The 10 Best Electric Cars Available In 2026

Comparing the best new electric cars and electric SUVs that you can buy for 2026.

These are the best EVs that stand out for their performance, reliability, quality, and value for money. Some of the best EVs are the 2027 Chevy Bolt, 2026 Nissan Leaf, 2026 Ford Mach E, 2026 BMW i4, 2026 Toyota BZ, 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2026 Tesla Model Y, and 2026 Tesla Model 3. If you are buying a new EV, make sure to watch this comparison review.

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What are the best electric cars you can buy? That’s what we’re going to find out.

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If you’re ready to ditch gas and go with an EV, I’m going to share the best ones available for 2026—models that deliver strong performance, safety, reliability, value, and a real-world driving range of at least 300 miles (500 km) on a charge.

And even though EV rebates are now gone, many EVs have received significant price cuts for 2026, so this may be a good time to take a serious look.

EVs aren’t for everyone, and many still need improvements. But if you’re ready to start exploring your options, these are the best EVs on sale right now.

Let’s get into it.

Vehicles #1 & #2: Nissan Ariya and Nissan Leaf

First up is a tie between the Nissan Ariya and the Nissan Leaf. I’m grouping these two together because they’re now mechanically aligned on the same Nissan EV platform.

The Leaf is the smaller, more affordable option and is front-wheel drive only. The Ariya is larger and more spacious, offers all-wheel drive as an option, and is more expensive.

What’s great about both models is that they’re made in Japan, with strong build quality—no surprise, since Nissan has been building EVs longer than just about anyone. They’re comfortable, quiet, and easy to drive, with good performance and competitive range.

One bonus with the Leaf is that it comes with a Tesla-style NACS charging port, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers.

One important note: Nissan has stopped bringing the Ariya to the U.S. for 2026, so the Leaf is the primary option there. The Leaf is also aggressively priced in the U.S., starting around $30,000.

In Canada, the Ariya is still available, and between the two, it’s often the better choice because the Leaf is priced unusually high in Canada—making the jump to the Ariya worth it.

Nissan also tends to offer strong incentives on both models, so getting a discounted deal shouldn’t be difficult. And as always, you can often find a lightly used Ariya for a fraction of the new price.

If you want a safe, well-built Japanese EV, Nissan has you covered.

Vehicle #3: Chevrolet Equinox EV

Next up is a value-focused crossover SUV: the Chevrolet Equinox EV.

The best thing about the Equinox EV is how much value it packs in for the price. For roughly the cost of the average gas-powered small SUV, you get a full EV with around 220 horsepower, fast charging, a spacious interior, and excellent technology.

It’s honestly surprising how much GM includes at the starting price, to the point where I wouldn’t even bother moving up to the higher trims.

This is one of the few vehicles GM really put a lot of effort into getting right—and it shows. It’s well designed, comfortable, has decent build quality, and it earns high owner satisfaction ratings from Consumer Reports.

And if you want something even cheaper, Chevy is bringing back the Bolt EV in the spring of 2026, which should once again be one of the least expensive EVs on the market.

Vehicle #4: BMW i4

If you want a sporty luxury EV, the BMW i4 is a standout.

The i4 is a phenomenal example of how to do an EV the right way. It looks and feels like a normal BMW 4 Series—except it has an electric drivetrain, and a very good one.

Performance is strong, it drives beautifully, and all-wheel drive is available. In fact, the standard i4 is so good that I wouldn’t even bother stepping up to the more expensive M version.

The interior is well finished with excellent tech, there’s plenty of space, and you get a genuinely practical hatchback cargo area.

According to Consumer Reports, the i4 also scores well for build quality and owner satisfaction. If you have the budget and want a sporty luxury EV, this is an excellent pick.

Vehicle #5: Ford Mustang Mach-E

For a more reasonably priced option, consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

The Mach-E has been around since 2021, and it’s proven to be a solid EV. Build quality is better than average for Ford, the interior is nicely finished, the tech is strong, and there’s plenty of space and safety equipment.

It also earns a top safety rating from the IIHS, which is great to see.

On the road, it’s smooth and comfortable, with strong performance. And while it can get expensive, Ford often runs large incentives on these models, making it easier to find a good deal—or to buy lightly used for far less than new.

Either way, it’s a solid option.

Best Home EV Charger Recommendation

If you’re buying an EV, you should strongly consider installing a Level 2 home charger.

