Electric cars have been in talks for decades and we’ve finally come to the stage where manufacturers have enough technology to make such vehicles that are not just efficient and environment friendly, but also relatively affordable and fun to drive. Therefore, the number of such models is becoming bigger every year. As we are living in the era of crossovers, the next-year market will be mostly about them. Therefore, we’ve decided to make a list of the best 2021 Electric SUVs.
The list includes several all-new models, which promise excellent performances and driving experience. Some of them will compete in the premium segment, while others will be a so-called mainstream crossover. However, it’s hard to draw the line between these segments in the world of electric cars, as all of them come with the latest tech goodies and loads of features. After all, they are also more expensive compared to their internal-combustion cars. Of course, the list will include several models that are already on the market for some time, models that have already proved themselves as great value.
Hyundai Kona EV
Let’s start the list with one of the proved ones. The Kona EV is a perfect example that electric cars don’t need to be that expensive. Based on the standard gasoline model, the all-electric version of this subcompact crossover rides on the same platform but packs an all-electric powertrain. Also, it comes with several distinctive styling details, though the overall shape isn’t much different compared to the standard model.
In terms of drivetrain, this crossover comes with a single electric motor, which features a max output of 201 horsepower and a pretty respectable 291 pound-feet of torque. With such numbers, you may count on pretty impressive performances. Besides quick acceleration and solid driving dynamics, this model earns its place on the list of best 2021 Electric SUVs with a pretty respectable range, as the 64-kWh battery ensures more than 250 miles on a single charge.
For the next year, the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV won’t get too many changes. This model has been around for just a couple of years, so we don’t expect to see any particular novelty, not even in terms of new standard equipment, considering that the current model comes well-equipped already in the base variant, which starts a little bit over 37.000 dollars.
Kia Niro EV
Kia Niro is another great electric crossover from the Korean car company. It has been around for a couple of years, so the 2020 model came with a couple of notable updates, including new headlights. The list of novelties also includes several additions in terms of standard equipment, but the overall layout remains pretty much the same.
This means you may count on a small and good-looking crossover, which comes packed with a single electric motor and features a max output of around 200 horsepower, which is more than enough for respectable performances. At the same time, this crossover can go around 240 miles on a single charge, which sounds really amazing for such a small crossover. The starting price goes around 39.000 dollars.
Besides the all-electric version, this crossover is also available as a plug-in hybrid, which features max output of 139 horsepower and offers some pretty good mpg ratings. At the same time, it comes well-equipped and with a pretty competitive price that goes around 25.000 dollars.
Tesla Model X
Things are changing pretty fast in the automotive industry these days so a model like this, which has been around for about four years, already seems a little bit old. However, it definitely earns its place on our list of best 2021 best electric SUVs, as it is still a quintessential premium electric crossover, which offers impressive range and performances.
At this point, we don’t have any information about the changes for 2021 and we don’t expect to see any significant one. Therefore, you may count on two familiar versions, known as the Long Range Plus and Performances. The first one is, as you may presume, more oriented to range and economy, though it definitely doesn’t lack performance at all. It can make around 350 miles on a single charge, which is something you will hardly find in any other place.
On the other side, the Performance version gets additional power that helps this crossover hit 60 in just 3.4 seconds. Moreover, the Ludicrous mode is now standard and it provides a significant boost that cuts 0-60 time in just 2.6 seconds. Another novelty that recently came is that air suspension is now standard in all models, which definitely has a big impact on the overall driving experience.
The base 2021 Tesla Model X should go around 80.000 dollars.
Jaguar I-Pace
Next on our list of best 2021 electric SUVs is the Jaguar I-Pace, which has been in production for a couple of years. Therefore, the British manufacturer won’t make significant changes in the near future. In practice, this means you may count on the same setup that includes two electric motors that provide a total output of 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. That’s plenty enough for zippy acceleration and strong overall performances. The standard air suspension makes the ride both comfortable and tightened, while the steering feedback is fantastic.
Besides strong performances, this crossover also offers a pretty decent 254 miles on a single charge. More importantly, the fast-charging option works really great, so you will need just 40 minutes to recharge 80 percent of the battery. Full recharging takes around 8 hours.
For the 2021 model year, the company has prepared a couple of nice updates. For example, there is a new Bright package, which adds several styling upgrades. Also, there are novelties on the list of standard equipment, such as 4G data plan, a 360-degree camera system, and wireless charging.
The base model starts around 71.000 dollars.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y arrived last year and many see it as a smaller and more affordable variant of the Model X. Still, things are far away from that, as this crossover is actually based on the Model 3. Furthermore, it isn’t that small and, even though it is classified as a compact SUV, it actually comes with three rows of seats, which makes it pretty practical as well.
The second production year won’t bring any particular changes. Therefore, you may count on familiar variants, on two familiar versions. Those would be Long Range and Performance. The former offers a pretty respectable range of 316 miles, but it is pretty fast too, as it needs less than 5 seconds to hit 60.
On the other side, the Performance model hits 60 in just 3.5 seconds. Interestingly, the max range isn’t much lower and actually goes around 305 miles.
This crossover offers lots of upgrades and some of them include pretty advanced technologies. For example, you can get a so-called Full Self-Driving Capability, which is a kind of advanced semi-autonomous driving system, which is capable of changing lanes on the highway and doing similar actions.
The base Tesla Model Y goes slightly under 50.000 dollars.
