Nissan Leaf

Best Electric SUVs in the UK Right Now

If you're shopping for an electric SUV in the UK today, here are the models that reviewers rate highest and that people are actually buying in numbers — not just niche picks.

The all-rounder most people should consider first

Tesla Model Y — Still one of the default choices for a reason. It leads on boot space (854 litres), charging speed (250kW, 10–80% in ~27 minutes), and WLTP range (332 miles). It also benefits from Tesla's Supercharger network, and the longest-range Model Y will do 373 miles on a charge, while the Performance version does 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and 319 miles.

Currently the UK's top-rated overall

Nissan Leaf (new generation, now an SUV-style crossover) — the all-new Nissan Leaf is the best electric SUV on sale, and it won Car of the Year at the 2026 Auto Express New Car awards. It's also priced sensibly, starting around £28,849, and has built well-earned popularity with multiple awards.

Best "sensible, no-nonsense" family choice

Skoda Elroq — Consistently recommended as the practical pick. If a huge box-on-wheels isn't necessary, you can't go wrong with the sensible Skoda Elroq, which is comfortable and easy to live with. It's also a What Car? award winner.

Best premium/technology pick

BMW iX3 — The benchmark for driving feel among premium electric SUVs. It offers world-class electric range alongside a clever interior, and BMW has moved on from its awkward recent styling. The new-generation model is a big step forward: the BMW iX3 on BMW's Neue Klasse platform is now available to order with 421–500 miles of WLTP range, and it supports 400kW charging speeds, making it one of the best electric cars for long-distance journeys.

Best budget-friendly option

Renault 4 E-Tech — For buyers who want an EV without the premium price tag. It has brought a proper electric SUV under £25,000, making it one of the most accessible entry points into electric SUV ownership.

Best for maximum range on a mainstream budget

Kia EV3 — If range is your priority without going premium. Among mainstream electric SUVs priced under £65,000, the Kia EV3 (81.4 kWh) leads at 375 miles WLTP, ahead of rivals like the Skoda Enyaq (the 85 version follows at 359 miles) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (the 84 kWh version manages 354 miles).

Best for driving enjoyment

Kia EV6 — If you actually want to enjoy the drive, not just get from A to B. It's the most driver-focused SUV in its class, and its 800V architecture matches the Ioniq 5 for ultra-fast charging.

Best for big families needing 7 seats

Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 — If you need serious space. For big families or those needing a huge amount of cargo space, the seven-seater Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Kia EV9 make for an excellent proposition, and the Ioniq 9 has picked up major honours too: it's the Comfortable Cruiser winner in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

Best compact/city-friendly electric SUV

Volvo EX30 — Small but well-regarded for safety and design. It delivers Scandinavian design, outstanding safety features, and

The best electric SUVs in the UK right now are led by the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Kia EV9, depending on whether you want the best all-rounder, value, family space, charging speed, or seven-seat capability.

If you want the specific models people actually buy, these are the standout choices in the UK market:

• Tesla Model Y — the most common “best all-round” recommendation for UK buyers, especially if you want range, practicality, and access to Tesla’s charging network.
• Kia EV3 — one of the strongest compact electric SUV buys for value and everyday usability.
• Skoda Elroq — a popular new mainstream choice for buyers wanting a sensible family SUV with a lower starting price.
• Hyundai IONIQ 5 — a top pick for fast charging and strong tech; also widely recommended by UK car publications.
• Kia EV6 — a sportier alternative to the IONIQ 5, often praised for its charging speed and driving feel.
• Kia EV9 — the clear choice if you need a 7-seat electric SUV.
• BMW iX3 — a premium option that stands out for long range and refinement.
• Nissan Leaf — featured as the top choice in one UK ranking, though it is more of a crossover than a traditional SUV.
• Renault Scenic E-Tech — a family-focused option that appears in several 2026 UK lists.
• Volvo EX30 — a smaller premium SUV/crossover that appears in current UK best-of lists.

For a practical shortlist, I’d group the best UK buys like this:

• Best overall: Tesla Model Y
• Best small/compact SUV: Kia EV3
• Best value family SUV: Skoda Elroq
• Best for charging speed: Hyundai IONIQ 5
• Best 7-seater: Kia EV9
• Best premium long-range choice: BMW iX3

If you want, I can narrow this to:

• best electric SUVs under £35k
• best family electric SUVs
• best used electric SUVs in the UK
• best electric SUVs with 7 seats