Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common sight on the road, offering a driving experience that's fundamentally different from their gasoline-powered counterparts. The primary appeal for many drivers is the quiet, smooth, and instantaneous acceleration that electric motors provide, making city driving and highway merging feel effortless. Beyond performance, EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions and the need for regular oil changes, simplifying maintenance schedules. As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, the prospect of owning an EV is becoming more practical for a wider range of drivers.
However, choosing the right electric car involves a unique set of considerations. Range is a top concern, with today's models offering anywhere from around 200 miles to over 500 miles on a single charge. Charging speed and access to reliable public charging networks are also critical factors for those who plan to take longer trips. Practicality remains key, with buyers weighing cargo space, passenger room, and available technology just as they would with any other vehicle. This guide highlights the best electric cars available, from family-friendly SUVs like the Kia EV9 to long-range sedans like the Lucid Air, helping you find the right fit for your daily driving needs.
The Best Electric Cars of 2026
- Tesla Model 3
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV9
- Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Lucid Air
- Porsche Taycan
- BMW iX
- Polestar 2
- Rivian R1T
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1. Tesla Model 3
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 27.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
The Model 3 is the most affordable member of the current Tesla lineup, and it got a major revision last year. Like its larger Model S sibling, it has sharp handling, telltale exterior styling, and a futuristic, minimalist cabin. The interior’s design is dominated by a large central touchscreen that replaces the conventional instrument panel and controls, and Tesla even removed the turn signal and shifter stalks. While cool to look at, stuffing so many functions into a central screen can be annoying in daily driving, and there’s certainly a steep learning curve. Nor are Apple CarPay or Android Auto available.
Tesla has also given the interior materials a major upgrade, answering one of the prime criticisms of earlier Model 3s. While still not necessarily “opulent,” the new door fittings, redesigned standard heated-and-ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting make the Model 3 feel more like other cars in its price range. The back seat is still relatively small, but no worse than a BMW i4 or 3 Series. In cargo terms, however, the Model 3 is a serious overachiever, with nearly 20 cubic feet of rear trunk space and a useful 3.1 cubic foot frunk (front trunk) as well as lots of bins in the cabin.
In terms of performance, the Model 3 offers genuine handling prowess and plenty of power. The latest models also get improved suspension damping, which help smooth out the previously firm ride. The standard RWD model offers 272 miles of range and a zero-to-60 time of 5.8 seconds. The dual-motor Long Range offers up to 333 miles of range and 4.1-second zero-to-60 runs. Finally, the Model 3 Performance offers 315 miles of range and 3.1 seconds.
2. Ford F-150 Lightning
CarGurus expert rating: 8.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive electric powertrain | Extended-range models are pricey |
| Standard all-wheel drive | |
| Comfortable |
The Ford F-150 Lightning makes the case that going electric doesn't mean giving anything up—and for truck buyers especially, it may mean gaining quite a bit. Built on the bones of America's best-selling vehicle, the Lightning looks and lives like a familiar F-150 in many ways, with crew cab seating for five and an interior that rivals many family SUVs for legroom and comfort. What sets it apart is what's underneath: dual electric motors delivering standard all-wheel drive, a jaw-dropping 775 pound-feet of torque regardless of trim, and a 14.1-cubic-foot "Mega Power Frunk" up front that locks, drains, and can keep things cold—something no gas F-150 can offer. The optional onboard power supply adds outlets throughout the cabin, bed, and frunk, effectively turning the Lightning into a mobile generator capable of powering a home for up to three days during an outage.
