Best Electric SUVs in Australia 2026

The electric SUV is now the default family car for a growing number of Australians, and the choice has exploded: there are more than 70 electric SUVs on sale in 2026, from the $31,990 BYD Atto 2 to $200,000-plus luxury seven-seaters. That makes it the most competitive, and most confusing, corner of the new-car market. Here are the best of them by category, with real prices, range and the running-cost detail that decides whether an EV actually saves you money. For hatches and sedans too, see our broader best electric cars guide.

Best electric SUVs at a glance

Best all-rounder: Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y (from $65,900, 466km) is still the electric SUV to beat. It is not the cheapest or the longest-range, but it combines class-leading efficiency, the slickest software, strong resale and exclusive access to the Supercharger network, which remains the easiest road-trip charging in the country. For most buyers who can stretch to it, it is the safe, do-everything choice. See how the value challengers stack up in our Sealion 7 vs Model Y and Zeekr 7X vs Model Y comparisons.

Best value family SUV: Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 is the value standout of 2026: from $48,315 it offers up to 559km of range, a genuinely premium-feeling cabin, a long warranty and five-star safety. It undercuts the Model Y by thousands while going further between charges. The Kia EV5 ($49,770) is the slightly larger alternative if you need more space.

Cheapest electric SUVs: BYD Atto 2 and GWM ORA 5

Electric SUVs now start at petrol-hatch money. The BYD Atto 2 is the cheapest at $31,990 (345km), while the GWM ORA 5 ($33,990, 430km) and Chery E5 ($37,990, 430km) offer noticeably more range for a little more money and are the smarter budget buys. The evergreen BYD Atto 3 ($39,990) rounds out the affordable set.

Best mid-size Chinese value: BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr X

In the heart of the market, Chinese brands deliver the most metal and range per dollar. The BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990, 482km) undercuts the Model Y while offering a bigger battery, and the Zeekr X ($49,900, 540km) and MG MGS5 ($44,990, 510km) are strong alternatives. For the full premium-Chinese picture see our best luxury Chinese EVs guide.

Best seven-seat electric SUV: Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 (from $97,000, 519km) is the benchmark seven-seat EV: genuinely spacious across three rows, fast-charging and beautifully finished. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 (600km) and Volvo EX90 are the premium options, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB (from $84,900) is one of the most affordable ways into a true seven-seat electric SUV.

Longest range: Hyundai ELEXIO and Polestar 4

Range anxiety is fading fast. The Hyundai ELEXIO is among the longest-range with a claimed 700km from $59,990, followed by the Polestar 4 (620km), Renault Scenic E-Tech (588km) and the Skoda Enyaq (575km). Any of these can do Sydney to Canberra and back on a single charge.

Best premium electric SUV: Polestar 3, BMW iX and Porsche Macan

At the top, the Polestar 3 (from $116,700, 604km), BMW iX and Porsche Macan Electric lead the luxury class on design, performance and cabin quality. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is the value-luxury pick. Dig deeper in our best electric luxury SUVs guide.

How to choose an electric SUV

Five things decide the right electric SUV for you. Range: plan on about 85% of the WLTP claim in real driving; anything over 450km suits most households, and 550km-plus all but eliminates road-trip stops. Home charging: this is what makes an EV cheap, off-peak home charging runs around $4-6 per 100km versus $15-20 for petrol, so if you can fit a wallbox the savings are large; if you cannot charge at home, factor in public charging costs. Charging speed: 800-volt cars (Kia EV3/EV5/EV6/EV9, Hyundai, Zeekr) add range fastest on a road trip. Tax: EVs under roughly $91,400 keep the FBT exemption for novated leases, a major saving plug-in hybrids no longer get, while dearer models attract Luxury Car Tax. Resale and backing: Tesla, Kia and Hyundai hold value strongly and have wide service networks; newer Chinese brands offer more up front but less certain resale, so weigh that against the savings if you change cars often.

The quick verdict

For the best all-round electric SUV, buy the Tesla Model Y. For the best value, the Kia EV3. For the lowest price, the BYD Atto 2 or GWM ORA 5. For seven seats, the Kia EV9. For maximum range, the Hyundai ELEXIO, and for luxury, the Polestar 3. Whatever your budget, the key to actually saving money is charging at home. For a live, filterable ranking, use our interactive best electric SUVs tool, filter by range, price, seats and body style in our car directory, or add any of these to compare side by side.