Best EVs of 2022
Car and Driver
Electric vehicles are no longer the punchlines of the past. Limited driving range, tiny dimensions, and long charge times are largely things of the past. These days EVs come in all shapes and sizes, with a number of automakers selling electric cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks (with the likes of Rivian and Tesla strictly selling EVs). Many of these options are capable of traveling more than 200 miles on a full charge—and a number are capable of going even further.
Plus, with the advent of DC fast charging, adding enough electricity to bring a battery-electric vehicle’s pack’s charge up to 80 percent takes minutes, as opposed to hours. Mind you, filling up a gas vehicle’s fuel tank still takes less time than fast-charging an EV, but it’s a small price to pay to drive a zero-emissions vehicle while also avoiding the expensive cost of gasoline or diesel fuel.
Remember, the cost of electricity often varies. Regardless, fully charging an EV ought to cost a fraction of the price of filling up at the local gas station.
Each year we test hundreds of new cars and trucks, including those powered by electricity. Our extensive testing means we dive deep into what makes certain vehicles better than others. Read on to see the the best EVs available for 2022.
Here are the best hybrids and EVs for other years: 2021 | 2020 | 2019
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What We Think: The 2022 BMW iX is the brand’s first battery-electric SUV—and it’s a mighty compelling one at that. The iX offers an EPA-rated driving range of up to 324 miles. The model’s two electric motors mean this Bimmer comes standard with all-wheel drive. Plus, the use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body panels helps keep the iX’s weight in check. Count the cabin as this BMW’s most compelling feature, as it packs plenty of space, stylish wares, and a slick curved digital instrument panel screen. No wonder we think it’s one of the best EVs available.
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10EPA-rated maximum range: 324 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E blends popular elements of the past and present in a highly desirable package that bodes well for the future of electric vehicles, which is why we gave it an Editors’ Choice award. While it seems sacrilegious that Ford would call an electric SUV a Mustang, the automaker’s decision to pair the iconic nameplate with an in-demand body style is smart marketing. Along with its attention-getting appearance, the Mach-E has a handsomely appointed interior that’s brimming with the latest tech. It also has nifty storage solutions, a spacious back seat, and lots of cargo space. Get behind the wheel and the electrified Mustang feels agile and quick. The sportiest version hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (quicker than a Mustang Mach 1) and the rangiest versions are estimated to travel more than 300 miles per charge. All that and more makes the 2022 Mustang Mach-E one of the best EVs available.
Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10EPA-rated maximum range: 314 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 brings advanced technology, futuristic styling, and a versatile interior to the electric SUV segment. The vehicle features impressive charging speeds (up to 350 kW) and has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 303 miles. Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the EV ute makes between 168 and 320 horsepower. Its eco-friendly interior boasts a tech-centric dashboard, reclining front seats with footrests, and generous passenger space, making the Ioniq 5 among the best electric cars available and a worthy recipient of our Editors’ Choice award.
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10EPA-rated maximum range: 303 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: Turns out the Hyundai Kona is a fine basis for an electric vehicle, as the 2022 Kona Electric retains everything we like about its gas-powered counterpart. Instead of a four-cylinder engine, the Kona Electric employs a 201-hp electric motor. A 64-kWh battery pack allows this SUV to travel an EPA-estimated 258 miles on a full charge. Furthermore, the Kona Electric delivers perky acceleration, spry handling, and an unbeatable standard warranty and complimentary maintenance package, all of which make it plenty deserving of our Editors’ Choice award.
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10EPA-rated maximum range: 258 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: The 2022 Mercedes EQS sedan is the flagship of the brand’s electric model range. It’s also one of the fanciest EVs on the market. No surprise, we named it to our 2022 Editors’ Choice list. Its curvaceous body effortlessly slips through the air for maximum efficiency, and its palatial cabin boasts luxurious appointments and state-of-the-art features for the all-important wow factor. That’s made most obvious by the optional glass-covered Hyperscreen dashboard. The sizable electric sedan is offered with a 329-hp, rear-drive powertrain (EQS450+) or a 516-hp, all-wheel-drive setup (EQS580 4Matic). Both utilize a large 107.8-kWh battery that offers up to 350 miles of driving range, according to the EPA. Those in search of more oomph can opt for the AMG-badged EQS, which packs a maximum of 751 horsepower (however, the all-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG EQS typically makes a more mundane 649 ponies). While calling the 2022 EQS an electrifying luxury car is an easy pun, it’s also entirely accurate as it’s one of the electric cars currently available.
