Americans have preferred SUVs to sedans for decades now. It's no surprise, then, that a compact gas SUV like the Toyota RAV4 has been the best-selling non-truck vehicle in the U.S. for years.
But the times are changing. In 2023, the Tesla Model Y dethroned the RAV4 to become the world’s best-selling vehicle. Not just the best-selling EV. Not only the best-selling SUV. The best-selling car in the world. Period.
That kind of success inspired every automaker to try and grab a share of the compact electric SUV/crossover segment. As a result, the category has now exploded with so many options that your head might spin just looking at the long list.
That’s where we come in.
How We Picked The Best Compact Electric SUVs
We’ve evaluated this segment extensively to help you find your perfect match. Whether you want a simple, no-nonsense electric SUV, an affordable one, a performance-focused one, a luxurious one or just an all-around champ, we’ve got you covered.
InsideEVs editors bring decades of collective experience driving, testing and obsessing over EVs. We conduct highway range tests and then evaluate the charging performance, speed and reliability of today’s EVs. We test the EVs for comfort, practicality, ergonomics and everyday livability. We have put these models through their paces on actual roads, in real-world conditions, everywhere from sunny California to snowy New York.
Several major high-volume brands in the U.S. now offer an electric compact SUV. If you’re a brand loyalist, odds are you won’t have to jump ship to find something you like. And if you don’t mind switching brands, you’ll likely encounter tempting conquest deals and discounts.
Toyota has real contenders in the mix and its lineup is only getting stronger. If you want an American brand, Ford, General Motors and Tesla will happily sell you a variety of options. The Korean brands—Hyundai and Kia—are quietly dominating with some of the best electric compact SUVs money can buy. And they’re made in America, too.
But all said, there will be at least one great compact electric SUV out there that will check the right boxes for you.
Remember that this is a fast-moving segment and a wave of new launches is lined up this year and the next. New entrants could emerge and disrupt the segment, in which case we will update this list, so make sure to check back frequently.
It’s also worth noting that leasing an EV can be more economical. Thanks to the so-called leasing loophole, an EV can qualify for the federal tax credits without meeting the strict domestic sourcing requirements, which apply when you purchase one outright. Deals vary widely by region, too, so don’t be afraid to search a wide area.
For now, these are our best picks on the market.
Best Overall Compact Electric SUV For Most People: 2025 Tesla Model Y
Base Price: $44,990, before destination. (Eligible for $7,500 tax credit)
Range: 327-357 miles
Drive Type: Rear- or all-wheel drive
The Tesla Model Y has electrified the world like no other non-Chinese EV. Since its debut in 2020, Tesla has sold around 2.4 million units globally, with the Model Y consistently ranking among the best-selling EVs in the U.S., Europe, and China.
Even five years in, it's still one of the easiest EVs to recommend. It’s spacious and has a minimalist cabin. Both the rear- and all-wheel-drive versions deliver well over 300 miles of range. Earlier versions suffered from a stiff suspension that made daily driving uncomfortable, especially over uneven roads, where lateral movement was all too evident. But the refreshed 2025 Model Y fixes that with a more sophisticated suspension that’s now tuned for comfort.
The 2025 update brings subtle and functional design changes, borrowing from the Cybercab with a sleeker fascia and horizontal light bars on both ends. The turn signal stalk returns (after its ill-received removal on the refreshed Model 3). Tesla has added frequency-selective dampers that make a noticeable difference. Ride quality is now one of its strengths as it glides over imperfections with ease. And as ever, the Model Y remains dead simple to drive and effortless to charge.
Elon Musk’s political antics have alienated some potential buyers. But if you’re able to separate the product from the CEO’s personality, the Model Y stands out as one of the most compelling compact electric SUVs on the market.
Read our review of the European-spec 2025 Tesla Model Y here.
