The Best Electric Cars of 2023

By: Doug Newcomb, Emily Draybelby, November 30, 2023

Overview

Buying a new car has always been a complicated and high-stakes decision, and the influx of electric vehicles hasn’t made it any easier.

There are now more fuel types and engines than ever before – gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and even hydrogen fuel cell. Inside the vehicle, the dashboard screens are getting larger and more numerous, with their own applications, monthly subscriptions, and online updates.

While these next-generation cars might seem confusing, it’s hard to go wrong. Electric vehicles tend to be some of the most technologically advanced and smoothest-driving cars on the road. They’re like smartphones on wheels, with the potential to save hundreds of dollars on fuel and maintenance bills (like not having to change the oil).

With that in mind, here are the best electric cars we’ve tested. Be sure to read to the end for an overview of the key points to consider when driving electric.

Best Midsize Sedan

2022 Tesla Model 3 – 4.5 Excellent

Why We Chose It:

The Tesla Model 3 sedan is an ideal electric car. It’s reasonably priced, can travel 272 miles on a single charge, and reaches speeds of up to 140 mph. Its modern interior and exterior design, advanced driver-assistance system, innovative entertainment system, and continuous support through online software updates reinforce its status as a class leader. Keep in mind that the long-range dual-motor and performance models offer, respectively, more range and faster performance.

Who This Car Is Right For:

The Tesla Model 3 is the default choice for potential electric sedan buyers simply because there is no other electric car in the midsize sedan class that can match its range or performance.

Pros:

• Class-leading range
• Superior (and fun) performance
• High-tech driver aids

Cons:

• More expensive than competitors
• Does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

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2022 Tesla Model 3 Review

Best Midsize Crossover

2022 Tesla Model Y – 4.5 Excellent

Why We Chose It:

The Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive (RWD) offers a range of up to 260 miles and ample cargo space for its reasonable price. It also benefits from swift performance and ongoing online software updates that keep its features current. Like other Tesla models, the Model Y adheres to a very minimalist design approach for both the interior and exterior. If you need more range or all-wheel drive (AWD), you can upgrade to the long-range or performance dual-motor models.

Who This Car Is Right For:

The Tesla Model Y is a practical mid-priced choice for people who need to haul cargo without worrying about frequent charging. And don’t worry if you care a lot about performance, as the Model Y has plenty of speed.

Pros:

• Impressive acceleration
• Excellent battery range
• Innovative driver aids

Cons:

• Ongoing online software updates
• A lot of controls are hidden in the touchscreen interface, making them hard to reach

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2022 Tesla Model Y Review

Best Pickup Truck for Most People

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning – 4.0 Excellent

Why We Chose It:

Nothing beats the utility of a truck, and the massive front trunk and long bed of the Ford F-150 Lightning make it handy for hauling anything you need. Just note that towing heavy items over long distances will significantly impact its 240-mile battery range. Higher-end models can tow more (up to 10,000 pounds), go faster, and even power an average-sized home for several days through a built-in generator (requires installation of the Ford Pro charging station).

Who This Car Is Right For:

the right person for this car:

If you’re looking to switch to electric vehicles but still need to haul large items, the Ford F-150 Lightning is the mid-range truck to get. It may not be able to tow as efficiently as its gasoline counterpart, but it handles rough road conditions with ease and accelerates with remarkable speed.

Pros:

• Rapid performance
• Massive front trunk
• Can power a home for several days

Cons:

• Battery may drain quickly during towing
• Available only in crew cab version with a 5.5-foot bed

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2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Review

Best High-Performance Pickup Truck

Rivian R1T – 4.0 Outstanding

Why we chose it:

The luxurious electric Rivian R1T truck combines the practical utility of a truck with race car performance. The truck bed is about a foot shorter than that of the Ford F-150 Lightning, but other design features such as drainage in the front trunk, a gear tunnel that passes under the front of the bed, and strong doors you can stand on to reach the roof make up for that. This all-electric vehicle also handles corners brilliantly and gets at least 270 miles on a single charge. For higher-tier configurations, it goes faster and covers more distance per charge. Maximum towing and payload capacities are 11,000 and 1,764 pounds, respectively.

Who is the right person for this car:

If a regular truck isn’t enough, the high-performance Rivian R1T should be the right choice. It offers unique storage solutions for your next adventure and enough range to get there.

Pros:

• Race car-like performance
• Unique exterior and interior design
• Excellent battery range

Cons:

• Long wait times for orders
• Doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Less storage than Ford F-150 Lightning

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Rivian R1T Review

Best Luxury SUV

2023 BMW iX – 4.0 Outstanding

Why we chose it:

The BMW iX SUV continues the manufacturer’s legacy of gasoline-powered vehicles, with sporty performance, sleek design touches, and plenty of available technology. It boasts a competitive battery range of 307 miles, delivers 516 horsepower, and reaches speeds of up to 124 mph. Moreover, the fast charging capability with DC power means it can go from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes with a 200 kW connection. BMW sells numerous additional packages and options that we can’t list here, but you should know that the only real limit is how much money you’re willing to spend. For more power and standard features, upgrade to the iX M60 model.

