID.5

Range: From 522 km WLTP Highlights: Familiar European brand appeal, practical layouts for families, and good performance. The ID.5 adds a sleeker coupé-style design for those wanting sportier looks.

Other Notable Mentions

Hyundai Elexio – Prioritizes range and comfort with a mid-size SUV footprint. Deepal S07 – Stylish and feature-rich for buyers seeking a more design-focused EV.

Things to Consider

Range vs. Size: Larger SUVs like the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X offer more space and comfort but often at higher pricing. Compact models like the BYD Atto 3 are easier for city driving. Dealer Network and Support: Brands with established Australian service networks, such as Tesla, Kia, and Volkswagen, offer more reassurance on maintenance and support. Charging Infrastructure: Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the most expansive, whereas other brands rely on public networks like Chargefox or private home charging setups.

For Australians, these models currently represent the largest real-world uptake and buyer satisfaction, blending range, comfort, pricing, and technology.

+2

Electric vehicle sales are booming Down Under, with pure EVs now making up a record share of the Australian new-car market. If you are looking for the electric SUVs that Australians are actually buying in droves, you need to look at the exact models dominating the local VFACTS registration data.

Here are the top-selling, best electric SUVs in Australia right now, categorized by what makes them popular:

🏆 The Undisputed Market Leaders

Tesla Model Y: This is the default choice for Aussie families and frequently ranks as the absolute best-selling vehicle in the country, beating out traditional fuel-powered utes. Refreshed with the "Juniper" update, it is highly sought after for its exceptional space, efficiency, and access to the unmatched Tesla Supercharger Network.

BYD Sealion 7: Firmly holding the number two spot for EV sales in Australia, this mid-size SUV has become a massive hit. Buyers flock to it because it undercuts the Model Y on price while delivering a premium-feeling interior, great real-world range, and faster charging capabilities.

💰 The Budget & Value Champions

Geely EX5: A rapid riser in the sales charts, the Geely EX5 has taken a massive chunk of the family market. It is highly praised by reviewers for offering features typically reserved for luxury cars—like massaging front seats and a plush rear row—at a highly competitive drive-away price.

BYD Atto 3: The car that originally put BYD on the map in Australia remains a staple on local roads. It serves as a highly practical, reliable, and tech-loaded compact SUV for suburban buyers.

BYD Atto 2: Sitting just below the Atto 3, this newer model has quickly claimed the title of one of Australia’s most affordable electric SUVs. It is the go-to option for inner-city commuters who want a brand-new EV without spending over $40,000.

✨ The Premium & Family Step-Ups

Zeekr 7X: For buyers wanting something a bit more premium without paying European luxury prices, the Zeekr 7X has exploded in popularity, regularly cracking the top five monthly EV sales lists. It delivers an incredibly refined ride and high-end styling.

Kia EV9: If you genuinely need a proper, adult-sized seven-seat SUV, the EV9 is the undisputed king. While it sits at a higher price bracket, families buy it because it offers true third-row space, a locally tuned suspension tailored for rough Australian roads, and rapid 800V charging.

BMW iX1: For buyers sticking to traditional heritage badges, the iX1 is BMW's top-selling EV in Australia. Recent price adjustments and its familiar, high-quality luxury presentation make it highly popular among novated lease buyers.

📊 Quick Comparison of the Top 4 Bestsellers

To help narrow this down, what is your approximate budget, and are you looking for a compact city runabout or a larger family hauler?