Best Non-Tesla Compact Electric SUV: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Base Price: $42,600, before destination. (Eligible for $7,500 tax credit)
Range: 245-318 miles
Drive Type: Rear- or all-wheel drive
The Ioniq 5 helped Hyundai rank second behind Tesla in last year’s EV sales in the U.S. Since 2021, Hyundai has sold over 100,000 units of the EV in the U.S. alone and it has only gotten better ever since.
For model year 2025, it got larger batteries and became the first non-Tesla EV to feature the Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard (NACS) port right from the factory. This latest upgrade really nails it as one of the best EVs on the market right now.
We find the Ioniq 5 to be a comfortable long-distance road tripper with tight, predictable handling. Acceleration is strong but not jarring, unless you’re in the Ioniq 5 N, which is diabolically powerful.
The Ioniq 5's gauge cluster displays maximum, minimum and average range estimates, giving you a clearer picture of both best- and worst-case scenarios. You also get full flexibility with regenerative braking. Switch to one-pedal driving or turn it off entirely, depending on your preference.
The software has some room for improvement. Hyundai is about a generation behind Tesla in this department. Its touchscreen isn’t as responsive and the built-in navigation lacks accuracy. That said, Hyundai is making progress. The Ioniq 5 now supports full over-the-air software updates and, unlike some of its rivals, it offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It’s not a true software-defined vehicle yet, but it makes up for that with its design, performance and everyday comfort.
Plus, the Ioniq 5 rides on an 800-volt architecture, which means it can charge faster than most of its rivals. Its charging speeds can peak at 350 kilowatts, so if the charger is also powerful enough to dispense that much energy that fast, it can go from 10 to 80% charge in just 20 minutes.
The Ioniq 5 offers maximum value in most areas, with minimum compromises, which makes it the easiest-to-recommend compact electric SUV on this list.
Read our review of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 here.
Best Compact Electric SUVs, Other Great Options
2025 Kia EV6
Base Price: $42,900, before destination. (Eligible for $7,500 tax credit)
Range: 231-319 miles
Drive Type: Rear- or all-wheel drive
The Kia EV6 is the Ioniq 5’s corporate cousin. It rides on the same platform, gets identical battery options and now also gets the Tesla-style charging plug right from the factory, translating to seamless Supercharger access across the U.S. Personally, I prefer the Ioniq 5’s retro-modern aesthetic, but the EV6’s futuristic design has its own appeal and is more aerodynamic than the Hyundai.
Overall, the EV6 is a sporty and spacious crossover with a high-tech cabin that’s hard to fault. There’s an EV6 trim for most compact SUV buyers. The single motor rear-wheel drive delivers well over 300 miles of range. The all-wheel drive versions get up to 295 miles of range, which is also impressive. There’s also the bonkers EV6 GT for thrillseekers, which comes with 641 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque.
The EV6 is also part of our long-term fleet, with Editor-in-Chief Patrick having one in his garage. He regularly shares updates about his EV6.
Read our review of the Kia EV6 here.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach E
Base Price: $37,995, before destination.
Range: 260-320 miles
Drive Type: Rear- or all-wheel drive
Call it a "real Mustang," or call it something else. Whatever it is, the Mach-E is a legitimately great EV.
It takes the iconic American muscle car experience into the EV era, minus the V8 noises. Depending on your loyalty to gas cars, that’s either a blessing or a betrayal. But the Mach-E is a genuinely sporty crossover with impressive range and performance.
The single-motor, extended-range version gets 320 miles of range. The GT and Rally trims are quicker off the line than the V8 Mustang. And the Mach-E now outsells its gas-powered namesake by a wide margin.
That said, it has room for improvement. The infotainment system could be more intuitive and its peak charging speed of 150 kilowatts lags behind rivals like the Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It should be fine for daily use, but it’s high time the Mach-e gets the capability to gulp electrons faster.
Read our review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E here.
Best Compact Electric SUVs For Performance
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Base Price: $66,200, before destination.
