Best Electric SUVs 2026: The Complete UK Buyer's Guide

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Key Insights

  • The Hyundai Ioniq 9 leads the 2026 electric SUV market on range at 385 miles WLTP and charging speed at 350 kW peak, available via salary sacrifice from £639/month for a 40% taxpayer.
  • Electric car BiK is 4% in 2026/27 against up to 37% for a diesel equivalent — on a £65,000 P11D SUV, that saves a 40% taxpayer over £8,500 per year in tax.
  • The 15 SUVs in this guide range from £309/month (Peugeot e-2008) to £895/month (BMW iX xDrive45 M) via salary sacrifice, all including insurance, servicing, tyres, MOT, and breakdown cover.
  • All 15 models in this comparison carry a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and are available through The Electric Car Scheme on a 36-month, 10,000-mile-per-year term.

Electric SUVs in 2026 have moved beyond the question of whether they work - the decision now is which one fits your life. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, and Polestar 3 lead the 2026 electric SUV market. The Ioniq 9 sets the class benchmark on range at 385 miles WLTP and charges from 10-80% in 24 minutes, available via salary sacrifice from £639/month for a 40% taxpayer. The EV9 leads on seven-seat practicality from £763/month. The Polestar 3 leads in premium design and sustainability credentials, starting at £786/month.

Salary sacrifice costs shown throughout are for a 40% taxpayer on a 36-month, 10,000-mile-per-year term via The Electric Car Scheme.

How We Rank Electric SUVs: Methodology

This page is a structured reference resource, reviewed and updated accordingly. Every data point is sourced from manufacturer specifications, independent UK test results, or verified pricing from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool.

Data sources:

  • WLTP range: manufacturer official figures, longest-range UK variant

  • Real-world range at 70mph: independent UK road test data (Carwow, Autocar, Electrifying.com, What Car?)

  • 10-80% charge time: manufacturer confirmed figures at stated peak kW

  • 0-60mph: manufacturer confirmed figures for standard (non-performance) variant unless noted

  • Boot space: manufacturer confirmed figures, seats up

  • Euro NCAP: official Euro NCAP test results

  • Salary sacrifice costs: verified from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool, 40% taxpayer, £60k salary, 36-month term, 10,000 miles/year, flat payment profile

  • BiK £/month: calculated as P11D x 4% (2026/27 rate) / 12 x 40% tax rate

  • Price from: manufacturer OTR recommended retail price, base spec, including VAT

Last reviewed: May 2026

Assumptions:

  • All salary sacrifice figures are for a 40% taxpayer on a 36-month, 10,000-mile-per-year term

  • BiK rate used: 4% (2026/27). Rising to 5% in 2027/28 and 7% in 2028/29

  • Real-world range figures assume motorway cruise at approximately 70mph with 20% battery reserve maintained

  • Boot space shown is with seats in standard configuration (not folded)

For an editorial review and a comparison of the top picks, see the best electric SUVs 2026 editorial review.

The Master Comparison Table

All 15 electric SUVs available through The Electric Car Scheme in 2026, sorted by WLTP range descending. All specifications are for the longest-range or best-value UK variant unless otherwise noted.

ModelWLTP rangeReal-world @ 70mph10-80% chargePeak kW0-60mphBoot (seats up)Euro NCAPBiK £/month (40%)SS £/month (40%)Price from
Hyundai Ioniq 9385 miles~295 miles24 min350 kW9.4s338L5-star£87£639£64,995
Polestar 3400 miles~310 miles30 min250 kW5.0s484L5-star£107£786~£80,000
Volvo EX90378 miles~295 miles30 min250 kW5.4s310L5-star£98£866£73,160
Skoda Enyaq377 miles~295 miles29 min135 kW8.7s585L5-star£61.00£452.00~£46,000
Ford Mustang Mach-E373 miles~290 miles36 min150 kW5.1s402L5-star£69£445~£52,000
BMW iX (xDrive45 M)370 miles~285 miles34 min195 kW3.8s500L5-star£127£895~£95,000
Kia EV9349 miles~275 miles24 min210 kW5.3s333L5-star£87£763~£65,000
Audi Q4 e-tron345 miles~265 miles29 min175 kW8.5s520L5-star£64£557~£48,000
Kia EV6361 miles~280 miles18 min210 kW5.2s490L5-star£56£426~£42,000
Tesla Model Y331 miles~255 miles25 min250 kW5.0s854L5-star£63£520~£47,000
VW ID.4330 miles~255 miles30 min135 kW8.5s543L5-star£61£419~£46,000
Nissan Ariya329 miles~255 miles35 min130 kW7.5s466L5-star£61£371~£46,000
Hyundai Ioniq 5315 miles~245 miles18 min220 kW5.1s527L5-star£56£341~£42,000
BMW iX3290 miles~220 miles34 min150 kW6.8s510L5-star£80£667~£60,000
Peugeot e-2008248 miles~190 miles30 min100 kW9.7s435L5-star£44£309~£33,000

BiK £/month calculated at 4% (2026/27 rate), 40% taxpayer. Salary sacrifice figures from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool: 40% taxpayer, £60k salary, 36-month term, 10,000 miles/year, flat payment. Real-world range assumes motorway cruise at approximately 70mph with 20% battery reserve. All prices correct as of May 2026 - verify with The Electric Car Scheme before ordering.

