There are more family-friendly electric vehicles than ever, which are much cheaper to run. Kia’s new EV9 is a fantastic option for those looking for comfortable driving dynamics and a long-range. At the same time, Rivian’s R1S is a full-size, three-row electric SUV with a beautiful interior.
These cars have ample space for kids’ toys and luggage, big boots, and modern technology. But which one’s right for you?
Kia e-Niro
Kia’s e-Niro is one of the most popular electric SUVs on the market, and for good reason. It’s a practical ‘compact crossover’ that’s easy to live with, cheap to run, and backed by Kia’s seven-year warranty.
Its 39kWh battery enables a real-world driving range of around 180 miles. That’s enough for most commuters and family trips and is only a few miles short of the much more expensive Tesla Model X.
The e-Niro is also cheaper to insure than a petrol or diesel SUV. Plus, it’s covered by a generous seven-year/100,000-mile battery and motor warranty.
Nissan Ariya
The Ariya’s atypically smooth electric power is significant for town driving, and Nissan’s dual-motor e-Force drive system can sprint from a dead stop to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which puts it at the front of its class. But it’s no fun to hustle the Ariya through tight twisties, and its suspension tends to jiggle and fidget at lower speeds.
Up front, the Ariya’s cosseting seats are well-positioned and roomy, and we appreciate that it uses traditional exterior door handles instead of flush-mounted ones like some other EVs. However, getting in and out of the back seat is tricky due to its high roofline, which cuts into the rear headroom.
The Ariya’s EPA-estimated 304-mile range tops that of other family-friendly EV SUVs such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Honda Prologue, and it comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. It’s available with a 63- or 87-kWh battery and in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Toyota bZ4X
The 2024 bZ4X is Toyota’s first electric SUV. Its e-TNGA dedicated platform positions the battery low in the chassis, providing a lower centre of gravity for greater driving enjoyment and a more assertive stance.
Powered by a 71.4-kWh battery, the bZ4X delivers up to 236 miles of EPA-estimated range on a single charge and uses regenerative braking to extend its charge even further. A dual-voltage charging cable is standard, allowing you to plug in either 120- or 240-volt power sources for maximum flexibility.
The bZ4X offers a spacious and comfortable cabin for up to five passengers, with ample room in the back row. A 12.3-inch multimedia system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM compatibility, with wireless phone charging available for your devices. An intelligent key system lets you unlock and start your bZ4X with a button. Adding extra convenience, the rear cargo space can be lowered to expand storage capacity.
BMW iX
If you want a family SUV at the cutting edge of electric vehicles, the BMW iX is the one to get. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea on the looks front, but it’s straightforward to drive around town or even on SF->Tahoe trips, and the interior is incredibly comfortable.
The 2024 model’s 74kWh battery delivers a range of up to 311 miles on a single charge, with a top speed of 130 MPH. It’s paired with a two-motor eDrive drivetrain and offers the option of DC fast charging.
Inside the cabin, a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster combine under a single glass panel. The iDrive 8.5 system is quick and intuitive, with voice commands available to help reduce driver distraction. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while a Wi-Fi hotspot with 5G connectivity is an option. A choice of 18-speaker Harman Kardon or 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio setups are also offered.
Chevrolet Bolt
Regarding electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Bolt piques the most interest among our Car Talk reviewers. It’s the most affordable new electric vehicle and has a 238-mile range. Plus, it looks and drives more like a regular small car than most others on the road.
The Bolt’s 65-kilowatt-hour battery pack powers an electric motor that produces 200 electrified horses and 266 pound-feet of torque. The result is a car that can accelerate from 0 to 60 in around 7 seconds and effortlessly merge or pass on the highway.
Drivers can track their driving efficiency thanks to a prominent range indicator in the instrument cluster. The infotainment system is easy to use and displays various data that help you plan your commute. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and you can upgrade to the 2LT trim to add blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and an adaptive cruise control that works with forward collision mitigation.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq isn’t the biggest EV out there, but it’s still more roomy than many – including the Skoda Enyaq (585 litres) and VW ID4 (443 litres). That means you’ll have no trouble fitting a few child seats in the back or plenty of luggage.
The Ioniq also looks like a car from the future, which helps to stand it apart from its more conventional competitors. It has a dual-screen infotainment system that’s easy to use and doesn’t require a particular EV learning curve.
The entry-level RWD 170 model is our pick, using a 58kWh battery with a single electric motor driving the rear wheels and delivering 170bhp for a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds. A step up to Premium adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and part-leather upholstery. N Line S and Ultimate versions have a sportier look with 20-inch wheels, rear privacy glass and more tech.
