Best Electric SUVs in the UK 2026: Buyer's Guide

Quick summary:

• The best electric SUV in the UK is the Nissan Leaf 2026 due to its affordable price point (£28,849) and its well-earned popularity, having won multiple awards and EV driver hearts.

In the past, the idea of an electric SUV might have seemed like a distant dream. Now, a slew of the latest and greatest electric SUVS are in play. But with so many to choose from, which are the best?

In today’s guide, we rank the best electric SUVS in 2026.

The data is accurate as of August 2026. While we frequently update our articles, please note that pricing could change.

What are the best electric SUVs in the UK 2026?

1. Nissan Leaf 2026

Nissan turned over a new leaf this year and released the freshly facelifted 2026 Nissan Leaf. Earlier versions – most notably the 2021 model – were fan favourites, often being hailed as one of the first popular electric cars in tandem with Tesla.

Now, the Nissan Leaf is new and improved, with features elevating the budget EV: leather seats, driver massage function, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and wireless phone charging, all with a beautifully teardrop-shaped body.

But what makes the Nissan Leaf the best all-rounder electric SUV? It’s simple: it’s affordability and award-winning status. In fact, the new Nissan Leaf is now eligible for the Band 1 funding for the Electric Car Grant (£3,750), slashing the price to a moderately humble (for an EV) £28,800.

And to top it off, has won Auto Express Car of the Year 2026, Affordable Electric Car of the Year 2026, Small Company Car of the Year 2026, as well as the 2026 MotorWeek Driver’s Choice Award.

The 280-mile range, up from the 2021 168 miles, sweetens the deal, too.

Best for: Best affordable all-rounder electric SUV.

Unique selling points:

• 8-year warranty
• Built in Britain
• Affordable with Electric Car Grant
• 3-inch displays
• 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor
• Bose Personal Plus premium audio
• Vehicle-to-load connector
• Google Maps built-in

2. Tesla Model Y

With a 314 WLTP range, the Tesla Model Y offers one of the strongest real-world ranges at a beautifully mid-range price. Built in the typical Tesla style with sharp lines and sloping surfaces, but with a spacious, bulbous cabin fit for five people.

Better yet, the Y sets the standard for new and improved tech, coming jam-packed with:

• 15.4-inch touchscreen with Tesla Arcade and Tesla Theatre
• Voice control
• Heated front seats
• Sentry mode to check the cameras even when the car is unattended
• Self-driving
• Camp Mode
• Tesla Caraoke
• Phone key pass
• Pet mode

If you have a penchant for tech, the Tesla Model Y is for you.

Best for: Drivers wanting a reliable electric SUV with heaps of unique, unrivalled tech.

Unique selling points:

• Tesla Supercharger network compatible
• Towing available
• 2,118L cargo space
• Advanced, futuristic tech that rivals even the most premium of EVs

3. Kia EV3

Smaller, but just as powerful, the Kia EV3 is a great option for electric vehicle drivers wanting a size upgrade without losing on the quippy, easy-to-drive feeling of small electric cars.

Decked with USB-C sockets on the backs of the front seats, an award-winning 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the ability to lock and unlock with merely the app, the tech is, in this instance, something to write home about.

The EV3 is an electric SUV you’d be proud to drive around without the fear of it being too bulky. Unlike, perhaps, its brother – the Kia EV9, which favours size and flash.

Best for: The best small electric SUV.

Unique selling points:

• 460 litres boot space
• What Car small electric SUV of the year 2026
• AI voice assistant for ease of use
• Vehicle-to-Load ability
• Infotainment screen and quick buttons
• 7-year warranty

4. Hyundai IONIQ 9

One word: enormous. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a luxury, gargantuan 5-meter-long, three-row, 7-seater SUV; a far cry from the smaller SUVs on this list.

As the flagship car and the higher price point, the tech is as you would expect – overtly indulgent. Built with: heated seats, heated steering wheel, dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, wireless phone charging and 100W USB-C ports in all rows. Tech is not lacking.

Looks-wise, the Hyundai is polarising within the industry. Some hail it as veering on mini-van-like due to its bulky, wide back and rectangular front. Others, on the other hand, praise the stronger, sturdier and undoubtedly larger body.

Best for: Drivers wanting ample space, especially larger families who want an indulgent, comfortable ride for all.