Calculate your exact monthly cost by using The Electric Car Scheme’s salary sacrifice calculator.

Best Electric SUVs by Range

Ranked by WLTP miles, the longest-range UK variant. Real-world figures assume a motorway cruise at approximately 70mph with 20% battery reserve. For a full explanation of WLTP vs real-world range, make sure to read our guide about electric car range.

RankModelWLTP rangeReal-world @ 70mphSS £/month
1Polestar 3400 miles~310 miles£786
2Hyundai Ioniq 9385 miles~295 miles£639
3Volvo EX90378 miles~295 miles£866
4Skoda Enyaq377 miles~295 miles£452
5Ford Mustang Mach-E373 miles~290 miles£445

Polestar 3

Leads the comparison on official WLTP at 400 miles, with real-world motorway range of approximately 310 miles - the highest verified figure in this group.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

The Ioniq 9 delivers 385 miles WLTP combined with 350 kW peak charging means less time stopped per mile covered than any other model here.

Volvo EX90

378 miles WLTP and 250 kW charging, but its higher list price of £73,160 means the cost-per-mile of ownership is higher than the Ioniq 9 or Skoda Enyaq.

Skoda Enyaq

The Skoda Enyaq is the strongest value proposition in this table, priced at £452/month - 377 miles WLTP for less per month than either the Ioniq 9 or the Polestar 3.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

373 miles WLTP on the Extended Range RWD; real-world motorway efficiency is notably lower at higher speeds, so real-world range is approximately 290 miles at 70mph.

Best Electric SUVs by Price and Value

Ranked by salary sacrifice monthly cost (40% taxpayer), lowest first. Value is defined as the range per pound of monthly payment, not the list price alone. See the best value electric cars guide for a full TCO comparison.

RankModelSS £/monthWLTP rangePrice fromRange per £ of SS
1Peugeot e-2008£309248 miles~£33,0000.80 miles/£
2Hyundai Ioniq 5£341315 miles~£42,0000.92 miles/£
3Nissan Ariya£371329 miles~£46,0000.89 miles/£
4VW ID.4£419330 miles~£46,0000.79 miles/£
5Kia EV6£426361 miles~£42,0000.85 miles/£

Peugeot e-2008

This is the most affordable entry point in this comparison at £309/month, though its 248 miles WLTP and 100 kW peak charging limit its viability for regular long-distance use.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the strongest value case in this table - 315 miles WLTP, 800V charging, and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating at the second-lowest monthly cost, producing the best range-per-pound figure of any model here at 0.92 miles per £ of monthly payment.

Nissan Ariya

329 miles WLTP at £371/month delivers a competitive range for its price; boot space of 466L is larger than the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, making it a practical mid-range choice.

VW ID.4

330 miles WLTP and a 585L boot on the Enyaq platform sibling, though the Skoda Enyaq delivers the same platform with better equipment at a similar price.

Kia EV6

The EV6 delivers 361 miles WLTP and 18-minute 10-80% charging at £426/month, making this the strongest long-distance value option in the top five, with Kia's 7-year warranty adding long-term certainty.

Best Electric SUVs by Performance

Ranked by 0-60mph, fastest first. Peak charging kW is included as a secondary performance metric - faster charging extends the practical usability of higher-performance models on longer journeys.

RankModel0-60mphPeak kWSS £/month
1BMW iX (xDrive45 M)3.8s195 kW£895
2Polestar 35.0s250 kW£786
3Tesla Model Y5.0s250 kW£520
4Hyundai Ioniq 55.1s220 kW£341
5Ford Mustang Mach-E5.1s150 kW£445

BMW iX (xDrive45 M)

3.8 seconds to 60mph is the fastest in this comparison; the M Sport package adds chassis tuning not available on the standard iX, though at £895/month it carries the highest salary-sacrifice cost of any model here.

Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 can achieve 60mph in 5 seconds, and with 250 kW charging it gives it the best combination of performance and rapid charging in this group after the BMW iX.

Tesla Model Y

5.0 seconds to 60mph at £520/month makes it the best-value performance SUV in this comparison; Supercharger access adds practical long-distance usability on top of the acceleration figures.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

5.1 seconds to 60mph at £341/month is the strongest performance-per-pound case in this table - 800V charging at 220 kW compounds the advantage on longer performance-focused drives.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

5.1 seconds to 60mph with an engaging rear-wheel-drive chassis; peak charging of 150 kW is the lowest in this performance group, which limits motorway stop efficiency on longer runs.

Best Electric SUVs by Design

Ranked by confirmed design awards and named designer credentials, using independently verified award data. For a full design-led guide, including salary-sacrifice pricing per model, see the best-looking electric cars 2026 guide.

RankModelDesignerDesign languageAwardSS £/month
1Polestar 3Maximilian MissoniPure - floating aero wing, Thor's Hammer LEDsRed Dot: Best of Best 2025£786
2Kia EV6Karim HabibOpposites United - digital tiger face, low stanceRed Dot: Best of Best 2022£426
3Hyundai Ioniq 5SangYup LeeParametric Dynamics - pixel LEDs, angular surfacingWorld Car Design of the Year 2022£341
4Kia EV9Karim HabibOpposites United - geometric futurism, triangular LEDsiF Design Award Gold 2024£763
5Hyundai Ioniq 9SangYup LeeElectrified Streamliner - aerodynamic minimalismRed Dot Award 2025; iF Design Award 2025£639

Polestar 3

Red Dot Best of Best 2025 is the highest design award in this comparison; Maximilian Missoni's floating aerodynamic front wing and Thor's Hammer split LEDs give the Polestar 3 the most distinctive design identity of any SUV here.

