Electric small car

Electric family car

Hybrid family car

Electric small SUV

Hybrid small SUV

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Hybrid large SUV

Electric MPV

Electric estate car

Hybrid estate car

Electric executive car

Hybrid executive car

Electric luxury car

Electric performance car

Hybrid performance car

New car winners

Readers' choice

Special award

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Used car winners

Electric Car Awards 2023

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Low running costs compared with solely petrol or diesel equivalents</li> <li>Very low official CO2 emissions to benefit company car drivers</li> <li>The same usability as a regular car</li> <li>Smooth transition between electric and engine power</li> <li>Small practicality compromise over conventional models</li></ul>

Not so long ago, hybrids were the preserve of Hollywood stars, environmentally conscious 'early adopters' and the odd&nbsp;minicab driver looking to save a bit of money on fuel.

Since the collapse in demand for diesel, however, they have become&nbsp;much more popular, and it's easy to see why, with&nbsp;low tax bills and&nbsp;impressive MPG figures&nbsp;just a couple of the perks they offer.

There are two types of hybrid: 'self-charging'&nbsp;models, which mix petrol&nbsp;and electric power in an effort to maximise&nbsp;efficiency, and&nbsp;plug-in hybrids that can travel many miles purely on electricity before their engines need to cut in. This category is for the former type of cars.

Hybrid

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Usefully long electric-only range</li> <li>Exceedingly frugal</li> <li>Cheap company car tax rates</li> <li>Smooth switching between electric and petrol power</li></ul>

If you're not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle&nbsp;but have the capacity to charge your car at home or at work, a plug-in hybrid could be the perfect compromise. Electric batteries paired with a petrol or diesel&nbsp;engine means you'll never be left short of charge&nbsp;but can capitalise on cheap running costs, thanks to a surprisingly long electric-only range.

There's plenty of choice, too, whether you're after a sporty saloon like the BMW 3 Series, the 330e variant of which providing up to 36 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge, or a large load-lugging large SUV, including the Volvo XC90 T8, which claims an extraordinary&nbsp;113mpg.

Throw in competent handling and driving prowess, despite the added weight of the electric batteries, and a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;makes a compelling case for frugal buyers.&nbsp;

Plug-in hybrid

With electric cars now coming in all shapes and sizes – and available to suit every budget – we’ve named the best new and used models in every class

Electric Car Awards

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth is now owned by Fiat and responsible for the firm’s sportiest cars.

In recent years, Fiat has even tried to establish Abarth as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën has split off its DS luxury division. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 595, for example, is a beefed-up Fiat 500 hatchback, while the Abarth 124 Spider is a hotter version of its Fiat namesake.

ABARTH

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

There's just one car in the line-up at the moment: the Cupra Ateca SUV. However, Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks are also planned, as is a bespoke model which –&nbsp;initially, at least –&nbsp;won't be offered in regular Seat from.

Don't think that the first Cupra is just an Ateca with a bit more power and a sporty bodykit, either. Its&nbsp;engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system are actually very similar to what you'll find in Volkswagen's flagship Golf R hot hatch, and the car can hit 62mph in just 5.4sec.

CUPRA

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the PSA Group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

In 2018, DS stated that it planned to launch a new model every year, with all of these influenced by the French fashion industry and&nbsp;designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

First to arrive (that same year) was the&nbsp;DS 7 Crossback – a large SUV that competes with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Then in 2019 this was followed by the smaller DS3 Crossback SUV, which is not only available&nbsp;with petrol and diesel engines, but also in fully electric E-Tense form.