Who is the right person for this car:

For electric car buyers with deep pockets, the BMW iX meets their expectations. It is a viable alternative to the Tesla Model X with perhaps a more alluring design.

Pros:

• Lower cost than Tesla Model X
• Impressive performance
• Fast DC charging

Cons:

• Less range than Tesla Model X
• Awkward Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Dashboard cannot be customized

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2023 BMW iX Review

Best Small Hatchback

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV – 4.0 Outstanding

Why we chose it:

The Chevrolet Bolt EV continues to deliver a budget-friendly vehicle. This small hatchback travels up to 259 miles on a single charge, features a distinctive exterior style, and boasts an easy-to-use interface. It also offers a number of standard safety features and additional options at an affordable price. The optional dual-voltage charging cable adds convenience.

Who…

The right person for this car:

If cost is your main consideration, the Bolt EV offers an unmatched blend of range and features at a price under $30,000. Just note that Chevrolet does not sell an all-wheel-drive version of this model and a new version of the Bolt is coming soon.

Pros:

• Solid range
• Many standard safety features
• Improved and new infotainment system
• Unique dual-voltage home charging cable

Cons:

• No all-wheel-drive option
• Uncomfortable gear shifter position
• Poor location for USB media port

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2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review

Best Tesla Model Y Alternative

2023 Genesis GV60 – 4.0 Excellent

Why we chose it:

The luxurious Genesis GV60 SUV features attractive exterior design, seamless one-pedal driving support, and plenty of practical tech comforts. For range, the rear-wheel-drive model can go up to 294 miles between charging sessions. We’re not fans of every interior feature (like the odd spherical gear shifter), but the yellow zero-emission button on the steering wheel is a great addition (it propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in 4 seconds). Moreover, the GV60 feels stable in corners and you can control how much feedback you get from the road.

Who is the right person for this car:

If you want a luxury electric vehicle with a futuristic design, check out the GV60. Its performance won’t disappoint you either.

Pros:

• Unique design
• Innovative tech features
• Impressive performance

Cons:

• Small front trunk
• Odd interior details
• No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support

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2023 Genesis GV60 Review

Best Sleek Sedan

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 4.0 Excellent

Why we chose it:

The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Ioniq 6 looks bold thanks to its sleek profile, integrated dual rear wing, and aggressive front fascia. It charges quickly, from 10 to 80% in about 18 minutes via a 350 kW fast charger. The 361-mile driving range is impressive, as is a host of standard tech features: dual display screens for the instrument panel, a head-up display with innovative augmented reality mode, and support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Who is the right person for this car:

If you don’t mind stretching your budget a bit beyond the Tesla Model 3, this Hyundai will reward you with better battery range, a more distinctive design, and the convenience of Apple and Google services in the car.

Pros:

• Fast charging times
• Unique design
• Lots of standard features
• Plenty of technology

Cons:

• Small trunk capacity and impractical trunk
• No federal tax credit

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2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review

Best Mid-Priced Crossover

2023 Kia EV6 – 4.0 Excellent

Why we chose it:

The Kia EV6 crossover combines attractive design with thrilling performance. The rear-wheel-drive vehicle produces 167 horsepower, travels 232 miles on a single charge, and charges from 10% to 80% in just over an hour via a 50 kW Level 3 fast charger. We’re also fans of the sleek interior design and the improved vertical display featuring augmented reality technology. If you’re ready to stretch your budget a bit further, other trims offer more power and range, plus all-wheel drive.

Who is the right person for this car:

If the Tesla Model Y feels boring to you, look at the Kia EV6 instead. Its ability to handle steep roads and its attractive design generally outweigh its various drawbacks.

Pros:

• Sleek exterior and interior design
• Innovative vertical display with augmented reality technology
• Performance

Cons:

• Does not support wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• Uncomfortable location for USB media port
• Integration brake system reset with every start

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2023 Kia EV6 Review

Buying Guide: Best Electric Cars of 2023

Should you get a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric car?

If you’re interested in moving away from a fully gasoline-powered car, there are multiple ways to do so depending on your lifestyle.

Hybrid cars are a great starting point: They are simply a more efficient version of a fully gasoline-powered car. The small battery complements the gasoline engine, improving miles per gallon and overall efficiency without providing enough capacity for pure electric travel. You don’t need to charge or make any lifestyle changes – except for a few visits to the gas station.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) sit between fully electric cars and hybrids. They have a full gas tank, but they can also go a certain distance on pure electricity (usually around 25 miles, roughly), thanks to a larger battery that needs to be charged through an external outlet. Many PHEV owners report not needing to use gasoline…

Source: https://me.pcmag.com/en/cars-auto/2884/the-best-electric-cars-for-2023