7 great alternatives to the funky new Smart #5

This is the new Smart #5, the brand’s largest SUV to date. Gone are the days of the tiny Smart ForTwo city car, this is a big, boxy and rugged-looking electric car with space for five people and up to 366 miles of range.

It’s expected to cost around £45,000 when it goes on sale, but you’ll have to wait until the end of the year to place your order, with deliveries expected in early 2026. Can’t wait that long? Well here are seven other electric SUVs to think about.

The best Smart #5 alternatives:

1. Kia EV6
2. Volkswagen ID7 Tourer
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
4. Skoda Enyaq
5. Tesla Model Y
6. Audi Q4 e-tron
7. Peugeot E-3008

1. Kia EV6

Electric SUVs don’t get much better than the Kia EV6, because it does pretty much everything brilliantly. It’s great to drive, packed with tech and the interior is well-made. It may be quite firm over bumps, but it makes up for this with the super-fast charging which can take you from 10-80% battery in as little as 18 minutes.

2. Volkswagen ID7 Tourer

The need for a practical electric car doesn’t limit you to just SUVs. The Volkswagen ID7 Tourer is a cavernous estate with acres of rear legroom and a massive boot. It’s loaded with tech too, although the infotainment system is a bit fiddly to use. Ignore this though and you have a hugely comfortable motorway cruiser with more range than most EVs on sale.

3. Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is simply a brilliant all-rounder. It’s spacious, comfortable to drive, packed with tech and the interior is really well-made. The Smart #5 does offer slightly more range, but the Ioniq 5’s retro-futuristic styling may be enough to sway you.

4. Skoda Enyaq

Skoda has a long-standing reputation for no-nonsense practicality, and the Enyaq is no exception to this. It’s got a huge boot, loads of rear seat space and plenty of clever features to make your life easier. It may not be the most exciting electric SUV out there, but it’ll slot into your daily routine with ease.

5. Tesla Model Y

If you’re a bit nervous about switching to an EV, the Tesla Model Y is a great place to start. It’s very easy to drive thanks to the great visibility and advanced driver aids, and you get access to the excellent Supercharger network which is reliable and stress-free to use. The button-free cabin will take some getting used to, but at least it’s very spacious.

6. Audi Q4 e-tron

Maybe you fancy something a bit more posh? Well the Audi Q4 e-tron fits the bill. It not only looks smart, it has a lovely interior and it’s comfortable to drive. The range isn’t the best in this class, a Smart #5 will go around 30 miles further on a charge, but the Audi is still a spacious and premium SUV which is bound to impress the neighbours.

7. Peugeot E-3008

SUVs don’t get much better-looking than the Peugeot E-3008. It’ll turn heads wherever you go, and while driving you can enjoy the stylish and premium interior. It’s a bit jiggly over bumps in town, but on the motorway it’s smooth and refined, and there’s a model with a whopping 435 miles of range.

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