Range: 221 miles
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
0-60 miles per hour: 3.25 seconds
The Ioniq 5 N flashes the middle finger to internal combustion, unlike any other EV. Its dual electric motors produce 641 horsepower and 770 pound-feet of torque. It has simulated manual gear shifts that bounce off a virtual rev limiter like a gas sports car. The synthesized V8-like noises sound artificial and gimmicky, but heighten the experience.
With 221 miles of range, it’s not a road tripper at heart, but if you’re seeking serious electric performance in the compact SUV form factor, you will love the drama of the Ioniq 5 N.
Read our review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N here.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
Base Price: $58,490, before destination.
Range: 265 miles
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
0-60 miles per hour: 3.4 seconds
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally doesn’t deliver the visceral thrills of the Ioniq 5 N, but it’s exhilarating in its own ways and comes with a more palatable price tag. It’s a special Mach-E variant with a lifted suspension, a unique RallySport drive mode, and special styling elements that evoke a classic rally car.
I drove it on the dirt track at Monticello Motor Club last year, where it behaved like a proper rally car, making even average drivers like me feel like motorsport pros. It loves to fishtail, but never lets things get out of hand thanks to a sophisticated traction management system. Its rally-cross tuned Magneride suspension also does a great job soaking up bumps on paved roads.
Read our review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally here.
2025 Porsche Macan Electric
Base Price: $75,300, before destination.
Range: 288-315 miles
Drive Type: Rear- or all-wheel drive
0-60 miles per hour: 3.1-5.4 seconds
The Porsche Macan Electric is arguably the most dialed-in electric crossover when it comes to ride and handling. It offers over 300 miles of range, delivers a remarkably composed ride and features a high-tech interior loaded with features. It rides on the 800-volt Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which makes it one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market. And being a Porsche, no version of the new Macan—which stretches from a base RWD model to the Turbo version with up to 630 hp.
In his first drive review, InsideEVs Deputy Editor Mack Hogan said the Macan’s steep price tag may not be justified if you're focused on value—several lower-priced EVs also deliver blistering performance without emptying your wallet. But if cost isn’t a concern and you’re loyal to the Porsche badge, the Macan Electric is seriously impressive overall.
Read our review of the Porsche Macan Electric here.
Best Affordable Compact Electric SUVs
2025 Chevy Equinox EV
Base Price: $33,600, before destination.
Range: 307-319 miles
Drive Type: Front- or all-wheel drive
The Chevy Equinox EV took home InsideEVs’ inaugural Breakthrough Award last year, and for good reason. With the average new car selling for $48,799 in May 2025, the Equinox EV undercuts that figure by roughly $20,000. Yet for that price, it delivers an EPA-estimated 319 miles of range, making it the most affordable EV in America with over 300 miles on a single charge.
It’s the most no-nonsense EV in this group, well-suited for buyers who just care about getting from one place to another without tailpipe emissions. Despite its low starting price, it comes with a tech-forward cabin, featuring a massive central infotainment screen, built-in Google Maps and relatively slick software. It’s also roomy, with enough space to comfortably seat four adults.
Of course, it’s far from perfect. The base models are front-wheel drive and 213 horsepower won’t exactly blow your mind in an era where neck-snapping acceleration is common on most new EVs. But Chevy cut corners where it could and delivered where it truly matters, making the Equinox EV the best affordable electric compact SUV on the market today.
Read our review of the Chevy Equinox EV here.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
Base Price: $32,975, before destination.
Range: 200-261 miles
Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
The Hyundai Kona Electric doesn’t qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, but the automaker is offering a comparable discount on both purchases and leases, making it a strong value play in the affordable EV space. It’s a sensible electric crossover that looks futuristic and delivers a well-rounded mix of practicality, comfort and everyday functionality.
In our first drive, we found it to be quiet, comfortable and easy to drive. Charging speed isn’t class-leading. The Kona can go from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes, roughly the length of a relaxed lunch break. But it’s abundantly equipped in terms of features and even gets vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, meaning you can power external electrical appliances using its battery.
