As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity year by year, Autotrader has taken the lead in reviewing some of the best EVs that will grace the roads in 2023. According to a recent forecast by Cox Automotive, this milestone will mark the year in which sales of electric cars will surpass one million for the first time ever.
Although EVs still represent a tiny slice of the American automotive pie, their sales are snowballing rapidly. As such, the Autotrader editorial team has sampled and reviewed some of the varying offerings on the market, rating them on interiors, exteriors, powertrains, ride and handling, features, comfort and pricing.
Our list comprises of only pure EVs with a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price below $100,000 and available to the public in at least 15 states at the time of publication. We did not consider any hybrids, plug-in hybrids or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
Our Top Picks
In alphabetical order by brand, here are Autotrader’s top picks for the 10 best electric vehicles of 2023:
Audi e-Tron GT
The Audi e-Tron GT boasts impressive interior quality, an exhilarating driving experience and a sleek exterior design. It also features a range of up to 220 miles on a single charge.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
If you’re looking for a vehicle with distinct style and sports car-like handling, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is certainly worth considering. Its range can go up to 300 miles on a single charge.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out for its solid overall performance and relatively affordable price point. It also features a range of up to 258 miles on a single charge.
Kia EV6
With an impressive 300-mile range on select trims, the Kia EV6 is fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. It also has a unique exterior and a luxurious interior with ample cargo space.
Lucid Air
The Lucid Air has an exceptionally long range with select trims travelling up to 517 miles on a single charge, while delivering a luxurious driving experience.
Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is a sleek, boldly designed EV option that features an ample interior and a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge.
Polestar 2
Polestar 2 combines power and luxury in one standout electric vehicle. It offers exceptional acceleration, excellent handling and a range of up to 275 miles on a single charge.
Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is a stylish and luxurious EV that offers impressive acceleration, handling, and technology. Depending on the trim level, the Porsche Taycan boasts a range of up to 283 miles on a single charge.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is the OG high-performance EV, complete with an impressive range of up to 405 miles on a single charge. It also offers incredible acceleration and tech features, including auto-pilot mode.
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 marks VW’s first foray into the EV market for American consumers and offers a comfortable interior, smooth ride, and impressive driving range of up to 250 miles on a single charge.
With the above options available, why not make the move to electric for your next ride?
2023 Electric Cars
In the world of cars, 2023 marks a significant milestone signaling the shift towards electric vehicles. Leading brands such as BMW, Ford, and Genesis have introduced their models that point towards an electrifying future. Let’s dive deep into what they offer.
2023 BMW i4
BMW’s first endeavor in the electric car market, the i3, left many enthusiasts craving for something that would appeal to its classic design and performance. The 2023 BMW i4 brings this joy with its Gran Coupe model. In the lineup, drivers can choose between maximum performance and efficiency with the familiar i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 models.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning is an excellent example of how Ford has reconciled EV technology with decades of pickup truck knowledge. The smooth and quiet operation of the vehicle has convinced many truck owners to switch to EV platforms. Its front trunk or “frunk” also introduces a concealed storage space that truck buyers have desired for years.
2023 Genesis Electrified G80
Genesis has revolutionized the gasoline-powered luxury sedan by developing the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80. The sedan’s engine has been replaced with an efficient all-wheel-drive EV powertrain that turns the G80 into a silent predator. While it may not match the power of competitors like Mercedes-EQ EQS or Tesla Model S, the Electrified G80 still delivers an exquisite experience and price point, starting well below $100k.
Check out
Read our four valuable lessons learned by taking a road trip in an electric car.
New Luxury EV Crossovers for 2023
Genesis, a company that began with just two car models, has expanded its lineup into the luxury electric crossover SUV market. The 2023 Genesis GV60 is an impressive addition to the brand, the first Genesis model built in the U.S. The GV60 boasts an outstanding equipment list, 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, style, performance, and range.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is another compact EV SUV worth considering. Autotrader Executive Editor Brian Moody finds the Ioniq 5 “thoroughly futuristic but has a fun, retro vibe as well.” This EV SUV has a seamless driving experience, particularly the progressive regenerative braking.
Kia has also brought itself into the EV competition with its 2023 EV6. The Kia EV6 is a standout option, receiving many outstanding reviews and awards within the automotive industry. It boasts a level of luxury and remarkable build quality, combined with a very reasonable price tag, making it a worthy contender in the EV market. Kia is not afraid to take risks and has established itself as a design-forward company. The revived EV6 Light shows that Kia is also in the electric car price wars.
These three luxury EV crossovers for 2023 offer great features, style, and performance driving experiences.
Best EVs to Look Out For in 2023
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to their environmental friendliness and technological advancements. However, the market is also riddled with failed startups. So, it’s great to see some promising EVs coming in 2023.
2023 Lucid Air
The 2023 Lucid Air, a midsize sedan, has made it to our best EVs list due to its “ingenious engineering, attention to detail, high build quality, and a finely developed aesthetic sense,” according to editor Jason Allan. With an unbeatable 516-mile range and an $87,400 starting price, the Lucid Air looks like a potential Tesla-beater.
2023 Nissan Ariya
Nissan has a solid history in EVs, having promoted the Leaf through two generations of production. The 2023 Nissan Ariya builds on the Leaf and enlarges the concept, scale, and range. The 4-door hatchback is a spacious, upscale cocoon loaded with technology and convenience features and boasts a 304-mile range.
2023 Porsche Taycan
Shocking when first unveiled, the 2023 Porsche Taycan is now a fixture in the sports sedan field with blistering acceleration, impressive handling, and expansive range. The Taycan has even spawned two specialty spinoffs, the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo. Not bad for an EV that the sports car purists dismissed before it ever ran a lap of the Nürburgring.
If you’re looking to buy an EV in 2023, these are definitely worth considering. With advancements in range and features, there’s never been a better time to switch to electric.
Innovative Design and Functionality: The 2023 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck
Rivian, a pioneering EV manufacturer, is expected to hit its stride with its avant-garde car concepts. The 2023 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck, which graced last year’s lineup, is a perfect example of Rivian’s vision to marry innovative design and functionality.
The R1T electric pickup truck is somewhere between a full-size and midsize truck. It comes equipped with state-of-the-art technology and intricate details that add to the truck’s alluring appeal. Notably, it boasts a commodious front trunk, known as a “frunk,” and a supplementary rear trunk.
It is worth mentioning that Cox Automotive invested $350 million in the company in 2019 to support Rivian’s innovative car projects.
