Best Electric SUVs of 2024

We've selected the best electric SUVs, with a focus on cost, value, safety and EV-specific factors like range and charging time.

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Written by Shannon Bradley
Lead Writer
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Edited by Chris Hutchison
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked

Some of today’s best-selling electric vehicles are SUVs, and you’ll find a range of sizes and prices among these popular vehicles that are also called eSUVs. To help you choose the best make and model, we’ve assessed numerous fully electric SUVs and chosen those that stand out.

Our ratings are based on safety, comfort, technology, functionality, fuel efficiency and — most importantly — cost and value. For electric vehicles, our scored metrics include range, MPGe (the EV equivalent to MPG), charge time and battery warranty.

Some people look at cars and trucks as machines, feats of engineering, and judge them on technical matters. We're NerdWallet, and so we see a vehicle as a purchase — among the biggest you'll ever make — an expense and, later, an asset you may want to sell. That is the lens we start with.

We've sifted through thousands of makes and models, and from across hundreds of data points isolated 60 or so that matter to most drivers. We also collect inputs from automotive industry experts, and give added weight to factors such as initial and ongoing costs, safety and value (again, we're NerdWallet). To learn more about our process, read our methodology for evaluating vehicles.

Jump to:

    Best Small Electric SUVs

    Our top picks for small electric SUVs include both subcompact and compact SUVs.

    2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5

    #1 for small electric SUVs

    4.5

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
    2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
    2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
    $43,175
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    168 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    27.2 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    5 / 60,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    5.9 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    220 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    168 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    🏆 Award winner: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy.

    🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

    Our verdict: The Hyundai IONIQ 5 impresses in many ways, including the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes using a DC fast charger. It has a generous list of safety features like forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, and you’re covered by industry-leading warranties, including a 10-year or 100,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty. There are less expensive SUVs, but this compact vehicle offers a high level of value for the price. We used the SE Standard Range for our rating, but the IONIQ 5 comes in five trim levels.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $55,663. This is on the low end.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Average.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric

    #2 for small electric SUVs

    4.5

    NerdWallet rating 
    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
    2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
    $34,050
    Starting MSRP
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    133 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    25.5 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    5 / 60,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    4.92 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    200 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    133 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    🏆 Award winner: Vincentric Best Value in America.

    Our verdict: The Hyundai Kona Electric delivers exceptional value with its under-$40,000 starting price, many driver-assist features and solid warranties — including a 10-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. With standard features like driver attention warning, rear occupant alert and safe exit warning, it combines safety with affordability. A low five-year cost of ownership makes it a strong contender among compact electric SUVs. Our rating is based on the SE FWD trim, but the Kona is available in three trim levels.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $52,589. This is at the lowest end.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    N/A.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Kia Niro EV

    #3 for small electric SUVs

    4.5

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Kia Niro EV
    2024 Kia Niro EV
    2024 Kia Niro EV
    $40,975
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on TrueCar's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    201 @ 6000 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    22.8 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    5 / 60,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    6.08 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    253 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    201 @ 6000 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    Our verdict: Kia's Niro EV is a budget-friendly choice, with an estimated 253-mile range, plenty of head and leg room for its size, and impressive cargo capacity of 63.7 cubic feet. Offering a low five-year cost of ownership, this subcompact SUV includes essential tech and safety features, making it a practical and affordable choice. We used the Wind trim for our rating, but the Niro also comes in a Wave trim.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $50,860. This is at the lowest end.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fueling, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Great.

    This is J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

    #4 for small electric SUVs

    4.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
    2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
    2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
    $43,295
    Starting MSRP
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    basicWarranty

    3 / 36,000

    Basic Warranty

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

    Our verdict: The Chevrolet Equinox EV provides an estimated 319-mile range, one of the highest in its class. It features Google’s Built-In software for integrated navigation and communication, but it doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. With federal tax credit eligibility, this compact SUV offers plenty of range and cost-saving benefits. We used the 2LT trim for our rating, but the Equinox EV has five trim levels.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $58,268. This is on the low end.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Average.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    Best Midsize Electric SUVs

    Our top picks for midsize electric SUVs include two- and three-row options.

    2024 Tesla Model Y

    #1 for midsize electric SUVs

    5.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Tesla Model Y
    2024 Tesla Model Y
    2024 Tesla Model Y
    $46,380
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    295 @ 7000 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    30.2 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    4 / 50,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    6.25 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    320 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    295 @ 7000 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

    🏆 Award winner: Consumer Reports Top Picks, Vincentric Best Value in America.

    🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Top Safety Pick.

    Our verdict: The Tesla Model Y combines convenience, comfort and performance with a 320-mile range, quick acceleration from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and standard features like heated front and rear seats as well as remote start through the Tesla mobile app. Included safety features, like collision warnings and active emergency braking make the Model Y a top choice for a comfortable, secure midsize electric SUV. Our rating is based on the Long Range RWD trim, but there are three trims available.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $59,245. This is on the low end.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Great.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Kia EV9

    #2 for midsize electric SUVs

    4.5

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Kia EV9
    2024 Kia EV9
    $56,395
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    215 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    7 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    20.2 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    5 / 60,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    6.75 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    230 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    215 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    🏆 Award winner: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy.

    🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick.

    Our verdict: The Kia EV9 offers spacious three-row seating, abundant cargo space of 81.7 cubic feet, and numerous safety features like forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection. A long list of standard tech includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless integration. This midsize SUV caters to families looking for a well-equipped, versatile electric option. We rated the Light Short Range RWD trim, and there are five trim options to choose from.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $74,229. This is at the highest end.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Average.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Honda Prologue

    #3 for midsize electric SUVs

    4.5

    NerdWallet rating 
    2024 Honda Prologue
    2024 Honda Prologue
    2024 Honda Prologue
    $48,795
    Starting MSRP
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    212 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    25.2 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    3 / 36,000

    Basic Warranty

    estimatedBatteryRange

    296 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    212 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Front Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    Our verdict: Honda's Prologue provides a balanced mix of range and value, with an EPA-estimated 296 miles per charge and a lower five-year cost of ownership than similar midsize electric SUVs. An abundance of driver-assist and standard safety features, like forward collision and rear cross-traffic alerts, make this SUV worth consideration. We rated the Prologue based on the EX 2WD trim; it also has Touring and Elite trims.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $58,343. This is on the low end.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    N/A.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    Best Luxury Electric SUVs

    Our top picks for luxury electric SUVs include compact and midsize vehicles.

    2024 Genesis GV60

    #1 for luxury small electric SUVs

    5.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Genesis GV60
    2024 Genesis GV60
    $53,350
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    225 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    24 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    5 / 60,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    7 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    294 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    225 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    Rear Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

    🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Top Safety Pick.

    Our verdict: The Genesis GV60 combines luxury and performance with a 294-mile range, faster 220V charging than similar SUVs and a suite of comfort features like heated and ventilated front seats. Its standard tech, including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, makes this compact luxury SUV a stylish and practical choice for high-end electric mobility. The GV60 has three trim levels: standard, advanced and performance. We used the standard trim.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $63,125. This is at the lowest end in the small luxury segment.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Average.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Genesis Electrified GV70

    #2 for luxury small electric SUVs

    4.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Genesis Electrified GV70
    2024 Genesis Electrified GV70
    2024 Genesis Electrified GV70
    $67,800
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on TrueCar's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    429 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    All Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    28.7 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    5 / 60,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    7.333 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    236 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    429 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    All Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

    🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

    Our verdict: Genesis' Electrified GV70 emphasizes luxury and speed with fast acceleration of 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds and rapid charging from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes with a DC fast charger. It also includes nearly every available safety feature — like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking — as standard. This compact luxury SUV is ideal for drivers who value both performance and cutting-edge safety technology. Our rating is based on the Advanced AWD trim, which is one of two trim options.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $76,747. This is at the highest end in the small luxury segment.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    N/A.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Tesla Model X

    #1 for luxury midsize electric SUVs

    4.5

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Tesla Model X
    $79,380
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    670 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    All Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    5 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    37.1 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    4 / 50,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    12 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    335 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    670 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    All Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    Our verdict: The Tesla Model X offers a long 335-mile range, extensive battery and drive unit warranty of 8 years or 150,000 miles, and numerous comfort features like heated and cooled front seats. With a comprehensive list of standard safety features, this midsize, AWD SUV blends convenience, range and luxury, making it a popular choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts. The Model X has two trims: the dual-motor Model X and tri-motor Model X Plaid. Our rating used the base Model X.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $88,408. This is in the middle of the midsize luxury segment.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Great.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.

    2024 Rivian R1S

    #2 for luxury midsize electric SUVs

    4.5

    NerdWallet rating 
    Read review on NerdWallet
    2024 Rivian R1S
    2024 Rivian R1S
    2024 Rivian R1S
    $76,700
    Starting MSRP
    Read review on NerdWallet
    Shop cars

    on CarsDirect's website

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    533 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    All Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    seatingCapacity

    7 passengers

    Seating Capacity

    cargoCapacity

    17.7 cu ft

    Cargo Capacity

    basicWarranty

    4 / 50,000

    Basic Warranty

    chargeTime220_240V

    13 hours

    Total Charging Time

    estimatedBatteryRange

    270 mi

    EPA Electric Range

    engineType

    Electric Fuel System

    Engine Type

    horsepower

    533 hp

    Horsepower

    drivetrain

    All Wheel Drive

    Drivetrain

    More features

    NerdWallet rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Top Safety Pick.

    Our verdict: The Rivian R1S brings rugged versatility to the electric SUV market, with three rows of seating, a spacious 100-cubic-foot cargo area, and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Standard safety features and off-road capabilities make it a durable choice for both city and adventurous driving. The R1S has a single Adventure trim level.

    💸 5-year cost of ownership

    $108,051. This is at the highest end of the midsize luxury segment.

    This comes from AAA and considers six categories: financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

    🔄 Resale value

    Best.

    J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.


    Choosing the best electric SUV

    With hundreds of fully electric SUVs on the market, it can be a challenge to narrow your choices to the best one for your needs. Here are some things to consider:

    • Size. All SUVs are segmented into four categories — subcompact, compact, midsize and full size. You’ll find electric SUVs in each category, but there are fewer full-size electric SUVs, which can come with hefty price tags upward of $100,000.

