Top 10 Electric SUVs 2020 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

Looking back, 2020 was the year the electric SUV stopped being a science project and became a real shopping category. It was the debut year of the Tesla Model Y, the first full year on sale for the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace, and the moment when value-priced crossovers like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV quietly proved that 250-plus miles of range did not require a luxury badge.

The choices were few, the prices were high in period dollars, and the charging networks outside of Tesla were thin — but the bones of the modern EV market were all laid down that year.

Our Best Overall of 2020 was the Tesla Model Y Long Range, which launched at a 2020 MSRP of $52,990 and combined a then-class-leading 316-mile EPA range, Tesla's Supercharger access, and genuine crossover practicality. Our Best Value was the Hyundai Kona Electric, which started at a 2020 MSRP of $36,950 (before incentives) and delivered an astonishing 258 miles of EPA range for thousands less than anything else on this list.

This retrospective ranks the ten EV SUVs and clearly labeled trims worth knowing from that pivotal year, and tells you which ones still make sense as a used buy now.

How We Ranked the Top 10

These were not all available at the same price, the same range, or even the same dealer network, so we weighted the things that actually mattered to a 2020 buyer and to a used buyer today. Our sources for period figures were Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, InsideEVs, the EPA via fueleconomy.gov, Kelley Blue Book, and the EV Database, cross-checked against each manufacturer's launch pricing.

• Range and efficiency — 25%. EPA-rated miles and MPGe, because in 2020 range anxiety was the single biggest barrier to entry.
• Charging speed and network — 20%. DC fast-charge peak kW and, just as important, access to a reliable public network. Tesla's Supercharger advantage was enormous here.
• Reliability and used reputation — 15%. How these vehicles have actually held up six years on, including battery durability and panel-gap reputation.
• Interior and cargo — 15%. Cargo volume, seating, and material quality relative to the price paid.
• Tech and safety — 15%. Driver-assist hardware, infotainment, and crash ratings of the era.
• Used value now — 10%. What these cost on the used market in 2026, and whether they represent a smart secondhand EV today.

1. Tesla Model Y Long Range 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2020 MSRP: $52,990 | Best for: The buyer who wanted one EV to do everything

The Model Y Long Range was the defining EV SUV of 2020, full stop. Its 75-kWh battery delivered a class-leading 316-mile EPA range, its dual-motor AWD layout made roughly 447 horsepower, and it could pull peak DC fast-charge rates near 250 kW on V3 Superchargers — a network advantage no rival could touch.

With about 68 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats plus a deep frunk, it was also the most practical EV crossover you could buy. It was known for blistering efficiency (121 MPGe) and over-the-air updates, and clean Long Range examples now trade used around the low-to-mid $20,000s, making it one of the best-value used EVs of its generation.

Pros:

• Best-in-class 316-mile range that embarrassed every legacy rival in 2020
• Supercharger network access made long trips genuinely painless
• Cavernous, flexible cargo with frunk and folding rear seats
• Frequent free software updates kept the car improving after purchase

Cons:

• Early-build panel gaps and paint quality were inconsistent
• Ride was firmer and noisier than luxury-badged competitors

Verdict: The Model Y Long Range was the most complete, most usable, and most future-proof electric SUV of 2020, and it remains a superb used buy.

2. Tesla Model Y Performance

2020 MSRP: $60,990 | Best for: The driver who wanted EV practicality with sports-car pace

The Model Y Performance took the same 75-kWh AWD platform and turned the wick up to roughly 580 horsepower, dropping the 0-60 mph time to about 3.5 seconds while still returning a strong 291-mile EPA range. It added a lowered suspension, larger wheels, a track mode, and uprated brakes, all wrapped around the same 68 cubic feet of crossover cargo space and Supercharger access.

It was known as the practical family car that could humble performance sedans at a stoplight. Used Performance examples command a modest premium over Long Range cars today but remain a thrilling secondhand pick.

Pros:

• Sub-3.6-second 0-60 acceleration from a family crossover
• Still 291 miles of EPA range despite the performance hardware
• Same Supercharger and cargo advantages as the Long Range

Cons:

• Firm, sometimes harsh ride on the 21-inch wheels
• The 25-mile range penalty versus Long Range was a real trade-off

Verdict: A genuinely quick, genuinely useful EV — the Performance was the enthusiast's Model Y and still delivers a grin per mile.