The Lightning's performance is genuinely startling for a vehicle this size. With the extended-range battery, output climbs to 563 horsepower and range reaches 320 miles — enough to make it a credible daily driver and weekend hauler alike. Towing capacity tops out at 10,000 pounds, though buyers should know that range will decrease meaningfully under a heavy load; the Lightning helpfully includes bed scales and adjusts its range estimate in real time as payload increases. The base standard-range model starts at an accessible price point for a work-ready EV truck, though extended-range trims climb quickly. Across the lineup, standard Co-Pilot 360 safety tech, strong crash-test scores, and Ford's broad dealership network make the Lightning as practical as it is compelling — and it remains one of the most important electric vehicles on the road today.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Electric vehicles have been kicking around America for some time now. From the ill-fated General Motors EV1 to the early success of the Nissan Leaf and on to the meteoric rise of Tesla, we’ve had plenty of time to get used to EVs. But there’s never before been an EV with as much mass appeal as the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning." - Matt Smith
Read our most recent Ford F-150 Lightning review
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
CarGurus expert rating: 8.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 23.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Broad public charging network | Competitors have more storage space |
| Standard advanced safety features | Real leather not available |
| Stylish design |
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 takes a light-touch refresh of a crossover that already nailed the EV basics: usable range, a roomy cabin, and a modern design that doesn’t blend into traffic. Depending on trim and drivetrain, EPA-rated range runs from 245 miles (base SE Standard Range, RWD) up to 318 miles for most single-motor RWD models, while dual-motor AWD models make 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque (with ranges dropping to 290 miles for SE/SEL AWD, 269 miles for Limited AWD, and 259 miles for the slightly lifted, AWD-only XRT). The new XRT trim adds a Terrain Mode button with Snow, Mud, and Sand settings that tweak throttle, regen, and front-to-rear power distribution, giving drivers an extra layer of confidence for dirt roads and sandy access trails even though it isn’t meant for serious rock-crawling.
For everyday livability, Hyundai addressed a common annoyance by making a rear windshield wiper standard, and it revised the center console for more straightforward cupholder and control placement. Passenger space remains a highlight, with up to 39.8 inches of front headroom, 38.7 inches of rear headroom, 41.7 inches of front legroom, and 39.4 inches in back, plus 26.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats (58.5 cubes with them folded) and a small 0.85-cubic-foot frunk. Tech also gets a real-world upgrade with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while charging convenience improves with the switch to NACS for Tesla Supercharger access (and a CCS adapter included). Safety remains a strong point, too: the Ioniq 5 has a five-star NHTSA rating, and Hyundai continues to expand driver-assistance features, including available Highway Driving Assist 2 on SEL, XRT, and Limited trims.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Hyundai makes minor but welcome changes and avoids tweaking the many things that were working well, successfully making a good thing better." - Natalie Harrington
Read our most recent Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
4. Kia EV9
CarGurus expert rating: 8.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 18.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious third row | Expensive |
| Exciting technology | Medium electric range |
| Stylish design |
If you want an EV that can genuinely handle family duty, the EV9 is one of the few fully electric three-row SUVs on sale, and it doesn’t treat that third row like an afterthought. Headroom back there measures 39.5 inches regardless of sunroof options, and cargo space is a useful 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded or 81.7 cubic feet with only the front seats in place. Up front, the EV9’s “floating” center console creates a big open floor area for bags, though the trade-off is less flat, easy-to-reach surface storage for the driver and front passenger.
