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The Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV and Ford Explorer hybrid at AutoMobility LA in November 2019

What Is the Best SUV on the EV Market?

Many automakers have begun producing electric vehicles to compete with Tesla. SUVs make up the most popular vehicle segment in America, so it's no surprise many car manufacturers are making electric SUVs. Here's a look at what might be the best electric SUV on the market right now.

Tesla has dominated the EV market for years, but many other automakers have begun producing electric vehicles to compete with Elon Musk’s juggernaut. SUVs make up the most popular vehicle segment in America, so it’s no surprise many car manufacturers are making electric SUVs. Here’s a look at what might be the best electric SUV on the market right now.

EVs have gone mainstream

The Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV and Ford Explorer hybrid at AutoMobility LA in November 2019
The Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV and Ford Explorer hybrid at AutoMobility LA in November 2019 | David McNew/Getty Images

Technically speaking, some of the first production EVs were made by major automakers. However, they failed to gain much traction, and EVs only began becoming more popular in recent years thanks to Tesla. Now, due to EVs’ increasing popularity, major automakers are jumping back into the EV game.

Manufacturers are making EVs in almost every segment and at different price points. For example, affordable models include the Mini Cooper SE and high-performance cars like the all-electric Porsche Taycan. But one of the fastest-growing EV segments is SUVs.

Americans want SUVs, whether they’re gas-powered or electric. So there’s no shortage of electric SUVs on the market. Interestingly, though, the two best electric SUVs right now are at different price points.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is arguably the best electric SUV right now

According to Road Show, the best electric SUV right now is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This isn’t a huge surprise because the Mustang Mach-E has been winning many awards lately. The reason the Mach-E won is fairly simple, too. It lives up to what SUV customers want in an SUV. The Mach-E is not only sporty but also functional.

For example, the standard model can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds with its 266-hp electric motors. At the same time, the standard trim provides a decent range of about 230 miles on a single charge. Plus, it has a good amount of cargo capacity. It has 29 cubic feet of cargo space without the rear seats folded. The standard Mach-E is also fairly affordable, starting at about $43,000. 

However, Ford offers quite a few options. Many customers will probably choose to upgrade their Mach-E’s range and electric motor. At best, the Mach-E gets 300 miles of range or a much more powerful motor.

But regardless of what customers choose, the Mustang Mach-E is still more affordable than the runner-up among electric SUVs, the Audi e-tron.

The Audi e-tron is a close 2nd to the Ford Mustang Mach-E

According to Road Show, the Audi e-tron is a deceptively good car. This is mainly because its specs aren’t that spectacular. At a full charge, the e-tron is supposed to get about 222 miles of range. That’s not much range, and it puts the e-tron at a disadvantage compared to many rivals. However, what makes the Audi e-tron a good electric SUV is that, despite its range, it provides plenty of fun.

The e-tron’s twin electric motors generate about 355 hp or over 400 hp with a boost. Plus, because it’s a luxury vehicle, it has a beautiful, comfortable interior.

But it’s also somewhat practical, Road Show says. It has all-wheel drive as standard, and it offers over 28 cubic feet of cargo space without the seats folded down.

However, the Audi e-tron, being a luxury SUV, start at about $67,000. And that high price makes this electric SUV unattainable for many consumers.

Fortunately, the Ford Mustang Mach-E fills that gap.

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