More recently, DS&nbsp;unveiled its answer to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class luxury saloons. And while this DS 9 won't now go on sale until 2021, when it does arrive it will be offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric power.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GENESIS

GWM ORA

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

City-Car

Coupe

Estate

Hatchback

Saloon

Sports

2008

600e

ARIYA

Astra Electric

ATTO 3

AVENGER

BORN

BZ4X

C4 X

COMBO LIFE

CORSA

Dolphin

DS 3

E NY1

E-TRON GT

Electrified GV70

ENYAQ

ENYAQ COUPE

FORFOUR

FORTWO COUPE

GV60

HASHTAG 1

HONDA e

I-PACE

ID.3

ID.4

ID.5

ID.BUZZ

IONIQ 5

IONIQ 6

KONA ELECTRIC

LEAF

MEGANE E-TECH

MIRAI

MODEL 3

MODEL S

MODEL X

MODEL Y

MOKKA

MUSTANG MACH-E

MX-30

NIRO

ORA FUNKY CAT

Seal

SOLTERRA

SOUL

TAYCAN

XC40

The electric e-Up only comes in one level, but comes with plenty of equipment as standard, with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, parking sensors and a rear-view camera all included. 

E-Up

You get plenty of equipment as standard, including climate control, adaptive cruise control and LED headlights. The 21in alloys are bespoke to the GT version, as are the front sports seats.

The top-of-the-range M Sport Pro trim takes the long list of goodies from the entry-level trim and adds 20in alloy wheels, high-beam assist, adjustable lumbar support, a head-up display, an upgraded Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system and the Hans Zimmer designed IconicSounds acceleration effects. 

M Sport Pro

Entry-level SE trim is our chosen version to go for. Why? Well, it keeps costs to a minimum but still comes with standard equipment that includes 17in alloy wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, built-in sat-nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring. 

SE EV

The Peugeot e-2008 is priced broadly in line with its rivals, costing a little more than an equivalent Smart #1 but a bit less than a Kia Niro EV. The MG ZS EV undercuts all of them by a hefty chunk.

The e-2008 has a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging speed</a> charge of up 100kW, which is good enough for a 10-80% charge using a 150kW <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">public charger</a>&nbsp;in around half an hour.

A 50kW rapid charger will do the same in under an hour – roughly on a par with many rivals, and a touch faster than the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia Niro EV and the MG ZS EV. A standard 7kW <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-home-chargers-rated/n25830">home wallbox</a> will deliver a full charge in around eight hours. An 11kW DC on-board charger is available on the options list.

The e-2008's entry-level Active trim is sparsely equipped – it doesn’t even get alloy wheels, settling instead for 16in steel wheels with trims. You can’t option alloy wheels&nbsp;either. Still, it does get automatic lights and wipers, reversing sensors, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning and a six-speaker sound system.

Allure is a good choice to balance cost and comforts:&nbsp;it adds front parking sensors, 17in alloy wheels, gloss-black roof bars, part-leatherette upholstery and two USB charging ports for rear passengers.

GT has interior style updates, a contrast roof, full adaptive LED headlights, wireless phone-charging, keyless entry and heated seats, but is pricy. There's also a limited-run First Edition trim that adds Alcantara seats, built-in sat-nav and other kit.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> awarded the model five stars out of five overall for safety, but found it less safe than the DS 3 E-Tense for occupants, with concerns about chest injuries for a child in a side impact. It’s still a very safe car, though, although not as safe as the Mazda MX-30, which is one of the safest cars in the class.

All versions have automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>) and lane assist. Allure trim upgrades the AEB to spot pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars, and GT trim adds blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are optional on Allure trim and up.

When it comes to reliability, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> as a manufacturer came 21st out of 32 brands in the 2023 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-what-car-reliability-survey/n23397">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. That puts it at a similar level to Volkswagen, but below Hyundai, Kia, MG and Renault. You get a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, with the battery covered separately for eight years or 100,000 miles. Kia’s warranty is a lot longer, though.

<h2 dir="ltr">Peugeot e-2008 costs overview</h2>

Strengths&nbsp;Five-star safety rating; reasonable charging speeds

Weaknesses Entry-level trim sparsely equipped; Peugeot’s disappointing reliability record

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The e-2008 gets a 154bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels – and that’s your lot. Unless you count the petrol <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/2008/estate/review/n110">Peugeot 2008</a>, there are no other options, and that’s just fine: a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116"> family SUV</a> hardly needs to offer gratuitous levels of power.