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 won the Red Dot Best of Best 2022 for Karim Habib's Opposites United design language. The low, swept stance and dramatic rear light bar produce a sports-car-adjacent silhouette in an SUV body.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

World Car Design of the Year 2022 for SangYup Lee's Parametric Dynamics language; the pixel LED signature and boxy retro-futurist proportions remain the most distinctive design in the affordable SUV segment.

Kia EV9

iF Design Award Gold 2024 for the blocky, concept-car-grade exterior; the triangular LED signatures and upright SUV proportions are deliberately bold rather than aerodynamically optimised.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

SangYup Lee's aerodynamic minimalism produces a cleaner, more resolved exterior than the Ioniq 5; award status pending verification at time of writing. The Ioniq 9 has won the iF Design Award, and Australian Good Design Award Gold for Best Exterior Design - making it the most decorated model in this comparison on recent design credentials alongside the Polestar 3.

Best Electric SUVs by Interior Space and Family-Fit

RankModelBoot (seats up)7-seat optionISOFIX pointsSS £/month
1Tesla Model Y854LNo£2£520
2Skoda Enyaq585LNo£2£452
3VW ID.4543LNo£2£419
4Hyundai Ioniq 5527LNo£2£341
5Audi Q4 e-tron520LNo£2£557

Ranked by boot space with seats in standard configuration. For seven-seat family-specific data, including ISOFIX counts and child-seat compatibility, see the best 7-seat electric SUVs and best electric family cars guides.

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y has an 854L boot in five-seat configuration, which is the largest of any model in this comparison by a significant margin; the frunk provides additional covered storage for charging cables.

Skoda Enyaq

The 585L boot with a flat, wide loading area and low sill height makes the Enyaq estate the most practically usable five-seat boot in this comparison for loading bulky items.

VW ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 has a 543L boot and is based on the same MEB platform as the Enyaq; the difference between the two is marginal in space, but the Enyaq edges ahead on overall equipment at a comparable monthly cost.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

527L boot with a flat floor and no transmission tunnel maximises practical loading width; 800V charging and family-appropriate rear legroom make this the strongest all-round five-seat family SUV in the top five.

Audi Q4 e-tron

520L boot with premium interior finish; the Audi Q4 charges slower at 175 kW peak than the Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y, which affects long-distance family trip planning.

Best Electric SUVs by Charging Speed

Ranked by peak charging kW, highest first. Faster peak charging reduces stop time on long journeys, but average charging speed across a session matters as much as peak - 800V architecture maintains higher average rates throughout a charge than 400V systems.

RankModelPeak kW10-80% timeArchitectureSS £/month
1Hyundai Ioniq 9350 kW24 min800V£639
2Polestar 3250 kW30 min400V£786
3Volvo EX90250 kW30 min400V£866
4Tesla Model Y250 kW25 min400V£520
5Hyundai Ioniq 5220 kW18 min800V£341

Hyundai Ioniq 9

350 kW peak on an 800V platform is the fastest charging specification of any SUV in this comparison; the 800V architecture maintains higher average rates throughout the session compared with 400V rivals at similar peak speeds.

Polestar 3

250 kW peak on a 400V architecture delivers a 30-minute 10-80% charge; planned 800V update in 2026 is expected to improve both peak speed and average session rates.

Volvo EX90

250 kW peak with a 30-minute 10-80% charge; Lidar safety system and over-the-air updates sit alongside the charging credentials as key technology differentiators.

Tesla Model Y

250 kW peak with a 25-minute 10-80% charge; the Supercharger network's reliability and density across the UK and Europe make real-world charging convenience higher than the peak kW figure alone suggests.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

220 kW peak on an 800V platform delivers an 18-minute 10-80% charge - the fastest session time of any model in this table, despite its lower peak kW, due to the 800V architecture sustaining higher average rates throughout.

Best Electric SUVs by Safety

RankModelNCAP ratingChild occupant scoreSafety technology standoutSS £/month
1Volvo EX905-starHighest in comparisonLidar system; 12 ultrasonic sensors; 8 cameras; 5 radars£866
2Hyundai Ioniq 95-starHighest-scoring area in test350 kW charging; AI voice; full ADAS suite£639
3Kia EV95-star4 ISOFIX points across rows 2 and 3V2G capable; Meridian audio; full ADAS suite£763
4Nissan Ariya5-star89% child occupant93% safety assist score - highest of any model in comparison£371
5Ford Mustang Mach-E5-star86% child occupant92% adult occupant score; BlueCruise hands-free driving available£445

All 15 models in this comparison carry a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The differentiation below is based on specific category scores - child occupant protection, safety assist systems, and active safety technology - rather than overall star rating. Salary sacrifice packages through The Electric Car Scheme include comprehensive insurance.

Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 is the most comprehensively equipped production car for passive safety in this comparison; Lidar, 12 ultrasonic sensors, eight cameras, and five radars combine to produce the highest child occupant protection score recorded at Euro NCAP at the time of testing.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

Child occupant protection was the Ioniq 9's highest-scoring category at Euro NCAP 2025; four ISOFIX points across rows two and three add physical safety for families with multiple child seats.

Kia EV9

Four ISOFIX points across rows two and three; V2G capability and a comprehensive ADAS suite make it the strongest safety specification at its price point for families needing seven seats.

Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya has a 93% safety assist score, which is the highest of any model in this comparison at Euro NCAP; the standard ProPilot semi-autonomous suite includes adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and automatic emergency braking as standard across all trims.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has an 92% adult occupant protection score and 86% child occupant protection score at Euro NCAP; the available BlueCruise hands-free driving system adds a meaningful active safety dimension for motorway use.

Best Electric SUVs by Environmental Impact

Ranked by well-to-wheel CO2 efficiency using the UK grid average of 233 gCO2/kWh (DESNZ 2024). Lower kWh per mile means lower well-to-wheel emissions per kilometre driven. For a full efficiency comparison, including p/mile and annual running costs, see the most efficient electric cars guide.

RankModelReal-world efficiency (mi/kWh)Well-to-wheel gCO2/kmSustainability credentialSS £/month
1Hyundai Ioniq 5~3.9~37Recycled/bio-based interior materials; battery recycling programme£341
2Kia EV6~3.8~38Battery recycling programme; carbon-neutral manufacturing target 2045£426
3Hyundai Ioniq 9~3.7~39Recycled/bio-based materials standard; battery recycling programme£639
4Polestar 3~3.6~40Lifecycle carbon report per vehicle; sustainably sourced materials; Red Dot 2025£786
5Skoda Enyaq~3.6~40Carbon-neutral Mlada Boleslav production facility; 50kg+ recycled materials in Peaq cabin£452

Well-to-wheel CO2 figures calculated using real-world efficiency estimates and the UK grid average of 233 gCO2/kWh (DESNZ 2024). All figures are estimates - actual emissions vary by driving conditions, charging source, and grid mix. Zero direct tailpipe emissions apply to all models. The Electric Car Scheme is a B Corp-certified business.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The most energy-efficient model in this comparison, at approximately 3.9 miles/kWh real-world, producing the lowest well-to-wheel CO2 per kilometre of any SUV here; recycled and bio-based interior materials add a supply-chain sustainability dimension.

Kia EV6

3.8 miles/kWh real-world efficiency and Kia's documented European battery recycling programme; carbon-neutral manufacturing target for 2045 is one of the more specific long-term commitments in this comparison.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

3.7 miles/kWh despite its larger 110.3 kWh battery; recycled and bio-based materials are standard across the range and were specifically recognised by Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX 2025 for sustainable material use - one of the few manufacturer's sustainability credentials validated by an independent interior design jury.

Polestar 3

Polestar publishes a lifecycle carbon report for every vehicle produced, including manufacturing, use-phase, and end-of-life - the most transparent sustainability disclosure of any brand in this comparison.

Skoda Enyaq

Produced at Skoda's carbon-neutral Mlada Boleslav facility, the incoming Peaq flagship includes 50kg+ of recycled materials in the cabin, signalling a direction for the broader Enyaq range.

Best Electric SUVs by In-Car Technology

Ranked by the breadth and integration of in-car technology - including charging architecture, software update capability, AI features, and infotainment system quality. Every model in this comparison supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

RankModelKey technologyOTA updatesCharging architectureSS £/month
1Tesla Model YAutopilot; proprietary Supercharger network; industry-leading OTAYes - most frequent in comparison400V, 250 kW£520
2Hyundai Ioniq 9800V; 350 kW; ChatGPT AI voice; V2L standardYes800V, 350 kW£639
3Polestar 3Google-built-in; 250 kW; sustainably sourced materials; Red Dot 2025Yes400V, 250 kW (800V update planned)£786
4BMW iX (xDrive45 M)iDrive 8; harman/kardon audio; full ADAS; Laserlight headlightsYes400V, 195 kW£895
5Kia EV9800V; V2G and V2L; Meridian 14-speaker audio; panoramic triple displayYes800V, 210 kW£763

Tesla Model Y

Over-the-air updates deploy more frequently than any other brand in this comparison; Autopilot is standard and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is available; Supercharger network reliability across the UK and Europe gives it the most practical technology advantage for high-mileage drivers.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

ChatGPT AI voice integration, 350 kW 800V charging, and V2L standard across the range; the Universal Island 2.0 slidable centre console and swivelling second-row seats on Calligraphy trim are the most innovative interior technology features in this comparison.

Polestar 3

Google-built-in infotainment - the same system used in Volvo EX90 - is widely regarded as the most intuitive implementation in any production car; 250 kW charging with a planned 800V upgrade in 2026 keeps its charging technology competitive.

BMW iX (xDrive45 M)

iDrive 8 is the most refined traditional premium infotainment system in this comparison; available Laserlight headlights and a comprehensive ADAS suite add technology breadth beyond the infotainment screen.

Kia EV9

800V V2G and V2L capability make it the most energy-flexible model in this comparison - it can export power back to the grid or power external devices from its battery; Meridian 14-speaker audio and panoramic triple display are class-leading in terms of equipment.

