With their all-wheel drive and elevated interior, 4x4s and SUVs offer almost unrivalled driving comfort. The problem is that these vehicles generally consume a lot of fuel and CO2, which is both a drain on your wallet and a real environmental headache. Fortunately, the electric SUV exists, offering an excellent alternative for people who want to drive a large, comfortable car without destroying the planet.
But which models of 4×4 electric cars will offer the best value for money in 2025? To help you find out, we’ve put together a list of the best electric car models, taking into account a whole range of factors: from their cost per year to their range, trunk volume and recharging time. Get moving!
4X4 electric cars: our selection of 4WD models to watch
Here are the ten 4-wheel drive electric car models we’ve selected for their performance, value for money and suitability for city driving.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD: the little Korean that’s no match for the big boys
Hyundai’s iONIQ all-terrain electric vehicle series has been designed with the environment in mind, notably through the materials used in its construction: recycled plastic, eco-responsible leather and natural wool. In addition to its ethical credentials, this approach ensures the driver’s complete comfort at the wheel.
The e-GMP platform, developed in partnership with KIA, intelligently optimizes the interior design of electric family cars, for even greater front and rear driving comfort. As for the sleek, futuristic exterior design, inspired by Hyundai’s Pony model, it doesn’t go unnoticed, to say the least.
In terms of sheer efficiency, the iONIQ 5’s performance is quite impressive, with a range of almost 500 km on one of the two battery packs supplied. These figures are optimized by the innovative V2L (Vehicle to Load) charging system, which enables the electric 4×4 to function as a charging source in its own right.
Add to this a particularly attractive price/performance ratio, and you have one of the hottest models on the electric SUV market.
Hyundai iONIQ 5 4WD Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 57,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.26
- Average range: 481 km
- Engine power: 218 hp
- Trunk volume: 527 liters
- Charging time from a private charging station such as WallBox: 7h30
| NOTE: if the base version of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 does not include 4-wheel drive, there is a 4×4 (or AWD) option. We’ve focused on the AWD option. |
Audi Q4 e-Tron 50 quattro: class in all circumstances
Is it still necessary to introduce Audi’s e-tron range? Having established itself in recent years as one of the benchmark models in the off-road electric vehicle market, the E-tron impresses with its comfort, equipment quality, reliability and efficiency on the road. While the model is available in a number of versions, we have chosen the 50 quattro, the first 100% electric model in the range, because we felt it was best suited to urban driving.
With elegant, functional styling worthy of the German brand’s finest models, the e-Tron makes it possible to go electric without sacrificing too much in the way of elegance. The 313 hp engine is capable of reaching 100 km/h in seven seconds, with a top speed of 190 km. The vehicle’s dimensions are not to be outdone, with a trunk volume of 660 liters.
The only real downside to the e-Tron 50 quattro is its battery range in the combined WLTP cycle, which doesn’t exceed 340 km. Compared with other electric family cars, the e-Tron automatically ranks in the lower middle range in terms of performance, which, given its price, can be a serious problem for occasional riders.
Audi Q4 E-Tron 50 Quattro Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 60,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.29
- Average range: 340 km
- Engine power: 313 hp
- Trunk volume: 660 liters
- WallBox recharge time: 12h15
Kia EV6 AWD: the crossover that (almost) never stops
Like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the Kia EV6 is based on the new e-GMP platform, which enables automakers to design vehicles optimized for electric battery management. But the EV6’s fuel consumption, halfway between sedan and SUV, is more than 10% higher than that of the IONIQ: with 24.8 kWh/100 km on the highway, it has a range of 312 km, which is still drastically less than its cousin.
Fortunately, the e-GMP allows the EV6 to recharge in record time, with a maximum charge of 239 kW. In other words, you only need to spend 18 minutes at the charging station to go from 0 to 80% charge. Allow just over 40 minutes to go from 10 to 100%. One of the best performances of all electric car models. By comparison, the Tesla Model S takes over an hour to fully recharge.
