The small EV market is exciting, and this guide will explore three of the best small EVs in the UK in 2026: the Hyundai INSTER, a budget city hatchback, the Suzuki e Vitara, a mid-range compact SUV, and the Škoda Elroq, a longer-range SUV. We’ll also match each car to the kind of driver it suits most.
If you already have your eye on one of these options, use the headings below to find out more about it. If you’re not quite there yet, start with the specs table below.
At a glance comparison
| Spec |
Hyundai INSTER |
Suzuki e Vitara |
Škoda Elroq |
| Body Style |
Hatchback |
Compact SUV |
Compact SUV |
| Battery (Largest) |
49kWh |
61kWh |
82kWh |
| WLTP Range |
Up to 229 miles |
Up to 264 miles |
Up to 372 miles |
| 0-62 MPH |
~10.6 sec |
~8.7 sec (Single Motor) |
~6.6 secs (Standard Elroq 85) |
| DC Rapid Charging (Max) |
85kW |
150kW (but real-world rates are often lower) |
175kW |
| Boot Space |
238-351 Litres |
Up to 562 Litres |
470-1580 Litres |
| Starting Price |
From ~£23,495 |
From ~£29,999 |
From ~£31,700 |
| BiK Rate 2026/27 |
4% |
4% |
4% |
| Euro NCAP Rating |
4 stars (2025) |
4 stars (2025) |
5 stars (2025) |
| Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
3 Years |
All three of the above are zero-emission vehicles, so they share the same 4% benefit in kind (BiK) rate for the 2026/27 tax year. However, for company car drivers, the Škoda Elroq gives you more vehicle for the same rate as the others, which is worth bearing in mind.
Hyundai INSTER: the budget city EV
Hyundai INSTER review: What makes it stand out
The Hyundai INSTER prices start at around £23,495, which is similar to the likes of the Renault 5 and Citroen e-C3. When looking at a Hyundai INSTER vs Renault 5 comparison however, the INSTER wins on both interior space and equipment.
The standard 42kWh battery also delivers around 203 miles of WLTP range, and the Long Range 49kWh version extends this to up to 229 miles on the WLTP cycle. Real-world testing returns around 220 miles in everyday use, and in cold weather or at motorway speeds, this may drop to around 170 miles.
The 85kW DC rapid charging rate means a 10 to 80% charge takes approximately 30 minutes at a rapid charger. This suits city drivers and those with short commute times nicely.
It also comes in two trim levels, 01 and 02. The 01 is the entry model and includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen, climate control, keyless entry, and a heat pump. The 02 adds the larger battery and sliding, reclining rear seats.
The INSTER has been recognised widely since its launch too, winning the Golden Steering Wheel 2025 award from AUTO BILD in the vehicles under €25,000 category and Supermini of the Year at the 2026 Top Gear awards. It also holds a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating from 2025, and the Hyundai five-year warranty provides added peace of mind.
Who Should Choose the INSTER?
The Hyundai INSTER is a strong choice for first-time EV buyers and those on the hunt for second cars. And given its specs, it’ll appeal to those on a tighter budget too and anyone who values a strong standard kit.
However, it’s worth noting that the INSTER is very much a city and suburban vehicle. And while the WLTP range is 229 miles, the real-world range on longer motorway journeys will be lower.
Best for: First-time EV buyers, those on a tighter budget, or drivers looking for a well-equipped second car for city and suburban driving.
Browse Hyundai INSTER models at Richmond Motor Group
Suzuki e Vitara: the compact SUV
Suzuki e Vitara Review: What makes the e Vitara stand out
The Suzuki e Vitara is the SUV in the middle of this price range, starting from around £29,999. Built on the Maruti Suzuki HEARTECT-e platform, it has a raised driving position, SUV proportions, and more space and ride height than the INSTER without veering into the Elroq's price range.
The e Vitara is available in two battery options, with the 49kWh version delivering around 225 miles of WLTP range, while the 61kWh Long Range extends that to up to 264 miles. Real-world range on the 49kWh option is between 155 and 210 miles, give or take, and the 61kWh sits at around 220 and 260 miles, depending on speed and conditions.
