Best EV cars 2022

Tesla Model 3

Best EV cars 2022 , Say what you want about Tesla and its leader Elon Musk—and there’s an awful lot to unpack there—but the Model 3 electric car changed the rules of the EV game. Its relatively affordable price tag, impressive driving range, and strong performance have made it a big seller and keep it competitive still against the rising tide of newer electric offerings such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Polestar 2. Scrutiny of our own long-term Model 3 as well as multiple test cars has shown that build quality is so-so. In the land of the SUV, some drivers would surely prefer the Model Y SUV instead but the Model 3 is easy to live with and fun to drive. The Long Range model offers an estimated 358 miles of range, so in our mind, it’s the one to buy, even if we’re enticed by the Performance trim’s extra power and racier look.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo / Sport Turismo

Wagons aren’t the bestselling body style in the United States, but the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo prove popularity isn’t everything. These are the longroof station-wagon alternatives to the swanky electric Taycan sedan, which we review separately, and they offer a bigger back seat and added cargo space over their more traditional counterpart. Unlike the sedan, however, the wagons come only with dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains. Max driving range is an EPA-estimated 235 miles. Horsepower ranges from 469 for base Cross Turismos up to 750 horses in the Cross Turismo Turbo S. There’s also a 590-hp Sport Turismo GTS that ditches the Cross Turismo’s body cladding and additional SUV-inspired ride height. A high-quality interior makes both wagons a pleasure to ride in, and the Cross Turismo’s additional ground clearance might make for an easier passenger exit for some. Both the Cross and Sport Turismo models deliver less range than the normal Taycan, however.

Lucid Air

Several startups have launched EVs in an attempt to disrupt the transportation market, but the 2023 Lucid Air luxury sedan is one of the few so far that’s made a notable impact. Its big battery and compact motors—both designed in-house—allow it to deliver unbeatable range and great performance. The Grand Touring Performance model can jump to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds or, when driven sedately, can sail on for 516 miles—its estimated driving range, according to the EPA. That’s enough range to get from Boston to Baltimore with electrons left over. More important, it’s more range than any other EV currently offers. The new Sapphire model is even quicker, with a claimed 60 mph time of under 2.0 seconds. The Air’s stylish exterior and spacious cabin add to its desirability, but its price tag had us expecting to find plusher materials inside. Almost all of the car’s controls are accessed through one of several display screens that dot the cabin, a reminder of Lucid’s Silicon Valley roots, and the software interface in the early cars is still a work in progress. Otherwise, the luxury four-door’s performance, driving range, and general snazziness make it a viable competitor for high-dollar EVs such as the Porsche Taycan and Mercedes-Benz EQS, as well as that other high-impact EV disruptor, the Tesla Model S.

Rivian R1T

Tech startup Rivian wasn’t the first company to produce an electric pickup truck, but the 2023 R1T’s clever design and impressive performance earned it a spot on our 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2023. Slightly larger than a Ford Ranger, the R1T is powered by two or four electric motors, depending upon the model, with the most powerful version making a robust 835 horsepower and enabling maximum towing of up to 11,000 pounds. Its more compact size makes it easier to maneuver in tight places than gargantuan full-size offerings such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Hummer EV SUT. The Rivian’s cabin is outfitted with luxury features and plenty of tech, including a large 16.0-inch infotainment system and a separate digital gauge display. We’ve enjoyed test-driving the R1T both on- and off-road, and the latter situation was aided by the truck’s standard adjustable air suspension, available all-terrain tires, and an optional carbon-fiber underbody shield. There’s a price for all this awesomeness, though, and no matter how you spec it, the R1T is an expensive rig—but so are its rivals.

Porsche Taycan

Sports car driving characteristics are typically a low priority for electric cars, but the Porsche Taycan makes driving fun paramount. Porsche used battery power as an opportunity rather than an excuse, building a four-door vessel designed for human engagement instead of autonomous, soulless transport. While its maximum EPA estimated range of 246 miles is easily bested by competitors such as the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air, the Taycan drives as a Porsche should: with imperious confidence and control. From the 402-hp single-rear-motor base model to the absurdly quick 750-hp Turbo S, every Taycan uses a two-speed transmission that balances epic acceleration with a highway cruising range that exceeds expectations. There’s also a wagon version of this sedan, dubbed the Taycan Cross and Sport Turismo, reviewed separately. Thanks to an 800-volt architecture, the Taycan can charge at a rate of up to 270 kWh on a powerful-enough DC fast charger. A low-slung driving position and 16.8-inch curved display help complete the typical Stuttgart driving experience.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan is expanding its line of electric vehicles with the 2023 Ariya SUV, which will go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2022. The Ariya will join the Leaf hatchback in the Nissan showroom and will offer up to 304 miles of driving range, which beats the Leaf’s maximum of 226. The Ariya’s design represents a shift from the current sharp, angular lines seen on many of Nissan’s vehicles. The low, wide stance of the Ariya differentiates it from the Rogue and gives it a sportier look. Two different battery sizes will be offered—a 63.0-kWh battery is standard, and a larger 87.0-kWh pack is optional—as well as either front- or all-wheel drive. A host of driver-assistance features, infotainment tech, and convenience items will be included here, helping the 2022 Ariya compete with similarly sized EV crossovers, such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Kia EV6

