- The Hyundai Ioniq 6 scored 83 out of 100 and was the best mainstream EV.
- Those in the luxury market would be wise to look at the BMW iX and i4.
- Other well-rated Hyundai Motor Group models include the Kia Niro EV and Kia EV6.
Those in the market for a new electric vehicle have more choices than ever before, but not all options are as compelling as others. Of the roughly 50 EVs tested by Consumer Reports over the past year, just 14 have made its final list of recommendations. So, which EVs are the best, according to the publication?
The single, most highly-rated EV tested by Consumer Reports is the BMW iX, awarded a rating of 84 out of a possible 100. It also took out top honors in the luxury electric SUV class, comfortably topping the Genesis GV60 with a rating of 75, the Lexus RZ at 74, the Audi Q4 e-tron at 71, and the Audi Q8 e-tron rated at 70 out of 100.
Read: Hyundai Elantra Sales Tumble 17%, EVs Up 33% This Year
For most consumers, however, the iX is out of their price range. When it comes to mainstream electric cars, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 scored an impressive 83 out of 100. We drove the Ioniq 6 last year and were thoroughly impressed by it. It’s a shame that the unusual design has likely impeded sales.
Consumer Reports says the Ioniq 6 rides well, provides rapid DC fast charging, has a quiet cabin, and provides “smooth and brisk” acceleration. It’s not perfect, with complaints including limited rear headroom and window controls placed on the center console.
The second most highly-rated mainstream EV also came from the Hyundai group, in the form of the Kia Niro Electric, scoring 71 out of 100.
For those willing to stretch their budget a little bit, the BMW i4 is the way to go in the luxury car segment. Like the Ioniq 6, it received 83 out of 100. That positioned it ahead of the Porsche Taycan, which got a score of 76, despite being priced at almost $30,000 more than the i4 and topping out at $197,500, whereas the most expensive i4 is $69,700.
Taking out top honors in the two-row SUV category was the Kia EV6, coming home with 77/100. It was followed by the only Tesla on the list, the Model Y, awarded 72/100. Consumer Reports also recommends the Nissan Ariya and Ford Mustang Mach-E, both of which got a score of 70.
The sole pick in the three-row SUV category was the Kia EV9, with a score of 98.
