Let’s be honest: when you’re buying an electric SUV, range matters. Sure, we all love the clean energy angle and quiet ride, but when you’re staring at a map, wondering if you’ll make it to the next charger—or if your family road trip will turn into a game of “guess the battery”—range becomes everything.
And here’s the truth most marketing doesn’t tell you: not all EV range is equal. EPA numbers might say one thing, but the highway, a full load of passengers, cold weather, and a trailer in tow? That’s a different story.
So if you’re shopping for an electric SUV in 2025 or 2026 and want real range, not just paper specs, this guide is for you. We’re going beyond the hype and digging into what each model actually delivers when the rubber hits the road.
Why You Can’t Trust Just the EPA Number
Before we get into the SUVs, here’s what you need to know about electric range:
- EPA estimates are based on mixed driving—50/50 city and highway
- Highway driving at 70+ mph drains EV batteries much faster than city traffic
- Cold weather? Expect 15–30% range loss
- Towing? Roof boxes? 22-inch wheels? All eat into your battery
- Most EVs slow down charging when cold, which can make long trips harder if you don’t plan stops with battery preconditioning
So the key is to look at the real-world numbers, plus how each SUV handles things like charging speed, energy efficiency, and software routing.
Now, let’s rank the best long-range electric SUVs in 2025 and 2026—the ones that won’t leave you sweating when the battery dips under 30%.
1. Tesla Model X Long Range
Estimated Real-World Range: 310–340 miles
EPA Estimate: 348 miles
Starting Price: ~$80,000
Charging: 250 kW on Tesla Supercharger network
Seats: Up to 7
Why it’s still a range champ:
Even with more competition now, the Model X still dominates when it comes to usable highway range. Tesla’s efficiency is top-tier, and with the Supercharger network now opening to other brands, it still gets the fastest, smoothest charging experience.
Yes, it’s expensive. But you’ll go further, charge faster, and see fewer 1-star reviews about broken chargers.
Downsides:
Price. Falcon wing doors aren’t for everyone. Build quality on early batches has varied.
2. Rivian R1S Dual Motor Max Pack
Estimated Real-World Range: 350–390 miles
EPA Estimate: 400+ miles
Starting Price: ~$92,000
Charging: 220 kW, Rivian Adventure Network + CCS
Seats: 7
Why it’s ideal for trips and trails:
Rivian’s R1S is the most adventure-ready long-range SUV on the market. It’s big, boxy, and built for families who drive to the mountains, not just across town. The Max Pack gets you north of 350 miles even with cargo, and it’s designed for comfort, off-road, and daily road trips alike.
Downsides:
Price tag is steep. Not as efficient as Tesla on the highway. Smaller charging network (but growing fast).
3. Hyundai IONIQ 5 Long Range RWD
Estimated Real-World Range: 260–285 miles
EPA Estimate: 303 miles
Starting Price: ~$47,000
Charging: 800V, up to 235 kW (10–80% in ~18 minutes)
Seats: 5
Why it punches above its price:
This is the best value long-range SUV on the list. With rear-wheel drive and Hyundai’s hyper-efficient design, the IONIQ 5 delivers better real-world range than many AWD competitors costing $20K more. Plus, it charges faster than almost anything—if you find an 800V charger.
Downsides:
Rear seat doesn’t recline as far as competitors. AWD version loses range. No Tesla access (yet) in many states.
4. Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD
Estimated Real-World Range: 270–310 miles
EPA Estimate: 330 miles
Starting Price: ~$48,000
Charging: 250 kW on Tesla network
Seats: 5 or optional 7 (tight 3rd row)
Why it’s still a best-seller:
There’s a reason the Model Y outsells everything. It’s quick, efficient, charges fast, and just works. The range is strong in real-world driving—even in cold weather—and the software keeps getting better.
Downsides:
Interior isn’t as premium as some rivals. Rear seats are cramped with 7 passengers. Price creep with options is real.
5. Kia EV9 Long Range RWD
Estimated Real-World Range: 270–300 miles
EPA Estimate: 304 miles
Starting Price: ~$59,000
Charging: 800V, up to 236 kW
Seats: 6 or 7
Why it’s a family favorite:
The EV9 is a true three-row SUV—not a crossover with a badge. It offers real room in the back, strong efficiency for its size, and ultra-fast charging. Perfect for families doing real driving, not just school drop-offs.
