Electric SUVs are rapidly becoming more ubiquitous. Some of the largest automakers in the world are producing small electric SUVs that have the potential to make a major impact on the market in the years to come. As EVs become more popular, automakers will battle it out in rankings to determine which brand produces the best small electric SUV. Here are four electric SUV nameplates to watch in 2023.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a reputation to uphold

Few 2023 small electric SUVs will be as heavily scrutinized as the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 has had an incredible year thus far. It won World Car of the Year because of its affordability, practicality, and simplistic design language.

The Ioniq 5 proved that small electric SUVs can be accessible. The 2022 model year was more affordable than many of its rivals and had a 220-mile driving range.

South Korean automaker Hyundai’s small electric SUV is the model to watch in 2023 because consumers have high expectations for it.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E needs to pick up steam

The Ford Mustang Mach-E was the first electric vehicle that American automaker Ford produced. The Mach-E is a cornerstone in the Blue Oval’s plans for the electric future.

Ford tapped into the nostalgia of popular Mustang model years by naming its small electric SUV the ‘Mustang Mach-E’. The Mach-E clearly has Mustang DNA, but it’s a different vehicle entirely.

The year 2023 is important for Ford because the Mach-E has been the subject of several recalls. It’s still competitive, but the Mach-E needs to reassert itself as a reliable option. This year could make or break the Mach-E nameplate, depending on whether or not its reliability is called into question.

The 2023 Kia EV6 is a great Mustang Mach-E alternative

The 2023 Kia EV6 is a close relative to the practical Hyundai Ioniq 5. The EV6 is a sportier small electric SUV. Kia’s EV is clearly a Mach-E rival based on styling and quickness.

The Kia EV6 starts at $48,500. It may be significantly more expensive than the 2023 Ioniq 5, but the EV6 has a different target audience. It could overtake the Mach-E in rankings by several major automotive publications depending on how the 2023 EV6 is received.

According to Carscoops, Kia’s EV6 can go from 0-62 miles per hour in about 3.5 seconds. Ford better watch out.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is an international hit

The Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the few small electric SUVs that challenges the Tesla Model Y internationally. The Model Y was undisputed until recent years.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 could solidify the nameplate as one of the best small electric SUVs globally. It starts at $37,495. The ID.4 has 245 miles of range. It’s affordable and practical enough to compete for the best small electric SUV position.

The year 2023 will be an eventful year for small electric SUVs. Will the Hyundai Ioniq 5 continue to dominate its segment, or will a contender rise to the challenge?