Electric SUV Profile Cards

One card per model. Every card contains the same data points for direct comparison. All salary sacrifice figures are for a 40% taxpayer on a 36-month, 10,000-mile-per-year term via The Electric Car Scheme.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

Hyundai Ioniq 9
Price from£64,995
WLTP range385 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~295 miles
Battery110.3 kWh
10-80% charge time24 min (800V, 350 kW)
Peak charging350 kW
0-60mph9.4s (standard)
Boot space338L (all seats up) / 908L (3rd row folded)
Seats£7
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£87
SS £/month (40%)£639
Best forLongest range, fastest charging, best third-row space

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the range and charging leader in this comparison.

Its 800V platform sustains higher average charge rates throughout a session than 400V rivals at comparable peak speeds. Four ISOFIX points across rows two and three, 813mm of third-row legroom, and a flat floor make it the strongest seven-seat family choice in the group. Recycled and bio-based materials are standard across the interior, and child occupant protection was its highest-scoring area at Euro NCAP 2025.

Polestar 3

Polestar 3
Price from~£80,000
WLTP range400 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~310 miles
Battery111 kWh
10-80% charge time30 min (400V, 250 kW)
Peak charging250 kW
0-60mph5.0s
Boot space484L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£107
SS £/month (40%)£786
Best forLongest WLTP range, premium design, sustainability credentials

The Polestar 3 leads this comparison on official WLTP range at 400 miles and real-world motorway range at approximately 310 miles.

Maximilian Missoni's Pure design language won Red Dot Best of Best 2025. Polestar publishes a lifecycle carbon report per vehicle, making it the most transparent sustainability disclosure of any brand here. A planned 800V architecture update in 2026 is expected to improve average charge session rates. Google-built-in infotainment is standard.

Volvo EX90

Volvo EX90
Price from£73,160
WLTP range378 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~295 miles
Battery111 kWh
10-80% charge time30 min (250 kW)
Peak charging250 kW
0-60mph5.4s
Boot space310L (all seats up) / 655L (3rd row folded)
Seats£7
Euro NCAP5-star (highest child occupant score in comparison)
BiK £/month (40%)£98
SS £/month (40%)£866
Best forChild safety, premium Scandinavian cabin, Lidar safety system

The Volvo EX90 carries the most comprehensive passive safety specification of any model here. Lidar technology, 12 ultrasonic sensors, eight cameras, and five radars combine to deliver the highest child occupant protection score recorded at Euro NCAP at the time of testing.

Four ISOFIX points span rows two and three. The third row suits children rather than adults over 5ft 11in. Sustainably sourced Nordico and wool-blend upholstery are standard; Bowers and Wilkins audio is available on Ultra trim. Complete Employer Protection [Insert internal link to: /complete-risk-protection] covers employers from Day 1 on this higher-value commitment.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y
Price from~£47,000
WLTP range331 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~255 miles
Battery84.7 kWh
10-80% charge time25 min (250 kW)
Peak charging250 kW
0-60mph5.0s
Boot space854L (seats folded) / 554L (seats up)
Seats5 (7-seat version available)
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£63
SS £/month (40%)£520
Best forBoot space, Supercharger network, tech-focused families

The Tesla Model Y received a comprehensive refresh in 2025, adding improved acoustic insulation, a rear touchscreen for climate and media, and revised aerodynamics. Its 854L boot in five-seat configuration is the largest of any model in this comparison.

Access to the Supercharger network gives it the most reliable rapid charging infrastructure of any non-Tesla across the UK and Europe. Over-the-air updates deploy more frequently than any other brand here. Two ISOFIX points in the rear row only.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Ioniq 5
Price from~£42,000
WLTP range315 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~245 miles
Battery84 kWh
10-80% charge time18 min (800V, 220 kW)
Peak charging220 kW
0-60mph5.1s
Boot space527L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£56
SS £/month (40%)£341
Best forBest value per pound, fastest 10-80% charge time, lowest BiK cost

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 won World Car Design of the Year 2022 for SangYup Lee's Parametric Dynamics language and remains one of the most visually distinctive SUVs in this comparison.

Its 800V platform delivers a 10-80% charge in 18 minutes, the fastest session time of any model in this group, despite its lower peak kW than the Ioniq 9, because 800V architecture sustains higher average rates throughout. At £341/month, it offers the strongest range-per-pound value case in this comparison at 0.92 miles of WLTP range per pound of monthly salary sacrifice payment.

Kia EV6

Kia EV6
Price from~£42,000
WLTP range361 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~280 miles
Battery84 kWh
10-80% charge time18 min (800V, 210 kW)
Peak charging210 kW
0-60mph5.2s
Boot space490L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£56
SS £/month (40%)£426
Best forLong-distance value, 7-year warranty, sporty driving character

The Kia EV6 won Red Dot Best of Best 2022 for Karim Habib's Opposites United design language, giving it the most aerodynamically dramatic silhouette of any five-seat SUV in this comparison.

Its 800V platform delivers 18-minute 10-80% charging alongside 361 miles WLTP, and Kia's 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty is the strongest manufacturer coverage in this group. At £426/month it delivers the best long-distance capability per pound of any mid-range model here.

