Top 10 Electric SUVs 2021 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2021 model year, the Tesla Model Y Long Range is our Best Overall electric SUV at a Starting MSRP of $49,990 (before later mid-year increases): it pairs a 326-mile EPA range with the unmatched Tesla Supercharger network and class-leading software. Our Best Value pick is the brand-new Volkswagen ID.4 Pro at a Starting MSRP of $39,995, which undercuts nearly every rival while still delivering up to 260 miles of EPA range, a roomy cabin, and a then-included three years of free Electrify America charging.

Both vehicles qualified buyers for federal and state EV incentives in 2021, sharpening their real-world value further. The rest of this guide ranks eight more compelling 2021 choices, from the budget-friendly Hyundai Kona Electric to the 670-hp Tesla Model X, so every shopper can match range, charging, and price to their needs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six factors to score each 2021 electric SUV, leaning on published EPA figures, instrumented testing, and reliability data rather than marketing claims:

• Range and efficiency — 25%: EPA-rated miles and real-world consumption (kWh per 100 miles) from EPA and instrumented Edmunds and InsideEVs tests.
• Charging speed and network — 20%: Peak DC fast-charge rate, 10-to-80-percent time, and access to Tesla Supercharger or Electrify America CCS networks.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 15%: Battery warranty terms, early reliability signals, and depreciation data from Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports.
• Interior and cargo — 15%: Passenger room, cargo volume, and material quality.
• Tech and safety — 15%: Infotainment, driver assistance, and IIHS or NHTSA crash results where available.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: MSRP relative to the range, power, and equipment delivered, factoring the 2021 federal tax credit.

Sources include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, InsideEVs, the EPA's fueleconomy.gov, IIHS, and Kelley Blue Book.

1. Tesla Model Y 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $49,990 | Best for: buyers who want the most complete EV ownership experience

The 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range uses a roughly 75-kWh battery to deliver an EPA-rated 326 miles of range from a dual-motor AWD layout making 384 hp. It charges on Tesla's V3 Superchargers at up to 250 kW, adding meaningful range in well under 30 minutes, and the network's density remains its decisive advantage over CCS rivals.

Cargo is generous at about 68 cubic feet with the seats folded, plus a useful front trunk, and the minimalist cabin centers on a 15-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates. Edmunds measured 317 real-world miles, just shy of the EPA figure but still among the best in class.

Pros:

• Best-in-class charging network with seamless plug-and-charge Superchargers
• 326-mile EPA range leads most 2021 competitors
• Over-the-air updates keep the software improving for years
• Strong resale value per Kelley Blue Book

Cons:

• Build-quality consistency drew early owner complaints
• Firm ride and road noise on larger wheels

Verdict: The Model Y is the 2021 electric SUV to beat on range, charging, and tech, making it our clear Best Overall.

2. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting MSRP: $42,895 | Best for: drivers who want EV range with sporty character

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E offers two batteries: a 68-kWh usable Standard Range and an 88-kWh usable Extended Range, the latter rated up to 300 miles EPA in RWD form. Power spans 266 hp to 346 hp across RWD and AWD configurations, climbing to 480 hp in the later GT.

DC fast charging peaks near 150 kW on the Extended Range pack, with a 10-to-80-percent time of roughly 45 minutes over CCS; cargo measures about 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats plus a washable front trunk. Edmunds testing showed the Standard Range RWD beating its EPA estimate by 34 miles, a rare and welcome result.

Pros:

• Up to 300 EPA miles on the Extended Range RWD
• Engaging handling and quick AWD acceleration
• Roomy frunk and cabin with a large 15.5-inch screen
• Strong real-world range verified in testing

Cons:

• Charging curve tapers sharply past 80 percent
• Cheapest range comes only with RWD

Verdict: A genuinely fun, well-ranged debut that earns its spot just behind the Model Y.