There are a lot of options out there, and it can get overwhelming. If you want a straightforward recommendation, the one I use at home is the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (Classic).

I’ve been using it to charge EVs and plug-in hybrid test cars for the past year, and it’s been excellent. It’s well made, well priced, available with J1772 or NACS connectors, and it’s both UL and Energy Star certified.

It also has a strong app for monitoring and managing charging, and the Pro model adds features like home energy monitoring and load management that can reduce—or even eliminate—the need for a costly panel upgrade.

If you want a great all-around Level 2 charger, Emporia is worth a look.

Vehicle #6: Hyundai Ioniq 9

Back to the EV list—if you need a large three-row crossover, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a strong choice.

Hyundai has been doing an impressively good job with EVs, and the Ioniq 9 is the latest example. It’s a proper three-row SUV with lots of space, fast charging, an NACS charge port, and a solid electrical system.

It’s comfortable, feels stable on the road, and the electric motors deliver impressive performance. The interior is near-luxury quality and the tech is top notch.

Pricing can climb, but it’s surprisingly competitive in Canada, where a mid-trim model can land around $67,000 CAD, which isn’t much more than a comparable gas SUV in the same space.

The Kia EV9 is closely related and worth considering, but between the two, the Ioniq 9’s controls and overall execution give it the edge.

Vehicle #7: Hyundai Ioniq 5

If you don’t need three rows, Hyundai has another EV that’s one of the best on the market: the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

It’s been around for a few years and recently received updates, including an NACS charge port and a larger battery with improved range. It remains one of the fastest-charging EVs you can buy.

It drives great, has strong power, a spacious and well-finished interior, excellent tech, and a top safety rating from the IIHS.

Kia offers a close cousin—the EV6—but in my opinion, Hyundai’s execution is the better of the two. Definitely put the Ioniq 5 on your shortlist.

Vehicle #8: Toyota bZ

Next is a no-nonsense crossover option that has become much more competitive for 2026: the Toyota bZ.

This EV has been on the market for a few years, but for 2026 Toyota made meaningful improvements: more power, faster charging, a larger battery, and an NACS charge port with access to Tesla Superchargers.

It was already a comfortable EV with a smooth ride and quiet cabin, and these upgrades make it far more competitive in its segment.

The interior is well finished and well equipped, the tech is strong, and it earns a top IIHS safety rating. More importantly, it’s positioned as a solid long-term ownership EV, backed by Toyota’s decades of electrification experience through hybrids.

The battery carries a 10-year warranty, and Toyota also claims it’s guaranteed to maintain 90% battery retention over that period.

For 2026, Toyota is expanding the lineup with additional EVs, including a smaller C-HR model and the larger bZ Woodland. Subaru has related versions of these EVs as well, but since they’re fundamentally Toyota products, it generally makes more sense to buy the Toyota versions for simpler service and support.

Toyota is clearly stepping up its EV game.

Honorable Mention: Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3

At this point, many people will ask: where are the Teslas?

I’m giving an honorable mention to the two best models Tesla makes: the Model Y and the Model 3.

Yes, there’s controversy surrounding Tesla, and there’s no denying the brand has dealt with significant public backlash and softer sales momentum. But if you’re still open to considering one, the Model Y and Model 3 remain strong EVs.

Both have matured into polished, well-sorted vehicles. Tesla still leads in key areas like drivetrain efficiency and performance, software and over-the-air updates, and charging infrastructure.

Pricing has also come down, making them more affordable than many people expect. Choosing between them mostly comes down to whether you want a sedan (Model 3) or a crossover (Model Y).

Important EV Buying Advice

Before you buy an EV, here’s the big picture: the EV market is volatile, and you need to be careful.

A lot of EVs are priced too high relative to demand, which can lead to massive depreciation—enough to wipe out the savings you hoped to gain by avoiding gas.

Do your research, shop around, look for deals, and seriously consider buying lightly used instead of brand new. Saving 30–40% by buying a 1–2-year-old EV can make the entire ownership equation much more attractive.

So let me know in the comments: would you consider buying an EV? And if so, which one would you choose?

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And if you’re planning to purchase a vehicle and you live in Ontario, know that OMVIC is the vehicle sales regulator responsible for enforcing the rules that dealerships must follow. To learn more about your consumer protection rights, visit OMVIC’s website.

And if you need additional car buying advice, recommendations, or help getting a great deal, visit carhelpcanada.com.

Thanks so much for watching, and we’ll see you next time.

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