Top 5 best 2023 electric SUVs

Choosing the best electric SUV in Quebec in 2026 is no longer a pioneer's headache. The lineup has expanded, prices have come down and the Roulez vert plus iZEV programs make buying more accessible than ever. Whether you want the best compact electric SUV for the city or a 7-seater for family getaways, this guide reviews the models available or expected around Chambly, starting with our 2026 favourite, the Kia EV3.

Why choose an electric SUV in Quebec?

Quebec probably offers the most advantages for choosing an electric SUV in Canada. First, hydroelectricity is among the cheapest in the country. Charging an SUV costs about $3 to $5 per 100 km versus $12 to $15 for a gasoline vehicle.

Government incentives are also among the most generous. Roulez vert offers up to $2,000 for a new EV in 2026, plus the federal iZEV program up to $5,000. That is up to $7,000 in savings.

There are over 5,500 Circuit électrique charging stations, the densest network in Canada. Contrary to many beliefs, modern electric SUVs with a heat pump retain 70 to 80 % of their range at −20 °C.

Top 10 electric SUVs to watch

Subcompact SUVs

Kia EV3: our 2026 favourite. Subcompact · ~$45,000 (estimated)· ~600 km (WLTP)

Crowned 2025 World Car of the Year, the EV3 lands in Canada in 2026 as the most complete electric SUV in its class, with standout range for its size, standard NACS compatibility for Tesla Superchargers and a starting price that keeps it eligible for the Roulez vert and iZEV programs.

• Main advantage: best range/price ratio in the segment, urban‑friendly size for alleys and tight parking
• Main drawback: new model without an established reliability record in Canada

Hyundai Kona EV: the affordable subcompact · ~$47,000 · ~420 km

The Kona EV is the Niro EV's direct rival among affordable electric subcompacts. Similar price, similar range. The Niro EV wins on cargo space, the Kona on front headroom.

• Main advantage: accessible price, easy urban format
• Main drawback: smaller cargo area than the Niro EV, no AWD either

Compact SUVs

Kia EV5: the compact SUV designed for Canadian families. Compact · $43,495 · up to 460 km

Designed specifically and exclusively for the Canadian market, the EV5 combines a traditional SUV format, nine trims and standard NACS. It has the lowest starting price among Kia electric compact SUVs.

• Main advantage: best space/price ratio in Kia’s EV lineup, AWD available.
• Main drawback: 400 V architecture, fast charging less brisk than the EV6 at about 30 minutes to recover 10 to 80 %.

Kia Niro EV: the accessible, subsidized electric option. Compact · $48,595 · 407 km

The Niro EV falls to about $41,595 after incentives, which places it among the lowest prices for an electric SUV in Quebec in 2026. The 643 L of trunk space is more generous than the EV6, despite a smaller exterior size.

• Main advantage: effective price among the lowest after incentives, spacious cargo area.
• Main drawback: no AWD, 400 V architecture, about 60 minutes to fast charge.

Hyundai IONIQ 5: the EV6's tech cousin. Crossover · ~$53,000 · ~488 km

Like the EV6, the IONIQ 5 sits on the Hyundai‑Kia E‑GMP platform with an 800 V architecture and ultra‑fast charging. A distinct retro‑futuristic design and a very roomy interior for its footprint. The difference mostly comes down to style and the driving experience.

• Main advantage: 800 V architecture, ultra‑spacious interior, V2L function included.
• Main drawback: slightly more expensive than the EV6 for similar performance, shorter warranty than Kia.

Tesla Model Y: the segment reference, at what price? Compact · ~$54,990 · ~526 km

The Model Y remains the world's best‑selling electric SUV and the Tesla Supercharger network is the densest along Quebec highways. The 4 year/80,000 km basic warranty is shorter than Kia’s and the direct‑to‑consumer service setup can complicate repairs.

• Main advantage: unmatched Supercharger network, strong resale.
• Main drawback: shorter warranty, no traditional dealer network, interior fit and finish that may not match the price.

Sport crossovers

Kia EV6: the performance reference, last chance. Crossover · $51,844 · up to 513 km

The 2025 EV6 is the model's final year in Canada. The 800 V architecture remains unique at this price point: 10 to 80 % in about 18 minutes on a compatible fast charger. For the fastest charging under $55,000, it is now or never.

