Planning a road trip used to mean hunting for gas stations and packing snacks. Now? It means finding a fast charger, checking your range, and hoping your back doesn’t ache after three hours behind the wheel.
The truth is, not all electric SUVs are created equal when it comes to road trips. Some look great on paper—but the ride is stiff, the charging slow, or the back seat a cramped afterthought. Others? Total game changers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best electric SUVs for road trips in 2025 and 2026, based on real-world range, fast-charging capability, comfort, cargo space, and long-haul drivability. Whether you’re crossing the country or just making weekend escapes, these are the EVs that will actually make the journey enjoyable.
What Makes an EV Great for Road Trips?
Here’s what matters when you’re spending serious time in an EV on the highway:
- Long real-world range (not just EPA estimates)
- Fast, reliable charging (10–80% in under 30 minutes)
- Seat comfort and ride quality over 200+ mile legs
- Plenty of cargo space for luggage, gear, or pets
- Driver aids and infotainment to reduce fatigue
- Quiet, smooth cabin at 75+ mph
Let’s get into the SUVs that deliver.
Tesla Model Y Long Range
Real Range: 310 miles
Charging Speed: 250 kW (Supercharger V3)
10–80% Time: 20–25 minutes
Cargo Space: 76 cu ft (with seats down)
Price: From $48,990
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Tesla Model Y remains the road trip king for most people. It has the best charging network in the country, and with over 310 miles of real-world range, you can drive 4–5 hours between stops. The ride is firm but stable, seats are supportive, and you get Autopilot with traffic-aware cruise to reduce fatigue.
The hatchback-style trunk swallows a surprising amount of cargo. Pair that with fast preconditioned charging and instant Supercharger access, and it’s no wonder so many families and long-distance commuters choose this EV.
Best For: Drivers who want stress-free charging and efficiency above all.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD
Real Range: 260–275 miles
Charging Speed: 235 kW
10–80% Time: 18 minutes (on 350 kW charger)
Cargo Space: 59.3 cu ft
Price: From $51,200
Why It’s Road-Trip Ready:
The IONIQ 5 is shockingly good at road trips. The ultra-fast 800V charging system means you can pull in, plug in, and be back on the road before your coffee gets cold. And this thing rides like a luxury SUV—quiet, composed, and spacious, especially up front.
Rear passengers get recline, USB-C ports, and plenty of legroom. The reclining front seats with leg rests make nap stops a breeze. Add in great tech, a smooth ride, and one of the fastest charging curves in the business, and you’ve got one of the best highway EVs under $60K.
Best For: Drivers who want tech, comfort, and lightning-fast charging.
Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD
Real Range: 270–290 miles
Charging Speed: 230 kW
10–80% Time: 24 minutes
Cargo Space: 81.9 cu ft
Price: From $59,200
Why It’s a Family Road Trip Star:
Need three rows and a power outlet? The EV9 brings it. This SUV is made for long-haul road trips with kids, pets, or gear. It charges nearly as fast as the IONIQ 5, but gives you more seats, more cargo space, and a big, comfortable cabin.
The second row is legitimately luxurious in GT-Line trims, and the layout feels thoughtful—plenty of storage, easy access, and smart driver assistance like Highway Drive Assist 2, which centers the lane even through curves.
Best For: Families or groups who need space, comfort, and charging speed.
Rivian R1S Dual or Quad Motor
Real Range: 270–400 miles (depending on battery)
Charging Speed: 220 kW
10–80% Time: 30–45 minutes
Cargo Space: 104.7 cu ft
Price: From $74,900
Why It’s Built for Adventure Touring:
The R1S is the EV road trip SUV for people who don’t stay on pavement. With massive space, a true SUV chassis, and the ability to ford water or climb snowy trails, this thing is part Tesla, part Land Rover.
Even better, it’s incredibly comfortable. The cabin is elegant without being flashy, the ride is cushy on long drives, and you get access to Rivian’s growing Adventure Network, plus full CCS fast charging. The quad-motor version is quick and fun, while the dual-motor offers more range.
Best For: Drivers who go off-grid but still want luxury and space.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium Extended Range AWD
Real Range: 270–300 miles
Charging Speed: 150 kW
10–80% Time: 38–45 minutes
Cargo Space: 59.7 cu ft
Price: From $49,200
Why It’s Surprisingly Comfortable:
The Mach-E doesn’t get enough credit for how good it is on long highway runs. It’s quiet, well-insulated, and has one of the smoothest rides in its class. The interior is clean and uncluttered, with a giant central screen and responsive software.
Charging isn’t as fast as the others, but Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network now includes Plug & Charge at Electrify America and some Tesla stations. And you’ll love the extra frunk space and strong highway manners.
Best For: Comfort-first drivers who value refinement over speed.
Lucid Gravity (Coming Late 2025)
Estimated Real Range: 400+ miles
Charging Speed: 300+ kW
10–80% Time: ~20 minutes (est.)
Cargo Space: Expected to exceed 100 cu ft
Price: Expected $80K–$100K+
Why It’ll Set a New Standard:
Lucid changed the game with the Air sedan. The Gravity SUV promises the same industry-leading range, ultra-luxury ride quality, and class-leading charging speed, but in a spacious, family-ready SUV.
If you want to travel 400 miles between charges, cruise in silence, and still stretch out in three rows, the Gravity might be the best road trip EV on the market—when it arrives.
Best For: Luxury buyers planning to wait for the best.
VW ID.4 AWD Pro S+
Real Range: 250–260 miles
Charging Speed: 135 kW
10–80% Time: ~36 minutes
Cargo Space: 64.2 cu ft
Price: From $47,000
Why It’s a Budget-Friendly Option:
The ID.4 isn’t the fastest or the fanciest, but it’s a calm, predictable, and very comfortable cruiser. The seats are well-shaped, it has solid storage, and rear passengers have decent room.
Charging speed is slower than rivals, but with smart planning and Electrify America support, it’s very doable. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done well at a price that undercuts many competitors.
Best For: Drivers on a budget who still want solid range and comfort.
Volvo EX90 (Coming Late 2025)
Estimated Real Range: 300 miles
Charging Speed: 250 kW
10–80% Time: ~30 minutes
Cargo Space: Estimated 67.6 cu ft
Price: Around $77,000
Why It’s Worth a Look:
Volvo’s new flagship electric SUV is shaping up to be one of the safest, smartest highway cruisers ever built. With a minimalist interior, driver monitoring, lidar-based assist systems, and Google built-in, it’s the kind of EV that just melts miles off the map.
If comfort, tech, and safety matter more than raw performance, this one should be on your radar.
Best For: Luxury-focused drivers who want safety and Scandinavian style.
Summary: Best Road Trip EV SUVs by Category
| Category | Best Pick |
| Fastest Charging | Hyundai IONIQ 5 |
| Best Range + Network | Tesla Model Y Long Range |
| Best for Families | Kia EV9 |
| Best Cargo Space | Rivian R1S |
| Best Upcoming EV | Lucid Gravity |
| Best Value Road Tripper | VW ID.4 Pro AWD |
| Most Comfortable Ride | Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium |
Final Thoughts: The Best Electric SUV for Your Next Adventure
If you’re road-tripping in 2025 or 2026, you don’t just want an electric SUV with good specs—you want one that charges fast, rides smooth, keeps your family comfortable, and handles those 500-mile days without stress.
- For the easiest nationwide charging? Get the Tesla Model Y.
- For the fastest top-ups and lounge-like comfort? Go Hyundai IONIQ 5.
- For full-size SUV space and adventure capability? Pick the Rivian R1S.
- Need three rows and modern tech for a growing family? Try the Kia EV9.
- Want luxury, range, and future-ready design? Wait for the Lucid Gravity or Volvo EX90.
Every EV on this list is road-trip ready in its own way. What matters most is how you plan to travel—and how much space, speed, or serenity you want along the way.
Looking for used EVs that can still tackle long trips? Or want the full breakdown of charging networks and best EV road trip apps?
Stick with BidForAutos.com—where we test what matters, break it down by the mile, and give drivers the info they actually need.