In terms of comfort, the Kia EV6 is one of the most pleasant low-cost electric SUV models, with plenty of space both front and rear, and a multitude of storage modules. As for the interior, it’s well thought-out and perfectly ergonomic, with driving and braking aids that are ideally suited to city traffic.
Kia EV6 AWD Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 52,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.32
- Average range: 394 km
- Engine power: 170 hp
- Boot volume: 480 liters
- WallBox recharge time: 8h40
| NOTE: if the base version of the Kia EV6 does not include 4-wheel drive, there is a 4×4 (or AWD) option. This is the one we’ve been focusing on. |
Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE: elegance and refinement at lower cost
One of the pioneers of electric family cars with its Leaf range, Nissan brought out the Ariya in 2023 to dust off its aging and obsolete electric collection. And from its interior, it’s clear that the Japanese manufacturer wanted to do things right, with a spacious dashboard and a central electric console between the driver and passenger, which includes the gearshift, e-pedal control and various driving modes. Comfort-wise, it’s all the same: you’ll have lots and lots of space.
While the Ariya is available with three engine options, we found the 306 hp mid-range version to be the most interesting, offering a good balance between engine power (with two engines) and available trunk volume (415 liters). In terms of road performance, the all-wheel drive version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
In terms of range, this powerful electric car comes up trumps, with up to 509 km. In other words, not only will you be able to navigate around town (albeit with greater difficulty than with a smaller model), but you’ll also be able to take the family out for a spin whenever you like.
| NOTE: if the base version of the Nissan Ariya does not include 4-wheel drive, there is a 4×4 (or AWD) option. This is the one we’ve been looking at. |
Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE technical specifications
- Price: from CHF 55,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.52
- Average range: 509 km
- Engine power: 306 hp
- Boot volume: 415 liters
- WallBox recharge time: 10h05
Toyota bZ4X Origin AWD: low price, persistent quality
Toyota has drastically reduced the price of its electric SUV, but not its performance. The new version of the bZ4X now includes cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning and LED headlamps.
But it’s in terms of range that the bZ4X surprises. Its range has been extensively revised, increasing from 430 km to over 510 km on freeways. A distance you’ll be able to cover with ease, thanks to the pleasant interior space and decent volumes for both driver and passengers. It’s a pity, however, that the materials used are still a little cheap and down-market.
In terms of ergonomics, we’re at the top end of the 4×4 electric car market, but there are a few areas where we’d like to see more, notably with the controls and the control screens, which can sometimes be a little confusing. As for road driving, we’re clearly not talking about outstanding performance, but the vehicle is solid on the ground and, thanks to well-balanced steering, will give you a good feeling both in town and on the road.
| NOTE: if the base version of the Toyota bz4X does not include 4-wheel drive, there is a 4×4 (or AWD) option. This is the one we’ve been looking at. |
Toyota bZ4X Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 52,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.20
- Average range: 513 km
- Engine power: 204 hp
- Boot volume: 452 liters
- WallBox recharge time: 12h45
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX: a powerful, sleek electric car
Originally released in 2021, the Volkswagen ID.4 failed to win over the public. This was due to a lack of ergonomics and a plastic design with no real personality. In 2024, the German manufacturer has revised its copy and offers a much more interesting all-terrain electric vehicle.
First and foremost, the ID.4 features an all-new touchscreen, within which the majority of controls are centralized. A bold choice that won’t please everyone, especially when driving. The greatest progress has been made with the electric motor, which is much more lively than the previous version.
