Best Electric Cars Recommended by Consumer Reports

Are you looking for reliable electric vehicles that demonstrate not just impressive range, but everyday practicality that will meet your driving needs? Then look no further as the good folks at Consumer Reports have just released their latest list of their recommended electric cars and why you should choose them over all over EVs.

Not All EVs are Equal. But Here are the Best

According to CR anlaysts, “...we present the best electric cars we’ve tested, ranked in order of their Overall Score, factoring in road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. Be aware that Overall Scores change over time as new information becomes available, such as reliability data we collect through our exclusive surveys. The cars’ model pages always reflect our latest ratings.”

Please note that in order to receive the latest day-to-day updates on any of the EV models listed, it does require CR membership. However, from following the CR website over the years, I have noticed that the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research and therefore highly recommend becoming a member and receiving the best of their services available.

That said, to help those who do not have a membership just yet, here is a summary of their recommended electric car models that includes one of the biggest key selling points for your consideration: CR’s range comments.

Please note that the "CR Range Comments" refer to the topmost long-range version of each model listed. Pricing of such will of course be higher and vary by dealership.

12 Best Electric Cars Recommended by Consumer Reports

1. Kia EV6 2023

Price Range:  $42,600 - $61,600

CR MPGE:  Overall 105 / City 116 / Hwy 94 mpge

#1 of 12 Electric SUVs

CR Range comments: It has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated driving range of 310 miles for the rear-drive, long-range-battery model and 274 miles for the all-wheel-drive version.

2. BMW iX 2023

Price Range:  $84,100 - $108,900

CR MPGE:  Overall 86 / City 86 / Hwy 87 mpge

#1 of 17 Electric luxury SUVs

CR Range comments: The xDrive50 has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated driving range between 305 and 324 miles, depending on the model’s wheel size (which can be 20, 21, or 22 inches).

3. Genesis GV60 2023

Price Range:  $59,290 - $68,290

CR MPGE:  Overall 95 / City 103 / Hwy 86 mpge

#2 of 17 Electric luxury SUVs

CR Range comments: It has an Environmental Protection Agency-rated 248-mile range from its 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

4. BMW i4 2023

Price Range:  $52,000 - $68,700

CR MPGE:  Overall 96 / City 94 / Hwy 98 mpge

#1 of 12 Electric luxury cars

CR Range comments: This car’s 81.5-kilowatt-hour battery has an Environmental Protection Agency-rated driving range of 271 miles with the standard 19-inch wheels and tires.

5. Genesis Electrified GV70 2023

Price Range:  $65,850

CR MPGE:  Overall 91 / City 98 / Hwy 83 mpge

#3 of 17 Electric luxury SUVs

CR Range comments: The SUV has an EPA estimated 236-mile range from its 77.4 kWh battery. 

6. Kia Niro Electric 2023

Price Range:  $39,550 - $44,550

CR MPGE:  Overall 113 / City 126 / Hwy 101 mpge

#2 of 12 Electric cars

CR Range comments: Kia looks to have improved on the Niro’s efficiency deficits with the 2023 model—bringing an increased driving range for the EV version, from 239 miles to about 257 miles—thanks to reduced weight and a more aerodynamic body.

7. Tesla Model 3 2023

Price Range:  $40,240 - $53,240

CR MPGE:  Overall 130 / City 136 / Hwy 123 mpge

#2 of 12 Electric luxury cars

CR Range comments: The Long-Range version is rated at 358 miles of range by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

8. Lexus RZ 2023

Price Range:  $58,500 - $64,000

CR MPGE:  Overall 107 / City 115 / Hwy 98 mpge

#4 of 17 Electric luxury SUVs

CR Range comments: With its 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery the RZ is Environmental Protection Agency-rated for 220 miles if equipped with the standard 18-inch tires, and 196 miles with the optional 20-inch tires.

9. Hyundai Ioniq 5 2023

Price Range:  $41,450 - $56,500

CR MPGE:  Overall 98 / City 110 / Hwy 87 mpge

#2 of 12 Electric SUVs

CR Range comments: The Environmental Protection Agency-estimated driving range is 303 miles for the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version with the 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery; 256 miles for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model; and 220 miles for the RWD, standard-range version. 

10. Subaru Solterra 2023

Price Range:  $44,995 - $51,995

CR MPGE:  Overall 102 / City 111 / Hwy 93 mpge

#3 of 12 Electric SUVs

CR Range comments: But its limited Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 222-mile range is significantly less than the competition’s, as is the slow rate at which it charges.

11. Toyota bZ4X 2023

Price Range:  $42,000 - $48,780

CR MPGE:  Overall 102 / City 93 / Hwy 111 mpge

#4 of 12 Electric SUVs

CR Range comments: The front-wheel-drive version is Environmental Protection Agency-rated at 252 miles, while the all-wheel-drive Limited is rated at 222 miles, both much shorter than other models in this price range.

12. Nissan Leaf 2023

Price Range:  $28,040 - $36,040

CR MPGE:  Overall 104 / City 114 / Hwy 94 mpge

#3 of 12 Electric cars

CR Range comments: The standard Leaf has a 40-kilowatt-hour battery that provides an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated range of 149 miles. The SV Plus version gets a 60-kilowatt-hour battery and an estimated range of about 212 miles. 

For additional articles related to owning an electric car, here are a few for your consideration:

• EV Owner Reveals 5 Hidden EV Expenses of Owning an EV
• The Most Common Maintenance Issues of Electric Vehicles
• Electric Vehicle Death Risks This Mechanic Wants You to Hear the Truth About

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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