Welcome to Electric Road’s ‘Top 5 Large Electric Cars’ Spring 2023 in association with Xcite Car Leasing.

At Electric Road, our key objective is to be as useful as we possibly can be for those considering their first or next electric car and related products & services. Finding the right electric car is clearly the most important part of the process! In an ever-growing market there are many considerations (budget-aside) such as should you buy new or used and how you are actually going to use the car.

Just so you know, we only consider a particular make & model when we’ve received a minimum of 20 Top 5 EV Surveys. For the ‘Large Electric Car’ category, we base it on cars with a length of 4,501mm or more.

Owner Ratings

Based on the 5-bolt rating system from over 4,000 Top 5 EV Surveys received up to and including 31st March 2023, Electric Road has extracted the top 5 highest-rated large electric cars. Within the review forms, all owners have to provide an overall bolt rating out of 5 on their current car. We’ve then worked out the average rating for each make & model.

We hope this summary of EV owners’ opinions will help you make the right decision when the time comes to purchase your first or next electric car. Given how quickly the electric vehicle market is growing, the ‘Top 5 Large Electric Cars’ will be updated each quarter ensuring you have the latest owner feedback from Electric Road.

Top 5 Large Electric Cars

1. KIA EV6 (4.91)

The KIA EV6 is back on top spot with owners still loving its range, space, performance plus KIA’s 7-year warranty.

Here’s what some of our owners think about their KIA EV6:

‘Loved the style, the range is good, space in the car is good, the tech that comes in the GT-Line S model shows excellent value for money.’

GT-Line S 2023, IRO. Read the full Owner Review here

‘I’d been thinking of changing to an EV since 2020, having driven hybrids from Toyota and Lexus since 2005. The Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 were on my shortlist until the EV6 was announced in April 2021 and I placed a pre-reservation right away. I wanted a car with close-to-300-miles range (I have a regular 240-mile journey) but it was the aesthetics of the EV6 which immediately enthused me.

It’s a beautifully-resolved design, with terrific surfacing and proportions. The 800V architecture for fast charging and the strong performance, especially in AWD dual motor form, were added benefits. Also, I was reassured by Kia’s 7-year warranty and their excellent track record of building reliable and efficient EVs with the e-Niro and Soul EV.’

GT-Line AWD 77kWh 2021, Martin J. Read the full Owner Review here

‘We needed a family car to replace our fossil-burning Volvo. As soon as I saw the pre-launch pictures and specification of the EV6 I was pretty sure it would fit the bill. Inside there is plenty of space for 5 adults, although the middle rear seat isn’t quite as comfortable as the rest, despite the flat floor.

The boot is plenty big enough for daily use and the car looks really good too. Performance is amazing for a 2-tonne car and a real-world 250+ mile range is great, especially as it can charge on a DC rapid charger at over 200kW (if you can find one that fast). The 7-year warranty on all Kia cars is also a big bonus and was a major factor in my decision-making process.’

GT-Line S AWD 2022, Rick O. Read the full Owner Review here

‘I like the look, the driving experience, the range and the features.’

GT-Line S 2022, Vrf28. Read the full Owner Review here

‘Loved the design, read lots of reviews on lots of different EVs and the EV6 seemed to tick more boxes than a lot of the others. Good selection of kit included and actually like the fact that there are currently only three trim levels and not lots of optional add-ons which means it’s easier to compare prices of other EVs.’

GT-Line S 77kWh 2022, Nige. Read the full Owner Review here

Find your new electric vehicle today with Xcite Car Leasing!

2. Tesla Model 3 (4.85)

Tesla Model 3 owners are continually impressed with the range, charging infrastructure & level of tech the car has.

Here’s what some of our owners think about their Model 3:

‘Leased through company scheme and while BIK was low, the monthly cost through our salary sacrifice scheme meant I could afford a Model 3. That aside, I’ve test driven other EVs and already own another EV and the Tesla was the best option in my available range of cars at the time.

I am an aircraft design engineer by trade and therefore the minimalist design packed with both useful and fun features attracted me to the Tesla range. I also feel that as Tesla are a young company compared to the other mainstream car OEMs, they have the edge on being able to be innovate and can approach things with a different and more agile attitude. They can react quicker than the process driven other manufacturers. These qualities I know will mean good through-life ownership of the vehicle and this is proving to be true with the over the air software updates that can even adjust such items as suspension set up. Visionary.’

SR+ 2020, Ash. Read the full Owner Review here

• ‘I love how responsive it is – it drives as fast as you can think, basically
• I love how it is regularly being improved because so much of it is software-based
• I love that Tesla is thinking afresh about how to deliver the best cars they can – they are not weighed down by brand expectations or car industry dogma.’

Standard Range Plus 2021, Joe R. Read the full Owner Review here

‘Range, performance, equipment, quality, superchargers, not an SUV. As a ‘stress-free, do everything’ car, I don’t think anything competes with the smaller Teslas. It feels special, has extraordinary acceleration (which doesn’t get boring) and handles really well. My family were sold on the tech, including the entertainment and more frivolous features that make the car fun. For the first time ever I’m likely to replace it like-for-like.’

Long Range 2021, Oli. Read the full Owner Review here

‘I’ve always been inspired by how Tesla have driven EV development. I’m sure I’ll own other makes of EV but starting with a Tesla made sense to me.’

SR+ 2021, Sarah P. Read the full Owner Review here

Find your new electric vehicle today with Xcite Car Leasing!