Downsides:
The AWD version eats range. Still new, so long-term reliability data is limited.
6. Volvo EX90 Twin Motor
Estimated Real-World Range: 270–290 miles
EPA Estimate: 300 miles (projected)
Starting Price: ~$76,000
Charging: 250 kW
Seats: 7
Why it’s worth watching:
Volvo’s new EX90 is built on their latest SPA2 platform and designed with long-distance comfort in mind. It’s got built-in Google, Lidar safety systems, and a roomy interior. Early tests show solid winter range—making it a sleeper pick for northern buyers.
Downsides:
On the pricey side for what you get. Not quite as fast to charge as Hyundai’s 800V platform.
7. Lucid Gravity (Coming Late 2025)
Estimated Real-World Range: 420–480 miles
EPA Estimate: 440+
Starting Price: Estimated $80,000–$100,000+
Charging: 300+ kW, Lucid + CCS
Seats: 5–7
Why it might shatter the range ceiling:
If Lucid delivers what it’s promising, the Gravity SUV will offer the longest real-world range of any EV SUV ever sold. Early Lucid Air models proved they can do it. The Gravity shares the same efficiency DNA, but adds SUV space and utility.
Downsides:
Not out yet. Pricing is still vague. Availability may be limited at launch.
8. Cadillac Lyriq RWD (2025)
Estimated Real-World Range: 280–310 miles
EPA Estimate: 314 miles
Starting Price: ~$58,000
Charging: Up to 190 kW
Seats: 5
Why it’s underrated:
Smooth ride, luxury interior, and a surprising amount of efficiency for a big SUV. The Lyriq is a great long-distance cruiser and flies under the radar. GM’s Ultium system is maturing well, and range loss under load is mild.
Downsides:
No third row. Super Cruise only available on higher trims.
Real-World Range Comparison (Highway + Load)
| SUV | Real-World Range | EPA Range | Seats | Price |
| Lucid Gravity | 420–480 mi | 440+ mi | 5–7 | $80K+ |
| Rivian R1S Max | 350–390 mi | 400+ mi | 7 | $92K+ |
| Tesla Model X LR | 310–340 mi | 348 mi | 7 | $80K+ |
| Kia EV9 LR RWD | 270–300 mi | 304 mi | 6–7 | $59K+ |
| Volvo EX90 | 270–290 mi | 300 mi | 7 | $76K+ |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 LR | 260–285 mi | 303 mi | 5 | $47K+ |
| Tesla Model Y LR | 270–310 mi | 330 mi | 5–7 | $48K+ |
| Cadillac Lyriq RWD | 280–310 mi | 314 mi | 5 | $58K+ |
What You Should Actually Ask When Shopping for Range
Here are five quick questions to keep in your back pocket:
- How far do I really drive in one go?
If you’re not doing more than 200 miles between charges, almost any SUV on this list will work. - Do I have Level 2 charging at home?
If yes, you’ll start every day with a full “tank.” Range anxiety disappears quickly. - Do I drive fast or tow?
Stick to 300+ mile EVs if you regularly drive 75+ mph or carry a heavy load. - What’s the charging network like near me?
Tesla has the edge, but Hyundai, Kia, and Rivian are improving with fast-charger partnerships. - How much of that EPA range will I actually get?
Plan on about 80–85% of the EPA number in real driving. In winter? Maybe 70%.
Final Thoughts: Which Long-Range EV SUV Is Right for You?
If range is your top priority—and it probably should be—the list above narrows things down quickly.
- For luxury and miles, the Lucid Gravity and Tesla Model X lead the pack.
- For smart value and fast charging, IONIQ 5 and Kia EV9 punch well above their price.
- If you want adventure with space and torque, Rivian R1S gets you there and back.
- And if you just want an EV SUV that works, day in and day out, Model Y still does its job better than most.
In 2025 and 2026, we’re not talking about “early adopter” EVs anymore. These are real, road-trip-ready SUVs that can replace your gas ride and take you further—literally.
For honest comparisons, real-world EV advice, and reviews written like you’d explain it to your neighbor, keep checking back at BidForAutos.com.
