Why Real-World Electric SUV Reviews Matter More Than Ever
The EV world moves fast — but when it comes to SUVs, not all electric options are created equal.
On paper, every EV SUV looks amazing. Big range numbers. Fast charging claims. Spacious interiors. Futuristic tech.
But paper is worthless when you’re stuck at a dead charger with groceries in the back, or when that “estimated 300-mile range” disappears after 180 miles on a cold highway.
Driving electric SUVs every day — commuting, loading them up, road-tripping, fighting traffic — tells a very different story than just reading the window sticker.
I’ve spent real time behind the wheel of the biggest EV SUVs coming for 2025 and 2026. Some lived up to the hype. Some fell flat. Some are better than they get credit for.
This guide covers what it’s really like to drive, charge, load, and live with these vehicles — the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Let’s go.
Tesla Model Y – The King of Practical EV SUVs
You can hate Tesla’s hype machine all you want, but the Model Y still owns this space for a reason.
It’s not the prettiest SUV. It’s not the most luxurious. But it just works — every single day.
Driving the Model Y is like slipping into something you already know how to use.
Instant torque off the line. Crisp steering. Great visibility. Easy to maneuver through tight parking lots.
The acceleration, even in Long Range AWD trim, is addictive without feeling ridiculous.
Real-world range? About 270 to 290 miles in mixed driving — and yes, cold weather knocks it down another 10–15%, but that’s true for every EV.
Charging? Tesla’s Supercharger network is still the gold standard. Plug in, it just works. No apps. No nonsense.
At home, using a wall connector, it charges easily overnight from 10% to 90% without a thought.
Interior is famously minimal.
One screen in the middle. No gauge cluster.
At first, it feels weird.
After a week, you stop caring — because it works.
Fit and finish is better in newer builds, but it’s still not Audi-level. You’re buying function, not luxury.
Cargo space? Excellent. The underfloor trunk is brilliant. The rear seats fold flat. You can move serious gear in this thing — or dogs, kids, bikes, whatever your life needs.
Who the Model Y fits:
- Commuters who want reliability
- Families who need space
- Buyers who hate waiting at broken chargers
Hyundai Ioniq 5 – The Best Everyday EV for People Who Want Comfort First
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks like a concept car that somehow snuck onto the road — but it drives better than you expect.
Behind the wheel, the Ioniq 5 is smooth, relaxed, easy.
Steering is light but accurate. Ride comfort is where it really stands out — softer and cushier than the Model Y, without feeling sloppy.
Real-world range on the Long Range AWD? About 250 to 270 miles.
Hyundai’s fast-charging ability (800V system) is no joke — if you find a 350kW charger, you can add 200 miles in under 20 minutes.
Interior? One of the best layouts in the EV world right now.
Open, airy, lots of light. Big dual-screen setup that’s easy to use without feeling overwhelming.
Cargo space is fine — not amazing. The sloped rear hatch design eats into big box hauling.
Who the Ioniq 5 fits:
- Families who value comfort over raw speed
- Buyers who want ultra-fast charging
- Drivers who love modern design but need practicality
Kia EV9 – The Family EV SUV That Finally Nails It
If you’ve been waiting for a real three-row electric SUV that isn’t just “a bigger battery pack,” the Kia EV9 is it.
This thing feels designed for families first.
You sit high. Visibility is excellent. The second-row captain’s chairs (in top trims) are comfortable enough for adults on long trips.
Driving the EV9 feels stable. Heavy? Yes — it’s over 5,500 pounds.
But steering is accurate, ride quality is controlled, and it doesn’t wallow or lean hard in corners.
Real-world range sits around 260 to 280 miles on AWD models.
And like the Ioniq 5, the EV9 can ultra-fast charge at 800V speeds when you find the right stations.
Interior is clean but not spartan.
There’s a good mix of physical buttons for key functions — volume, HVAC — and touchscreen controls for everything else. Kia found a smart middle ground here.