Range and charging matter in any best-EV conversation, and Kia gives buyers multiple paths: the base Light trim is RWD with 215 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range, while the Light Long Range stretches that to 304 miles (with 201 hp). Dual-motor AWD models (Wind and Land) deliver 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque with 280 miles of range, and the GT-Line trades some range (270 miles) for more torque at 516 lb-ft. Inside, the EV9 leans hard into everyday-friendly tech with a three-screen curved display (including a dedicated 5-inch climate screen) plus physical switches for the tri-zone climate control, and Kia’s planned Kia Connect store could let owners add features later via over-the-air updates—though pricing can climb quickly, as a fully loaded example we tested totaled $78,430 versus a $54,900 starting price.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It looks like Kia’s got a winner on its hands. Well-appointed, comfortably sized, and offered at a price point fit to embarrass its luxury-brand rivals, the EV9 is a compelling package. Add to that its intuitive driving feel and its potential for later-term customization, and this just may be the ambassador vehicle it takes to bring the EV-wary over to the green side." - Natalie Harrington
Read our most recent Kia EV9 review
5. Hyundai Ioniq 6
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.9 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 24.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive electric range | Not much cargo space |
| Fun to drive | Potentially polarizing design |
| Comfortable |
As an electric sedan, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 nails the fundamentals that matter most to EV shoppers: excellent range, quick charging, and a quiet, comfortable driving experience. The lineup ranges from the ultra-efficient SE RWD (EPA-estimated 361 miles) to more feature-rich versions like the SEL and Limited (305 miles with RWD, 270 miles with AWD). Output is strong for the segment—225 hp in RWD form and 320 hp with the dual-motor AWD setup—backed up by smooth, predictable braking and available one-pedal driving. It’s also impressively quick at the plug: with a capable 350-kW DC fast charger, Hyundai says a 10–80% recharge can take as little as 18 minutes.
Inside, the Ioniq 6 pairs a clean, modern cabin design with useful tech, including dual 12.3-inch displays and available Digital Key, plus vehicle-to-load capability for powering small appliances. Practicality is a mixed bag: front-seat space is generous, but rear-seat headroom is tight due to the swoopy roofline, and the trunk is small for the class at 11.2 cubic feet (the frunk is mostly just for a charge cable). Safety equipment is a strength across trims, with a long list of standard driver assists and available Highway Driving Assist 2, though some of the best parking and camera aids are limited to the top Limited trim. Value is compelling for the equipment and capability, but keep in mind the Ioniq 6 doesn’t qualify for the federal EV tax credit if you buy—some shoppers may find better incentives through leasing.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Verdict: The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 hits all of the high notes for an all-[electric sedan](https://www.cargurus.com/lpo/electric-cars "CarGurus Electric Cars hub"), with plenty of range, surprisingly sporty performance, and high levels of comfort. It's also fairly affordable when you consider how much you'll be saving in operating costs. Its unusual exterior styling stands out as one of its potential drawbacks, but otherwise, it's very easy for us to recommend one." - Mark Takahashi Read our most recent Hyundai Ioniq 6 review
6. Lucid Air
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive electric range | Sapphire trim's interior disappoints |
| Fun to drive | Unintuitive controls to adjust basic features |
| Stylish design |
If you’re shopping for one EV that can credibly cover long trips without constant charging stops, the 2024 Lucid Air belongs on your shortlist. Lucid’s big news for 2024 is pricing: the Air Pure RWD starts at $69,900 (a steep drop from last year), and even with the more powerful Touring at $77,900, you’re getting luxury-sedan polish with serious range potential. Depending on trim and wheels, the Air’s EPA figures reach as high as 516 miles in Grand Touring form, while the Pure is rated at 410 miles and still brings plenty of punch at 430 hp—more than enough for everyday commuting and effortless highway merges.
Just as important, the Air feels engineered like a traditional luxury car, not a tech experiment wrapped in leather. The cabin design is clean and upscale with high-quality materials and a smart multi-screen layout, plus useful touches like Apple CarPlay and the ability to display navigation on different screens. Day-to-day usability is generally strong—comfortable seats, good interior storage, and a combined 22.1 cubic feet of cargo space plus a 9.9-cubic-foot frunk—but some basic adjustments (like mirrors and steering column) are buried in touchscreen menus, and outward visibility isn’t great thanks to the steep pillars and small windows. On the road, comfort and control are the payoff: even the extreme 1,234-hp Sapphire is described as composed on rough pavement, and the lineup benefits from fast DC charging capability (up to 300 kW) if you can take advantage of the right chargers.
