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According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, just because an electric car is new and has all of the latest features, does not guarantee that it is dependable.
Not All EVs are Created Equal
“EVs aren’t immune from having an uncomfortable ride, maddening controls, or being so problematic that you become overly friendly with the local service department,” states CR automotive experts.
“That’s why it’s important to approach each new-car shopping experience with an open mind and use CR’s ratings to find the best-performing vehicles in the class and price range you’re considering. Our testing shows that some new cars outperform others you see on the road everywhere you go.”
Because repair costs are significantly higher for both parts and labor, reliability is an even more crucial factor towards making a new car buying decision. Fortunately, the 2024 EV models have been out long enough for consumers to find useful reviews that point to problem cars.
Which EVs Are Better Than Other EVs?
As such, to help consumers make informed new electric car buying decisions, CR analysts not only focus on data from their Annual Auto Surveys from customers who own EVs, but also perform road tests to create their listing of rated and ranked EVs that reveal which are winners and which are losers for new EV shoppers.
The following (in five popular categories) are those they recommend you should avoid and those that make good alternative choices based on their reliability ratings and Overall scores.
Electric Vehicles to Avoid and the EVs to Get Instead
Electric Car to Avoid
- Nissan Leaf 2024
Price Range: $28,140 - $36,190
CR MPGE: Overall 104 / City 114 / Hwy 94 mpge
#4 of 13 Electric cars
Electric Car to Get Instead
- Kia Niro Electric 2024
Price Range: $39,600 - $44,600
CR MPGE: Overall 113 / City 126 / Hwy 101 mpge
#2 of 13 Electric cars
Luxury Electric Car to Avoid
- Polestar 2 2024
Price Range: $49,900 - $63,000
CR MPGE: Overall 106 / City 112 / Hwy 100 mpge
#7 of 12 Electric luxury cars
Luxury Electric Car to Get Instead
- BMW i4 2024
Price Range: $52,200 - $69,700
CR MPGE: Overall 96 / City 94 / Hwy 98 mpge
#1 of 12 Electric luxury cars
Two-Row Electric SUV to Avoid
- Volkswagen ID4 2024
Price Range: $39,735 - $57,055
CR MPGE: Overall 102 / City 108 / Hwy 96 mpge
#7 of 14 Electric SUVs
Two-Row Electric SUV to Get Instead
- Kia EV6 2024
Price Range: $42,600 - $61,600
CR MPGE: Overall 105 / City 116 / Hwy 94 mpge
#1 of 14 Electric SUVs
Three-Row Electric SUV to Avoid
- Rivian R1S 2024
Price Range: $74,900 - $99,000
CR MPGE: Overall 69 / City 73 / Hwy 65 mpge
#4 of 8 Electric SUVs 3-row
Three-Row Electric SUV to Get Instead
- Kia EV9 2024
Price Range: $54,900 - $73,900
CR MPGE: Overall 83 / City 91 / Hwy 75 mpge
#1 of 8 Electric SUVs 3-row
Luxury Electric SUV to Avoid
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 2024
Price Range: $77,900 - $109,300
CR MPGE: Overall 81 / City 82 / Hwy 79 mpge
#9 of 2 Electric luxury SUVs
Luxury Electric SUV to Get Instead
- BMW iX 2024
Price Range: $87,100 - $111,500
CR MPGE: Overall 86 / City 86 / Hwy 87 mpge
#1 of 21 Electric luxury SUVs
For more advice about smart shopping for your next new or used electric car or electric truck, here are three selected articles to help you find the right vehicle to fit your needs:
- Best Electric Car Recommendations From Consumer Reports
- Why Today’s Tesla Cybertruck is a Failure
- 2024 Tesla Model 3 Review & Buyer's Guide
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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