Even so, it does have a decent mid-speed turn of pace. It picks up well for a faster motorway merge or a cheeky junction exit, and feels more than powerful enough to give you confidence in any kind of everyday driving.&nbsp;The 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds in nothing special, but the smooth ebb and flow of the acceleration is good.

The brake feel isn’t the best, though. It’s a little hard to predict because of the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-regenerative-braking-and-how-does-it-work/n25212"> regenerative braking</a> system, although it’s still easy enough to drive smoothly around town. The regen effect is quite mild and doesn’t really feel any different to the way a normal petrol or diesel car slows down if you let it coast.

Hitting the ‘B’ button on the gear selector brings heavier regen, but it’s not as strong as the one-pedal driving you get in the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338"> </a>Smart #1. It’s also not adaptive, as some rivals including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane E-Tech</a> offer.

The ride is comfy, even on the bigger 18in alloy wheels available. It soaks up bumps and scruffy surfaces easily, staying calm and composed even with cornering forces thrown in from the fairly heavy body lean.

There’s plenty of confidence in corners, despite the soft suspension, and the steering is well-weighted, although it can feel a touch nervous when you initially apply lock – partly due to the way the small steering wheel emphasises steering inputs.

There’s barely any whine from the electric motor, and wind and road noise are really well suppressed, making this one of the quietest electric SUVs to travel in.

On the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> website you’ll see that the e-2008 has a 54kWh battery, but that’s the total capacity. In fact, you get 50.8kWh of lithium-ion cells that will be charging and discharging (every electric car keeps some cells isolated to help with the battery’s longevity and performance).

With a standard heat pump helping with its cold weather efficiency, it now manages a respectable WLTP range of up to 251 miles – not too far off less-efficient but bigger battery rivals including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/zs/hatchback/review/n20171">MG ZS EV</a>.

<h2 dir="ltr">Peugeot e-2008 driving overview</h2>

Strengths&nbsp;Comfortable ride; impressive refinement

Weaknesses Mediocre range; lots of rivals are quicker

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

The entry-level 1.2-litre petrol engine is only available in the entry-level trim with a six-speed manual gearbox. We haven’t driven it yet.

http://example.com

1.2 PureTech

12-puretech

OUR PICK

This punchy and frugal engine is the pick of the lineup, and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed automatic. The manual isn’t the nicest gearbox to use, but it’s still better than the automatic which can be a little jerky at low speeds. This engine is a lot stronger in terms of performance than the 1.2 Puretech 100 and still frugal in real-world driving conditions.

1.2 PureTech 130

12-puretech-130

There’s no choice when it comes to the battery and electric motor with the e-2008, so any version you buy will come with a 54kWh battery and a 154bhp electric motor. The range and performance on offer are pretty mediocre compared with most rivals.

54kWh

115kw

The Peugeot e-2008 is what you might call a 'stealth electric SUV'. Not because its battery and motor mean it's quiet on the move, but because you'd be hard-pressed to tell it apart at a glance from its petrol-powered twin, the 2008.

In other words, the e-2008 doesn't have the outlandish styling some of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a> models&nbsp;you'll see have adopted.&nbsp;Whether you like that or not is up to you – we're here to tell you whether or not it's worth buying.

First you need to know what the e-2008 competes against in the increasingly competitive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUV</a> class. Well, the main rivals include the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-1/hatchback/review/n25016">Smart #1</a>.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-f_LV-6PuFA?si=7wr8Rvd8R-6vfWq3" width="560"></iframe>

This review will tell you how the Peugeot e-2008 stacks up against those cars and others. Read&nbsp;on to find out how we rate it for performance, driving range, practicality, comfort, value and more.

The interior of the Peugeot e-2008 is smart with a striking, modern-looking dashboard, and a tactile blend of gloss plastics and dense-feeling textiles. It’s comfortable, too, with plenty of side support and adjustment to the seats, although the seat is a bit narrow and lumbar adjustment is only standard on First Edition models – it’s an optional extra on GT.

