The 5 Most Popular Electric SUVs and How to Finance Them in 2026

Thinking of getting an electric SUV? Perfect if you want a larger, practical car with lower running costs and quieter drive, electric SUVs could be well suited to everyday use, family life, and longer journeys.

There are loads of great models on the market at the moment, but we’ve whittled the list down to our top five best electric SUV for 2026. We’ve also detailed how you could finance them and what to think about when making your decision.

Whether you want a compact SUV, a family drive, or a bit of luxury, this guide helps you compare options and find the best EV SUV to fit your lifestyle.

The 5 best electric SUV cars in the UK for 2026

In no particular order, below is our pick of five of the most popular electric SUV cars available in the UK this year.

Kia EV6

First on our list in the Kia EV6, which has been updated for 2026. The biggest change is the larger battery pack, with capacity now up from 77.4kWh to 84.0kWh. This boost increases its usable range, making it more practical for longer journeys as well as everyday driving. 

Charging has also improved. Now, faster rapid charging lets you go from 10% to 80% much quicker. This makes motorway trips and road trips that bit easier. Alongside these changes, subtle design updates give the EV6 a fresher look without losing its distinctive shape.

If you want an electric SUV that looks great, drives well and now offers stronger range and charging than before, the EV6 could be one of the best electric vehicle SUV options for 2026.

Skoda Elroq

The Skoda Elroq is a great example of Skoda’s focus on practicality and value. There’s plenty of space inside, with even taller passengers able to sit comfortably in the rear without feeling cramped. The boot is generous, and optional packages make it easy to get the most from the car’s storage.

The Elroq feels agile, with a tight turning circle and responsive acceleration that makes city driving easy. Braking feel is consistent, giving a reassuring level of control no matter the conditions. And, with an official range of around 360 miles, longer journeys are straightforward and stress-free without worrying about charging.

In short, the Elroq is a practical and affordable electric SUV. It suits families, commuters, and anyone seeking a dependable, roomy EV.

BMW iX

BMW iX3 looks very similar to the petrol-powered BMW X3, so you still get the same spacious and classy SUV feel, including a large boot and an excellent infotainment system.

On the road, the iX3 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with confident handling, making it easy to drive in both town and motorway conditions. Its official range of up to 285 miles between charges is more than enough for most daily driving and moderate trips. 

The iX3 may not be the fastest to accelerate or charge, but it offers a great mix of comfort, practicality, and refinement. This makes it one of the best electric SUVs to recommend in 2026.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a three-row, seven-seat electric SUV that’s impressive when it comes to both space and technology. It has a serious presence on the road, and inside features a very solid, high-tech cabin.

All versions come with a 110.3kWh battery and Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which allows for rapid DC charging at up to 350kW. This means you can recharge quickly on longer trips.

On the road, the Ioniq 9 offers a comfortable and smooth drive. While its handling isn’t the sharpest, it offers good size, space, and technology. This makes it a practical and appealing choice, making it a top pick for large-family EV buyers in 2026.

Renault 4 Electric

The Renault 4 Electric is a practical and easy-to-drive electric SUV with a comfortable, well-controlled ride. Its one-pedal driving mode makes city driving and stop-start traffic easy and relaxed. The official range of up to 247 miles may not be the highest, but it's still competitive. 

The Renault 4 Electric also has plenty of interior space, offering a roomy front cabin and a larger boot than many rival models. Rear passengers get good legroom, but headroom is tight. Taller adults might struggle for height.

Overall, the Renault 4 Electric is a strong option for drivers looking for a practical, city-friendly electric SUV in 2026.

How to choose the right electric SUV for your lifestyle

Ultimately, the best electric vehicle suv choice for you comes down to your top priorities for a car. Think carefully about what you really need and which elements you can compromise on. Here’s a few key factors you may want to consider when making your decision:

• Daily range and charging – Think about your regular journeys and access to charging. Do you take long journeys and need a fast charging car? Do you have an electric charging point at home? It’s also a good idea to check your area and usual routes to find out where your local charging points are.
• Size and space – Consider how many passengers you carry and how much boot space you realistically need. Larger models are great for families, while compact SUVs could be a better choice for cities.
• Running costs – Electric SUVs generally cost less to run than petrol or diesel cars, but insurance, charging costs and maintenance still vary. Use online comparison tools to estimate realistic ownership costs.
• Technology – Modern electric SUVs have advanced infotainment and safety features, but it does vary. Decide which tech matters most to you, whether it’s cruise control, smartphone integration or driver aids.
• Resale value – Some EVs hold value better than others, which can matter if you plan to sell or part-exchange in a few years. Typically, established brands with strong demand help preserve value.

For more advice, check out our guides on ​​EV efficiency and EV pros and cons before making your final decision.

How to finance an electric SUV in 2026

Once you’ve chosen the best electric SUV for you, you need to think about how to pay for it. One of the biggest drawbacks of an EV SUV could be the upfront cost, but EV car finance helps you spread the cost in manageable monthly payments. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

At Car Finance 247, we work with a trusted panel of lenders who may offer Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) car finance for EVs. Here’s how they work:

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP): PCP remains a popular ways to finance electric SUVs. You may pay a deposit, monthly payments over an agreed term and interest. At the end of the agreement you have three options: hand it back, pay the ‘balloon payment’ to keep it, or part exchange it. This could be a good choice if you want ownership flexibility at the end and want typically lower monthly payments compared to HP.

Hire Purchase (HP): With HP you may also pay a deposit and monthly payments plus interest. But at the end of the agreement, you automatically own the car once the final payment is made. Monthly costs are typically higher than PCP, but you own the vehicle at the end. This option might work well if you plan to keep the car long-term.

The best choice for you depends on how long you want the car, how much you can pay upfront, and whether ownership matters to you.

Get your quote today to check your eligibility.