3. Volkswagen ID.4 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $39,995 | Best for: value shoppers who want range and space for less

The brand-new 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro pairs an 82-kWh battery with a single rear motor making 201 hp, returning up to 260 miles EPA in the base Pro and 250 miles in the Pro S. It fast-charges over CCS at up to 125 kW, taking the pack from 5 to 80 percent in just under 40 minutes, and 2021 buyers received three years of free Electrify America charging.

Cargo is a practical 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and an AWD version arrived later in the year. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, prioritizing easygoing commuting over outright sport.

Pros:

• Lowest base price of any credible 2021 long-range electric SUV
• Up to 260 EPA miles undercuts pricier rivals
• Included free charging sweetened early ownership
• Spacious, quiet cabin with SUV-friendly cargo

Cons:

• Touch-based controls frustrated some reviewers
• Modest 201 hp feels relaxed rather than quick

Verdict: The most car for the money in 2021, making the ID.4 our Best Value without hesitation.

4. Hyundai Kona Electric

Starting MSRP: $37,190 | Best for: efficiency-focused buyers on a tight budget

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most efficient EVs of its era, drawing from a 64-kWh battery to deliver an EPA-rated 258 miles despite its compact footprint. A single front-mounted motor makes 201 hp and 291 lb-ft, giving the FWD crossover surprisingly brisk around-town pace.

DC fast charging over CCS tops out near 75 kW, slower than rivals, so this Hyundai suits home charging and city driving more than long road trips. Cargo is modest at about 19 cubic feet, but a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard.

Pros:

• 258 EPA miles is outstanding for the price and size
• Lowest starting price in this guide
• Excellent efficiency stretches every kWh
• Standard CarPlay and Android Auto

Cons:

• Slower roughly 75-kW peak charging limits road trips
• Tight rear seat and small cargo hold

Verdict: A budget standout for commuters who charge at home and crave maximum range per dollar.

5. Volvo XC40 Recharge

Starting MSRP: $53,990 | Best for: buyers wanting power, safety, and a premium cabin

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the brand's first full EV, using a 78-kWh battery and dual-motor AWD to produce a stout 402 hp and 487 lb-ft, good for a 4.9-second sprint to 60 mph. EPA range is a more modest 208 miles, the trade-off for that performance and all-weather grip.

DC fast charging over CCS reaches an 80-percent charge in about 40 minutes, and the cabin pairs Volvo's renowned safety suite with a Google-built Android Automotive infotainment system. Cargo lands near 20 cubic feet behind the second row plus a small frunk.

Pros:

• 402 hp delivers genuinely quick acceleration
• Standard AWD and Volvo's strong safety reputation
• Google built-in infotainment with native Maps and Assistant
• Premium materials throughout the cabin

Cons:

• 208-mile range trails most rivals here
• Efficiency suffers from the heavy AWD powertrain

Verdict: A quick, safe, upscale choice if you value power and AWD over outright range.

6. Audi e-tron

Starting MSRP: $66,995 | Best for: luxury buyers wanting refinement and build quality

The 2021 Audi e-tron is a polished luxury SUV running a large 95-kWh battery and dual-motor AWD rated at 355 hp, with a temporary boost to 402 hp in Sport mode. EPA range is 222 miles, held back partly by the e-tron's emphasis on quiet, substantial road manners.

DC fast charging over CCS is a strong point, peaking near 150 kW, and the cabin offers about 28.5 cubic feet of cargo plus dual touchscreens and optional camera side mirrors. It feels every bit a finished, conventional luxury product rather than a science experiment.

Pros:

• Exceptional refinement and Audi build quality
• Fast roughly 150-kW DC charging
• Quiet, comfortable highway demeanor
• Spacious, well-finished cabin

Cons:

• Only 222 EPA miles from a big 95-kWh pack
• High starting price for the range delivered

Verdict: The most refined 2021 option, ideal for luxury buyers who prioritize polish over range numbers.

