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- Edmunds.com has released a list of the “Best Electric SUVs of 2026” despite the recent decline in EV sales.
- Hyundai models won in the small, medium and high-performance electric SUV categories.
- The BMW iX xDrive45 takes the top spot for the best midsize luxury electric SUV.
Although electric vehicle sales have declined since the $7,500 federal tax credit was eliminated in 2025, several plug-in models dominated by Hyundai made Edmunds’ “Best Electric SUVs of 2026” list.
The winner’s site for the “Best Small Electric SUV” category says, “You’d have to dig deep into eight of the list to find a vehicle that didn’t score more than 7 out of 10 (which is really good).”
“Demand for EVs may have declined and the federal tax credit may have disappeared, but people are still buying electric vehicles, specifically electric SUVs. There are now a huge number of choices, and many of them are very good,” the website states. “However, most of our top picks are around 8 out of 10, and this list is dedicated to them.”
The USA TODAY Cars team reviewed the winning vehicles in each category and compiled information for consumers about each model.
The winners are:
Best small electric SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $36,600
what edmunds said: “The Ioniq 5 has great range and lots of clever features. As you’ll see elsewhere on this list, there’s also a high-performance N version. The rugged Ioniq 5 XRT is also very rugged.”
Best midsize electric SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 9
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $60,555
what edmunds said: The website says of the Ioniq 9, “It’s hard to beat the combination of spacious three-row seats, plenty of cargo space, luxurious interior, excellent driving etiquette, and fast charging.”
Best small luxury electric SUV: Genesis Electrified GV70
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $65,875
what edmunds said: The website says of the Genesis Electrified GV70, “While range is admittedly lackluster, the smooth and immediate acceleration of the Electrified GV70’s dual-motor powertrain only strengthens our top-rated small luxury SUV.”
Best midsize luxury electric SUV: BMW iX xDrive45
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $76,325
what edmunds said: The website says of the BMW iX xDrive45, “its performance and range have been upgraded for 2026, with the new xDrive45 model producing 402 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles. The iX’s base price has also been reduced, allowing it to reach 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, even as a base model.”
Best large luxury electric SUVs: Rivian R1S and Lucid Gravity
R1S Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $78,885
what edmunds saidAccording to the website, the Rivian R1S is “a luxury SUV that resembles an electric Range Rover and is capable of serious off-roading. However, how serious it is depends on which version you buy (the more motors, the better). It still has three rows of seats and the kind of cargo space (and frunk) you’d expect from a three-row SUV.”
Gravity Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $79,900
what edmunds said: The website says, “The new Gravity is a more family-friendly hauler, with a focus on interior packaging and space. It also drives much better on-road.”
Best performance electric SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 5N
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $67,475
what edmunds said: The website says, “Don’t worry about electric SUVs. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one of the best performance SUVs around. It’s as impressive on winding back roads as it is rocketing from a stop.”
