Your questions answered: Which small electric SUV should I buy?

Our reader questions this week show why small SUVs are so popular.

There’s plenty of interest in keeping things compact, but the lure of riding a bit higher than your average city hatchback is clear. And it’s hybrid and electric models that are front and centre.

We’ve also got one reader rueing the demise of diesel Jeeps. There’s still plenty of love for the distinctively styled off-roaders, but not as much for their petrol engine options. Plus, there’s another EV interested reader concerned about the potential for future battery replacements.

Question: I am in the market for an EV in the first half of 2025. I have shortlisted three possible SUV EVs:

1. Hyundai Kona Electric
2. Volvo EX30
3. Kia EV3
Interested in positive and negative comments on these vehicles, also other possible vehicles in the same price bracket. - Derrick and Pat

Answer: We’re yet to see pricing on the EV3, which will have an impact on what we think of it. But if it comes in below $50K it’s shaping up to be a terrific option. The Kia is decent to drive and has a clever interior with some thoughtful storage options that leverage the benefits of being built on a dedicated EV architecture. Some of the cabin plastics feel built to a price, but it’s a minor criticism for a car that does a lot right.

The Kona Electric delivers on driving range and is a sensible size, but because its underpinnings are shared with petrol-powered models there’s not the same cleverness inside. And its price is tending towards steep for what is a basic but well credentialled EV.

The EX30 adds some design flair, especially with materials and finishes. The interior is very chic. And the choice of colour themes adds to its appeal. Plus the Volvo is great to drive. In single motor guise, it drives the rear wheels – the others are front-drive – something that adds to its playfulness and it is perky and fun. The cabin isn’t exactly huge and some of the Tesla-inspired controls can be frustrating to navigate on the central screen (there’s only one screen – and no driver’s display).

As for which to choose, the Kona would be the first we’d sideline. You could mount a case for the Kia or Volvo, dependent on pricing for the EV3.

Don’t rule out Tesla, either. The Model Y still stacks up well. And if you’re prepared to try a new brand, the Zeekr X shares its underpinnings with the EX30 but has more space inside, so could be worth a look.
On a side note, it’s interesting how the EV market has to some extent blurred the lines between premium and mainstream brands.

Question: I have a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel. Looking to update however Jeep are not making any more diesels, as you would be aware. Love, love, love the Jeep, the safety and the features. I am struggling to find something similar for around the $90K mark with the same excellent interior finishes and features, as well as the engine, as the Jeep.

Currently running all over town but there seems to be a real shift in the market and everything to do with this style of vehicle is a bit out in the wilderness due to the uncertainty (I guess) of electric/hybrid and emission control targets etc. - Kristine

Answer: Yep, the pressure is on manufacturers to lower their CO2 emissions, which is naturally pushing brands towards hybrids and EVs. There is also pressure in Europe to lower noxious emissions, which has made life tougher for diesels. Also keep in mind that diesel isn’t big in regular cars and SUVs in North America, where Jeep is strong.

So the brand has often focused on petrol engines, to the point where that is all you can get now. As for alternatives, the latest Toyota Prado is a great option. It’s excellent off-road and looks pretty cool. Plus it’s easy to drive on-road. And while the cabin isn’t overly spacious, it should do the trick for someone stepping out of a Grand Cherokee.

Also check out the Ford Everest, which is available with a grunty V6 diesel. It may not be as sexy as a Jeep, but it’s better in many ways, including how it drives, tech and cabin space.

If you don’t need good off-road ability there are plenty of car-based SUVs that could do the trick.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great option. And while it’s not available as a diesel, the hybrid system is impressively economical. Or grab a larger Hyundai Palisade with a diesel engine.

The Kia Sorento uses the same engine and while it doesn’t have the size of the Palisade it’s still sizeable and comes loaded with gear.

Question: I would like your suggestions for purchase of a new small petrol or hybrid car for around $30,000 or a bit more please. I am looking at Kia Stonic and Mazda CX-3, among others. Any thoughts on the comparison of these two or other suggestions please? - Kris

Answer: There aren’t a lot of great hybrids hovering around below $30K. The best of the affordable hybrid SUVs is the Toyota Yaris Cross, which will be at the upper end of your budget. If you can stretch to the Toyota Corolla Cross you’ll get more space and a much more convincing car to drive.

Then there’s the Honda HR-V hybrid, which is also an excellent choice, albeit at almost $40K. The Mazda CX-3 is showing its age and isn’t particularly big. And, obviously, it’s not available as a hybrid. It’s compact inside and lacks the flair of other Mazdas, including the slightly larger CX-30.

The Kia Stonic is fresher and more convincing, albeit with basic performance. You could check out a Hyundai Venue, although we’d pop the Stonic slightly ahead of it.

Question: We are a couple in our 70s who are looking for a new vehicle. We love our Volkswagen Golf (2006) but are finding it harder to get in and out of. We’re wanting something a little higher, but not too big. Something around the size of a Suzuki Vitara but we’re interested in a hybrid. We want good visibility.

We live in Coffs Harbour and travel to Brisbane regularly as well as local driving. One thought we had is the Toyota Yaris Cross. We’d appreciate your recommendations for electric and hybrid options. - Cate

Answer: There’s been a bit of activity in the affordable end of the EV market, but most of it with lower riding hatchbacks such as the MG4 (which had its price sharpened in recent months). But that won’t solve the issue of sitting too low in the car. Among the electric SUVs there are some great options, including some arriving soon. Check out the Kia EV3 and BYD Atto 3 as a start.

They’re more expensive than the Yaris Cross you’ve currently shortlisted. For the nearly-400km trip to Brisbane you’d want to be looking for an EV with a claimed WLTP range of 500km or more. By the time you do that you’ll generally be looking north of $50K.

And while there are charging options, you’ll have to plan it. If you want to simplify the long trip with an EV then a Tesla Model Y is a better option, but it is more expensive.

In the hybrid arena the Yaris Cross is a good starting point although the larger Toyota Corolla Cross is a far more convincing car, especially for those longer trips; as well as more power it’s quieter and more comfortable. Also look at the Honda HR-V hybrid, which is another great option.

Whereas you may have to wait a few months for delivery the Toyota, the Honda HR-V should be available almost immediately. And it’s a great value hybrid SUV. Another excellent option is the Hyundai Kona hybrid. It’s got decent cabin space and tech and drives nicely while delivering on fuel efficiency.

Question: Will I really have to replace the battery on an EV after five or 10 years? I’m keen on buying an electric car but keep reading that batteries will need to be replaced. I’ve also heard that’s expensive. – Hannah

Answer: There’s a lot of misinformation about electric cars and battery longevity is one of them. A lot of people mistakenly believe you need to replace the battery once the warranty has expired. Given the warranties on most EV batteries last about eight years, that’s a frightening prospect, especially given replacement costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

But just as you generally don’t need to replace an engine once the warranty has expired, you also don’t have to replace the high-voltage battery. Yes, batteries degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge, but all the early data suggests degradation is minimal – and far lower than many predicted. You may lose 10 or 15 per cent of the original capacity in the first eight or 10 years, for example.

And as battery technology advances (along with the battery management systems controlling voltage and temperature, among other parameters) the data is suggesting even lower degradation. So don’t stress about needing a new battery. It’s highly unlikely. And if it degrades too much early on it’ll be covered by the normal vehicle warranty.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

Related: Best electric cars of 2024

Related: A guide to fast and slow EV charging options

Related: Child car seats: What is a Top Tether?