3. Audi e-tron 55 quattro

2020 MSRP: $74,800 | Best for: Buyers who prioritized luxury refinement over headline range

The Audi e-tron 55 quattro was the most conventionally luxurious EV SUV of 2020, and it drove like a quiet, beautifully built Audi crossover should. Its big 95-kWh battery returned a modest 204-mile EPA range — the figure that earned it criticism — but it made about 355 horsepower through standard AWD and charged at up to 150 kW DC, restoring roughly 170 miles in about 30 minutes.

Cargo space was a usable 28.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and the cabin was the plushest here. It was known for serenity and solidity rather than efficiency, and steep depreciation now makes it a remarkable used luxury bargain, often near or under $30,000.

Pros:

• Sumptuous, rock-solid interior that still feels premium today
• Whisper-quiet, planted ride that hid its weight beautifully
• 150-kW fast charging was competitive for the era
• Heavy depreciation makes it a used-luxury steal now

Cons:

• Only 204 miles of EPA range from a 95-kWh pack was inefficient
• Outside Tesla, the public charging network was unreliable in 2020

Verdict: The e-tron sacrificed range for refinement, and as a used buy that trade looks far smarter at today's prices.

4. Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE

2020 MSRP: $82,050 | Best for: Style-led buyers who wanted something rare and quick

The range-topping I-Pace EV400 HSE was the most distinctive EV SUV of 2020, with concept-car styling and a driver-focused chassis. Its 90-kWh battery delivered a 234-mile EPA range, and dual motors produced a stout 394 horsepower with 512 lb-ft of torque through AWD, good for a 4.5-second 0-60.

It charged at up to 100 kW DC and offered around 25.3 cubic feet of cargo. It was known for the way it drove — genuinely sporty and engaging — and for early software gremlins that hurt its reputation. Sharp depreciation means HSE examples now sell used for a fraction of that lofty launch price.

Pros:

• Stunning, unmistakable design that still turns heads
• 394 horsepower and sharp handling made it the driver's pick
• Premium HSE equipment with Meridian audio and adaptive dampers

Cons:

• Buggy early infotainment and software dented owner confidence
• Real-world efficiency lagged the EPA number in cold weather

Verdict: The most charismatic EV SUV of 2020, the I-Pace HSE is a heart-over-head used buy — gorgeous, fun, but go in with eyes open on software history.

5. Tesla Model X Long Range Plus

2020 MSRP: $79,990 | Best for: Families who needed three rows and maximum range

The Model X Long Range Plus was the range champion of 2020, with its 100-kWh battery stretching to an EPA-rated 351 miles — a figure no other SUV here approached. Dual motors made roughly 516 horsepower through AWD, the falcon-wing doors and optional third row made it a genuine seven-seater, and Supercharger access plus peak charging near 250 kW made it the best EV road-tripper money could buy.

Cargo capacity was enormous. It was known for being the practical (if pricey and complex) family EV flagship, and used values have fallen hard enough that capable examples now look tempting.

Pros:

• Class-leading 351-mile EPA range for true long-distance ease
• Three-row seating and huge cargo flexibility
• Supercharger access plus 516 horsepower of effortless pace

Cons:

• Falcon-wing doors were a known reliability and service headache
• The highest entry price on this list in period dollars

Verdict: The Model X was the do-it-all EV flagship of 2020 — unmatched range and space, with the caveat that its complexity demands a careful used inspection.

6. Hyundai Kona Electric 💎 BEST VALUE

2020 MSRP: $36,950 | Best for: The buyer who wanted maximum range per dollar

The Hyundai Kona Electric was the value revelation of 2020 and is comfortably our Best Value pick. From a 64-kWh battery it delivered a remarkable 258-mile EPA range — within striking distance of the Model Y for thousands less — and its single front motor made 201 horsepower through FWD.

It charged at up to 100 kW DC for an 80-percent fill in under an hour, and while cargo was modest at about 19 cubic feet, it was a tidy, efficient, easy-to-live-with crossover. It was known for embarrassing far costlier rivals on the range-per-dollar metric, and as a used buy it is one of the smartest cheap EVs you can find today, often well under $20,000.