    • Battery and charging. Think about battery range (how far the SUV can go on a single charge) and the amount of time it takes to charge the battery. Match that to your driving habits. SUVs with larger batteries will give you more range but take longer to fully charge. If you’ll be driving mainly around town, an SUV with a smaller battery that takes less time to charge may be a better option.

    • Internal space. The differences in seating capacity and cargo room vary greatly when you compare subcompact and compact eSUVs to mid- and full-size ones. Will you need to accommodate a growing family? Are you likely to need space for transporting large items?

    • Safety ratings and features. Look at safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also, compare standard safety features for the SUVs you’re considering.

    • Use. Think about how you’ll be using your SUV, for example to tow, drive in winter weather or go off-roading. Some electric SUVs aren’t recommended for towing at all, while Rivian R1S has a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Other aspects to consider include ground clearance and whether you want 2WD, AWD or 4WD.

    • Technology. You might make a list of any must-have tech to narrow your choices, and then see what each vehicle offers as standard. For example, Tesla’s popular SUVs don’t have integrated Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

    Finding the best eSUV price and financing

    Electric SUVs can run from around $35,000 to more than $100,000. Regardless of the price range you’re considering, there are steps you can take to get the best deal possible.

    • Check to see which SUVs qualify for the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 for new vehicles and up to $4,000 for used ones. This can knock thousands off the price at the time of purchase or later as a tax credit.

    • Take advantage of online buying guides and valuation tools (like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds) to make sure you pay a fair price. Many of these note on an electric SUV’s listing whether it is tax-credit eligible. Also, pay attention to the small print when looking at auto manufacturer websites, since some display the MSRP with possible tax credits already deducted.

    • Look into other auto deals and incentives offered by car manufacturers and dealerships to help you save. These can be especially attractive when dealers need to clear out last year’s models to make room for this year’s.

    • If eventually owning the SUV isn’t important to you, consider auto leasing for a lower monthly payment. New eSUVs that don’t qualify for the federal tax credit when purchased might qualify with a lease. If so, the tax credit actually goes to the leasing company, but many will pass this on to you as savings.

    • If you get a loan to finance your SUV, take time to compare lenders and find the best interest rate you can qualify for. When you buy from a car dealership, it may have access to the best new vehicle rates through captive auto lenders. However, it’s always a good idea to arrive with a preapproved auto loan to give the dealership a rate to beat.


    How we rate and rank vehicles

    Our car rankings are based on a thorough review of more than 3,400 makes and models, with upwards of 500 data points for each, as well as inputs from respected third-party automotive resources. Within specific vehicle segments, we select 60 or more data points that matter most to buyers and owners of those vehicles. We then score the vehicle with the heaviest emphasis on helping you make a smart financial decision.

    Review and rating process

    NerdWallet’s overall car ratings are weighted averages in seven categories.

    • Cost and value (25%) includes metrics like starting MSRP, warranties, five-year cost of ownership and resale value.

    • Safety (20%) includes safety features and industry safety awards.

    • Fuel efficiency (15%) includes combined, city and highway MPG for gas vehicles and MPGe for electric vehicles. 

    • Driveability and functionality (10%) combines data points such as horsepower and drivetrain options, along with cargo and towing capacity.

    • Comfort and interior (10%) covers metrics related to head and leg room, seating and temperature control.

    • Tech and convenience (5%) includes things like smartphone integration, wireless phone charging and infotainment. We get that these are must-haves for some people, but our methodology focuses most on cost and value factors.

    • Other (15%) includes industry awards from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and Vincentric. Cars can also lose points in this category for the number of recalls.

    Subcategories within each of these categories vary slightly based on vehicle segments and what’s important to drivers in that group.

    About outside-award winners

    Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book each have a history of evaluating vehicles and delivering useful information to consumers. Their awards reflect well-rounded assessments and, we think, are worth noting.

    About safety winners

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit group with decades of experience performing crash tests and other safety evaluations on vehicles. Top performers are issued one or both of two designations: Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. The difference is mainly down to their "moderate overlap front" test, which simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles. A TSP+ rating means the vehicle met the standard on the group's tougher version of that test.

    About the 5-year cost of ownership

    Our five-year cost of ownership estimate is based on information provided by AAA and Vincentric and includes the categories of financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation. For comparison purposes, our cost of ownership estimate is based on the national average for a new, base-model vehicle driven 15,000 miles annually, with equal amounts of city and highway driving, and an electric fuel price of 0.166 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

    About resale value

    We base resale value on J.D. Power's forecast of a vehicle’s depreciation over the next three years. J.D. Power uses their industry-leading valuations data for this assessment and ranks each vehicle on a 100-point scale: Best (91-100), Great (81-90), Average (70-80) and Fair (0-69).

    Who we are

    Our autos team is made up of writers and editors who cover a wide range of auto industry and financial topics. We have more than 30 years of combined experience in finance and autos. Each team member adheres to NerdWallet’s strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

    Our writers’ bylines have appeared in Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets.