- Automakers are adding third rows to their SUV EV lineups.
- The best electric SUVs have expansive infotainment systems with high-tech features.
- Most electric SUVs have sticker prices above $60,000.
Automakers continue to advance the EV market, and the electric SUV offerings continue to grow. Most of the best 2023 electric SUVs have seating for five and are sized more like a crossover or a wagon, but this is changing as manufacturers are introducing three-row models like the upcoming Kia EV9.
These are the best electric SUVs based on size, range, styling, and features. All SUVs on this list can use a DC fast charger or a Level 2 home charging station.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV – Impressive Luxury
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz EQ lineup. This luxurious SUV seats five and has a starting sticker price under $105,000. A three-row SUV is available.
It is available in three trims, and the entry-level 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450+ has a 108.4-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor mounted atop the rear axle. This configuration delivers 355 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque.
Adding a second motor to the EQS 450 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive and 590 lb-ft of torque. The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC has 536 horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque. The RWD 450+ has approximately 305 miles of range, while the AWD models have 285 miles of range. The EQS needs about 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% with a DC fast charger.
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The EQS 580 4MATIC has a mind-blowing 56-inch Hyperscreen – a solid piece of glass that spans the entire dash. It includes the intuitive 17.7-inch center touchscreen, 12.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen, and 12.3-inch instrument cluster. This high-tech screen enhances the posh interior that defines the Mercedes-Benz brand. Because this SUV is from Mercedes-Benz, certified maintenance and service is available at local dealerships.
Cargo space in the two-row Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV:
- 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- 74.2 with the rear seats lowered
- 88.2 with the second and third rows lowered
Rivian R1S – Designed for Pavement and Off-Roading
The Rivian R1S is one of the only three-row SUV EVs on the market today. It seats seven comfortably and is only available with all-wheel drive. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz model, the R1S is comfortable on pavement and trails, and Rivian includes drive modes, especially for off-roading like Kneel and Sand.
The starting price for the R1S is $78,000, and it’s available in the Adventure trim. The entry-level version has a 105-kWh battery pack with 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Rivian also offers the R1S with four electric motors and a 135-kWh battery pack for 835 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Adding 140 miles of range with a DC fast charger takes about 20 minutes.
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The heavy SUV with two electric motors has a 260-mile range, while the 135-kWh battery pack has 321 miles. Rumor has it that Rivian will release a model with a 180-kWh battery pack with 390 miles of range. Earlier in 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Rivian R1S with the Top Safety Pick+ rating, only making the three-row SUV more desirable.
Cargo space in the Rivian R1S:
- 17.6 cubic feet with three rows upright.
- 46.7 with the third row lowered
- 88.2 with the second and third rows lowered
- 104 cubic feet total (including the frunk)
BMW iX – Athletic Luxury
BMW delivers a pleasing mix of luxury and athleticism, especially in electric models like the BMW iX. The five-passenger SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive and has a starting price of around $90,000 for the BMW iX xDRIVE50.
The automaker outfits the BMW iX with a 111.5-kWh battery with two electric motors. The BMW iX xDRIVE50 delivers 516 horsepower, while the M60 trim gets a boost to deliver 610 horsepower. The entry-level model has a range of around 324 miles, while the M60 gets about 280 miles. With a DC fast charger, the BMW iX charges from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes.
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Like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the BMW iX has an impressive infotainment system with a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen. BMW offers several upgrades to the infotainment system including a head-up display and an 18-speaker Harman-Kardon audio system.
Cargo space in the BMW iX:
- 35.5 behind the rear seats
- 77.9 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered
Kia EV9 – Affordable Spaciousness
The Kia EV9 is just starting to show up in dealership showrooms, and word on the street is good. The spacious EV9 is similar in size to the popular gas-powered Telluride. The entry-level EV9 will have a single rear-mounted electric motor, a 76.1-kWh battery pack with rear-wheel drive, 215 horsepower, and approximately 220 miles of range.
The automaker will offer a Long-Range version with a bigger 99.8-kWh battery, up to 300 miles of range, and 201 horsepower. But, the EV9 isn’t about race-car performance like the EV6 GT. Instead, it’s about interior space and 5,000 pounds of towing capability. All models will have an 800-volt architecture that lets them charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes.
The EV9 is the most affordable SUV on this list with a starting price under $60,000. Kia has mastered the art of affordable comfort in its vehicles, and the EV9 will feature synthetic leather upholstery, swiveling second-row captain’s chairs, and adult-sized space in the third row.
Cargo space in the Kia EV9:
- 20.2 cubic feet with three rows upright.
- 81.9 with the second and third rows lowered
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FEATURE IMAGE: RIVIAN
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