Feature article
Best Electric SUVs in NZ
There is now more electric SUVs choices in NZ as car makers slowly add more electric models to their line ups.
There is now more choice when it comes to electric SUVs in NZ. Car makers are slowly adding more electric models to their line ups, and these new ones tend to be SUVs, as that’s what most people prefer. Electric SUVs are available in a variety of sizes and price points, and offer silent and refined performance, good range and plenty of practical versatility. Here are some of the best electric SUVs in NZ.
Tesla Model Y
Price - from $73,100
Range - 466km
Safety - Five star ANCAP rating (2022)
New Zealand's most popular electric SUV is the Tesla Model Y with 9000 of them on the road. It is essentially a larger Model 3 with the usual SUV traits of a slightly raised ride and seat height. However, the larger body gives it great interior space with an enormous boot and a frunk up front too. It’s available in single motor, RWD guise while the dual motor model also comes with a larger battery giving additional range of up to 551km. The Model Y has recently been upgraded with new styling and additional features. The previous Model Y (2022 to 2024) can be had as a used car, with prices starting around the $45k mark.
Read the full 2022 Tesla Model Y RWD review here.
Browse Tesla Model Y on Trade Me Motors.
BYD Atto 3
Price - $57,990
Range - 420km
Safety - Five star ANCAP rating (2022)
BYD’s Atto 3 is a popular compact SUV. It’s styled right with a funky interior treatment. It has a 60kWh battery delivering 420km of range. The Atto 3 has a single 150kW/310Nm motor powering the front wheels. One of BYD’s unique points is its ‘blade battery’ tech. This uses lithium-ion phosphate chemistry for added longevity and its cell packaging makes it safer than other battery types.The Atto 3 is well specified with Stop & Go adaptive cruise and a large 15.6-inch rotating touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You will also enjoy heated front seats, keyless entry, a powered tailgate and an electric panoramic sunroof. The Atto 3 is covered by a six year/150,000km warranty, while used models start from $35k.
Read the full 2024 BYD Atto 3 Extended review here.
Browse BYD Atto 3 listings on Trade Me Motors.
Kia EV5
Price - from $67,990
Range - up to 555km
Safety - Five stars ANCAP rating (2024)
Kia’s latest electric SUV is the EV5. This offers both front- and all-wheel drive options along with a big battery and an extended range. All models come with an 88.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack with max charging rates of 11kW AC and up to 141kW DC meaning a fast charge from 10-80 per cent is possible in around 40 minutes.
This five seater SUV has interesting styling with ultra-slim lighting features front and rear and Kia’s funky wheel designs. It has a spacious interior and uses recycled and sustainable materials throughout. There are two 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment, along with a five-inch climate control display. It’s practical with a 513L boot which extends out to over 1700L when the seats are folded down. It has all the latest driver assistance features including Highway Drive Assist 2 which helps maintain your speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead while also keeping you centred in the lane. Smart features include Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 enabling the EV5 to park itself without the need for driver's input. There is also the Kia Connect app which can help you find nearby charging station locations or allow you to check the battery charge.
Read the full 2024 Kia EV5 Light+ review here.
Browse Kia EV5 listings or check out Kia Dealers in Auckland on Trade Me Motors.
MG ZS EV
Price - from $40,990
Range - 320km
Safety - Five star ANCAP rating (2019)
A value orientated electric SUV is the MG ZS EV. It is available in three grades starting with the $40,990 Excite. Further models include the better-specified Essence ($45,990) and the $55,990 Long Range model with a larger battery capacity.
Each model has the MG Pilot safety suite with 10 active driver safety features. The Excite is good value with three driving modes and three levels of brake regeneration. That’s along with sat nav, a 360-degree parking camera and a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ZS EV features a vehicle to load function and a smartphone app.
The Essence adds features such as a panoramic glass roof, front seat heating, six speaker audio, wireless phone charger and fake leather seats with electric adjustability. Both these models have a 50.3kWH battery giving a range of up to 320km WLTP. The Long Range model adds a larger battery pack (72.6kWh) to give you up to 440km of travel between charges. The ZS EV also comes with MG’s big 10-year/250,000km warranty.
Used models can be had from $25k.
Read the full 2023 MG ZS EV Long Range review here.
Browse MG ZS listings or check out MG Dealers in Auckland on Trade Me Motors.
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
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