Cargo space:
- Behind third row: Limited (it’s still a three-row SUV)
- Behind second row: Massive — perfect for family gear
Who the EV9 fits:
- Families who need real room without buying a Rivian or Tesla Model X
- Buyers who want simple, quick charging
- People who want a serious SUV feel without going full luxury pricing
Rivian R2 – The Adventure SUV for the Next Generation
The Rivian R2 is not a cheaper R1S — it’s its own beast.
Smaller, lighter, cheaper — but still built with that same outdoor spirit Rivian nailed with their bigger models.
Driving the R2 feels lively.
Steering is sharper than you expect. Acceleration feels snappy even in the dual-motor trim.
Ride quality is firmer than Hyundai or Kia EVs but much more compliant than something stiff like the Cybertruck.
Real-world range will vary depending on battery choice:
- Standard Pack: around 240 miles
- Large Pack: close to 300 miles
Charging?
Good — not Tesla-level yet, but improving. Rivian’s Adventure Network expansion is making road trips easier every month.
Interior feel?
Utilitarian but clean.
Think Subaru meets Patagonia.
It’s functional without feeling cheap.
Gear tunnel storage (like the R1T truck)? Sadly gone in the R2.
But rear storage and roof rails mean this thing still hauls adventure gear easily.
Who the R2 fits:
- Young families
- Weekend adventurers
- Buyers who want outdoorsy design without luxury prices
Ford Explorer EV – The Name You Know, Reinvented for Electric
Ford’s bringing back the Explorer EV with a real focus on space, comfort, and daily practicality.
It feels familiar in all the right ways — but finally moves beyond old-school SUV compromises.
Driving the Explorer EV feels more relaxed than the Lightning truck.
Steering is light, visibility is wide, and the weight of the battery pack gives it a planted, grounded feel on rough city roads.
Real-world range?
Expect around 275 miles with the standard battery, and up to 320 miles with the long-range pack.
Charging?
Ford’s BlueOval network access helps a lot — you get a card that taps into thousands of non-Tesla chargers easily.
Interior?
Roomy. Airy. Familiar Ford materials — not luxury-grade, but rugged and family-ready.
Big physical buttons are still there for major controls. Good move.
Cargo space is strong — Ford didn’t sacrifice it for battery packaging. Third-row access is tighter than gas models, but second-row space is generous.
Who the Explorer EV fits:
- Families who like traditional SUV proportions
- Commuters who want a no-drama EV
- Ford loyalists who want to stay in the family without buying a Lightning
Chevrolet Equinox EV – The Affordable EV SUV Done Right
The Equinox EV could be one of the biggest sleeper hits of 2025.
Driving it feels light and easy.
It’s not quick like a Tesla, but the torque delivery is immediate, and the steering is perfectly weighted for city and suburban driving.
Ride quality is surprisingly plush. Chevrolet tuned this SUV for normal American roads — potholes, cracks, rough patches — not German autobahns.
Real-world range on the bigger battery pack?
Around 290 to 310 miles, depending on how heavy your foot is.
Charging?
Not quite as fast as Hyundai or Kia’s 800V systems, but still quick enough to get you back on the road in under 40 minutes at good DC fast chargers.
Interior is simple but functional. Big touchscreen. Physical controls for HVAC and media (thankfully).
Seats are comfortable for long trips — no strange posture tricks needed.
Price: Starting under $40K even with decent options — a game-changer.
Who the Equinox EV fits:
- Budget-minded buyers who still want real range
- Small families
- First-time EV owners who want something easy to live with
Volvo EX30 – The Premium Compact EV That Hits Above Its Weight
If you want something a little smaller but way more upscale, the Volvo EX30 is your EV.
Driving the EX30 is a blast.
It’s quick — seriously quick. The dual-motor AWD version hits 60 mph in under 4 seconds.
But it’s also refined, with one of the best steering feels in the small SUV world.
Real-world range?
220 to 270 miles, depending on battery size and drive setup.
Interior design is classic Volvo: minimalist, calming, and built from sustainable materials.
You feel like you’re in a cozy Scandinavian living room — without it feeling cheap.
Cargo space is tight — this is a small SUV — but the back seats fold flat, and there’s a small front trunk for extra storage.
Charging: Fast enough for road trips, especially in AWD trims.
