Buyers Guide: The Best Electric Vehicles for 2023

Electric vehicles are slowly pushing through the initial resistance and are fast becoming a mainstay of the automobile sector.

There are now multiple options from several manufacturers. It is a big step forward from, say, a decade ago, when the EV market was ruled by only a few players.

Today, these EVs cut across every segment of the automobile space and picking the best is no easy feat. Here are a few noteworthy mentions worth considering if you are shopping for an EV.

1. Tesla Model Y Long Range
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD
3. BMW i4 Gran Coupe
4. Kia Niro EV
5. Lucid Air Touring AWD
6. Cadillac Lyriq Luxury AWD
7. Mercedes Benz EQS SUV
8. Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD
9. Ford F-150 Lightning
10. Rivian R1T Adventure Dual-Motor

Tesla Model Y Long Range

 

Image Credit: Motor Trend

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $46,630 USD /  $63,878 CAD
• Engine: 1 permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor and 1 AC Induction Motor
• Power / Torque: 384 hp /  376 lb-ft (combined)
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 127 MPGe (City) /  117 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 330 miles (531 km)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

In Q1 of 2023, the Tesla Model Y became the first EV to become the best-selling car in the world, outpacing even cars like the Toyota Corolla. The Model Y’s selling points include a spacious interior and an impressive driving range. They are also the primary reasons the car made it to this list.

Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD

Image Credit: EV Database

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $44,795 USD /  $61,240 CAD
• Engine: 2 Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motors
• Power / Torque: 346 hp /  428 lb-ft (Combined)
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 99 MPGe (City) /  86 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 270 miles (435 km)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

This EV might carry a nameplate that’s been around for decades, but there’s nothing old about its looks. Modern styling, user-friendly infotainment system, functional cargo space and ample range are just some of the reasons why the Mustang Mach-E has been a runaway success for Ford since its introduction in 2019.

BMW i4 Gran Coupe

Image Credit: Car Magazine

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $53,195 USD /  $73,629 CAD
• Engine: Synchronous AC Motor
• Power / Torque: 335 hp /  317 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 109 MPGe (City) /  108 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 282 miles (454 km) (for eDrive40)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

Performance has always been a central theme for BMW cars and the i4 is proof this is still the case regardless of powertrain. Even the base trim boasts a decent dose of power and impressive handling. The best part? BMW has put it all in a design package that feels so familiar. You’d be hard-pressed to tell this was an EV from just looking at it.

Kia Niro EV

Image Credit: AutoTrader

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $40,875 USD /  $55,995 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor
• Power / Torque: 201 hp /  188 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 126 MPGe (City) /  101 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 253 miles (407 km)
• Basic Warranty: 5 years /  60,000 miles (100,000 km)

Our Take

The Niro EV was refreshed with an updated look for the 2023 model year. The sharper styling gives it a much more noticeable road presence. It also comes with Kia’s class-leading powertrain warranty, and there are plenty of standard features, even for the base Wind trim, to make for a pleasant driving experience.

Lucid Air Touring AWD

Image Credit: Green Car Reports

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $78,900 USD /  $108,085 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front & rear)
• Power / Torque: 620 hp /  885 lb-ft (combined)
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 141 MPGe (City) /  140 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 384 miles (618 km)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

Lucid Air is one of the later entrants into the luxury electric sedan segment but it certainly packs enough arsenal to challenge the traditional heavyweights for supremacy. One of its standout features is a class-leading range on a single charge. In addition, the Air boasts a super sleek design, plush interior and supercar-like acceleration.

Cadillac Lyriq Luxury AWD

Image Credit: AutoTrader

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $64,990 USD /  $89,030 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front & rear)
• Power / Torque: 500 hp /  450 lb-ft (combined)
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 96 MPGe (City) /  81 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 307 miles (494 km)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

It’s Cadillac’s first entry into the EV segment, and the carmaker has gone about things in a bold way. The Lyriq’s design is futuristic, with an elaborate light show to boot. The stylish look continues on the interior that benefits from a generous use of premium materials. There is an AWD dual-motor variant, too, that adds a shot of extra excitement to the overall driving experience.

Mercedes Benz EQS450 SUV

Image Credit: Ars Technica

Specifications

• MSRP: $108,550 USD /  $148,703 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front & mid)
• Power / Torque: 355 hp /  590 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 79 MPGe (City) /  77 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 285 miles (459 km)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The EQS SUV shares the same platform and powertrain with its sedan counterpart. However, the SUV has seating for up to seven passengers. It’s with the overall build quality and interior finishing that the car really shines. The cabin features a seamless blend of wood, soft leather and a glass-intensive dash to create an interior space that puts the EQS SUV in a league of its own.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD

Image Credit: Electric Autonomy

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $48,745 USD /  $66,776 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front & rear)
• Power / Torque: 320 hp /  446 lb-ft (combined)
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 110 MPGe (City) /  87 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 256 miles (412 km)
• Basic Warranty: 5 years /  60,000 miles (100,000 km)

Our Take

Simply put, this is one of the best EVs on the market today, with several international awards to show as proof of a successful market presence. The IONIQ 5’s retro-themed styling is bold and combines well with the EV’s other attributes, such as its affordability, fast-charging capabilities and decent range on a single charge.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Image Credit: GuideAutoWeb

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $51,990 USD /  $71,221 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front & mid)
• Power / Torque: 452 hp /  775 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 76 MPGe (City) /  61 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 240 miles (386 km)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

Ford’s EV pickup was introduced for the 2022 model year and is still trying to find its footing in an uncertain market. However, the F-150 Lightning certainly has what it takes for a successful run. For one, the electric powertrain packs a wallop, making it quicker than the F-150 Raptor. Then there’s also a very useful frunk storage space that greatly increases its versatility.

Rivian R1T Adventure Dual-Motor

Image Credit: Digital Trends

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $74,800 USD /  $102,469 CAD
• Engine: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC Motor (front & rear)
• Power / Torque: 533 hp /  610 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 76 MPGe (City) /  69 MPGe (Highway)
• Range: 352 miles (567 km) (with the large battery pack)
• Basic Warranty: 5 years /  60,000 miles (100,000 km)

Our Take

The R1T stands out with its quirky good looks and an optional quad-motor powertrain that makes it one of the quickest pickup trucks on the market. The base model will be sufficient for most as it comes with several desirable features like heated and ventilated seats, premium audio system and wood interior trimmings.