2022 was a year FULL of exciting new electric cars and I have LOVED testing so many! At least two-thirds of the cars I test now are electric (EV), hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and I have learned from driving each one with my family for BabyDrive that they have benefits for parents well beyond the obvious fuel savings and environmental feel-good factor!
- Looking for which cars can fit three or more ISOFIX child seats at once?
- Want to know which five-seaters will fit three child seats across?
This year's top pick of EVs for families spans a broad range across the price spectrum. Let's find out what I picked as BabyDrive's Best Five-Seat Electric Family Cars of 2022!:
Joint 1st Place: Hyundai Ioniq 5
In joint first place the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an INCREDIBLE electric car that looks fantastic and modern on the outside and has a cool, calm and minimal interior that easily fits three Infasecure child seats and all shapes and sizes of pram in the boot. The Ioniq 5 drive is so quiet and smooth over bumps. The 430km battery range of the Ioniq 5 is a practical amount we found it can add around 50% of charge in 15 minutes at a fast charger making it really practical for family road trip service station stops. Ranging in price between $71,000 and $76,000 it feels worth every dollar. A number of BabyDrive viewers have sent me pictures of their Ioniq 5 family cars, making me incredibly envious! See the top five family-friendly features of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 here.
Joint 1st Place: Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor is a BEAUTIFUL and elegant electric car, that's fun and fast to drive. The seats are especially comfortable, they are upholstered with vegan fabric that doesn't seem to get as hot from being parked in the sun as most cars so it is always comfortable to get in and sit onto. When it comes to everyday family practicality, there are top tether anchorages for all three rear seats and ISOFix points in the two outer rear seats allowing two Infasecure child seats to fit really well in the rear seats. Although it looks like a sedan the hatch-type boot is practical for fitting single or double prams in. The top-spec Long Range Dual Motor variant we tested does around 400km to a full battery charge and this model had the Performance Pack which allows it to do a very fun 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds which is SUPER FAST (although you do end up with a bumpier ride from the sporty suspension). Three versions of the Polestar 2 range in price between $60,000 and $100,000 depending on how much you spend on upgrade packs. See the top three family-friendly features of the Polestar 2 here.
2nd Place: BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 is a FANTASTIC family electric car, earning a well-deserved second place. It is not within every family budget at around $105,000, but is a wonderful car for those who can justify that amount. With a very accurate 460km range and fast charging it is very practical for everyday use as well as road trips where you can do quick battery top-ups in approximately 30 minutes. With three top tether anchorages and two sets of ISOFix points in the back, three Infasecure child seats can fit with really good legroom. The BMW iX3 EV is great to drive, it feels light, fun and fast and I love the smooth silent journeys. See the top three family-friendly features of the BMW iX3 here.
3rd Place: Kia Niro GT-Line EV
In third place, the Kia Niro GT-Line EV is an easily recognisable electric car with its distinguishing rear contrast panel. It has space and thoughtful touches for its family passengers on board, with room for three Infasecure child seats across the back seats and no hump in the rear footwell making it more comfortable for rear passengers. There is a 240-volt plug socket in the back which is great for charging your laptop and working in the car while your Bub is having their day nap! The Kia Niro GT-Line EV is a quiet and smooth car to drive with a 460km battery range that takes 45 minutes at a fast charger to recharge. Ranging in price between $45,000 (for the hybrid) and $73,000 (for the top spec EV) it is decent value for a practical family EV. See the top three family-friendly features of the Kia Niro GT-Line EV here.
4th Place: MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV is one of the most affordable EVs and wins its place in the list of BabyDrive's Best Five-Seat Electric Family Cars of 2022 as a practical value-for-money option, ranging in price between $42,990 and $48,990. With a 320km battery range, it's enough for the weekly school drop-offs and commutes. It's a nippy drive with a tight turning circle making parking easy. The MG ZS EV has three top tether anchorages and two sets of ISOFix points in the rear seats and I could fit three Infasecure child seats across the rear seats which is pretty impressive for its compact size. See the top three family-friendly features of the MG ZS EV here.
5th Place: Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 did around 460km to a full battery range when I tested it and has a lovely smooth and quiet drive. It is FULL of features families will LOVE, like the rear 240V plug socket for charging your laptop while your Bub is taking their day nap! I also love the iPad holders in the back of the front seat headrests, and rear pillar aircon vents. Three Infasecure child seats fit across the back seats of the Kia EV6 and legroom is excellent, fitting a 186cm driver in front of a rear-facing child seat. It has great boot space, and the media system and cameras are excellent. It costs even more than a Sorento seven-seater though, ranging in price between $60,000 and $100,000! See the top three family-friendly features of the Kia EV6 here.
6th Place: Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge
With no start button or ignition key, to start the Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge you simply sit in the driver's seat, which takes a little getting used to! Ranging in price between $73,000 and $80,000 this is a modern and neat five-seater EV earning it a place on the list of BabyDrive's Best Five-Seat Electric Family Cars of 2022! The XC40 T5 Recharge is a compact, practical and luxurious option for families needing to put two child seats in the back and maintain good boot space for a single or double pram. See the top five family-friendly features of the Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge here.
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