Pros:

• 258 miles of EPA range for under $37,000 was unheard of in 2020
• Outstanding real-world efficiency and low running costs
• Long Hyundai battery warranty reassures used buyers
• Bargain used pricing makes it the value champion years later

Cons:

• Front-wheel drive only and a tight rear seat and cargo hold
• Limited 2020 availability in many U.S. States at launch

Verdict: The Kona Electric delivered nearly the range of cars costing twice as much — then and now, it is the value play.

7. Kia Niro EV

2020 MSRP: $38,500 | Best for: Value buyers who wanted a roomier body than the Kona

The Kia Niro EV shared the Kona's excellent mechanicals in a slightly larger, more upright, more practical body. The same 64-kWh battery returned a strong 239-mile EPA range, the front motor made 201 horsepower through FWD, and 100-kW DC charging matched its corporate cousin.

With about 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to a flat, usable load floor, it traded a few miles of range for everyday family practicality. It was known as the sensible, comfortable value EV, and like the Kona it now represents excellent used-EV value with strong warranty coverage.

Pros:

• 239 miles of EPA range at a genuine value price
• Roomier, more usable cabin and cargo than the Kona
• Same long battery warranty and proven reliability

Cons:

• 19 fewer miles of range than its Kona sibling
• Front-drive only with modest tech compared to Tesla

Verdict: A slightly more practical take on the value-EV formula — the Niro EV is a quietly excellent used buy for families on a budget.

8. Jaguar I-Pace EV400 S

2020 MSRP: $69,850 | Best for: Buyers who wanted the I-Pace's drama for less

The entry I-Pace EV400 S delivered the exact same drivetrain magic as the HSE for over twelve thousand dollars less. The identical 90-kWh battery and 234-mile EPA range were carried over, as was the 394-horsepower AWD powertrain and 100-kW DC charging — the differences were all in trim, wheels, and audio, not in how it drove or how far it went.

Cargo stayed at roughly 25.3 cubic feet. It was known as the smart way into Jaguar's EV, and with the same steep depreciation as its pricier sibling, the S is arguably the better used I-Pace value today.

Pros:

• Identical 394-horsepower powertrain to the costly HSE
• Same 234-mile range for thousands less at launch
• Distinctive design and sharp handling carried over intact

Cons:

• Shared the I-Pace's early software reliability concerns
• Charging peaked at 100 kW, behind Tesla and Audi

Verdict: All of the I-Pace's charisma for less money — the EV400 S is the value-minded enthusiast's used Jaguar pick.

9. Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro

2020 MSRP: $77,400 | Best for: Buyers who wanted e-tron luxury with a sleeker roofline

The e-tron Sportback was the coupe-roofed sibling of the standard e-tron, and the swoopier shape actually helped it slip through the air more cleanly. Sharing the 95-kWh battery and 355-horsepower AWD powertrain, its improved aerodynamics lifted the EPA range to 218 miles, a useful gain over the boxier e-tron's 204.

It kept the 150-kW DC charging and the same lavish cabin, trading a little rear headroom and cargo for style. It was known as the fashion-forward Audi EV, and it shares the e-tron's heavy depreciation, making it a stylish used-luxury bargain.

Pros:

• 218-mile range beat the standard e-tron thanks to better aero
• Same plush, solid interior and serene driving manners
• 150-kW charging and standard quattro AWD

Cons:

• Sloping roof cut rear headroom and cargo versus the regular e-tron
• Still trailed rivals on range-per-kWh efficiency

Verdict: The most stylish e-tron and slightly more efficient too — a refined, depreciation-discounted used luxury EV.

10. Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (sedan, not an SUV)

2020 MSRP: $48,990 | Best for: Cross-shoppers who would trade SUV height for more range

We include the Model 3 Long Range AWD with a clear caveat: it was a sedan, not an SUV, but so many 2020 EV-crossover shoppers cross-shopped it that it belongs in the conversation. Its 77.8-kWh battery delivered a superb 322-mile EPA range — more than every actual SUV here except the Model X — and its dual-motor AWD layout, Supercharger access, and peak 250-kW DC charging made it the efficiency and road-trip benchmark of the year.

Cargo was sedan-modest but its trunk and frunk were deceptively usable. It was known as the EV value-per-mile leader, and clean used examples are among the best secondhand EVs today.

