These Are the Least Efficient Electric SUVs Available Today
SUVs are one of the most popular choices for new cars today, but electric SUVs haven’t caught on quite as quickly. While people might assume all electric vehicles are efficient, some of the EV SUVs on this list lag behind in comparison.
The Rivian R1S is super popular, but is one of the least efficient electric SUVs
While the 2022 Rivian R1S electric SUV isn’t on the roads yet, Rivian has big plans for it. The R1S is the SUV version of the R1T that has started a slow rollout. The R1S SUV has a rating of 73/65 mpg-e city/highway and 316 miles of range, according to MotorTrend. As it stands right now, this electric SUV has a 135 kWh battery with bigger options on the way. Unfortunately, the big square SUV isn’t exactly the most efficient option out there.
Combined city/highway efficiency: 69 mpg-e
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition made the list of least efficient electric SUVs
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition is the amped-up version of the uber-popular Mustang Mach-E. While it does add some cool features like bigger 20-inch wheels, Brembo brake calipers, and Pirelli tires, all of those make the electric SUV less efficient. It is rated for 88/75 mpg-e city/highway and 260 miles of range. These are some of the lowest numbers for the Mach-E offerings without much added benefit.
Combined city/highway efficiency: 82 mpg-e
While the Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin is reliable, it isn’t efficient
Volvo is known for being safe and a bit predictable. However, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin is safe, predictable, and an all-electric SUV. Unfortunately, it is only rated for 92/79 mpg-e city/highway and 223 miles of range. These are much improved over last year’s model but still leave a lot to desired.
Combined city/highway efficiency: 85 mpg-e
Forget the big wheels on the Tesla Model X Plaid
The 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid is one of the fastest and hottest cars on the market right now. It comes with a variety of configuration options, including 22-inch Wheels. With the 22-inch wheels, the efficiency drops pretty low. That is only 94/88 mpg-e city/highway and 311 miles of range. It improves to 103/93 mpg-e city/highway with 333 miles of range without the big wheels.
Combined city/highway efficiency: 91 mpg-e
The Jaguar I-Pace EV400 is pretty, but not an efficient electric SUV
When it comes to the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace EV400, it has a lot to offer buyers. Jaguar is a luxury brand, and the I-Pace does a good job of being a luxury electric SUV option, but the efficiency is lacking. The EV SUV gets 80/72 mpg-e city/highway and 234 miles of range. The good news is that it is fun to drive.
Combined city/highway efficiency: 76 mpg-e
While the Rivian R1T electric truck is well-rounded, it lacks in efficiency
MotorTrend made the 2022 Rivian R1T its truck of the year, but that doesn’t mean it is uber-efficient. The R1T electric truck only gets 74/66 mpg-e city/highway and 315 miles of range from the 135 kWh battery. Like the R1S, bigger battery options are on the way. It is also the most efficient electric truck on the market right now, but that’s because the market is minuscule. The R1T can go off-road, tow and is quicker than anyone needs it to be. So while it isn’t the most efficient option out there, it makes up for it.
Combined city/highway efficiency: 70 mpg-e
The Audi E-Tron S on 21-inch wheels is one of the least efficient electric SUVs
The 2022 Audi E-Tron S on 21- or 22-inch wheels is almost impressively inefficient. It gets 62/64 mpg-e city/highway and 181 miles of range thanks to the 95 kWh battery. It does get 496 hp from the three motors, but the big wheels hold it back. The standard 20-inch wheel option goes up to 72/75 mpg-e and 208 miles of range. Audi is working on it, but the big wheels don’t benefit this electric SUV.
Combined city/highway efficiency: 63 mpg-e
If one of these electric SUVs is on your list, check out ways to enhance the efficiency. It might be as simple as smaller wheels or a different trim level, but it can probably be improved. Otherwise, there are plenty of electric vehicles with longer ranges out there.
