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A 2023 Nissan ARIYA is shown parked off-road after viewing electric vehicles for sale.

Charging the Currents: The 6 Best Electrified SUVs for Canadian Drivers

There’s something truly remarkable about how much electric vehicles have developed over the past two decades. The first models that were accessible to consumers took the form of compact sedans and, for the most part, were restricted to gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains. For the many drivers who were eager to find electric vehicles for sale, the options were limited, to say the least. Luckily, the technological innovation that takes place among the different automobile manufacturers moves at a rapid pace, and now electrified vehicles are available in a variety of forms. While compact cars are still popular among the public, SUVs and trucks are now available with plug-in powertrains to benefit consumers looking to save money on gasoline costs. With so many makes and models that have gone electric, finding the ideal vehicle for sale might seem like an arduous task. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at six of the best options for Canadian drivers.

#1 – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi is a brand known for pushing technological boundaries in an attempt to offer the best for consumers. For the family-oriented driver who needs storage, seating, and savings at the pump, this reputation is personified in the 2023 Outlander PHEV. The Outlander was the original plug-in hybrid SUV and remains an outstanding option for anyone who isn’t ready to go full-electric. With seating for seven passengers and a capable 2.4L four-cylinder engine, the 2023 Outlander PHEV can travel for an estimated 61 km on battery power and then switch to gasoline to complete the journey. Always a brand with a keen eye for style and sophistication, the interior competes against the offerings from any other manufacturer. A two-toned colour scheme with wood trim accentuates its style, and its infotainment screen provides access to the various technological features that the modern family makes use of on a daily basis.

A white 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is shown parked off-road.

#2 – Nissan ARIYA

With an impressive track record for pushing the boundaries of what technology can accomplish, Nissan’s all-new ARIYA is what many fans and devotees of the brand have long been waiting for. This all-electric crossover combines the sleek and comfortable attributes of the Altima in the form of a crossover that delivers where it matters most. With an available range of up to 490 km in the 2023 model, Nissan once again proves its worth as a brand that continually puts its best efforts forward for the benefit of the average driver. Appealing to the style and aesthetic that many drivers look for, the interior features an infotainment screen that sits atop the dashboard and zero-gravity seats to maximize comfort for those lengthy commutes. The technological innovation is perfectly exhibited in Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link feature that’s available on the upper trims. The future is now, and Nissan brings it to the masses.

#3 – Chevy Bolt EUV

Known by fans as the bow-tie brand, Chevy has over a century of experience in giving customers vehicles that are of exceptional quality as well as cost-effective. This is nowhere more apparent than in the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV. Priced considerably lower than competing offerings from other manufacturers, the 2023 Bolt EUV is the quintessential subcompact electric vehicle that truly offers more for your money. With 200 hp and an impressive rated range of 397 km, this stylish hatchback is both practical and cost-effective. With over 1,600 L of available storage space, this is one vehicle that does it all and then some. Plus, the top trim offers Chevy’s Super Cruise technology for hands-free driving on highways across Canada.

#4 – Cadillac Lyriq

While the Chevy Bolt EUV is geared toward the driver who requires practical and reliable transportation, the Cadillac Lyriq is designed for the driver who has a keen eye for luxury and sophistication. If this wasn’t already apparent by the fact that it’s the first battery electric vehicle from Cadillac, the generously sized infotainment screen that stretches across 88 cm is impressive and dwarfs anything offered by any other manufacturer on the marketplace. The refined interior is equally as impressive as any high-priced European import, and the high-end AKG stereo system with 19 speakers is geared toward those with exquisite taste. While the 2024 Lyriq caters to drivers who have a fondness for luxury, its estimated range of up to 505 km on a full charge makes for a practical and polished commute.

A red 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ is shown parked near a building.

#5 – Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Let’s not deny a well-known fact about living in Canada—no matter which province to call home, you’ll have to deal with the winter weather at some point. This is where having a vehicle with a capable AWD system becomes an absolute necessity. Luckily, one plug-in model with this feature can be found in the form of the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. A few years ago, Mazda equipped its entire SUV fleet with standard AWD, enhancing the already capable handling of these vehicles. The 2024 CX-90 PHEV takes things a step further by introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 42 km of electric range and a spacious 2,129 L of storage space, making the vehicle a practical choice for the family-oriented driver. To ensure your family travels are safe, Mazda also includes a wealth of standard driver-assist features such as automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control.

#6 – Volkswagen ID.4

When translated into English, Volkswagen literally means “people’s car.” This premise of manufacturing better vehicles that serve the masses has been a part of the brand’s core beliefs since its inception. In recent years, Volkswagen has made it clear that it intends to have an all-electric fleet in the foreseeable future. As the brand continues to apply itself in this task, the battery electric ID.4 is certainly a wonderful preview of things to come. With an estimated range of up to 443 km on a single charge, the 2023 ID.4 merges practicality and performance to offer drivers the best of both worlds. This compact SUV lives up to the premise of being an affordable EV for the people. A stylish infotainment screen that stretches 30 cm sits atop the dashboard, and a wide array of standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, make this one of the best bargains for consumers who are looking to go electric.

A red 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is shown driving on a city street.

Going Electric in Canada with Excellence

In recent years, the EV has ascended in popularity as many drivers have looked for solutions to the always unpredictable price of gasoline. Not only is going electric a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine, but it’s a great way to do your part in safeguarding the environment and the planet that we all live on. The strides made within the industry towards manufacturing more EVs are not just beneficial to the planet; it’s a show of solidarity and the acceptance of ecological responsibility for the greater good. Choosing to go electric will not only cut down on how much money you spend to fuel your vehicle, but you’ll also be doing your part to safeguard the planet by reducing the amount of emissions your vehicle produces. If you’re looking to build a better future for your family and the planet, the purchase of an electric vehicle is among the best ways to accomplish that task.