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10EPA-rated maximum range: 350 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: The 2022 Porsche Taycan sedan isn’t the perfect electric vehicle, but its combination of driving verve and performance stamina make it the most engaging one. It’s also on our 2022 Editors’ Choice list. With a striking appearance, as well as a highly customizable and high-tech interior, Porsche’s electrified four-door lives up to its premium pricing. The Taycan also offers lively steering, a refined ride, and handling dynamics worthy of the Porsche crest. Stomping the accelerator is like firing a missile. We do wish its driving range were a bit better, but the Taycan still ought to go the distance for most consumers.
Car and Driver rating: 9/10EPA-rated maximum range: 227 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: Think station wagons aren’t cool? The breathtaking take-offs performed by the 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo will make you think again. As the longroof alternatives to the Taycan sedan, the Turismo versions inherit an advanced electrical architecture and innovated two-speed transmission for the rear motor that enables repeated big-wow acceleration. While Porsche’s EV recipe leaves out some traditional ingredients (read: one-pedal driving), the Taycan Turismo twins are incredibly satisfying to drive. Consider that the wagon has a bigger back seat and trunk than the sedan. Regardless, the 2022 Taycan Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo are both useful family-hauling tools and great ways to make wagon-haters look like fools. They’re Editors’ Choice winners, too.
Car and Driver rating: 9/10EPA-rated maximum range: 215 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: The 2022 Rivian R1T offers an EPA-rated driving range of 314 miles. It pairs this long driving range with lightning-quick acceleration, too. The combination of pickup truck utility, battery-electric efficiency, and stellar dynamic performance is enough to earn the R1T an Editors’ Choice award. At 215.6 inches long, the crew-cab-only R1T splits the difference in size between mid-size pickups, such as the Ford Ranger, and full-size trucks such, as the Ram 1500. Though it’s not cheap, the R1T is one of the best EVs available.
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10EPA-rated maximum range: 314 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: With a near-ideal blend of performance, driving range, and accessible pricing, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that lives up to the hype. It’s fast—especially in its Performance guise—and it’s agile, which means the Model 3 is an EV that driving enthusiasts like us can get behind. We even named it to our 2022 Editors’ Choice list. Better yet, the Model 3 offers a driving range of up to 358 miles on a full charge, per the EPA. That said, the Model 3’s $48,190 base trim makes do with an EPA-rated range of 272 miles. Like other Teslas, the Model 3’s fit and finish fall short of the competition. Still, it’s one of the best EVs money can buy.
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10EPA-rated maximum range: 358 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: The Tesla Model S arguably pioneered the modern electric car. Though its bones go back more than a decade, the 2022 Model S remains one of the best electric vehicle options out there. Tesla’s flagship sedan also earns a spot on our 2022 Editors’ Choice list. With up to 405 miles of EPA-estimated driving range, the Model S can easily be used for long drives. Plus, the 1020-hp Plaid version can deliver supercar acceleration while seating four adults. The Model S is also practical, with a large rear cargo area and a frunk for extra space.
Car and Driver rating: 9/10EPA-rated maximum range: 405 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
What We Think: Think of the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 as the spiritual successor to the original Type 1 Beetle, but with an emissions-free twist. Hell, opt for a two-wheel-drive ID.4 and you’ll find its lone electric motor sits right near the rear axle. Dropping the coin for the ID.4’s available all-wheel-drive system adds a second motor that powers the SUV’s front axle. While it lacks the driving verve that we appreciate in other VW models, the ID.4’s interior is quiet and relaxed when cruising. The ID.4’s almost entirely digital dashboard gives the interior a high-tech aesthetic. Alas, the system’s user interface packs a steep learning curve. Even so, the ID.4 represents a solid value. Plus, it offers up to 275 miles of EPA-rated range. The ID.4 is a master of none, but it’s a jack of enough trades that we think it’s deserving of a spot on our annual Editors’ Choice list.
Car and Driver rating: 8/10EPA-rated maximum range: 275 miles
Review, Pricing, and Specs
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