7. Jaguar I-Pace

Starting MSRP: $69,850 | Best for: style-driven buyers wanting performance and design flair

The 2021 Jaguar I-Pace draws from a 90-kWh battery feeding dual-motor AWD for a combined 394 hp and 512 lb-ft, with an EPA-rated 234 miles of range. For 2021 Jaguar upgraded onboard charging and added a faster, more responsive infotainment interface. DC fast charging over CCS peaks near 100 kW, adding about 78 miles in 15 minutes, and the dramatic cab-forward design yields a roomy interior with roughly 25 cubic feet of cargo.

It remains one of the best-driving EVs of the period, with sharp steering and a planted chassis.

Pros:

• Striking design unlike any rival
• 394 hp with engaging, sporty handling
• Updated 2021 infotainment improved usability
• Premium British interior materials

Cons:

• Real-world efficiency falls short of the EPA 234 miles
• Slower peak charging than newer CCS rivals

Verdict: A characterful, fine-handling luxury EV for buyers who prize design and driving feel.

8. Kia Niro EV

Starting MSRP: $39,090 | Best for: practical buyers wanting affordable range and a long warranty

The 2021 Kia Niro EV shares its 64-kWh battery and 201-hp front-drive motor with the Hyundai Kona, delivering an EPA-rated 239 miles in a slightly roomier, more wagon-like body. DC fast charging over CCS peaks near 77 kW, so like the Kona it favors home charging, but the Niro counters with a generous 18.5 to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo and an exceptionally usable hatch.

Kia's lengthy battery warranty and the full 2021 federal tax credit eligibility strengthen its value case. Standard tech includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen on upper trims with wired CarPlay and Android Auto.

Pros:

• 239 EPA miles at an affordable price
• Roomy, practical hatchback cargo area
• Long battery warranty and tax-credit eligibility
• Comfortable, sensible daily driver

Cons:

• Roughly 77-kW peak charging limits long trips
• Less engaging to drive than pricier rivals

Verdict: A sensible, well-warrantied value pick that rivals the Kona while adding cargo space.

9. Tesla Model X

Starting MSRP: $89,990 | Best for: affluent families wanting maximum range and seating

The 2021 Tesla Model X Long Range is the flagship, using a 100-kWh battery for an EPA-rated 360-plus miles and dual-motor AWD producing up to 670 hp in refreshed form. It charges on Superchargers at up to 250 kW, and its signature falcon-wing rear doors open onto seating for up to six or seven passengers.

Cargo is cavernous at over 88 cubic feet with seats folded, plus a frunk, and the 17-inch market display anchors Tesla's mature software suite. Acceleration is ferocious for a vehicle this large, hitting 60 mph in under five seconds.

Pros:

• Over 360 EPA miles leads this entire guide
• Up to 670 hp with supercar-quick acceleration
• Supercharger network plus huge cargo and seating
• Six- or seven-seat family flexibility

Cons:

• Very high starting price
• Falcon-wing doors add mechanical complexity

Verdict: The range and space champion of 2021, justified only if the premium price fits your budget.

10. Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Starting MSRP: $33,995 | Best for: the most affordable entry into an electric crossover

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV technically arrived as a 2022 model, but it landed in dealerships during 2021 as the most affordable electric crossover available, so it earns a place here with that caveat noted. It uses a 65-kWh battery and a single 200-hp front motor for an EPA-rated 247 miles of range.

DC fast charging over CCS peaks near a modest 55 kW, reinforcing its role as a city and suburban commuter rather than a road-tripper, and it was the first non-Cadillac GM vehicle offered with Super Cruise hands-free driving. Cargo is about 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Pros:

• Lowest price of any crossover in this guide
• 247 EPA miles is strong for the money
• Available Super Cruise hands-free highway assist
• Roomy rear seat for a compact footprint

Cons:

• Slow roughly 55-kW peak DC charging
• A 2022 model year, not strictly 2021

Verdict: The cheapest way into an electric crossover, perfect for budget commuters who rarely road-trip.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying an Electric SUV