Skoda Enyaq

Skoda Enyaq
Price from~£46,000
WLTP range377 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~295 miles
Battery82 kWh
10-80% charge time29 min (135 kW)
Peak charging135 kW
0-60mph8.7s
Boot space585L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£61
SS £/month (40%)£452
Best forLargest five-seat boot, best range-per-pound at mid-range, Carwow Smart Spender 2026

The Skoda Enyaq estate delivers 585L of boot space, the largest five-seat boot in this comparison, at £452/month. It won the Carwow Smart Spender category at the 2026 Car of the Year Awards.

Produced at Skoda's carbon-neutral Mlada Boleslav facility, it shares the MEB platform with the VW ID.4 but offers better equipment at a comparable monthly price. Peak charging of 135 kW is lower than the 800V rivals and 400V premium alternatives, so motorway charge stops take longer. Skoda's Simply Clever storage features add practical day-to-day usability.

Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen ID.4
Price from~£46,000
WLTP range330 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~255 miles
Battery82 kWh
10-80% charge time30 min (135 kW)
Peak charging135 kW
0-60mph8.5s
Boot space543L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£61
SS £/month (40%)£419
Best forFamiliar transition from petrol, VW dealer network, practical mid-range SUV

The Volkswagen ID.4 shares the MEB platform with the Skoda Enyaq but carries VW's badge and slightly different equipment levels. At £419/month, it's the second most affordable five-seat mid-range option in this comparison after the Nissan Ariya.

Its 543L boot, smooth ride quality, and familiar VW interior make it the strongest choice for drivers transitioning from a petrol or diesel SUV who want minimal adjustment. Peak charging of 135 kW is shared with the Enyaq and is the lowest of the mid-range five-seat group.

BMW iX

BMW iX (xDrive45 M)
Price from~£95,000
WLTP range370 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~285 miles
Battery105.2 kWh
10-80% charge time34 min (195 kW)
Peak charging195 kW
0-60mph3.8s
Boot space500L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£127
SS £/month (40%)£895
Best forFastest 0-60mph in comparison, ultimate luxury cabin, M Sport chassis

The BMW iX xDrive45 M is the performance leader in this comparison at 3.8 seconds to 60mph, with M Sport chassis tuning and Laserlight headlights as standard on this trim. iDrive 8 infotainment is the most refined traditional premium system in the group.

At £95,000 list and £895/month via salary sacrifice, it carries the highest monthly cost of any model here, with a £127/month BiK contribution reflecting its higher P11D value. What Car? named it Best Luxury EV 2026. Complete Employer Protection [Insert internal link to: /complete-risk-protection] is particularly relevant at this price point.

Audi Q4 e-Tron

Audi Q4 e-tron
Price from~£48,000
WLTP range345 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~265 miles
Battery82 kWh
10-80% charge time29 min (175 kW)
Peak charging175 kW
0-60mph8.5s
Boot space520L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£64
SS £/month (40%)£557
Best forPremium brand at mid-range price, Audi interior quality, compact premium SUV

The Audi Q4 e-tron sits on the same MEB platform as the Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.4 but carries Audi's premium interior finish and brand positioning at £557/month. Its 520L boot, 345 miles WLTP, and 175 kW peak charging place it mid-table across all attributes.

Auto Express named it Best Premium Electric SUV 2025. For drivers upgrading from an Audi A4, Q3, or Q5 who want brand continuity in their move to electric, it's the clearest like-for-like transition in this comparison.

Peugeot e-2008

Peugeot e-2008
Price from~£33,000
WLTP range248 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~190 miles
Battery54 kWh
10-80% charge time30 min (100 kW)
Peak charging100 kW
0-60mph9.7s
Boot space435L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£44
SS £/month (40%)£309
Best forMost affordable entry point, lowest BiK cost, compact urban SUV

The Peugeot e-2008 is the most affordable model in this comparison at £309/month and carries the lowest BiK contribution at £44/month. Its 248 miles WLTP and 100 kW peak charging make it best suited to urban and suburban use rather than frequent long-distance motorway trips, where real-world range of approximately 190 miles at 70mph would require regular charging stops.

It is the only model in this comparison without a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, having received 4 stars. For drivers whose primary use is urban commuting and occasional longer trips, it's the most cost-effective entry point to electric SUV salary sacrifice in 2026.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan Ariya
Price from~£46,000
WLTP range329 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~255 miles
Battery87 kWh
10-80% charge time35 min (130 kW)
Peak charging130 kW
0-60mph7.5s
Boot space466L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star (93% safety assist score)
BiK £/month (40%)£61
SS £/month (40%)£371
Best forStrongest safety assist score, affordable mid-range, refined cabin

Make it stand out

The Nissan Ariya achieved a 93% safety assist score at Euro NCAP, the highest of any model in this comparison. Its flat floor, sliding centre console, and wide cabin provide practical interior flexibility at a mid-range price.

At £371/month, it sits between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (£341) and VW ID.4 (£419) on monthly cost, with 329 miles WLTP and a 466L boot. Peak charging of 130 kW is the lowest of the mid-range five-seat group, which means motorway charging stops take longer than 800V or higher-kW rivals.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E
Price from~£52,000
WLTP range373 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~290 miles
Battery91 kWh
10-80% charge time36 min (150 kW)
Peak charging150 kW
0-60mph5.1s
Boot space402L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star (92% adult occupant)
BiK £/month (40%)£69
SS £/month (40%)£445
Best forSporty driving character, long WLTP range at mid-range cost, distinctive American styling

The Ford Mustang Mach-E scored 92% for adult occupant protection at Euro NCAP and 86% for child occupant protection. Its rear-wheel-drive chassis delivers a more engaging driving feel than most SUVs in this comparison.

