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The age of the electric vehicle has arrived. Electric cars have been on the road for years. In addition, multiple electric trucks are available for pre-order. And now, drivers seeking something in the middle have a range of electric SUVs to choose from.

Wondering which electric SUV is right for you? The TrueCar website just released its list of the best electric SUVs of 2021. Read on to find out how the top five electric SUVs stack up.

1. Tesla Model Y

A blue Tesla Model Y on display at the unveiling, the Model Y is one of the best electric SUVs of 2021.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk views the new Tesla Model Y | Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

The Tesla Model Y is a taller, roomier version of the tried-and-true Model 3 sedan. It is comfortable for five adults, with an additional 68 cubic feet of cargo space. The Model Y does offer a third row of seating, but these seats are too small for most adults. The Model Y also features a panoramic moonroof, in-car WiFi, collision warning, and remote engine start.

This electric SUV performs exceptionally; U.S. News & World Report noted it has “excellent driving range for an EV, and its efficiency ratings are outstanding.” Estimates put the Model Y at 115 MPGe for city driving and 106MPGe for highway driving; the vehicle’s maximum range is an impressive 326 miles.

The Model Y handles and accelerates well. But performance comes at the cost of some ride comfort. Overall, TrueCar ranked the Tesla Model Y the best electric SUV of the year. We agree, naming it the best AWD EV of 2021.

The Model Y starts at $39,990. The most popular Model Y trim level is the Performance AWD, starting at $62,190.

2. Ford Mustang Mach-E

A red Ford Mach-E at the SUV's unveiling. The Ford Mach-E is one of the best Electric SUVs of 2021
Ford reveals the Mustang Mach-E | Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

Ford made a dramatic entrance to the electric car market with the Mustang Mach-E. You might expect an electric SUV with this storied nameplate to be sporty, and the Mach-E does not disappoint: it accelerates quickly and handles well. TrueCar notes that this Mustang expertly balances performance and ride comfort.

What you might not expect from a Mustang is a luxurious interior and feature set. But the Mach-E delivers in both these categories as well, securing its place among the best electric SUVs. We have raved about the fabulous Ford Mustang Mach-E here on Motorbiscuit. TrueCar specifies, “The design and feature set feels decidedly premium.” 

The Ford is rated at 100 city/86 highway MPGe for a 300-mile maximum range. Best of all, it is priced in the $40,000 range, with the popular Select AWD model starting at $46,695.

3. Volkswagen ID.4

A yellow Volkswagen ID.4 on display in Germany. The Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the Best Electric SUVs of 2021
Volkswagen ID.4 on display | Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The award-winning Volkswagen ID.4 is a sensible electric SUV choice: it is slightly less expensive than its competitors, but TrueCar notes it is not quite as fun to drive as the class leaders and lacks in rear legroom. 

One of this VW’s strong points is its intuitive driver controls. The ID.4 is estimated at 104 city/89 highway MPGe for a total driving range of 250 miles.

Volkswagen offers the ID.4 for as little as $41,190, and the entry-level ID.4 includes features its entry-level competitors leave out. Still, most buyers opt for the Pro S RWD trim level, starting at $45,690. An AWD trim level is available as well.

4. Tesla Model X

A gray Tesla Model X and Elon Musk at a press event. The Model X is among the best electric SUVs of 2021.
Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk unveils Model X | Photo by Tim Rue/Corbis via Getty Images

This midsize SUV is beginning to show its age: it is not as plush as its class-leading rivals, lacks both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offers comparatively few personalization options.

But Tesla fans swoon over the beloved Tesla Model X for a reason. With standard AWD, the Model X is known for its astounding acceleration and incredible range. With an estimated 100 city/95 highway MPGe, the Model X has a maximum range of 360 miles.

One final drawback for the Model X is its hefty price tag: Base models start at $81,190 while the popular Performance model starts at $101,190.

5. Volvo XC40

A white Volvo XC40 recharge pure EV at a press event. The XC40 Recharge EV is among the best electric SUVs of 2021.
Volvo unveils the XC40 Recharge EV | Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Volvo recently unveiled an all-electric version of its popular XC40. This small SUV is resplendent with both luxury and safety features; the well-designed Volvo XC40 offers a user-friendly suite of tech and smart driver aids.

TrueCar points out that the handling does not feel “quite sporty.” Still, the XC40 can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.

The XC40 lags behind its competitors in interior space and costs a bit more than the class leaders. While ICE-powered XC40s start at $33,097, the Recharge Pure Electric trim level starts at $53,990. 

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