If you’re in the market for an electric car, it's possible you're considering an electric SUV.
While early electric vehicles were largely compact family hatchbacks, the market has evolved to offer a wider and unprecedented selection of small electric SUVs.
Small electric SUVs are popular as many consider them to be the sweet spot between urban manoeuvrability and modern utility.
They provide a raised seating position and reasonable practicality, but are better to drive than larger models due to their compact proportions and agility. In many cases, they’re also cheaper to buy, own and run.
Our expert road test team has dedicated hundreds of hours to rigorously evaluating every small electric SUV currently available.
To compile our list of the 10 best, we drove each model extensively on public roads and conducted back-to-back comparisons with key rivals at our private test track. The outcome of this exhaustive testing is the definitive list presented here.
Skoda Elroq
Four years ago, the Skoda Enyaq emerged as a comfortable, reasonably priced, well-conceived mid-size electric SUV.
Ostensibly, the Skoda Elroq takes that formula and reworks it into a smaller, cheaper model. Yet it also represents a shift in design philosophy, all while being assertively strong in all areas.
Inside, it’s massive. The boot is particularly useful and among the largest in class (although that of the Renault Scenic is bigger) and the storage is on point. For instance, you can keep the charging cables in an underboot cubby or the storage net in the boot and the parcel shelf has multiple heights.
A key selling point is the Elroq's excellent adaptability. The top-of-the-range models offer a WLTP range of 579 km (360 miles), and even in our real-world tests, we consistently achieved between 435 km (270 miles) and 483 km (300 miles).
Furthermore, several versions, such as the SE L 85 (with a 571 km (355 miles) WLTP range), qualify for the £1500 ECG, making the Elroq an even more attractive purchase.
Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 builds on what is already a successful formula. It distils the best parts of the larger EV6 and seven-seat EV9 models down into a smaller package.
According to official figures, even the most affordable models offer an impressive range of up to 435km (270 miles) on a single charge. Long Range versions extend this significantly, achieving up to 604km (375 miles) - a figure that surpasses rivals such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and Mini Aceman.
Buyers seeking the raised-up driving position of a traditional SUV will like the EV3, while elsewhere we like the EV3's fast-responding infotainment system and physical rocker switches to control the climate. And while the EV3's interior quality isn't up there with the class best, it stacks up well against similarly priced rivals.
Speaking of pricing, you'll pay more for an EV3 than you would for a Jeep Avenger Electric or Aceman, but it still represents good value for money considering its range and how much standard kit you get for your money.
Smart #3
You may remember Smart for making tiny petrol and electric city cars which, while small in footprint, never really wowed us.
Smart has transformed into an electric vehicle specialist and now manufactures larger cars. Its current largest offering, the Smart #3, competes directly with models such as the Peugeot e-3008, Skoda Enyaq Coupé, and Volvo EC40.
Every version is surprisingly nippy, with the 0-62mph sprint dispatched in 5.8 seconds, thanks to the pulling power of its 268bhp electric motor. The range-topping Brabus model drops that time to 3.7sec, thanks to its four-wheel drive system and power hike to 422bhp, but it's a lot more expensive to buy.
The Smart #3 offers a sportier feel than its #1 sibling, thanks to a lower seating position. While it doesn't quite handle like a true sports car, the #3's handling is respectable, featuring precise and well-weighted steering, and a comfortable ride over most road surfaces.
Although the #3's boot capacity is slightly less than the EC40's, it remains practical for holiday luggage. Furthermore, the #3 has the advantage of being more affordable than the Volvo.
Renault 4
As the SUV sibling to the class-leading Renault 5, it should come as no surprise to see that the Renault 4 offers many of the same attributes.
No matter which version you go for, you'll get a 148bhp electric motor driving the front wheels – and which gets its power from a 52kWh battery. That means an official range of up to 398km (247 miles) between charges, which is less than what some versions of the Kia EV3 can manage.
The Renault 4 offers smooth power delivery, but its inconsistent brakes are a drawback. However, this is mitigated by the one-pedal driving mode, which significantly boosts regenerative braking, making frequent use of the conventional brakes unnecessary. While the 4 excels in city driving thanks to its tight turning circle and light steering, it is outperformed by the rival Ford Puma Gen-E when it comes to handling on faster roads.
The Renault 4 offers a competitive 375 litres of boot space, surpassing both the Jeep Avenger Electric and the Smart #1 for luggage capacity. While rear passengers will find adequate leg room, headroom is a notable drawback.
Volvo EX30
It might be the smallest car which Volvo makes, but the EX30 has a big pool of talent on its side.
For one thing, it's easy to drive, with even the cheapest single-motor versions able to reach 100km/h (62mph) in less time than any Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger or Kia Niro EV.