• Main advantage: 800 V architecture, ultra‑fast charging, engaging drive.
• Main drawback: last year in Canada, limited inventory, low crossover format less convenient for families.

Ford Mustang Mach‑E: American performance. Crossover · ~$54,000 · ~502 km

The Mach‑E stands out with its strong identity and GT trims that produce over 480 horsepower. In standard trims, it lines up with the EV6 in price and range. Resale value is less predictable than Japanese and Korean models.

• Main advantage: distinctive design, high‑performance trims available.
• Main drawback: resale less stable, EV service expertise varies in the Ford network.

Midsize and large SUVs

Kia EV9: the only 7-passenger electric SUV in the lineup. Large SUV · $65,495 · up to 491 km

The EV9 is Kia’s only electric answer for a three-row SUV. Towing reaches up to 5,000 lb. on AWD trims, the interior is upscale and it comes with an 8 year/160,000 km battery warranty. The entry price is higher, with little direct competition among 7-seater electric SUVs under $70,000.

• Main advantage: only accessible 7-passenger electric SUV with serious towing.
• Main drawback: higher budget, sizable footprint to manoeuvre in town.

Chevrolet Blazer EV: the big American midsize · ~$56,000 · ~515 km

The Blazer EV offers the biggest cabin in the Top 10 at this price point, with competitive range. The 2024 launch had recalls and software issues that affected buyer confidence. General Motors has since fixed these issues.

• Main advantage: large interior, good space/price ratio, solid range.
• Main drawback: reliability history to confirm, only 3 year/60,000 km basic warranty.

Among these ten models, Kia stands out with four vehicles, from subcompact to 7-passenger SUVs, all eligible for the Roulez vert program and covered by an 8 year/160,000 km battery warranty. Tesla and Hyundai also offer serious options. The right choice depends on your budget, the size you need and your access to home charging.

The Kia EV3: our electric favourite

Voted 2025 World Car of the Year, the Kia EV3 comes to Canada in 2026. It is our pick as the best electric car in Quebec in a compact footprint. At 4.30 m long, it is ideal for Montreal alleys and Old‑Quebec parking spots. It has a WLTP range of up to 600 km and a projected starting price around $45,000.

In concrete terms, 600 km covers a Chambly to Tadoussac run with reserve or three weeks of commuting between Chambly and Montreal without charging. DC fast charge allows you to recover 10 to 80 % in about 31 minutes, the time to stop for lunch in Drummondville, on the way to Mauricie. NACS compatibility lets you use Tesla Superchargers already found on highways 20 and 40.

For a complete overview, see our page on the Kia electric vehicle lineup.

Driving electric: what does it really cost?

Let's take a 2026 Kia Niro EV (MSRP $48,595) over 5 years at 20,000 km per year.

• MSRP minus incentives (Roulez vert $2,000 + iZEV $5,000) equals about $41,595 before taxes
• Energy: about $800 per year versus about $2,800 for a gasoline SUV
• Maintenance: about 30 to 40 percent lower (no oil changes, longer‑lasting brakes)
• 5-year cumulative savings versus gasoline: about $11,000

Quebec winters and electric SUVs

Winter is the main concern for buyers, and rightly so. At −20 °C, range can drop 20 to 30 percent. An EV6 Long Range with 513 km in summer translates to about 360 to 410 km in January. A few good habits can improve your experience.

Choose a model with a standard heat pump, which limits losses to 10 to 15 percent in intense cold. It is included on most recent Kia models, such as the Niro EV, the EV5 (except Light), the EV6 with the 84-kWh battery pack and the EV9.

Use programmable battery preconditioning while your vehicle is plugged in. It will warm or cool your car by pulling energy from the electrical grid, not the battery. Most models let you program it in the mobile app while you enjoy your morning coffee.

Last tip: install proper winter tires. The extra weight of an EV, 400 to 900 lb. more than a comparable gasoline vehicle, makes all‑season tires inadequate on packed snow.

Test-drive your future electric SUV at Kia Chambly

Your Kia Chambly team knows electric models inside out and can help you choose between the EV5, the Niro EV, the EV9 or the final 2025 EV6 based on your budget, driving habits and type of residence. Book a test drive to experience electric driving before deciding.