You don’t sit that high up, though – only a touch higher than you do in a normal hatchback electric car such as the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832"> VW ID.3</a> and lower than you do in the bigger and taller<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/zs/hatchback/review/n20171"> MG ZS EV</a>.

There’s plenty of reach and height adjustment for the steering wheel, and the driver’s seat adjusts for height, but it can still take a while to find a comfortable seating position as a result of the tiny steering wheel.

Peugeot's thinking is that having a&nbsp;small, low-set steering wheel allows the instruments to be placed higher so you don’t have to look far from the road to read them. Unfortunately, many people will find the top of the steering wheel obscures the dials unless the wheel is set unnaturally low.

The interior can feel a bit gloomy, with lots of dark material finishes, but adding the optional panoramic glass roof that’s available on Allure and GT trims will help to alleviate that.

Every e-2008 gets a 10in colour touchscreen set into the upper dashboard, with wireless<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194"> Android Auto</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193"> Apple CarPlay</a>. There’s a physical, touch-sensitive home button that’s useful for reverting to a page and you can store your own shortcuts.

You have to go for Allure or GT trim to get high-definition graphics on the touchscreen. Even the best system in the e-2008 is slightly less clear with smaller icons than the Kia Niro EV one.

Even so, significant software updates brought in with the 2023 facelift have made the screen much quicker to respond and easier to navigate. It’s generally a much better system than before, and while it’s not quite the best in the electric SUV class, it's perfectly fit for purpose and will be easy to live with.

The First Edition launch trim adds built-in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat-nav</a> with live traffic updates and over-the-air software updates. Other versions will rely on smartphone integration for navigation.

<h2 dir="ltr">Peugeot e-2008 interior overview</h2>

Strengths Classy look and feel; wireless smartphone mirroring standard

Weaknesses Climate controls mostly operated through touchscreen; small steering wheel won’t suit everyone

Electric SUV is quiet, comfortable&nbsp;and smart inside, but there are roomier models with&nbsp;longer ranges

Peugeot e-2008

Even tall drivers will find enough space in the Peugeot e-2008, with good head and leg room available. It feels more confined than some of the bigger cars in the electric SUV class, though – it's narrower than the Kia Niro EV, for example.

Storage space is reasonable, with space under the centre armrest and cubbies dotted around, but the door pockets aren’t huge and the glovebox is decidedly small.

It’s fine for rear seat passengers, too. Again, it's not the best in the class because the Niro EV and the MG ZS EV are quite a bit more spacious, but if you’re six feet tall you’ll have just enough head and leg room not to feel pinched.

You’ll certainly be better off than you would in the back of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ds/ds-3/hatchback/review/n20402">DS 3 E-Tense</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/mokka/hatchback/review/n22633">Vauxhall Mokka Electric</a>, which are similar-sized cars but have far less appealing rear-seat accommodation.

The e-2008 doesn’t provide a great deal of seating flexibility. You have to opt for mid-spec Allure trim to get a height-adjustable passenger seat, and, like the driver, the passenger can't have adjustable lumbar support. The rear seats don’t slide or recline, either, but they do split and fold 60/40.

There's no second boot under the bonnet, but the one at the back is just as big as it is in the regular&nbsp;2008. In our tests, we managed to fit five carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf – the same as in the Niro EV – which translates to a reasonably sized buggy or a good amount of shopping.

There’s also a decent amount of underfloor storage thanks to the standard height-adjustable boot floor, but you can’t add a spare wheel – even a space saver – because the batteries take up the space beneath the boot.

<h2 dir="ltr">Peugeot e-2008 practicality overview</h2>

Strengths Decent boot; rear-seat space better than some rivals

Weaknesses Lumbar adjustment not standard; small glovebox

This entry-level trim is well equipped in some areas, getting wireless smartphone mirroring and cruise control. However, it also only gets 16in steel wheels (not alloys) and a less-advanced AEB system than the higher trims. We think it’s worth spending extra for Allure.

Active

active

This mid-spec trim level is the pick of the line-up. It gets 17in alloys, a more advanced AEB system and higher-definition graphics for its infotainment system on top of everything else the entry-level car gets. 