At 373 miles WLTP and £445/month, it sits in the middle of this group on both range and price. Peak charging of 150 kW is mid-table; motorway efficiency takes a notable hit at higher speeds, so the real-world gap between its WLTP figure and actual 70mph motorway range is larger than for more aerodynamic rivals.

Kia EV9

Kia EV9
Price from~£65,000
WLTP range349 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~275 miles
Battery99.8 kWh
10-80% charge time24 min (800V, 210 kW)
Peak charging210 kW
0-60mph5.3s
Boot space333L (all seats up) / 828L (3rd row folded)
Seats£7
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£87
SS £/month (40%)£763
Best forSeven-seat family practicality, adult-usable third row, V2G capability

The Kia EV9 is the most capable seven-seat family SUV in this comparison for day-to-day use. Its 800V platform delivers 10-80% charging in 24 minutes, and four ISOFIX points across rows two and three accommodate three child seats simultaneously. The wide cabin gives second-row passengers 1,020mm of legroom, closer to a luxury saloon than a family SUV. V2G and V2L capabilities make it the most energy-flexible model here.

iF Design Award Gold 2024 confirms the bold Karim Habib exterior. Kia's 7-year warranty applies across the full range. For a full seven-seat comparison, see the best 7-seat electric SUVs guide.

BMW iX3

BMW iX3
Price from~£60,000
WLTP range290 miles
Real-world @ 70mph~220 miles
Battery80 kWh
10-80% charge time34 min (150 kW)
Peak charging150 kW
0-60mph6.8s
Boot space510L
Seats£5
Euro NCAP5-star
BiK £/month (40%)£80
SS £/month (40%)£667
Best forPremium BMW badge at lower monthly cost than iX, familiar SUV proportions

The BMW iX3 carries BMW's premium cabin quality and brand positioning at £667/month, considerably less than the iX xDrive45 M at £895/month. It won Best Premium Electric Car at the Driving Electric Awards 2025. Its 290 miles WLTP is the second shortest in this comparison after the Peugeot e-2008, and real-world motorway range of approximately 220 miles requires more planning on longer trips than higher-range alternatives at similar price points.

The 510L boot and familiar premium SUV proportions make it a practical choice for drivers upgrading from a BMW X3 or X5 petrol equivalent.

Choosing by Budget

All figures are salary sacrifice net monthly costs for a 40% taxpayer on a 36-month, 10,000-mile-per-year term. Every package includes insurance, servicing, tyres, MOT, and breakdown cover via The Electric Car Scheme.

Under £35,000 list price

At this price point, the Peugeot e-2008 is the only new model in this comparison. For drivers whose budget requires a lower monthly cost, used electric car salary sacrifice opens access to models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Nissan Leaf from under £280/month, with the same all-inclusive package as a new car and delivery in as little as 14 days.

Used salary sacrifice carries no depreciation risk, no deposit, and warranty protection - making it the strongest budget route into electric SUV ownership in 2026.

ModelSS £/monthWLTP rangePrice from
Peugeot e-2008£309248 miles~£33,000
Used EVs via salary sacrificeFrom ~£200VariesN/A

See all of the used EV salary sacrifice options on our website.

£35,000 to £50,000 list price

The strongest value concentration in this comparison. Five models sit in this band, spanning 315-361 miles WLTP and £341-£452/month via salary sacrifice. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 at £341/month delivers the best range-per-pound of any model in the full comparison at 0.92 miles of WLTP range per pound of monthly payment.

ModelSS £/monthWLTP rangePrice from
Hyundai Ioniq 5£341315 miles~£42,000
Nissan Ariya£371329 miles~£46,000
VW ID.4£419330 miles~£46,000
Kia EV6£426361 miles~£42,000
Skoda Enyaq£452377 miles~£46,000

Calculate your exact monthly cost by using The Electric Car Scheme’s salary sacrifice calculator.

£50,000 to £70,000 list price

Four models in this band cover the mid-to-premium range. The Ford Mustang Mach-E at £445/month is the most affordable entry point, while the Kia EV9 at £763/month adds seven-seat capability and 800V charging at the top of this tier.

ModelSS £/monthWLTP rangePrice from
Ford Mustang Mach-E£445373 miles~£52,000
Audi Q4 e-tron£557345 miles~£48,000
BMW iX3£667290 miles~£60,000
Kia EV9£763349 miles~£65,000

See the best electric 7-seat SUVs in our dedicated guide.

£70,000 and above

Four premium and flagship models. At this level, salary sacrifice produces its largest absolute monthly saving versus personal PCP - a 40% taxpayer on the Volvo EX90 at £73,160 list saves considerably more in income tax and National Insurance per month than the same taxpayer on a £42,000 Ioniq 5, because the gross sacrifice amount is higher.

Complete Employer Protection is especially relevant at this price tier - employers committing to a £70,000+ vehicle on behalf of an employee need certainty about early termination liability from Day 1.

