Best Used Electric SUVs in the UK

Thinking of going electric? This guide highlights the best used electric SUVs on the UK market in 2025 featuring MotorCheck’s expert recommendations, practical buying advice, and essential checks to help you find the right EV with total confidence.

Why It’s a Great Time to Buy Electric

Electric cars are no longer a futuristic novelty, they’re now an everyday sight on British roads. While adoption hasn’t accelerated quite as fast as government targets hoped, 2025 marks a turning point: the UK’s used EV market is thriving.

As the first generation of electric vehicles makes its way into the second-hand sector, buyers now have genuine choice. From compact crossovers to family SUVs, there’s something for every lifestyle and budget often at prices that make going electric easier than ever.

And for many, electric SUVs are the perfect fit. They blend family-friendly practicality with low running costs, environmental benefits and a smooth, near-silent driving experience. Add in an ever-improving public charging network and cheaper home charging options, and the case for buying a used EV SUV becomes favourable.

Below, we explore ten of the best used electric SUVs currently available in the UK, along with key advice for buying wisely in this evolving market.

The Growth of the Used EV Market

Used electric cars now make up a fast-growing share of UK sales. With over half a million fully electric vehicles registered since 2020, more high-quality models are entering the pre-owned market every month.

Battery durability has also improved dramatically. Many EVs come with manufacturer warranties of up to eight years or 100,000 miles, and real-world data shows most lose only 2–3% capacity per year. Combined with lower servicing costs and fewer mechanical parts, electric cars are proving cheaper to own long-term than their petrol or diesel counterparts.

Top Used Electric SUVs You Can Buy in 2025

Audi Q4 e-tron

Audi’s fully electric SUV combines premium design with practicality and a confident 316-mile range. Inside, it’s refined and tech-packed, while the 1,490-litre boot ensures family-friendly space. Rapid charging to 80% takes just 10 minutes, and the 150kW motor provides smooth yet punchy performance.
Best for: Families seeking luxury and usability.
Guide price: £30,000

BMW iX3

BMW’s iX3, launched in 2021, brings the brand’s trademark dynamics to the EV world. It offers up to 279 miles of range, clever brake-energy regeneration, and a tech-rich cabin with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Best for: Drivers who prioritise handling and premium quality.
Guide price: £27,000

Citroën e-C4

Comfortable, distinctive and efficient, the e-C4 offers a 217-mile range and plenty of kit including LED headlights, 18-inch alloys and advanced safety systems as standard. Charging to 80% takes just 30 minutes.
Best for: Urban families who value comfort.
Guide price: £17,000

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s bold electric SUV stands out for its 370-mile range and striking design. The 15.5-inch infotainment screen, voice controls and swift charging (57 miles in 10 minutes) make it both practical and futuristic.
Best for: Drivers who want performance with purpose.
Guide price: £28,000

Hyundai Kona Electric

Compact, capable and stylish, the Kona Electric remains one of the most balanced EVs on sale. It offers up to 319 miles of range and strong reliability backed by Hyundai’s excellent warranty record.
Best for: Commuters and small families.
Guide price: £15,000

Kia EV3

A newcomer to the used market, Kia’s futuristic EV3 offers a 370-mile range and smart regenerative braking. Its ability to power devices “off-grid” and its sleek design make it ideal for modern lifestyles.
Best for: Tech enthusiasts and early adopters.
Guide price: £28,000

Mercedes-Benz EQA

Mercedes’ entry-level electric SUV delivers a 300-mile range and a smooth, refined driving experience. Its intelligent energy recovery system and high safety standards including pedestrian detection enhance both comfort and confidence of the driving experience.
Best for: Those seeking affordable luxury.
Guide price: £25,000

Skoda Elroq

Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen’s ID.4 is a well-rounded all-electric SUV, combining a 310-mile range with strong performance and a spacious cabin. Rapid charging delivers 199 miles of range in half an hour reflect its suitability for UK road trips.
Best for: Everyday family use with minimal fuss.
Guide price: £22,000