• Real range versus claims: Treat EPA numbers as a baseline, not a guarantee; instrumented tests from Edmunds and InsideEVs showed some 2021 models (the Mach-E RWD) beating their ratings while others (heavier AWD trims) fell short.
• Charging speed and network: A high peak kW means little if the curve tapers early; check the 10-to-80-percent time and whether the car uses the Tesla Supercharger network or CCS via Electrify America.
• Battery warranty: Most 2021 EVs carried an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty; Kia and Hyundai offered some of the most generous coverage, which protects long-term value.
• 2021 federal tax credit: Eligible buyers could claim up to a $7,500 federal credit in 2021, though Tesla had already phased out of the credit by then while VW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Audi, and Jaguar still qualified, plus available state rebates.
• What matters less than marketing implies: Headline horsepower figures matter far less than charging access and real efficiency for most owners; a 400-plus-hp number looks exciting but rarely changes daily satisfaction the way range and a reliable charging network do.

FAQ

Which 2021 electric SUV has the longest range? The Tesla Model X Long Range led the 2021 field at over 360 EPA miles, followed by the Model Y Long Range at 326 miles and the Extended Range Mustang Mach-E RWD at 300 miles.

What is the best-value electric SUV for 2021? The Volkswagen ID.4 Pro at a $39,995 starting MSRP offered up to 260 miles of range, generous space, and free Electrify America charging, making it our Best Value pick.

Did 2021 Teslas qualify for the federal tax credit? No. Tesla had exhausted its federal EV tax-credit phase-out before 2021, so Model Y and Model X buyers could not claim it, while most rivals still qualified for up to $7,500.

How fast can a 2021 electric SUV charge? It varies widely: Tesla models accept up to 250 kW on Superchargers, the Mach-E, e-tron, and ID.4 peak near 125 to 150 kW on CCS, while the Bolt EUV, Kona, and Niro top out roughly between 55 and 77 kW.

Is an electric SUV good for road trips in 2021? The Tesla Model Y and Model X were the strongest road-trippers thanks to the Supercharger network; the ID.4, Mach-E, e-tron, and I-Pace were capable over CCS, while the Kona, Niro, and Bolt EUV suited home charging and shorter drives.

Do these electric SUVs come with all-wheel drive? Several do as standard or optional: the Model Y, Model X, XC40 Recharge, e-tron, and I-Pace are AWD, the Mach-E offers AWD, while the ID.4, Kona, Niro, and Bolt EUV launched as single-motor models.

Bottom Line

The 2021 model year marked the moment electric SUVs became genuinely mainstream, with credible new entries from Volkswagen, Ford, and Volvo joining established players from Tesla, Audi, and Jaguar. The Tesla Model Y remains our Best Overall for blending long range, the best charging network, and mature software into one package, while the Volkswagen ID.4 earns Best Value by delivering up to 260 miles and SUV practicality for under $40,000.

Budget shoppers should weigh the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and Chevrolet Bolt EUV, while luxury and performance buyers will gravitate to the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, or the flagship Tesla Model X. Match range, charging access, and price to how you actually drive, and any of these ten will serve well.

Sources

• Edmunds — 2021 Tesla Model Y review and instrumented range test (edmunds.com)
• Edmunds — 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E review and range testing (edmunds.com)
• Car and Driver — 2021 electric SUV reviews and specifications (caranddriver.com)
• MotorTrend — 2021 EV crossover comparisons (motortrend.com)
• InsideEVs — 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge first drive and Mach-E charging tests (insideevs.com)
• EPA fueleconomy.gov — official 2021 EV range and efficiency ratings (fueleconomy.gov)
• Kelley Blue Book — 2021 EV pricing, value, and depreciation data (kbb.com)
• Cars.com — 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, Kona Electric, and Niro EV specs (cars.com)
• Green Car Reports — 2021 Jaguar I-Pace updates and Mach-E charging (greencarreports.com)
• IIHS / NHTSA — 2021 electric SUV crash-test results (iihs.org, nhtsa.gov)

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