With the constant and rapid innovation of electric vehicles, it’s hard to avoid the appeal of one when it’s time to replace or upgrade your current ride. In addition to the eco-friendly advantage electric vehicles offer, their technology has also advanced so that they’re both fun and efficient to drive. Manufacturers have made EVs more energy-efficient by improving them with all-wheel drive systems, meaning they drain batteries less quickly. Understand key AWD electric vehicles on the market today and their unique specs.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron electric SUV offers a compact but powerful driving experience. Available with a dual-motor setup and AWD, this model has a claimed driving range of up to 241 miles per charge. The Audi Q4 e-tron is all-new for 2022 and joins the growing ranks of Audi’s electric vehicles.
Pros:
- Affordable entry into electric vehicles
- Charges to 80% in approximately 30 minutes
- Touch-sensitive controls
Cons:
- Limited cargo space
Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT
Another all-new addition to Audi’s electric vehicle lineup, the Audi e-tron GT and its RS sibling are elegant, sporty AWD electric vehicles. It’s startlingly fast, going from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and dual electric motors producing up to 637 HP. This model is truly an innovation in sporty electric vehicles.
Pros:
- Sporty handling
- Regenerative braking
- Elegant, luxurious and high-tech
Cons:
- Cramped backseat interior
Audi e-tron Sportback
With five seats and upscale interior technology, the 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback is a midsize luxury SUV. With two electric motors and a sporty design, this vehicle has a fast charging time of 80 percent in 30 minutes, but a shorter range of 218 miles. Compared to previous years, this model offers bonus packages with luxury features like LED matrix headlights and leather upholstery.
Pros:
- Fast charging
- Smooth drive
Cons:
- No regressive braking
BMW IX
The 2022 BMW iX is one of the newest innovations in the AWD electric vehicle world. With a maximum horsepower of 516 and acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, this model combines performance, utility and comfort. It’s a compelling luxury option.
Pros:
- Efficient energy use
- Up to 324-mile driving range
- Panoramic sunroof
Cons:
- Less appealing exterior design than competitors
Hyundai Ioniq 5
In an effort to reach carbon neutrality by 2045, Hyundai has introduced the 2022 Ioniq 5. This AWD SUV has a driving range of up to 300 miles and can be charged from 10 percent up to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. The exterior design is futuristically boxy, with sharp lines and a clamshell hood.
Pros:
- Estimated driving range of about 300 miles
- Quick charging
Cons:
- Futuristic but polarizing interior and exterior design
Jaguar I-Pace
Aimed at the luxury electric vehicle crowd, the 2022 Jaguar I-Pace delivers futuristic design and sports car handling. For all its sporty capabilities, like fast acceleration and 394 horsepower, the I-Pace is a five-seat crossover with ample room and high-tech features. Compared to previous models, the 2022 I-Pace comes with a complimentary 4G data plan and updated infotainment system.
Pros:
- Luxury design and features
- Sporty feel with 394 HP and 512 lb-ft of torque
Cons:
- Limited range of 222 miles
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes the innovation of the new 2022 EQS sedan, claiming advanced and futuristic technologies in direct competition with Tesla models. The EQS truly delivers the future with state-of-the-art features, extensive driving range of 350 miles and 516 HP. Accompanying this advanced technology is an elegant, spacious design with a quiet, luxurious interior.
Pros:
- Sporty AWD sedan with comfortable, refined interior
- 516 combined HP
Cons:
- Less driving range than immediate Tesla competitors
- Out of reach for the average buyer
Polestar 2
Created by Volvo, the 2022 Polestar 2 is a powerful but affordable entry into the electric vehicle market. It combines the comfort of a four-door hatchback with futuristic performance, offering up to 2000 pounds of towing power and an estimated 270-mile driving range.
Pros:
- Agile handling
- Upscale interior at an affordable price
Cons:
- Shorter driving range
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche’s 2022 Taycan Cross Turismo is the definition of an electric sports car with practical capabilities. With enhanced cargo space and innovative two-speed transmission, the Taycan Cross Turismo promises a thrilling driving experience, whether cruising on the highway or running errands around town.
Pros:
- Wagon build with sporty capabilities
- 760 HP overboost
- Ample passenger space
Cons:
- Unimpressive estimated driving range of 215 miles
Tesla Model 3
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 promises and delivers a nearly perfected combination of performance, style and relative affordability. The AWD version has access to over 30,000 supercharger stations around the world and fast charging capabilities, making it both convenient and eco-friendly.
Pros:
- Impressive performance
- Driving range up to 358 miles
Tesla Model Y
The 2022 Model Y is essentially a crossover version of the Model 3 but with relatively reduced performance and extra space. It’s able to carry up to seven passengers and lots of cargo for trips and adventures.
Pros:
- Up to an estimated 303-mile driving range
- 3.5 seconds for 0 to 60 mph
- High-tech interior
Cons:
- Reduced handling from the Model 3
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is essentially an upscale version of the Model Y. The Model X SUV offers a staggering acceleration of 2.5 seconds for 0 to 60 mph with a top-end 1020 HP. It boasts more towing capacity and storage space than any other electric vehicle and seating configurations for five, six and seven people.
Pros:
- Impressive overall performance
- Long driving range of 333 miles
- High-tech interior
Cons:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available
- Panoramic windshield lets in too much sunshine and heat, according to some
Tesla Model S
The Model S is the standard of AWD EV. Debatably the most popular Tesla vehicle, the 2022 Model S delivers updates over previous model years to ensure it remains the gold standard of futuristic vehicles. This car is exciting to drive, with a staggering acceleration of 1.99 seconds for 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 200 mph. When combined with its other features, such as a large cargo area and long driving range, the Model S is equally practical as it is fun.
Pros:
- Estimated up to 396-mile driving range
- Impressive power and performance
- Luxurious, high-tech interior
Volkswagen ID.4
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a reasonable all-around AWD electric vehicle. With a spacious interior and decent driving range, it’s ideal for practical and family use. The 2022 ID.4 is commonly viewed as a more affordable alternative to a Tesla, featuring a similar digital dashboard and futuristic exterior design.
Pros:
- Estimated driving range of up to 260 miles – good given the pricepoint
- DC fast charging
Cons:
- Unsophisticated exterior design
Volvo XC40 Recharge
In direct competition with other crossovers like the Tesla Model Y, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge delivers a classy exterior design and impressive power.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Impressive acceleration
Cons:
- Less competitive driving range of 223 miles
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Even Ford has entered the electric vehicle market with the 2022 Mustang Mach-E. The Mustang Mach-E promises thrilling driving over long ranges.
Pros:
- Estimated up to 314-mile driving range
- Sport performance
- Sleek and sporty design
Cons:
- Doesn’t live up to the legacy of driving a combustion engine Mustang
Rivian R1S
From direct Tesla competitor Rivian comes the R1S, a sport-utility vehicle with over 300 miles of estimated driving range. There’s also an Adventure model, which is pricier.
Pros:
- Long driving range
- Adventure model to explore challenging terrain
- Adjustable air suspension and varied ground clearance
Cons:
- Driving range is likely negatively affected by tow capabilities
Rivian R1T
The 2022 Rivian R1T is the only electric truck on this list and is equipped with innovative off-road capabilities and driving range. Pros:
- Creative and clever design
- Sets industry standard for electric off-road vehicles
Cons:
- Bonuses like battery packs and Apple CarPlay are not included in MSRP