Volvo EX30

Compact, safe and smartly designed, Volvo’s EX30 delivers 280 miles of range and a reassuring level of protection. Features like cyclist alerts and minimalist Scandinavian design make it a standout small SUV.
Best for: Safety-conscious urban drivers.
Guide price: £26,000

What to Know Before Buying a Used Electric SUV

Before you buy, keep these essentials in mind:

• Battery health: Ask for a battery state-of-health report; degradation should be minimal.
• Warranty: Most used EVs still have active battery warranties.
• Charging cables: Confirm both home and public-charging cables are included.
• Service history: Regular maintenance ensures software and cooling systems are in good order.
• Charging options: Check your access to home charging or nearby public stations.

Essential Pre-Purchase Checks

Even the most polished used electric SUV can hide an expensive secret. Before signing any contract, it’s worth running a few crucial background checks to protect yourself.

Start by confirming that the car’s finance has been cleared, its mileage is genuine, and that it hasn’t been written off, stolen, or imported without disclosure. Next, look at MOT history for patterns. repeated failures for the same issue can reveal neglect. Finally, for EVs specifically, check for battery-related recalls or replacements, as these can affect warranty coverage and long-term reliability.

All of these details are available instantly through a verified vehicle history report, a small step that can make a big difference when buying second-hand.

Protect Your Purchase with a MotorCheck Vehicle History Report

Before you commit to any used electric car, protect your investment with a MotorCheck UK vehicle history report.

Each check reveals:

• Full ownership and finance history
• Insurance write-off and stolen vehicle alerts
• Verified mileage records
• MOT and recall data — including for electric batteries

For just £9.99, you can make your next EV purchase with total confidence.

FAQs – Your Electric SUV Questions Answered

What is the best second-hand electric car to buy?

The best second-hand electric car to buy in the UK depends on your budget and driving needs, but according to Auto Trader’s Used EV Index, the Audi Q4 e-tron stands out as one of the top premium choices for range, comfort and build quality. For buyers prioritising value and efficiency, the Hyundai Kona Electric and Volkswagen ID.4 consistently score highly in both What Car? and Auto Express rankings, praised for their strong real-world range, low running costs and reliability. Together, these models represent some of the most trusted used EVs on the UK market in 2025.

What is the most reliable used EV?

The most reliable used EVs in the UK in 2025 tend to be those combining proven engineering with long manufacturer warranties. According to What Car?’s 2025 Reliability Survey, Tesla’s Model Y currently leads among electric SUVs for overall dependability, while brands such as Hyundai and Kia continue to perform strongly across their EV ranges.

From our own top 10 list, several models have established solid reputations for long-term reliability and owner satisfaction. The Hyundai Kona Electric remains a standout for consistency and low fault rates, backed by an eight-year battery warranty. The Kia EV3 and e-Niro share that same proven platform, offering equally strong durability credentials. Meanwhile, premium SUVs like the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4 score highly for build quality and electrical reliability, reflecting German engineering standards.

Is it worth buying a second-hand electric car?

Yes, it is absolutely worth buying a second-hand electric car in 2025. Used EVs offer significantly lower running costs, zero road tax (for most models), and minimal maintenance compared with petrol or diesel cars. Battery degradation is far less of an issue than once feared with most modern EVs retaining over 90% of their capacity after several years. Combined with improved public charging and stabilised resale values, the second-hand EV market now represents one of the smartest buys for UK motorists.

Which manufacturer makes the most reliable EVs?

Among major brands, Hyundai and Kia, and Tesla are currently regarded as the manufacturers that make reliable electric vehicles. Hyundai and Kia’s models consistently achieve top reliability scores in UK owner surveys, thanks to their proven battery technology and long-term warranty support while Volkswagen and Volvo have made major strides with their latest electric SUV line-ups.