The single-motor front-wheel drive version covers 0-62 in approximately 8.7 seconds. The 61kWh is also available with dual-motor all-wheel drive, which brings added traction in poor conditions and drops the 0-62 time to 7.4 seconds.
When it comes to charging, DC rapid charging is listed as up to 150kW, but independent testers have found real-world rates are often more like 60kW. As a result, 10% to 80% can be achieved in around 45 minutes.
As well as a flexible, large boot, the Suzuki name also carries a strong reputation for reliability and a well-supported dealer network, and the Suzuki 3-year warranty is standard for the class.
Who Should Choose the e Vitara?
All in all, the SUV proportions make the e Vitara sensible for family use, and the AWD (All Wheel Drive) option extends its practical range for non-motorway driving. It also offers extra space and suits those who appreciate the Suzuki dealer network and reliable reputation.
However, the price step from the INSTER to the e Vitara is significant at around £7,000. Whether that’s worth it depends on whether the SUV body style, the larger boot, and the available AWD are useful for the way you drive.
Best for: Families who need a practical compact SUV with a raised driving position, a larger boot, and the added traction of all-wheel drive without a premium price.
Explore the Suzuki e Vitara at Richmond Motor Group
Škoda Elroq: the long-range SUV
What makes the Elroq stand out
The Škoda Elroq starts at around £31,700, putting it at the upper end of the price range. However, it has a larger battery, longer real-world range, and faster rapid charging. It also has a 470-litre boot that rivals family estate cars and extends to 1580 litres with the seats fully flattened.
The Elroq is built on Volkswagen Group's MEB electric platform, the same architecture as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron. At 82kWh, it delivers up to 372 miles on the WLTP cycle. Real-world testing puts mixed driving range at around 250 to 280 miles in normal conditions, dropping to around 200 miles in cold weather or at sustained motorway speeds.
For most drivers, this means family days out and longer commutes are within reach without careful planning. At a 175kW rapid charger, the Elroq can add significant range in 15 to 20 minutes, which is faster than the INSTER and e Vitara.
The Škoda Elroq review feedback is also consistently strong from the UK's major automotive titles. It’s The Car Expert's Car of the Year 2026 and holds a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating from 2025 testing, with 90% in adult occupant protection. A Škoda 3-year warranty is also included as standard.
All three cars have the same 4% BiK rate in 2026/27 as zero-emission vehicles, but the Elroq delivers more car, range, and practicality for the same monthly tax cost. For more details on how BiK is calculated and what it means for your monthly bill, see our company car tax guide for 2026.
Who Should Choose the Elroq?
The Elroq is best for higher-mileage drivers, families who need a large amount of boot space, and company car drivers. Škoda also offers a performance variant, the Elroq vRS, for those who want sharpened performance alongside practicality.
Best for: Company car drivers, higher-mileage motorists, and families looking for estate-rivalling boot space and rapid long-distance charging.
View Škoda Elroq stock at Richmond Motor Group
Where each car fits
Your choice will realistically come down to one or two of these vehicles based on your budget and size requirements, rather than all three. This is largely because these cars occupy entirely different niches and price brackets.
Here’s what to choose if you’re struggling to make a decision:
- Choose the INSTER if you’re working with a tighter budget and need an agile hatchback for urban driving. Its city-focused range and compact footprint make it a well-equipped choice for daily commutes or as a second household car.
- Choose the e Vitara if you have a mid-range budget and want a practical compact SUV with a raised driving position. It suits everyday family driving, offering lots of passenger space, a good-sized boot, and optional all-wheel drive without the premium price tag.
- Choose the Elroq if your budget accommodates the higher end and you need a premium compact SUV for higher-mileage driving. It’s the pick of the bunch for long distances specifically, and it delivers rapid charging and massive boot space.
All three models are available to test drive through Richmond Motor Group in our dealerships in Hampshire, West Sussex, and Surrey. To find the right fit, explore our full electric car range or discuss tailored electric car finance options with our team today.