The CarGurus Verdict: "With speed, style, and superior range, the 2024 Lucid Air is a luxury sedan that doesn't need to make excuses as an electric car." - Clifford Atiyeh
Read our most recent Lucid Air review
7. Porsche Taycan
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 28.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple body styles | Range is merely average |
| Fun to drive | |
| Comfortable |
If you want an electric car that still feels like a true Porsche from behind the wheel, the Taycan delivers, pairing instant EV response with the kind of buttoned-down build quality and clean design that everyday drivers notice every time they open the door. Power ranges from 321 hp in the base car (402 hp briefly with launch control overboost) up to extreme outputs in higher trims, but even the more attainable dual-motor AWD versions provide drama-free acceleration and serious grip. Range varies by configuration—about 208 miles for the base sedan up to an estimated 246 miles in the GTS sedan—so it’s a better fit for drivers who prioritize performance and refinement over maximum miles-per-charge.
For day-to-day livability, the Taycan’s multiple body styles matter: the Cross Turismo’s hatchback layout makes it easier to load bulkier gear, while the sedan still offers a usable 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space plus a small front trunk; the Cross Turismo is rated at 15.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats (measured to the cargo cover). Tech is focused on the driving experience, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and EV-friendly touches like available battery preconditioning for fast charging. DC fast charging can peak at 270 kW, with Porsche quoting a 5% to 80% charge in as little as 23 minutes, though shoppers should note Porsche skips one-pedal driving, and some popular driver-assistance features are packaged as options rather than standard.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Not only does the 2023 Porsche Taycan perform as any new car from Porsche should, but it's also more versatile and affordable than you might think. It may not have the kind of impressive range as some of its rivals, but it's easily one of our favorite EVs for its sleek styling and strong build quality." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Porsche Taycan review
8. BMW iX
CarGurus expert rating: 6.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 28.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rewarding driving dynamics | Potentially polarizing design |
| Premium interior materials | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Impressive technology | Unintuitive technology |
The 2026 BMW iX is a luxury electric SUV that leans heavily on bold styling and a minimalist cabin to make its case, and for 2026 it adds meaningful improvements where EV shoppers feel them most: range and efficiency. Every iX uses a dual-motor AWD setup; the xDrive45 makes 402 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and is quick off the line, while offering up to 312 miles of range in the configuration BMW quotes for that trim (our test vehicle’s 22-inch wheels reduced its range estimate to 279 miles). Charging is solid for the class: on an 11-kW Level 2 setup, BMW says a full charge takes about 9.5 hours, and DC fast charging in xDrive45 can hit 175 kW, with a 10-80% session taking about 34 minutes.
In day-to-day use, the iX delivers the quiet, stable highway demeanor people expect from a premium EV, and it backs that up with a roomy interior and practical cargo space (35.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 77.9 cubic feet with them folded). Tech is a mix of strengths and frustrations: the curved display setup supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus smart route planning with battery preconditioning for charging stops, but the voice assistant and connected features can be inconsistent. Safety tech is also a split—Driving Assistant Plus is standard (including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance), but the most advanced hands-free capability depends on optional equipment and availability, so shoppers should verify what’s active on the specific vehicle they’re considering.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The dizzying pace of change in the electric vehicle segment is how a likable luxury SUV such as the iX can seem like yesterday’s news after just a few short years. The 2026 BMW iX is competitive with the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, but pales in comparison to the Lucid Gravity and the Rivian R1S." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent BMW iX review
9. Polestar 2
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Impressive electric range | Poor ergonomic design |
| Fun to drive | Poor value for money |
With meaningful updates for 2024, the Polestar 2 is a sleek, premium-leaning EV that takes a different approach than the usual electric SUV crowd—thanks to its hatchback body style and tidy footprint. The big headline is the Long Range Single Motor model’s switch to rear-wheel drive, paired with a larger battery and a power bump to 299 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, which helps it feel sharper and more engaging in everyday driving. Range is a major strength in this version, too: up to an EPA-rated 320 miles with the standard 19-inch wheels, giving it the kind of real-world usability shoppers want for commuting and road trips.