Pros:

• 322 miles of EPA range outdid nearly every 2020 EV SUV
• Supercharger access and 250-kW peak charging
• Lower price than the SUV body styles it competed against

Cons:

• A sedan, so it lacked the ride height and cargo of true SUVs
• Same early-build quality inconsistencies as other 2020 Teslas

Verdict: Not an SUV, but too relevant to ignore — the Model 3 Long Range set the range-and-charging bar that 2020's actual crossovers chased.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 2020 Electric SUV (Then and as a Used Buy Now)

Buying one of these used in 2026 is mostly about the battery, the charging history, and the paperwork — the rest matters less than EV nostalgia implies.

• Battery health. Request a state-of-health readout or recent range test. A 2020 pack that still shows 90-plus percent of its original capacity is in good shape; significant range loss is the one issue that can sink the deal.
• Charging degradation and habits. Cars that lived on DC fast charging at 100 percent every day age their packs faster than ones charged to 80 percent on Level 2 at home. Ask how the previous owner charged.
• Warranty remaining. Most of these carried 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranties from 2020; check exactly how much coverage transfers, since that warranty is the single biggest de-risking factor on a used EV.
• Software and recall history. Especially on the Jaguar I-Pace and early Teslas, confirm all recalls and software updates were completed.
• What matters less than nostalgia implies: minor early-build panel gaps, dated infotainment menus, and the exact horsepower figure. These were headline talking points in 2020 reviews, but on a six-year-old used EV the battery and warranty dwarf them in importance.

FAQ

What was the best electric SUV of 2020 overall? The Tesla Model Y Long Range was the best overall, pairing a class-leading 316-mile EPA range with Supercharger access and real crossover practicality at a 2020 MSRP of $52,990.

Which 2020 electric SUV was the best value? The Hyundai Kona Electric was the value champion, delivering 258 miles of EPA range from a starting price of $36,950 — far more range per dollar than any luxury rival, and an even better bargain used today.

How many electric SUVs actually existed in 2020? Only a handful of distinct models were on sale, which is why this list also includes clearly labeled trims and variants such as the Model Y Performance, the e-tron Sportback, and the I-Pace EV400 S to reach a meaningful top ten.

Are 2020 electric SUVs a smart used buy in 2026? Yes, for many buyers. Heavy depreciation means cars like the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace now sell for a fraction of their launch prices, and value EVs like the Kona Electric and Niro EV are some of the cheapest long-range used EVs available — provided the battery health checks out.

Why is the Tesla Model 3 on a list of SUVs? The Model 3 Long Range was a sedan, not an SUV, and we label it as such. It earns a spot only because so many 2020 EV-crossover shoppers cross-shopped it for its 322-mile range and Supercharger access.

Did the legacy brands beat Tesla in 2020? Not on the numbers that mattered most. Audi, Jaguar, and Mercedes built more luxurious, better-assembled cabins, but Tesla's range, efficiency, and charging network kept the Model Y and Model X ahead for most buyers in 2020.

Bottom Line

2020 was the inflection point for electric SUVs. The Tesla Model Y arrived and instantly set the standard for range, charging, and practicality, earning our Best Overall nod, while the Hyundai Kona Electric proved that 258 miles of range did not require a premium badge and took our Best Value crown.

The legacy entries — the refined Audi e-tron, the charismatic Jaguar I-Pace, and the spacious Tesla Model X — each had real strengths, and all of them now wear deep used-market discounts that make 2020 EVs some of the smartest secondhand electric buys available. Whichever you chase, let battery health and remaining warranty, not nostalgia, drive the decision.

Sources

• 2020 Tesla Model Y — The Car Connection: ratings, specs, and prices
• 2020 Tesla Model Y depreciation and used value — Kelley Blue Book
• 2020 Audi e-tron 204-mile EPA range announcement — Kelley Blue Book
• Audi e-tron Sportback official EPA 218-mile range — InsideEVs
• 2020 Jaguar I-Pace review and ratings — Edmunds
• 2020 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE pricing — Kelley Blue Book
• 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric specs and prices — The Car Connection
• 2020 Kia Niro EV review — Edmunds
• 2020 Tesla Model X review, ratings, and specs — The Car Connection
• 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD EPA data — fueleconomy.gov
• Mercedes prices the U.S. EQC 400 4MATIC at $67,900 — electrive.com

*Electric SUV review — 2020 electric SUV reviews, rating, best electric SUV 2020, and a retrospective review of the top used EV crossover picks for buyers.*