The world has started moving away from the internal combustion engine (ICE), with even hybrids taking a back seat as the age of electric cars dawns upon us. The fact that several automakers have made commitments to completely phase out their gasoline-powered vehicles is evidence of this. So, with truly green cars now on the cards for the masses, especially in the US, it’s more important than ever to know which electric cars offer the best value for your hard-earned money. Luckily, we have the rankings of the best electric cars of 2026 right here for you, along with some information on what makes each of these models the best when it comes to e-mobility.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
1
Rivian R1S SUV
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
1-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
533 HP
Base Trim Torque
610 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
85/72/79 mpge
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 Rivian R1S SUV and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Our top-rated electric car to jump start this list of EVs is the Rivian R1S. It’s a practical family SUV with plenty of interior space. Not only is it comfortable for families, it’s capable off the pavement with numerous drive modes in higher trim levels. Those same high trim levels, like the Tri and Quad variants, have more than enough horsepower and instant torque to beat a supercar in a drag race. There are four trims to choose from. The Dual Standard starts the lineup at $76,990, and comes with 533 horsepower. At that price, you get 270 miles of range, but the next trim can drive 410 miles with the Max Battery.
“Every R1S rides on independent air suspension with adaptive dampers and automatic ride-height leveling. Reviews of the pre-facelift R1S criticized it for a hard ride, which has been addressed with this new model. The suspension rides smoothly over bumps, especially in Soft Mode, but we found this setting to allow too much body motion on certain highways.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
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2
Genesis GV60
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
1-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
225 HP
Base Trim Torque
258 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
125/99/112 mpge
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
10 /10
Find 2026 Genesis GV60 and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
One luxurious model on this list of the highest rated electric cars is the Genesis GV60. It’s not the largest model Genesis makes, nor is it the most expensive; the GV60 is a relatively affordable entrance into the world of high-end EVs. The GV60 starts at $52,525 for the RWD trim, but pricing extends as high as 71,875 before destination and options for the Performance AWD trim. This version gets two motors that make a combined 483 horsepower (with Boost Mode) and 516 lb-ft of torque. It can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes. We enjoyed its interior and comfort features as much as its performance on the road.
“Playing around with the Drive Mode button dramatically changes the GV60’s personality. Eco Mode dials back power in the name of efficiency, making the Performance model feel more like the rear-drive Standard trim. Comfort Mode is the default, enabling more eager acceleration. Sport Mode firms up the adaptive suspension, tightens the steering, and tunes the throttle to require less input for quick bursts of power.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
3
Tesla Model X Plaid
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
1-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
1020 HP
Base Trim Torque
1050 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
92/84/88 mpge
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 Tesla Model X Plaid and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
We were shocked to hear the news about Tesla discontinuing the two models that make the brand what it is today. The Model X Plaid is a variant of its three-row family SUV with an insane amount of power. Production is set to end in the Spring of this year, but there’s still time to buy a new unit today. It’s not cheap, as this version starts at $114,990. For that much money, though, buyers are rewarded with 1,020 horsepower produced by a tri-motor setup that can sprint to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Driving more cautiously means an estimated range of 335 miles.
4
GMC Sierra EV
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
510 HP
Base Trim Torque
490 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 GMC Sierra EV and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
We haven’t forgotten about the world of electric pickup trucks – we think the best EV truck is the GMC Sierra EV. This model can act as a family car with room for five people in its luxurious interior, but it’s just as capable of doing truck stuff. GMC claims the Sierra EV can tow up to 10,000 pounds, or, when unladen, it has an impressive maximum range of 478 miles. That’s enough to leave range anxiety in the dust. It’s available in three trims that start with the Elevation at $62,400, and end with the Denali at $69,700 before destination and options.