It’s also a practical choice within the compact EV class: the hatch makes loading easier than a traditional sedan trunk, and cargo space measures 14.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 38.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. Charging capability is competitive, with Polestar quoting up to 205 kW DC fast charging for the single-motor model and a 10% to 80% charge in 28 minutes, plus an 11-kW onboard AC charger for home Level 2 setups. The trade-offs are worth noting before you buy—controls are heavily screen-based (even for drive settings and regen levels), and while safety equipment improves for 2024 with features like a 360-degree camera system and blind spot monitoring now standard, overall value can be a sticking point against key rivals at similar money.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2024 Polestar 2 gets some notable upgrades, including a range boost, revised styling, and some powertrain changes. All of that helps keep the 2 fresh in the face of competition like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Polestar 2 review
10. Rivian R1T
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 22.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive off-road abilities | Unintuitive technology |
| Fun to drive | No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto |
| Smart cargo and storage solutions |
If you want an EV that can replace a traditional pickup in day-to-day life—while also delivering genuinely eye-opening capability—the Rivian R1T makes a strong case (even if justifying a six-figure sticker is tough). In Quad-motor form, it’s an outrageous machine with 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque, plus surprisingly composed road manners thanks to its low-mounted battery and sophisticated suspension. Range is highly configuration-dependent: the Quad is EPA-estimated at 325 to 374 miles, while the dual-motor version can go as far as 420 miles, and all R1Ts can DC fast charge at up to 220 kW (about 10% to 80% in 30 to 40 minutes, depending on battery size). The switch to a Tesla-derived NACS charge port is a meaningful real-world perk, opening access to Tesla Superchargers in addition to Rivian’s Adventure Network.
The R1T’s usability is also where it earns its place in a best-EVs conversation, because it doesn’t just chase stats—it solves daily problems with clever storage. You get a 4.5-foot bed with 50 inches between the wheel humps, a gear tunnel that’s tailor-made for longer items, and an 11-cubic-foot front trunk for extra, secure storage; on top of that, the truck is rated to tow up to 11,000 pounds and carry up to 1,764 pounds of payload (with the important caveat that towing will cut range dramatically). Inside, the cabin pairs a clean, modern design with durable-looking materials, but the tech can feel overcomplicated at first, and the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a sticking point for shoppers who want seamless phone integration.
The CarGurus Verdict: "With an absurd amount of power, pleasing on-road manners, and nearly unstoppable off-road abilities, the 2026 Rivian R1T Quad is easily one of the best vehicles we've driven—but it’s not cheap." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Rivian R1T review
The Best Electric Cars FAQs
Which electric car on this list has the longest range? The 2024 Lucid Air offers the most impressive range, with the Grand Touring model achieving an EPA-estimated 516 miles on a full charge. Even the base Pure RWD model is rated at an excellent 410 miles.
Are there any three-row electric SUVs for families? Yes, the 2024 Kia EV9 is a purpose-built three-row electric SUV. It's designed with families in mind, offering a genuinely usable third row with 39.5 inches of headroom and 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind it.
What are some of the fastest-charging EVs on the list? The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 are standouts for charging speed. Thanks to their 800-volt architecture, they can use a 350-kW DC fast charger to go from 10% to 80% battery in as little as 18 minutes. The Porsche Taycan is also very quick, capable of a 5% to 80% charge in about 23 minutes on a compatible charger.
Are there any electric pickup trucks on this list? Yes, the 2026 Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that combines impressive on-road performance with serious off-road and utility credentials. It features clever storage solutions like a gear tunnel and a large front trunk, and it's rated to tow up to 11,000 pounds.
Do any of these EVs come in different body styles? The Porsche Taycan offers multiple body styles. In addition to the standard sedan, it is available as the Cross Turismo, which has a hatchback-style rear and a slightly higher ride height, making it a more versatile and practical option for carrying bulky items.
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Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