In terms of range, the ID.4 is at the top end of the 4-wheel drive electric car market, with an average of 14.7 kWh/100km for a range of over 500 km (making it the electric SUV with the best range). One of the best performances on the market, no less.
| NOTE: If the basic version of the ID. 5 does not come with 4-wheel drive, there is a 4×4 (or AWD) option. This is the one we’ve focused on. |
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 50,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.42
- Average range: 520 km
- Engine power: 286 hp
- Boot volume: 543 liters
- Wallbox recharge time: 8h30
Electric car models: the AWD SUV summary table
To help you see things more clearly, here’s our summary of the ten electric car models we tested. The best performers in each category (range, recharge time, etc.) are highlighted in green.
| Model | Average range | WallBox recharge time | Cost/100km
(in CHF) |
Top prize (in CHF) |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD | 481 km | 7h30 | 3,26 | 57 000 |
| Audi Q4 E-Tron 50 Quattro | 340 km | 12h15 | 3,29 | 60 000 |
| Kia EV6 AWD | 394 km | 8h40 | 3,32 | 52 000 |
| Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE | 509 km | 10h05 | 3,52 | 55 000 |
| Toyota bZ4x Origin AWD | 513 km | 12h45 | 3,99 | 52 000 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 GTX | 520 km | 8h30 | 3,42 | 50 000 |
Other electric SUV models not yet available with 4-wheel drive
Volvo EX30: the small all-terrain electric vehicle that’s perfect for the city
Due to go on sale in 2023, Volvo’s smallest 4×4 has been a resounding success in Europe, to the point of competing with the electric SUV giants. The reason? Almost unbeatable value for money, because not only does Volvo offer top-notch performance, it also markets its urban SUV at a price well below the average.
With a range of over 340 km (the same as the e-Tron 50 Quattro), the EX30 is more than up to the task, especially as it is designed for city driving. Its urban handling is facilitated by the “One Pedal” system, which accelerates and brakes with a single pedal, and its on-board 11 kW charger.
In addition, there’s a full range of equipment, including an Android-powered vertical tablet, automatic headlamp activation and a full range of driving aids. On the downside, there’s the apparent poor quality of the materials (recycled), a fairly small trunk volume and a relative lack of space in the rear. But after all, this is a city car.
| NOTE: if there is no 4-wheel drive version of the EX30 yet, a cross-country option is available, including a higher ride height and off-road wheels. |
Volvo EX30 Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 35,500
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.25
- Average range: 344 km
- Engine power: 272 hp
- Boot volume: 318 liters
- WallBox recharge time: 7h50
Skoda Enyaq iV Coupé 60: the perfect compact for the city
With the coupé version of its first electric model, the Enyaq, Skoda has brought to market the most practical of small all-terrain electric vehicles suitable for city use. It offers considerable comfort, with ample seats and plenty of space for driver and passenger, plus a standard glass roof that adds to the impression of volume.
The Enyaq IV Coupé is available in four versions. We chose the first of the series, version 60, which we felt was best suited to city driving. It is equipped with a host of safety features and driver assistance systems, such as Travel Assist, which enables the driver to follow other vehicles autonomously. Or the independent parking system, which memorizes a maneuver over time.
On the downside, there’s a certain lack of ergonomics in the central console and dashboard buttons, as well as a standard GPS that’s far from perfect, despite the latest electronic updates. But for its price, this Enyaq IV Coupé is a good deal.
Skoda Enyaq IV Coupé Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 45,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 3.10
- Average range: 403 km
- Engine power: 180 hp
- Boot volume: 570 liters
- Wallbox recharge time: 9h15
Peugeot e-208: the small electric SUV with the best range
Launched in 2019, Peugeot’s e-208 was a bit of a disappointment due to a couple of defects. This year, the B-class model has been revised and many of its defects corrected. First of all, the vehicle’s range has been improved, averaging 20.2 kWh/100km, with a freeway range of 370 km. For a vehicle of this size, that’s quite decent.
But that’s not all, as the new é-208 is equipped with an Eco mode, which reduces the consumption of the air-conditioning system and limits the maximum circulating power. In this configuration, the car achieves a fuel consumption of 9.5 kWh/100km, with a theoretical range of over 530 km, making it one of the most fuel-efficient electric cars on the market.
