The electric SUV segment in Europe is quickly becoming the most competitive segment of the car market. Many of the electric models in this segment have now achieved price parity with their petrol, diesel, and hybrid counterparts, whilst bringing to the table lower running costs, improved interior space, and stronger acceleration. These are the best electric SUVs you can buy right now, or very soon, across Europe in 2026.
What are the best electric SUVs on the market?Mercedes-Benz GLB
Mercedes’ compact seven-seat SUV model, the GLB, is being offered in fully-electric form for the first time this year. Whilst Mercedes already offered a seven-seat EV in the form of the now-discontinued EQB, this new GLB operates on a more modern 800-volt architecture, the same being used in the brand’s range-topping CLA EV. And, with the option of seven seats, the electric GLB also becomes one of the best electric cars for families.
In its highest battery capacity, the electric GLB can travel up to 392 miles on a single charge, once again highlighting the impressive range capabilities of modern EVs. For those who see range anxiety as a barrier to EV ownership, the Mercedes-Benz GLB could be the perfect SUV choice.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB will go on sale later this year, with pricing yet to be confirmed.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y has been with us for a number of years now, but an extensive 2025 overhaul once again proved, as seen in our full review, that the Model Y still hasn’t lost its mojo, bringing together one of the best infotainment systems in the business, a strong selection of electric motor and battery specifications, and a fresh design which stands out against the more conservative looking pre-2025 Model Ys.
Tesla recently introduced the Model Y ‘Standard’, which keeps costs down by forgoing a few features, including the removal of the fancy front and rear light bars, cloth seats as apposed to imitation leather, and a smaller battery pack – which can still crack an impressive 314 miles range, wrapped up in a price tag of £41,990 / €39,990. Tesla has also pegged back the acceleration and top speed a little, helping to put this specific model in a lower insurance group, allowing for even lower running costs.
Move up to the £48,990 / €50,990 ‘Premium’, and you gain back these features, along with a longer 387 mile range.
CHANGAN DEEPAL S07
CHANGAN Automobile is a new manufacturer coming to Europe, and is bringing three specific brands: CHANGAN, DEEPAL, and AVATR. The first vehicle to come to Europe is the CHANGAN DEEPAL S07, and after ElectricDrives attended its European debut and got behind the wheel of the DEEPAL S07, with our impressions granting it a place on this list.
The DEEPAL S07 will cost around £40,000 in the UK and €45,000 in Europe, in direct competition with the Ford Explorer and Vauxhall/Opel Grandland Electric.
For its low price point, the DEEPAL S07’s interior screams that of something in a higher price bracket, along with a high level of technology. Its infotainment system is smooth and intuitive too, an area where some new entrants have struggled. Range for the DEEPAL S07 stands at about 295 miles, though the maximum charging speed of 93kW is lower than many rivals – something to consider, if you spend a significant amount of time at public chargers.
Ford Explorer
Ford’s Explorer is heavily based on the underpinnings of the Volkswagen ID.4, but brings that extra bit of driving and styling flair to the table over the more conservative Volkswagen.
In our recent road test of the Explorer, we found it to be the perfect alternative to the Tesla Model Y – offering a premium looking interior, high levels of technology, and a surprisingly impressive turn of pace for what is essentially a family SUV – with the extended range variant offering nearly as much torque as a Porsche Macan Electric.
If you’re weighing up between the ID.4. and the Explorer, the Explorer actually comes in a couple hundred pounds cheaper in base specification, too, with a starting price of around £39,285.
Leapmotor C10
New Chinese entrant Leapmotor’s C10 is a strong bang-for-your-buck choice on this list. Leapmotor currently offers the C10 in a sole specification, which starts at £36,500 and comes fully loaded – so there won’t be any regret about going for the next specification up (as it doesn’t exist).
While it’s not the cheapest electric SUV on this list, beaten by the Skoda Elroq, it’s certainly the highest value offering here, with a panoramic glass roof, synthetic leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and more, all coming standard. The interior looks pretty identical to the new Tesla Model Y, but for those who like a minimalist, technology-led interface, that’s by no means a bad thing.
Range stands at around 263 miles, while there’s only one area where you’ll find a catch for that lower price – a maximum charging rate of 84kW, which pales in comparison to many other electric SUVs on the market.
Kia EV9
As well as being a top electric SUV, the Kia EV9 is also one of the best electric cars for towing, with a capability to tow a braked trailer weight of up to 2,500kg (when the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant is chosen).
Range for such a large electric SUV is also impressive, with a WLTP combined range of up to 349 miles – along with a maximum fast charging speed of 350kW. Combine that with the option to specify the EV9 as a seven-seater, and it becomes a pretty handy family car – while being able to handle long journeys with ease.
With a base retail price of £64,245 and prices rising to over £75,000, the EV9 is the most expensive production car ever shipped with a Kia badge – indicating the brand’s clear intentions to be seen as more than just an affordable brand. With the Range Rover Electric still not available, the EV9 takes its place as the best full-size electric SUV – for now.
Vauxhall Frontera Electric/Opel Frontera Electric
The all-electric Vauxhall/Opel Frontera is the cheapest electric SUV on this list, and is also notable for being one of the first models on the market to achieve price parity with its ICE alternative – no matter what powertrain you go for, the starting price remains at £23,995. Range stands at a WLTP combined rating of 186 miles, whilst standard equipment includes cruise control, a ten-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto capabilities.
BYD SEALION 7
Sales of BYD’s EVs have continued to rise, with global sales of its electric cars now overtaking Tesla. Its recently launched SEALION 7 has the opportunity to push those sales further, and with a starting price of £47,000 (rising to £59,000), it’s looking to take on premium electric SUVs such as the Peugeot E-3008 and Kia EV6.
As we’ve come to expect from BYD models, technology takes the centre stage in the interior, with a 15.6-inch centre screen that can rotate into either landscape or portrait mode, a digital display in front of the driver, and the option of a heads-up display. Adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and a vehicle-to-load function all come standard, too.
In all-wheel-drive form, the SEALION 7 offers sports car levels of performance too – with 523 horsepower helping the car launch from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Skoda Elroq
Skoda’s small electric SUV, the Elroq, is currently the most affordable EV offered by the brand, with a starting price of £31,510. At this price, it also impressively achieves near price parity with Skoda’s ICE-powered small SUV, the Karoq, which starts at a very similar £30,940.
In base SE 50 specification, the Elroq still offers a capable range of around 233 miles, while 0-62mph is dispatched in 9 seconds flat. This still comes loaded with a considerable level of technology, including a large 13-inch central touchscreen, digital drivers display, and LED headlights. Add to that a large boot and decent amount of rear legroom for its relatively small shape, the Elroq becomes the perfect affordable EV for families.