Who the EX30 fits:
- Single drivers or couples
- Buyers who want luxury without breaking $60K
- City dwellers who still love a good road trip
Volvo EX90 – The Family Hauler with Class
The EX90 is Volvo’s big flagship three-row EV SUV — and it feels every bit like a modern luxury family machine.
Driving it feels heavy but deliberate.
Steering is direct. Throttle response is smooth.
The EX90 is about grace, not speed — though it’s still quicker than most gas SUVs its size.
Real-world range?
270 to 300 miles, depending on how you load it up and drive.
Interior is peak modern Volvo.
Beautiful materials. Big center touchscreen. Calming, spa-like atmosphere.
Cargo space?
Excellent.
Third row fits real adults for short trips. Fold it down, and you have a cavernous space for everything from strollers to IKEA runs.
Charging: 250kW fast-charging capable — so road trips are doable with the right stops.
Who the EX90 fits:
- Families who want refinement
- Buyers who take lots of long trips
- People who prioritize safety and comfort over brute speed
Cadillac Lyriq – The Quiet Cruiser
The Cadillac Lyriq may not scream for attention, but spend a week with it and you’ll realize — it’s one of the most relaxed EVs you can drive.
Driving the Lyriq is a study in calmness.
The ride is smooth, steering is light but precise, and the cabin is almost completely silent.
Real-world range?
290 to 310 miles, depending on wheel size and how much highway driving you do.
Charging?
Good but not amazing — 190kW peak rates at ideal stations.
Interior?
Elegant. Muted. Not flashy like a Lucid or Tesla, but seriously comfortable for long days behind the wheel.
Cargo space is solid for a midsize SUV. Back seats have plenty of room for adults, and the split rear storage keeps groceries from flying everywhere.
Who the Lyriq fits:
- Buyers who love quiet, comfortable highway drives
- Commuters who want something premium without screaming about it
- First-time EV luxury buyers
Full Comparison Table: 2025–2026 EV SUVs
| SUV | Real-World Range | Charging Speed | Price Range | Best For |
| Tesla Model Y | 270–290 mi | Superfast | $48K–$60K | Overall ease of use |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 250–270 mi | Ultra-fast | $43K–$58K | Comfort, value |
| Kia EV9 | 260–280 mi | Ultra-fast | $55K–$75K | Family SUV needs |
| Rivian R2 | 240–300 mi | Good | $45K–$60K est. | Adventure, versatility |
| Ford Explorer EV | 275–320 mi | Good | $50K–$65K est. | Traditional SUV buyers |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 290–310 mi | Good | $35K–$48K | Budget-minded families |
| Volvo EX30 | 220–270 mi | Good | $35K–$55K | Singles, couples, city driving |
| Volvo EX90 | 270–300 mi | Ultra-fast | $75K–$95K | Luxury family road trips |
| Cadillac Lyriq | 290–310 mi | Decent | $58K–$75K | Relaxed luxury cruising |
Real Ownership Costs and Realities
- Charging at home: Still the cheapest, about one-third the cost of gas
- Tires: Will wear faster on heavier EV SUVs
- Insurance: Typically 10–20% higher than gas SUVs
- Maintenance: Way less — brakes last longer, no oil changes, no emissions systems
FAQs
Q: Are EV SUVs good for long road trips?
Yes — if you plan your charging stops carefully. Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla models are easiest for road tripping today.
Q: How long do EV SUV batteries last?
Expect 10 to 15 years under normal use. Most batteries retain 70–80% capacity after 8 years.
Q: Should I get AWD or RWD for an EV SUV?
AWD is better for snowy regions.
RWD versions are slightly more efficient and cheaper.
Q: Will resale values be strong for EV SUVs?
Early data says yes — Model Y, Ioniq 5, and Rivian R1S are all holding value strong so far.
Final Thoughts: What EV SUV Fits You Best?
If you want simple, fast, proven: Model Y
If you want comfort first: Hyundai Ioniq 5
If you need a real family hauler: Kia EV9
If you want adventure: Rivian R2
If you want luxury calmness: Volvo EX90 or Cadillac Lyriq