3. Jaguar I-PACE (4.83)

The I-PACE is loved by owners for its performance and all-round quality.

Here’s what some of our owners think about their I-PACE:

‘Looked at a few, choice was down to the Jaguar I-PACE or the Kia EV6. I took a test drive in both. The Jaguar I-PACE won on looks and drive, it’s exceptionally quick and a very smooth ride. It feels like and looks like a normal car, no space age feeling. Cost was more but worth the extra.’

I-PACE 90kWh 2021, Simon Cutler. Read the full Owner Review here

‘Wanted an electric car to replace my Jaguar XF after wife got a Nissan LEAF and realised how good electric traction is. The specs for the I-PACE in advance of the launch looked good. Enough range, 4-wheel drive, space for 4 adults in comfort and 5 if needed. Fantastic looks too.

On getting a test drive and also driving around Oulton Park race track, the handling and performance were absolutely top draw. Unfortunately, it was a bit out of our price range initially but eventually we were able to afford one. Specced with 18″ rims and all-season rubber as we live on the edge of the Peak District. Performance in snow is exemplary. The I-PACE is able to (effortlessly) drive in conditions my XF with winter tyres could not have coped with. The car is able to drive in up to 550mm of water (air suspension) so useful in Lake District for example.’

HSE 2020, John B. Read the full Owner Review here

‘Unlike many electric cars, the I-PACE is a car manufactured by a prestigious brand, the quality is superior to most and just so happens to be electric and full of technology. I didn’t want a car built by a technology company with very poor build quality. This is the best of both worlds in my eyes.’

HSE 90kWh 2018, Martyn Winspear. Read the full Owner Review here

‘Design and overall form and shape, battery size and range, engine power, interior quality & brand name. At the time of purchase, the only alternatives were the Tesla Model X and S which were 30% more expensive than a better equipped I-PACE and not as well built; or the Nissan LEAF with a much smaller size battery and no 4WD.’

HSE 2019, Nikos. Read the full Owner Review here

Find your new electric vehicle today with Xcite Car Leasing!

4. Hyundai IONIQ 5 (4.82)

Looks, performance & the technical abilities of the IONIQ 5 are putting big smiles on owners’ faces.

Here’s what some of our owners think about their IONIQ 5:

‘I accept that the IONIQ 5 is a marmite car, you either love or loathe the styling. I just love it, to me there’s nothing else on the road quite like it. So the styling was the main reason I considered this car. I was looking for an e-SUV for practical reasons and I needed a vehicle which family with mobility issues could access and egress easily. I also wanted more space to carry 4 adults and luggage in comfort, more space for child seats and grandchildren’s bikes etc so this car fitted the bill perfectly.

Having driven a VW e-Golf for over 3 years I was already an EV advocate so I definitely wanted another electric vehicle. Range over 200 miles and good efficiency was also a must and the IONIQ 5 definitely ticked that box in its long range 73kWh-guise.’

IONIQ 5 Premium 73kWh 2022, Anthony Hibbs. Read the full Owner Review here

‘Researching solar + battery installation at home and a great dealer offer to buy back my 3 year old diesel car prompted me to look into EVs. After research, I decided now was the time to go electric and the IONIQ 5 stood head and shoulders above all for me as price, performance, efficiency, tech and looks + very local dealership matched my aspirations.’

IONIQ 5 2022, John Williams. Read the full Owner Review here

‘Solar roof and automatic door handles, nothing to do with the 5.2 secs 0 to 60!’

Project 45 2021, Robin. Read the full Owner Review here

Find your new electric vehicle today with Xcite Car Leasing!

5. Polestar 2 (4.81)

The Polestar 2’s driving dynamics, style and comfort are key themes from owners.

Here’s what some of our owners think about their Polestar 2:

‘Keen on a well-reviewed car, with excellent handling, poise on the road and enough oomph to put a smile on my face when needed. I needed something to match the feel on the wheel of some of my favourite cars of the past (namely some of the older BMWs); the Polestar 2 was the only EV that gave me that connection with the road and the thrill of driving beyond the ‘off the line’ performance, thus steering was key (this notably ruled out the Tesla Model 3).

Range needed to be sufficient to do my daily commute (~60 miles) and never have to worry if I couldn’t charge it for a while. Utilisable technology was very important (not interested in ability for full self-driving as not legal currently); so Adaptive Cruise Control & Steering Assist was essential. I’m a Google Home user, so Android Automotive tied in nicely with that.

Styling was key – wanted to avoid the ostentatious and have something that stood out, yet was calmly understated. I really liked the ‘cockpit’ enclosed feel.’

Long Range Dual Motor Pilot Plus 2022, Andrew McKendry. Read the full Owner Review here

• ‘There’s nothing on the road that looks quite like the Polestar 2, it turns heads wherever we go as you don’t see many of them around
• It’s very nice to drive, very comfortable and has plenty space for us, our 2 kids and our dog
• The Polestar 2 gives us plenty of range for the day-to-day commute, school runs and we recently did a 750-mile round trip between Glasgow and Bristol which it managed absolutely fine with a few stops to top up the battery.’

Single Motor 2022, Kulraj Burmy. Read the full Owner Review here

• ‘I love the way it drives
• Polestar customer service is excellent
• I think it’s the most stylish looking EV out there.’

Polestar 2 2021, David. Read the full Owner Review here

Find your new electric vehicle today with Xcite Car Leasing!