With its impeccable handling and meticulously finished interior, the e-208 is a real pleasure to drive. Nevertheless, the price is still rather high for a 4×4 electric car of this type, which may still make some people wince.
Peugeot e-208 Technical Specifications
- Price: from CHF 35,000
- Cost/100 km: CHF 2.99
- Average range: 370 km
- Engine power: 156 hp
- Trunk volume: 309 liters
- Wallbox recharge time: 7h40
Dacia Spring: low-priced but not low-range
When it was launched a few years ago, the Dacia Spring was the cheapest electric SUV on the market. Even today, it remains one of the most economical choices among all electric car models. Of course, at this price you can’t expect miracles in terms of performance, but the Spring is certainly up to the task.
In terms of interior comfort, the vehicle features a modern design and well-thought-out ergonomics, with a practical touch-screen control panel. Since 2024, the lever has been equipped with a B position for enhanced energy recovery. On the driving front, the power steering proves effective and helps you stay on course.
Performance remains in the low range, with 65 hp and a top speed of 125 km/h, but it’s not for its sporting prowess that you choose a Dacia Spring. As for range, it comes close to 230 km on the freeway, with a remarkable 11.5 kWh/100km. Conclusion: the Dacia Spring still offers one of the best quality/price ratios on the market.
Dacia Spring technical specifications
- Price: from CHF 18,000
- Cost/100 km: 3.21 km
- Average range: 230 km
- Engine power: 65 hp
- Trunk volume: 270 liters
- WallBox recharge time: 4h45
Why choose an electric 4×4 car?
Here are just a few of the reasons why buying an electric vehicle is so worthwhile.
It’s more economical
As we saw in a previous article on the cost of recharging an electric car, choosing an electric car is a guarantee of substantial savings over the medium term. Even if the vehicle is generally more expensive to buy, the investment can be recouped relatively quickly.
According to our calculations, savings of up to CHF 15,000 can be made over ten years when electricity prices are at their lowest. And even with electricity at 80 centimes/kWh, the savings would be CHF 7,500. Fossil fuels are running out, and oil prices are set to soar.
The cantons can help
Every Swiss canton offers grants and subsidies for electric mobility, which can reduce the cost of your 4×4 electric car by up to CHF 10,000. We recommend that you contact the appropriate authorities directly to find out which subsidies you are entitled to.
The good news is that the Swiss eMobility website has drawn up a map of subsidies throughout Switzerland. Not only can you find subsidies by canton, but also programs offered at municipal level.
It’s more practical and longer-lasting
Some electric car models can go up to 700,000 km, more than three times the life of a fuel-powered vehicle (estimated at 200,000 km on average). In fact, an electric motor is much more resistant to wear and tear than a gasoline engine.
While it used to be complicated to drive an electric vehicle due to a lack of infrastructure, now almost all towns, cities and freeways are equipped with charging stations. Some cities even reserve their centers for electric cars.
A helping hand for the planet
It’s the most common argument: an electric car emits two to three times less CO2 than a combustion-powered vehicle, even taking into account the production of batteries and electricity. If we also consider that an electric car can last much longer than a gasoline-powered car, the difference is obvious. And all the more so when it’s a powerful SUV-type electric car, whose internal combustion counterpart is particularly thirsty.
All the more so as it is now possible to generate electricity using renewable energies. Some vehicles, for example, have a solar panel on the roof to store energy while driving.
Frequently asked questions about electric SUVs
What are the advantages of an electric 4×4 SUV?
A 4×4 electric SUV offers all-terrain driving with optimized power, improved grip and a low carbon footprint. Ideal for challenging journeys, it combines performance with respect for the environment.
What’s the best electric car for a family?
Electric family cars, like electric SUVs, are ideal for their interior space, range and comfort. They also offer robust performance and quiet driving, while being environmentally friendly.
Do electric SUVs have a good range?
Yes, many electric SUV models are designed to offer greater range. Powerful electric SUVs can cover several hundred kilometers on a single charge, making them ideal for long journeys.