“Road noise in the Sierra EV is lower than its Silverado counterpart, and there is no annoying pedestrian hum that’s audible when you are sitting in traffic. Super Cruise is available on most trims, taking full advantage of the truck’s impressive range to make highway driving a joy. Even tight parking maneuvers are simple thanks to four-wheel steering on AT4 and Denali trims.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
5
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
168 HP
Base Trim Torque
258 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
127/94/110 mpge
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Not all top electric vehicles have to be especially fast, luxurious, or remarkable in one way or another. Some, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, are impressive while remaining relatively affordable. Hyundai’s EVs continue to be some of the best on the market. This model, in particular, starts at just $35,000 before destination for the SE Standard Range trim, and extends to the Limited for $45,075. Power comes from either a single motor on the rear axle that makes 168 hp in the base model (or 225 hp in every other trim), or two motors that make a combined 320 hp. The model has a maximum range of 318 miles when properly equipped.
“The Ioniq 5 has the aggressive acceleration that is a hallmark of electric vehicles. It’ll press you back in your seat and put a smile on your face while still keeping you fully in control. On winding roads, it handles beautifully with four levels of regenerative braking and true one-pedal driving that is exceptionally easy to modulate. It takes almost no time to become accustomed to the braking, so it’s second nature.”
– Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz
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6
Lucid Air Sapphire
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
1-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
1234 HP
Base Trim Torque
1430 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 Lucid Air Sapphire and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
The most expensive and most luxurious model to rank among the best electric vehicles is Lucid’s Air Sapphire. The regular Lucid Air is an impressive high-end car, but upgrading to the Sapphire trim level means basking in luxury. Not only is the Air Sapphire fully-equipped with more comfort features than anybody would ever need, it’s quicker than anyone could ever need. Three motors produce 1,234 horsepower to launch the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 1.89 seconds. If that’s not cool enough for you, you can rest assured that you’ll always arrive at your destination with 427 miles of range. The only issue is that this variant of the Air starts at $249,000.
7
Nissan Leaf
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
Single-speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
174 hp
Base Trim Torque
254 lb-ft
Base Trim Battery Type
lithium-ion
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 Nissan Leaf and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Not only do we list the Nissan Leaf as one of the best electric cars, we awarded it three titles for being the Best Electric Vehicle, Best Budget Vehicle, and Car of the Year overall for 2026. We say all that while knowing that this is a cheap EV, but that’s the point. We think it’s great because it’s so affordabe – this model is really about setting your expectations properly. It’s not the most luxurious, nor does it have the best range. However, the Leaf can drive up to 303 miles on one charge. Nissan starts its Leaf at $29,990 before destination.
“The Leaf’s short wheelbase made us worry it would deliver a busy ride, but it’s more pleasant than we expected. There is some typical small car vibration and harshness, but that’s to be anticipated from this size and price point. Opting for the smaller wheels on one of the lower trims might be the trick for improving the ride and the range…”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
8
Porsche Taycan Turbo
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
2-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
697 HP
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 Porsche Taycan Turbo and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Our list of the top EVs continues with the Porsche Taycan Turbo. Not unlike the Lucid Air’s standard trims compared to its Sapphire variant, the standard Taycan can be a relaxing, quiet ride when you want one. However, upgrading to the Turbo variant adds a sense of excitement with two electric motors that make a combined 697 horsepower regularly, or up to 871 hp with “Overboost.” Activating Overboost, then using launch control, allows the Taycan Turbo to sprint to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. It can also charge fairly quickly; the Taycan Turbo charges from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.
9
Kia EV9
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
215 HP
Base Trim Torque
258 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Find 2026 Kia EV9 and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Another model to consider if you have a large family is the Kia EV9. This is the biggest EV the brand currently sells, with room for up to seven occupants and a maximum cargo capacity of 81.7 cubic feet behind the front row. It stands up to other full-size rivals like the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X, but does so at a lower price point – the EV9 starts at $54,900 before destination for the Light RWD trim. Powering this EV is either a single motor that makes 201–215 hp, or a dual-motor setup that makes 379 hp. Trims with a single motor and a long-range battery can drive up to 305 miles on a full charge.
“…the EV9 isn’t a sports car and quiet power like that is a prime ingredient for a good premium-level vehicle. Winding through valley and mountain roads or maneuvering with fast-moving traffic, the EV9 is sure of itself and does everything it can to make you forget it is a hefty piece of machinery – until you start feeling the ride.”
– Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz
10
Audi S E-Tron GT
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
2-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
89/85/88 mpge
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Find 2026 Audi S e-tron GT and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Audi’s S E-Tron GT makes a home in our list of the best electric vehicles with a BuzzScore of 8.0 out of 10. It shares a platform with the Porsche Taycan, meaning it has very similar performance, but the S E-Tron GT costs a bit less. That doesn’t mean it’s cheap, though. This is still a German luxury sports sedan, so it starts at $127,700 before destination and options. Driving all four wheels is a dual-motor setup that makes a combined 670 horsepower. That’s enough to launch the sedan to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 152 mph. Audi says this model gets 300 miles of range on a full charge.
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Main Characteristics Of Green Cars
Gone are the days when small hatchbacks were your only choice when it came to owning a fully electric car. Now, EVs take just about any form, from the humble sedan to the ever-popular SUV. Even pickup trucks are entering the ranks of all-electric cars in 2026. However, no matter the shape or size, all the best electric vehicles have some common attributes. These are the things that set EVs apart from their ICE counterparts:
No need for fossil fuels: First and foremost is the reliance on electricity rather than gasoline or diesel – the classic fossil fuels. These vehicles are outfitted with high-capacity batteries that power their electric motors, with some models sporting as many as four units spread between the axles and/or wheels. This does more than just save money on your fuel bill each month; the reduction in carbon emissions has a profound impact on the environment.
Charging stations, not gas stations: As with traditional vehicles, EVs require certain infrastructure to function efficiently. You can’t be expected to dash back home and plug in the charger each time your battery gets low. Many companies, such as EVgo, Chargepoint, and Tesla, have put the gears in motion, but there will need to be as many charging stations as there are gas stations before the world will be ready to truly transition over to electric power.
Silent, instantaneous acceleration: One of the reasons many sports car manufacturers are excited about the EV revolution is the capabilities of pure-electric powertrains. There is no longer a need to wait for the engine to burn fuel, so the moment you put your foot down, you’re already moving. Of course, the excessive amounts of torque developed by electric motors is another of the benefits, so 0-60 mph sprint times of under two seconds are now possible. Some petrolheads will bemoan the lack of an ICE soundtrack to drive alongside since EVs are entirely silent, but you really can’t argue with the performance figures.
Limited range: Nobody said it was all good news. Just as the lack of the roar of a V6 will keep motoring enthusiasts from joining the revolution until they have no other choice, the comparatively low range of all-electric cars will similarly dissuade regular long-distance drivers. Even the fastest charging stations will take between 15 and 45 minutes to ‘refuel’ an EV. Luckily, some of the newest top-rated electric cars boast maximum ranges in excess of 400 miles. However, this will continue to be one of the greatest disadvantages of the technology for some time.
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What To Consider Before Buying A New EV
As with any vehicle, before you go out and buy a new electric car, you will want to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Just because they are the future of motoring, doesn’t mean EVs are without their flaws.
Pros
The long-term cost of ownership is lower thanks to lower fuel bills
More brands are entering the market, pushing down prices and increasing choice
Lack of carbon emissions is extremely beneficial to the environment
Instant access to all the torque makes for exciting acceleration
There is no engine noise at all, so driving can be a truly peaceful experience
New technology is constantly improving the efficiency of batteries for longer ranges
Cons
The straight-up purchase price is higher than ICE cars
Not as cheap to repair/maintain due to complex components
Extra components add to curb weight
Charging takes longer than a stop at the pumps
Motoring enthusiasts will hate the silence
How long does it take to charge an EV?
Every car comes with a different type of battery, with capacities varying wildly. As such, there is no standard charging time. It also depends on the type of charger you are using. Level 1 household outlets take extremely long to fill the newer, larger batteries, which is why the newest electric cars usually come with dual charging cables, or the manufacturer might install a Level 2 charging unit in your home. This will usually take between six and 12 hours. Most public charging stations offer Level 3 fast charging, which can do the same job in as little as 15 to 45 minutes.
Sources: Rivian, Genesis, Tesla, GMC, Hyundai, Lucid, Nissan, Porsche, Kia, Audi
