SUVs are what most Australian families buy, and the electric choice has widened fast. You can now get a mid-size electric SUV with more than 400 km of WLTP range for under $45,000, and there are three-row options from Tesla, Kia and Hyundai. We built this list from the EV Select database, using each maker's own Australian prices and range figures.
The shortlist
| Model | Seats | Price (list unless marked) | Range (WLTP) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic | 5 | $41,990 | 420 km | Cheapest mid-size pick |
| Skoda Elroq 60 Select | 5 | $49,990 drive-away | 395 km | European feel, compact |
| BYD Sealion 7 Premium RWD | 5 | $54,990 ($4,000 cashback to 21 Dec) | 482 km | Value five-seater |
| Zeekr 7X RWD | 5 | $57,900 | 480 km | Most tech for the money |
| Tesla Model Y Premium RWD | 5 | $58,900 | 466 km | Easiest ownership, Supercharger network |
| Skoda Enyaq 85 Sportline | 5 | $59,990 | 547 km | Big boot, long range |
| Kia EV5 Air Long Range | 5 | $59,990 drive-away | 555 km | Best all-rounder |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD | 5 | $68,200 | 570 km | Roomy, fast charging |
| Tesla Model Y L Long Range AWD | 6 | $74,900 | 681 km | Three rows under $75,000 list |
| Kia EV9 Air RWD | 7 | $97,000 | 443 km | Full-size seven-seater |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy AWD | 7 | $119,750 | 600 km | Luxury seven-seater |
List prices exclude on-road costs. Drive-away prices are as advertised by the maker. Offers end on the dates shown and have conditions. Range is the maker's WLTP figure. Seats are the maker's figures.
Our picks
- Best all-rounder: Kia EV5 Air Long Range. At $59,990 drive-away it pairs 555 km of WLTP range with a boxy, practical body and Kia's seven-year warranty. It is the car we'd suggest first to most families.
- Best value: BYD Sealion 7 Premium RWD. It's $54,990 plus on-roads, and BYD's $4,000 cashback runs on orders to 21 December. There's also a 6% novated lease discount offer.
- Cheapest worth buying: BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic. It's $41,990 plus on-roads for 420 km. It suits a family with one or two kids and home charging.
- Easiest to live with: Tesla Model Y. The Premium RWD is $58,900 plus on-roads. Tesla's Supercharger network and app make road trips the least stressful of any brand here.
- Best three-row under $100,000: Tesla Model Y L. It seats six, with 681 km of WLTP range, for $74,900 plus on-roads. That list price sits just under the $75,000 line in the proposed FBT changes, but the FBT test includes dealer delivery, so check the final figure if you're leasing. Our Model Y L guide goes through it seat by seat.
- Best full seven-seater: Kia EV9. The Air RWD starts at $97,000, and it's the one to get if you need adult-sized third-row seats.
What to check for a family EV
- Highway range, not just WLTP. A loaded SUV at 110 km/h uses much more energy. Our highway range guide uses independent 120 km/h tests.
- Child seats. Count the top-tether points and check that three seats fit across the second row if you need it.
- Towing. Braked towing ratings vary widely between models, up to 2,500 kg for the EV9, and towing cuts range sharply.
- Home charging. A 7 kW wall charger refills most of these overnight. See our home charger guide.
- Novated leasing. Every car here except the EV9 and Ioniq 9 is under the current FBT threshold. See what a novated lease saves.
Quick answers
What is the best electric SUV for families in Australia?
For most families, the Kia EV5 Air Long Range: 555 km of WLTP range, a practical body and $59,990 drive-away. The BYD Sealion 7 is the value pick, and the Tesla Model Y is the easiest to live with.
What is the cheapest seven-seat electric SUV in Australia?
Of the full-size electric SUVs in our database, the Kia EV9 Air RWD, from $97,000 plus on-road costs. The six-seat Tesla Model Y L is cheaper at $74,900.
What is the cheapest electric family SUV?
The BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic, at $41,990 plus on-road costs with 420 km of WLTP range.