ModelSS £/monthWLTP rangePrice from
Hyundai Ioniq 9£639385 miles£64,995
Volvo EX90£866378 miles£73,160
Polestar 3£786400 miles~£80,000
BMW iX (xDrive45 M)£895370 miles~£95,000

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 straddles the £50,000-£70,000 and £70,000+ tiers depending on specification. Its entry price of £64,995 places it at the top of the mid-tier; higher specifications exceed £70,000.

Calculate your savings on a premium SUV.

How Salary Sacrifice Works for Electric SUVs

Salary sacrifice lets your employer lease the SUV and deduct the cost from your gross salary before income tax and National Insurance are calculated. The bigger the car, the bigger the absolute saving - because the gross sacrifice amount is higher, the income tax and NI relief are larger in pound terms than on a smaller, cheaper model.

For electric SUVs specifically, three factors compound the salary sacrifice advantage:

  • BiK rate: 4% in 2026/27 on all zero-emission vehicles regardless of list price. A £95,000 BMW iX attracts the same 4% BiK rate as a £33,000 Peugeot e-2008 - making premium SUVs particularly tax-efficient compared with diesel equivalents at the same price point, where BiK rates reach 37%.

  • All-in package: every salary sacrifice package through The Electric Car Scheme includes insurance, servicing, tyres, MOT, and breakdown cover. On a premium SUV, insurance alone can cost £2,000-£3,000 per year on a personal policy - that cost is absorbed within the monthly salary sacrifice payment and paid from gross salary.

  • No depreciation risk: you return the car at the end of the term. Premium SUVs can depreciate by £15,000-£25,000 over three years - salary sacrifice eliminates that risk.

For employers, Complete Employer Protection covers early termination costs from Day 1 if an employee leaves, is made redundant, or goes on long-term leave. On higher-value SUVs where the financial commitment is greater, this protection removes the primary concern that deters businesses from offering salary sacrifice on premium vehicles. For a full explanation of how the scheme works, see the salary sacrifice resource hub, or click to learn more about our salary sacrifice car scheme.


Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Electric SUV to Buy in 2026?

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 leads the 2026 electric SUV market on the combination of range, charging speed, and interior space, available via salary sacrifice from £639/month for a 40% taxpayer. For seven-seat family use, the Kia EV9 from £763/month is the stronger choice.

For premium design and sustainability credentials, the Polestar 3 starts from £786/month.

What Is the Longest-Range Electric SUV in the UK?

The Polestar 3 leads on official WLTP range at 400 miles, with real-world motorway range at approximately 310 miles at 70mph. It's available via salary sacrifice from £786/month for a 40% taxpayer on a 36-month term. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 follows at 385 miles WLTP with the advantage of 350 kW peak charging, reducing the time spent covering that range on longer journeys.

What Is the Best Electric SUV Under £500/Month on Salary Sacrifice?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 at £341/month delivers the strongest specification under £500/month, with 315 miles WLTP, 800V charging from 10-80% in 18 minutes, a 527L boot, and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Kia EV6 at £426/month adds 361 miles WLTP and Kia's 7-year warranty. The Skoda Enyaq at £452/month provides the largest boot at 585L.

Which Electric SUV Is Best for Families?

The Kia EV9 is the strongest family choice, with 828L of boot space when the third row is folded, four ISOFIX points across rows two and three, 800V charging in 24 minutes, and seven seats from £763/month. For five-seat families, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at £341/month combines a flat floor, generous rear legroom, and 527L of boot space at the lowest monthly cost of any 800V model in this comparison.

Which Electric SUVs Charge Fastest?

The three fastest-charging models in this comparison are the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (350 kW peak, 24 minutes 10-80%), the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (220 kW peak, 18 minutes 10-80%), and the Kia EV6 (210 kW peak, 18 minutes 10-80%). Both Hyundai models and the EV6 use 800V architecture, which sustains higher average charge rates throughout a session than 400V rivals at comparable peak speeds.

Can Any Electric SUV Be Salary Sacrificed Through The Electric Car Scheme?

Yes. The Electric Car Scheme can access any zero-emission vehicle from any manufacturer available in the UK market, including all 15 models in this comparison. Every package includes insurance, servicing, tyres, MOT, and breakdown cover. Complete Employer Protection covers employers from Day 1 against early termination liability. Use the salary sacrifice calculator for a personalised monthly figure.

How Long Do Electric SUV Batteries Last?

Most electric SUV batteries carry an 8-10 year manufacturer warranty against dropping 70-80% capacity, with Kia and Hyundai offering 8 years and 100,000 miles as standard. Real-world data from independent monitoring platforms suggests most EV batteries retain above 80% capacity beyond 150,000-200,000 miles in normal use. Battery degradation does not affect salary sacrifice terms - the car is returned at the end of the lease regardless of battery condition.

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Last updated: 19/05/26

Our lease pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.

Copyright and Image Usage: All images used on this website are either licensed for commercial use or used with express permission from the copyright holders, in compliance with UK and EU copyright law. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and maintaining full compliance with applicable regulations. If you have any questions or concerns regarding image usage or copyright matters, please contact us at marketing@electriccarscheme.com and we will address them promptly.

Ellie Garratt

Ellie is a freelance content marketing specialist with experience across renewable energy, sustainability, and technology sectors. Passionate about the environment and helping people make more sustainable choices, Ellie has developed skills in SEO and content creation that support organic growth for businesses in these industries.

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