Overall, the Kona Electric is a friendly, trouble-free commuter with just enough personality to stand out without trying too hard.
Read our review of the Hyundai Kona Electric here.
2025 Kia Niro EV
Base Price: $39,600, before destination.
Range: 253 miles
Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
The Niro EV shares its platform with the Hyundai Kona Electric. Like the Kona, its strengths aren’t in charging speed or outright range, but it’s generously equipped even on the base trim. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and central display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as safety tech like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
We found the Niro EV to be a comfortable, easygoing crossover with ample room for four adults and their cargo. The nearly $40,000 starting price is about $7,000 higher than the Kona Electric, which may make outright purchase a harder sell. But it earns its place in the best affordable electric compact SUV category thanks to Kia’s consistently aggressive lease offers.
As of this writing, the Niro EV can be leased for as little as $119 per month for 24 months with $4,000 due at signing. That figure depends on dealer participation, but if you find one willing to play ball, you’ve got yourself a steal.
Read our review of the Kia Niro EV here.
Best Premium Compact Electric SUV
2025 Cadillac Optiq
Base Price: $54,390, before destination. (Eligible for $7,500 tax credit)
Range: 302 miles
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
The Cadillac Optiq delivers a luxury experience in a zero-emissions, far more approachable package. With an upmarket design and premium materials inside and out, it feels high-end, without making you glance at the price tag and scream profanities (Looking at you, Escalade IQ).
We found the Optiq to be a well-rounded, compact electric SUV. It’s stylish, comfortable and premium. All-wheel drive and GM’s Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) come standard. The cabin is loaded with tech, including native Google Maps integration, a slick touchscreen and a Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound system, which is a rare and impressive addition at this price point.
It also qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, giving it a clear edge over rivals like the Genesis GV60 and Volvo EX30. The Volvo might be more fun to drive, but the Optiq is a better overall package.
Read our full review of the Cadillac Optiq here.
Upcoming Compact Electric SUVs
2026 Nissan Leaf
Estimated Price: $30,000-$40,000
Range: Up to 303 miles
Drive type: Front- or all-wheel drive
The Nissan Leaf will return this fall in an all-new avatar. Now in its third generation, the Leaf is a bulbous aerodynamic crossover with more than 300 miles of range and a Tesla-style charging plug fitted right from the factory. This time, it’s loaded with tech, with things such as a dual 14.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment screen with Google built-in. If Nissan manages to strike the sub-$30,000 starting price, it may have a winner on its hands.
Read our first impressions of the Nissan Leaf here.
2027 Chevy Bolt EV
Estimated Price: Unknown. $25,000-$35,000 estimated
Estimated Range: 300 miles (based on reports)
Drive type: Front- or all-wheel drive
GM is bringing back the Bolt EV for the 2027 model year, with production expected to begin later this year. This time, it will ride on GM’s dedicated Ultium EV platform—shared with the Equinox EV and Blazer EV—which should translate to significantly more driving range, a tech-rich cabin and potentially a sub-$30,000 starting price, thanks in part to the use of cost-effective lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
The outgoing Bolt was a fan favorite, loved for its value, practicality and small footprint. Its successor will have big shoes to fill.
2026 Tesla Model Y Performance
Estimated Price: $55,000
Estimated range: 280 miles
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Tesla doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to launching bonkers performance versions of all its EVs. The Model Y isn’t an exception to that. The refreshed Model Y already brings more range, a sleeker design and a more refined and comfortable driving experience than before. A Performance trim is likely just around the corner. And it will likely be cheaper than the Macan Electric and the Ioniq 5 N, because Tesla tends to have lower production costs and better margins.
Expect a 0-60 mph time of around 3 seconds, stiffer dampers for sharper handling and subtle design cues to help it stand apart from the Long Range model. This is one of the greatest joys of EVs—the supercar level of performance is now far more accessible to a much, much wider audience.
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