Ford Mustang Mach E
Without any doubt, this is one of the most anticipated electric SUVs for the next year. The Blue Oval company is coming with its first all-electric vehicle and it comes heavily inspired by the iconic pony car. Moreover, it carries that “Mach” name, which has always been reserved for performance versions of old Mustangs. However, this model comes with a huge amount of features that are completely opposite from the legendary muscle car. Not only that we are talking about an all-electric vehicle, but also about a crossover.
In terms of the styling, the new crossover resembles the legendary Mustang in many ways, starting from badges, headlights, taillights and many more. However, it also comes with plenty of modern design solutions and that’s particularly easy to notice on the inside. There, the new electric crossover has nothing in common with the famous nameplate but rather comes with an ultra-futuristic approach with completely digitalized controls.
Of course, the drivetrain is the most interesting aspect of the new Mach E and from what we know so far, it definitely won’t lack performance. Base models will come with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, with a max output from 255 to 332 horsepower. Higher trim levels will come with the additional electric motor at the front and the total output of 459 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. That should be enough to move this crossover from zero to sixty under four seconds. When it comes to the max range, it will go from 210 to 300 miles, depending on the battery capacity you pick.
Base models should go around 44.000 dollars.
Audi Q4 e-tron
Audi is bringing another all-electric SUV to the game and this one really promises a lot. It will probably come as a coupe crossover and from what we know so far, it will offer some pretty respectable performances and range. The latest reports suggest a max output of 300 horsepower, which should be enough to move this crossover from zero to sixty in a little bit over 6 seconds. The electric motor will come coupled with an 82-kWh battery, which should provide around 280 miles on a single charge.
These numbers certainly aren’t on the level of Tesla models, but Audi plays on another card. Besides all-electric drivetrain, Audi will also offer its typical level of luxury, which is something you won’t find in other electric cars. These vehicles usually lack interior quality and that’s where Audi sees its chance on the market.
The new Audi Q4 e-tron will probably hit the market early in the next year, with a base price of around 45.000 dollars. It will primarily compete with models like Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Mustang Mach E etc.
Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 is another all-new model on our list of best 2021 electric SUVs. Based on the ID.Crozz concept, the new crossover is about to offer a mix of solid EV performances and VW’s typical build quality. All that will come at a pretty reasonable price, so many believe that this model will become a strong seller pretty quickly.
At this point, we know that this model will come with a setup that puts out around 200 horsepower in its base variant with a single electric motor. On the other side, higher trim levels will come with the additional motor for a total output of 300 horsepower. That guarantees solid performances, while some sources also claim max towing capacity of around 2.700 pounds.
When it comes to the battery and range, sources suggest an 82-kWh pack that should ensure around 250 miles on a single charge. That’s not exactly on par with the Model Y but the new ID.4 would rather compete with models like Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Soul EV. The new model is expected to hit the market by the end of the year and most sources suggest a starting price of around 35.000 dollars.
Nissan Ariya
This model will probably arrive a little bit later in the next year, as a 2022 model, but we’ve decided to put it on the 2021 electric SUVs list anyway. Simply, we already know many details about it, starting from the styling, which shouldn’t be much different compared to the concept version. That promises impressive aesthetics, which will come combined with a hi-tech interior and solid EV performances.
When it comes to performances we still don’t know the exact numbers, but we know that there will be several configurations in the offer. The most powerful one will come with electric motors on both axles and enough power to move this crossover from zero to sixty in about five seconds.
When it comes to the max range, we know for sure that the new model will outperform the current-generation LEAF. The latest reports suggest around 300 miles on a single charge, but that refers to the version with an 87-kWh package, which will be optional. Standard models will come with a smaller 62-kWh battery.
As we already mentioned, the production version of Nissan Ariya will probably hit the market in the second half of next year, while the base price should go around 40.000 dollars.
Rivian R1S
Unlike the rest of the models on this list, the Rivian R1S will rather be a genuine SUV, which will offer not just strong acceleration and long range, but also plenty of utility. It will be a three-row SUV, which will be able to carry lots of passengers and payload, while the towing capacity will be at an impressive level as well. All this will come with some of the longes autonomies among electric vehicles.
Of course, the most interesting aspect of this SUV will be the drivetrain, which will be shared with the R1T, the models truck sibling. At this point, we know for sure that there will be numerous configurations, starting from three battery packages. The base one will be good for 105 kWh, while the mid-range option will feature a capacity of 135 kWh. At the top of the offer, you may expect to see a 180-kWh battery pack, which promises more than 410 miles on a single charge.
Different configurations in terms of electric motors are expected too. We still don’t know all the details, but we know for sure that the range-topping model will be good for 754 horsepower, which should ensure an impressive 0-60 time in just three seconds. The max towing capacity will go around 7.700 pounds.
When it comes to the price, we expect that the base version will go around 74.000 dollars.
BMW iX
The exact name of this model is still a mystery. Some suggest the iNext while others talk about the iX5 nameplate, as we are talking about a future mid-size all-electric SUV. In any case, this model is expected to hit the market sometime in the next year and we already know some of the details about it.
The testing model still wears a camouflage, so it’s hard to talk about the styling. On the other side, we know most of the details about the drivetrain. Allegedly, the new model will come in three versions. The base models will come with a single electric motor and a max output of around 300 horsepower. The mid-range option will feature two electric motors and a max output of 522 horsepower. Finally, the flagship model will be good for more than 600 horses.
The latest reports suggest that all three models will come with an 80-kWh battery pack. Details about the range are still a mystery but we presume some information will appear soon, considering that the new model is about to hit the market in the next year, probably in the summer.