Allure

allure

This range-topping trim is too pricey to recommend but comes with full LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, and a reversing camera as well as keyless entry and go.

This limited-run trim is too expensive to recommend, but gets upgraded alcantara upholstery with a massaging driver’s seat as well as as an 11kW on-board charger as standard.

First Edition

first-edition

The Peugeot e-2008 feels classy inside, is comfortable on the road and is generally a decent family car in terms of practicality, despite being relatively compact compared with some alternatives. Top-spec versions look expensive – we reckon mid-level Allure is the best choice.

This class is all about SUVs that run purely on electricity. No petrol, no diesel and not even any hybrid technology.

Relatively low-cost options include the MG ZS EV, but you can easily spend three times as much on more luxurious alternatives, such as the BMW iX.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Electric SUV

You'll struggle to find a&nbsp;new electric car that undercuts the starting price of the MG4. In fact, even the most expensive versions&nbsp;are&nbsp;cheaper than the entry-level equivalents of many&nbsp;key rivals.

Better still, the MG4 is predicted to depreciate more slowly (in percentage terms, at least) than the more expensive Born,&nbsp;Funky Cat and&nbsp;Megane. That’s good news, because it helps push monthly finance payments&nbsp;even lower.

So, which version should you go for? Well, we reckon you're best off sticking with the smallest (50.8kWh) battery and entry-level SE trim. This&nbsp;keeps the price down and you still get plenty of standard kit, including&nbsp;adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors and vehicle-to-load charging (V2L), which allows you to use your car's battery to power most things with a three-pin plug.

Trophy trim (available only in combination with the Long Range an Extended Range batteries) adds a few styling flourishes and a 360-degree camera, as well as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. It's still much cheaper than any like-for-like rival, although&nbsp;isn't such staggering value for money as the entry-level car.

The XPower offers incredible straight-line performance for the money, even if it isn't huge fun through the corners and has a shorter range than the cheaper Long Range model. We reckon&nbsp;the Extended Range is the least recommendable version of the MG4, although it's worth considering if&nbsp;you need to do 250-miles journeys without charging.

It's worth noting that you'll need to go for Trophy trim&nbsp;or the XPower to maximise safety kit. These versions add&nbsp;blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assistance. You&nbsp;get automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>) and lane-keeping assistance on all models, though.

The MG4 scored the full five stars for safety when it was tested by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>,&nbsp;although it's worth noting that adult occupant crash protection was found to be significantly better in the&nbsp;Born.

The Standard Range model can accept a charging rate of up to 117kW, which means a 10-80% top-up takes less than 40min (in ideal conditions). The Long Range model can accept a maximum of 135kW (slightly more than the Born) and can go from 10-80% in roughly 35 minutes. Meanwhile, the Extended Range and XPower versions can accept a little more charging power again, but a full charge will still still take 35-40min (remember that the former has a bigger battery).

MG&nbsp;didn't do too&nbsp;well in the 2023&nbsp;What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing 25th (out of&nbsp;32 brands) in the overall league table. The MG4 itself was reported to be one of the least dependable electric cars in the survey.

You get a very competitive seven-year&nbsp;warranty (limited to 80,000 miles) as standard, though. Few rival car makers can match that –&nbsp;apart from&nbsp;Kia, which offers a warranty of the same length but&nbsp;capped at 100,000 miles.

<h2 dir="ltr">Buying &amp; owning overview</h2>

Strengths&nbsp;Cheap to buy outright or on&nbsp;PCP finance; plenty of standard kit; long warranty

Weaknesses&nbsp;Worrying reliability; no centre rear head restraint

&nbsp;

The MG4 isn't perfect, but any flaws are easily explained away by its low price.&nbsp;

The MG4 is staggering value for money – particularly if you go for the smallest battery size and entry-level SE trim. It has a competitive range, can charge pretty quickly, has roomy rear seats and you even get lots of standard equipment. Some rivals are more polished to drive and have more upmarket interiors, but then they cost thousands more to buy.

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