The EX30 is a pleasure to drive, thanks to its well-calibrated pedal responses, especially in urban environments where its regenerative braking is most effective. It achieves a near-perfect balance, offering both an entertaining drive and a comfortable ride, surpassing the ride quality of rivals like the Kona Electric and the #1.
Where the EX30 falls slightly is in how far it can travel between charges, because entry-level versions have an official range of 336km (209 miles), which is shorter than some rivals can manage.
That said, you can opt for a larger 65kWh (usable capacity) battery, which raises that figure to a far more palatable 475km (295 miles). That's further than any version of the #1 could take you.
Smart #1
Like its larger sibling above, the Smart #1 is an electric SUV hailing from a brand traditionally associated with far smaller cars.
It's seriously impressive, too, with even entry-level versions offering an official range of up to 418 km (260 miles) between charges – enough for the needs of most buyers. The premium model ups that figure to 440 km (273 miles), but it's worth noting that the rival Kia EV3 can travel further still in Long Range form.
While the EV3 offers a slightly smoother ride over rough surfaces, the #1 remains comfortable. Similarly, although an Alfa Romeo Junior might be more engaging on winding country roads, the #1 provides adequately satisfying steering, particularly when the heaviest setting is selected. Overall, refinement levels are commendable.
Inside, you'll find a 9.2in digital driver's display, which is bright and easy to read, and a 12.8in infotainment touchscreen, which is very responsive to your inputs. We just wish there were physical controls for the air-conlike you get in the EV3 and Kona Electric.
Citroën e-C3
Comfortable, well-equipped and practical, the Citroën ë-C3 is another affordable option helping to bring price parity with petrol cars.
The electric version of the C3 is one of the cheapest EVs on sale. Energy comes from a 44kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 199 miles. It powers a front-mounted 111bhp electric motor that allows the ë-C3 to hit 0-62mph in around 11.0sec and a top speed of 84mph.
The ë-C3 could hardly be easier to drive and is packed full of usable standard kit.
Downsides? Its range of 320km (199 miles) might not be quite enough for some drivers, and while it's fairly comfortable, it's not the most dynamic car to drive, having numb steering.
Hyundai Kona EV
The Hyundai Kona EV should alleviate any concerns about range anxiety, as it's capable of covering up to 376km (234 miles) on a single charge, even with the smaller battery option.
The maximum range for the Kona Electric is a truly impressive 513km (319 miles) with the larger battery option. Even the standard battery's range exceeds that of some competitors. This extended range means certain versions of the Kona Electric can surpass the BYD Atto 3, Kia Niro EV, and Smart #1 in distance travelled.
The Hyundai Kona Electric offers more than just impressive range. Its light steering makes navigating busy city streets effortless, and the predictable response of the brakes allows for easy stops. However, it's not without flaws; the \#1 is a quieter car that handles sharp impacts at speed more effectively.
While the Kona Electric's interior may not be as distinctive as the #1's, it is well-built and seems durable enough for family use. Furthermore, the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is highly responsive, and its menus are structured in a logical manner. A welcome addition is the presence of physical controls for the air conditioning, avoiding the need to use the touchscreen for this function.
BYD Atto 2
The BYD Atto 2 stands out against key competitors, such as the Ford Puma Gen-E and Renault 4, by offering surprisingly generous rear passenger space for a small electric SUV. Passengers will appreciate this extra room.
The Atto 2 offers impressive value, starting at a price lower than most rivals, which is good news before you even consider the equipment. The standard kit is generous, including a handy height-adjustable boot floor. Furthermore, the boot is a practical size at 400 litres, easily accommodating holiday luggage or the weekly shop.
It's not all good news, though. While the Atto 2 offers a tight turning circle and the kind of swift performance which makes it a doddle to weave in and out of urban traffic, its range is on the small side. The 51.1kWh unit has an official range of just 344km (214 miles), which is less than most rivals. In the real world, you're likely to see around 280km (174 miles) between charges.
Jeep Avenger Electric
While the Avenger Electric marks Jeep's debut in the electric car market, it benefits from a surprising depth of underlying experience.
That's because, underneath, it shares many of its components with existing electric models, including the Fiat 600e, Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka electric.
In some ways, the end result is a more accomplished small SUV than those models. The Avenger Electric has a decent range of up to 400km (249 miles), depending on which trim you choose, and the sole 154bhp electric motor on offer is nippy enough around town. A Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and Smart #1 are noticeably quicker on faster roads, though.
The Avenger handles urban driving well; its light steering simplifies navigating tight city streets, and it provides good cushioning from road imperfections. However, the driving experience lacks engagement.
While the Avenger boasts more ground clearance than rivals and has specific off-road driving modes, its performance shouldn't be confused with the unstoppable capability of a Jeep Wrangler.