A fraternal twin to the Hyundai Ioniq 5—and a winner of our 10Best Trucks and SUVs award—the 2023 Kia EV6 charts its path through the EV market with athletic road manners and a bold look all its own. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive models are punchier and can be had with a larger battery pack with a maximum of 310 miles of driving range. Handling is eager, especially for an SUV, which makes it fun on back roads. For hot-shoe drivers, this year’s new GT model is the one to get as its 576 horsepower is enough to make Stinger owners envious as it blows by them. All the while the EV6’s cabin remains quiet and is spacious enough to justify its place among SUV rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ioniq 5, and the Volkswagen ID.4. It’s one of our favorite SUVs because its traits add up to a well-rounded electric vehicle that’s easy to live with, fun-to-drive, and a good value.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai is aiming to compete with the Tesla Model 3 with its latest EV model, a sedan called the Ioniq 6. This four-door fits into the company’s Ioniq subbrand made up of electric vehicles and shares components with the taller and boxier Ioniq 5. This means single- and dual-motor configurations will be offered, with two battery-pack options. In combination with the aerodynamic shape, the 77.4-kWh battery pack (only the base model has the smaller 53.0-kWh pack) means the 6 will provide an estimated 361 miles of max driving range in its longest-range SE Long Range configuration. Its styling is inspired by Hyundai’s dramatic Prophecy concept, and the Ioniq 6 is as quick as it is futuristic and stylish. It also offers a more luxurious interior than the Model 3 and features more onboard technology when compared with Hyundai’s gas-powered Sonata and Elantra sedans.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Thanks to a little bit of 1980s eight-bit styling mixed with some seriously impressive new-era electrification, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 dazzles as a fast-charging SUV with a notable driving range. The Ioniq 5 is among the first EVs to earn a place on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. The lineup spans a 168-hp, single-motor, rear-drive Ioniq 5 with an EPA-estimated 220 miles of range up to a 320-hp, all-wheel-drive, dual-motor unit with an estimated 266 miles of range. The big-range, single-motor, rear-drive model with 303 miles of range is among the farthest-driving EVs sold today for under $60,000. Its 350-kW DC fast-charging capacity is the real hero, though, enabling charging speeds as quick as those offered by far more expensive and luxurious EVs, such as the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air. Inside the Ioniq 5, there’s plenty of room, with more rear-passenger space than both the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. With a wide spread of pricing and range availability, the Ioniq 5 makes a compelling choice for anyone taking the first swing at EV ownership.

Genesis GV60

The ambitious Genesis luxury brand is tackling the luxury EV segment with its satisfying and whimsical 2023 GV60 crossover. The GV60 incorporates styling elements found in other Genesis models, but it lacks the brand’s large trapezoidal grille that stretches between the dual-element headlamps, substituting a slimmer lower grille across the front bumper. Inside, the GV60’s cabin looks decidedly premium, with a large monolithic display screen serving as both the gauge cluster and infotainment system and a novel crystal sphere shifter that rotates to reveal itself when the SUV is powered up. At launch, buyers can choose from the 314-hp Advanced or 429-hp Performance trims; the estimated driving range varies from 235 to 248 miles per charge. Rival luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Volve xc40 recharge , and the coupe-like C40 Recharge offer similar prestige and driving range, but the GV60’s detail-oriented design and amusing flourishes make it an attractive and off-beat alternative.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

With its various configurations and range of equipment packages, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E has plenty to offer for those who want a crossover but are eager to get behind the wheel of an EV. Those customers will also be able to decide between the content-rich Premium model or the elevated performance of the GT. Sure, despite the name it’s no Mustang, but the Mach-E can still be described as agile and quick. Plus, it has fetching looks, a well-appointed interior with all the latest gizmos and gadgets, and sufficient range and capability. On that subject, Ford says the Mustang Mach-E can travel more than 300 miles before needing a charge, and the GT Performance model leaped to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds at our test track. It performed well enough to win our inaugural EV of the Year award in 2021 but has since lost its crown to the cheaper and similarly impressive Hyundai Ioniq 5.