Choosing a new family car with the rise of electric SUVs makes the decision process even more difficult – especially with more families willing to make the plunge into EV ownership due to this thriving market.
Thankfully, there’s many models to choose from for varying budgets – with some available to buy on the used market or with a car finance deal.
We’ve compiled a list of the best electric SUVs we think you should consider for your family in 2023.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E
The used Ford Mustang Mach-E is an interesting proposition, as it offers so much for a good price while bearing an iconic name.
While it may not have a massive V8 engine under the bonnet, it does have some very advanced battery technology sitting inside it. So advanced, in fact, it can manage up to 379 miles on a single charge.
Purists will be happy to learn that like the standard Ford Mustang, the Mach-E does pack a serious punch. The performance GT model will propel you from 0-62mph with ease in a staggering 3.7 seconds.
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Peugeot e-2008
If you’re familiar with the Peugeot 2008 model range, then the all-electric Peugeot e-2008 won’t phase you. If not, it still doesn’t matter because it doesn’t look like it’s just come from the planet Zoorg, and it boasts some splendid features.
As it shares so much with the standard 2008, this model is very reliable and even more so than its traditionally-fuelled siblings, thanks to its all-electric powertrain.
The e-2008 is powered by a 136hp electric motor - plenty for normal day-to-day driving around town or on motorway journeys. The range from its 50kWh battery pack is officially around 214 miles, but this will vary depending on the age of the vehicle and the weather conditions.
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Kia Niro EV
The Niro EV is one of the best electric cars to consider if you’re new to the game or want something that’s reliable. This is because all Kia models come straight from the factory with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which gives you a bit of peace of mind when it comes to servicing and running costs.
It also offers a superb range of 250 miles, and being an SUV, it provides plenty of space for all your family and their needs.
It also looks the part too, which helps. Because it’s based on the normal Niro, there’s no reason why it should look any different, and we’re sure many families will appreciate familiarity – which is the same reason the Range Rover, Porsche 911, and Volkswagen Golf models have been so popular for all these years.
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BMW iX3
Another example of a car that shares its platform and overall look with an existing petrol or diesel car is the used BMW iX3, that is an all-electric X3.
This is an SUV that packs a punch, with its 286hp electric motor mated to an 80kWh battery pack that promises up to 285 miles of range – plenty for most people. This range is, of course, weather-dependent and will vary on the age of the car, but nevertheless, it’s impressive.
It also has the option to fast charge at 150kW chargers, giving you 80% charge in around 30 minutes.
Inside, it’s just the same as a standard X3 SUV, which is plush, comfortable, packed full of the latest tech, and very spacious.
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Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace is Jaguar’s first attempt at a proper electric car, and it’s quite something.
When it first launched in 2018, the I-Pace was an instant hit, offering luxury and sporty all-electric driving, making many people wonder whether they should get a Tesla Model X or one of these.
Whether you’re after a family car or something to satisfy your fun driving needs, this is probably the car for you.
Powering it is two electric motors that produce a combined 400hp, which helps accelerate it from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds.
Jaguar also claims this will return up to 298 miles of range, beating some of its rivals by a fair margin.
Watch our review on the best small SUVs for 2022-23
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Audi e-tron
While the e-tron isn’t exactly an all-electric Audi Q3 or Q5 replacement, we see it as being the nearest thing there is for the time being.
It’s very comfortable, sporty, spacious, full of tech, and offers some decent range figures.
Powering your used Audi e-tron SUV will be two electric motors that combine to produce 408hp, and then work together with the car’s 71kWh battery to travel up to 249 miles on a single charge.
It also has a clever regenerative braking feature that pumps a little bit of juice back in the battery when you brake or lift on the throttle.
There’s also the option to fast charge the e-tron using up to 150kW fast chargers, which juice up the battery from 0-80% in around 30 minutes.
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Skoda Enyaq
If interior space and comfort is what you’re after, then you should really pay attention to some of the stuff Skoda and Volkswagen are producing.
The Skoda Enyaq has an impressive 585 litres of boot space that grows to 1,710 litres with the rear seats folded. To put this into perspective, your average family hatchback has around 400 litres of boot space and nowhere near the amount the Enyaq has when the rear seats are folded.
It offers a good range too, at around 260 miles on a single charge – more than enough to last most families a week or so.
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Tesla Model X
If you want to stand out on the school run and at the supermarket, then you should probably look no further than the Tesla Model X.
This large all-electric SUV offers a huge list of features including rear ‘falcon wing’ doors that the kids will love and other parents will be envious of. They’re also practical, especially when getting out of tight spaces because they can angle when opening to avoid hitting any other cars or walls.
Another highlight of the Tesla Model X is the space for seven people, thanks to its varying configurations available. You can either have five, six or the full seven seats – depending on the spec from the factory.
In terms of range, you can expect to get around 350 miles on a single charge, which is significantly better than most of its competition but does warrant a slightly higher price tag.
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Volvo XC40 Recharge
You may be familiar with the previous ‘standard’ XC40, which was powered by either a petrol or diesel engine. Well, now there’s an all-electric version called the XC40 Recharge, and it’s an intriguing proposition.
Volvo made this car to directly compete with the likes of the Mercedes EQA and Jaguar I-Pace and it does so very well, putting its own Swedish spin on things.
Aside from its subtle nods to the country it was made in, which can be found throughout its design, the XC40 also offers splendid build quality and overall reliability.
It’s environmentally friendly too, with 97% of its carpets and door linings being made from recycled plastic bottles – oh so very Swedish.
Powering it is a 78kWh battery that produces 408hp and an all-electric range of 257 miles between charges.
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Volkswagen ID.4
If you like the look of the Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback but want something more suited to family life, then don’t worry – VW has you covered.
Introducing the ID.4 – a larger, more practical version of the brand’s hatchback, despite sharing the same platform.
Its boot is similar to that of the Skoda Enyaq, and they both offer superb interior space. The ID.4 boasts an impressive range too, offering around 322 miles on a single charge.
Plus, there are plenty of used Volkswagen models available at impressive prices.
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