Unique selling points:

• 422 horsepower
• Bose sound system
• 88-litre frunk
• 338L boot volume

5. BMW iX

BMW has always epitomised class, and it’s been well ushered into its electric range. Especially the BMW iX; the manufacturer’s flagship EV.

Leading the charge with arguably the longest range, not just on this list, but on the UK car market, with a whopping 500 WLTP range.

Inside, it’s plush and spacious while also maintaining a futuristic and luxurious feel, with genuine unique twists such as a hexagonal steering wheel and small adornments of Swarovski crystals.

Its tech, interior space and style, as well as range, live up to the premium price point. That said, grumbles surround the exterior design, with it not being to everyone’s taste, an issue when such a high price tag is attached.

Best for: Drivers wanting a powerful, luxury electric SUV with the highest range.

Unique selling point:

• Twin screens
• Hexagonal steering wheel
• Electrochromic glass roof
• Swarovski crystal detailing

6. Vauxhall Frontera Electric

Big in size and small (ish) in price, the Vauxhall Frontera Electric is the perfect budget-friendly EV, especially for larger families who need a roomy cabin.

At £22,000, with the deduction of the £1,500 Eligible for the Electric Car Grant, the Vauxhall Frontera Electric is one of the cheapest electric cars. In fact, the Frontera’s price is actually lower than its petrol counterpart (price from £25,000).

The downsides: since the Vauxhall Frontera Electric is an entry-level EV, it lacks the bells and whistles other EVs offer. Meaning, the range is comparatively smaller at 189 miles, and it lacks razor-sharp tech and overtly sleek style.

Best for: Those wanting an affordable car, similar to the petrol counterpart, but with an electric motor.

Unique selling points:

• 460-litre boot
• One of the most affordable electric SUVs
• 6 colour options
• Spacious cabin

7. Volvo EX30

Style meets sustainability with the EX30, Volvo’s lowest carbon footprint EV.

Built with Scandinavian minimalism, the Volvo EX30 is a clean, minimalistic and chicly designed EV, featuring Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer headlights.

But hygge style doesn’t compromise on the planet. With recycled plastics, rescued jeans and 100% recycled polyester, the EX30 is made up from a patchwork of sustainable materials.

Best for: Drivers wanting to combine style and sustainability.

Unique selling points:

• 12.3-inch infotainment system: Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store
• Sustainably created
• 400-litre boot
• Free-standing touchscreen tablet
• Heated steering wheel and seats
• 7-litre frunk

Are electric SUVs eligible for the Electric Car Grant?

Sadly, not all electric SUVs are eligible for the Electric Car Grant scheme.

To date, the following are electric SUVs:

Higher band (£3,750)

• BMW iX1
• BMW iX2
• Citroen e-C5 Aircross (long range)
• Ford Puma Gen-E
• Hyundai KONA Electric
• Renault Scenic
• MINI Countryman Electric

Lower band (£1,500)

• Vauxhall Frontera
• Citroen e-C3 Aircross
• Peugeot E-2008
• Peugeot E-3008
• Nissan Ariya
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Skoda Elroq
• Kia EV2
• Fiat 600e
• Jeep Avenger
• Vauxhall Mokka
• Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica
• Toyota C-HR+
• Ford Explorer
• Kia EV3

Are there any new electric SUVs coming?

Yes, an abundance of new electric SUVs are coming from all over.

What electric SUVs are coming in 2026?

• Range Rover Electric
• Omoda 4 – Q4
• Volvo EX60

What electric SUVs are coming in 2027?

• Rivian R1T
• Kia EV5
• Mercedes AMG GT

Already got your electric SUV? Don’t forget your home EV charger for cheaper, greener and faster charging.

Trust We Power Your Car. As one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle charging experts, we handle the entire supply and installation process from start to finish, including: charger choice, DNO notification, grant application, installation, aftercare and more. All, with first-class customer service.

Don’t believe us? Browse our Trustpilot reviews; We’re rated 4.9 ‘Excellent’.

Still unsure? Take a closer look at our credentials:

• Safe Isolation Provider
• TrustMark approved
• ISO accredited (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001)
• OZEV-approved
• NICEIC approved
• Safe Contractor Approved
• HERS accredited
• 40,000 installations

When you’re ready, browse our wide range of electric car chargers, or get your quick, free quote below.

Alternatively, explore the full EV charger installation process with our 2026 guide.