Electric vehicles have always looked different, and that is exactly what makes them so fascinating to watch, whether that is due to attraction or repulsion. From the earliest attempts, like GM’s groundbreaking EV1, to more mainstream entries like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, to today’s streamlined profiles, EVs leaned into their uniqueness, probably to make the point that the future of mobility is different—this is not your father’s Oldsmobile.
Today, the attention EVs command has shifted from quirky experimentation to deliberate, calculated presence. And although some are designed to blend into the cookie-cutter suburban landscape, some modern EVs command attention, like any Ferrari burbling with pent-up energy along a city street or yowling with unbridled power down the highway. Either for their looks or for their potential, these EVs refuse to blend in.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Auto&Design, Car and Driver, and Edmunds. The models below are presented in ascending order based on their starting MSRP.
2026 Nissan Leaf
Starting Price: $29,990
- Base Trim Engine
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Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
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Single-speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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174 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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254 lb-ft
The Nissan Leaf is no stranger to unconventional looks, but the 2026 Leaf is notable for a complete reimagining of the vehicle, from sharper looks to a different direction in performance. Both traits are more in line with mainstream EV trends, particularly in the lucrative compact SUV space where the Leaf is taking up residence. While it still may not chase headline-grabbing performance, it will likely get more second looks for its bold new design.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf carries the weight of being a pioneer in the usable EV playing field, and one of its rostered veterans. Its latest form reflects Nissan’s desire to move it past the quirky, compact hatchback that had been left in the dust of the fast-moving EV market, and position it as a bigger, more mature and refined entry that emphasizes practicality and accessibility, without giving up its core strength of efficiency.
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2026 Toyota bZ
Starting Price: $34,900
- Base Trim Engine
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Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
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Single-speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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168 hp
- Make
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Toyota
The 2026 Toyota bZ tweaks its styling to go along with a name shortening from the previous Toyota bZ4X, for a more city-centric road presence by toning down the rugged body cladding of previous versions. It keeps the streamlined profile and crisp body lines that give it an aerodynamic edge and stealth-fighter look, but there’s very little stealth about it when it’s up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Volkswagen ID.4.
The bZ is the face of Toyota’s cautiously deliberate move into the fully electric space, building on an electrification strategy that’s still heavily dependent on hybrids. In the marketplace, the 2026 Toyota bZ positions itself as a typical Toyota—practical and trustworthy with long-term appeal rather than niche faddism—while projecting an aura of fun that’s far removed from the public perception of Toyota vanilla.
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2025 Polestar 4
Starting Price: $56,400
- Base Trim Engine
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Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Other
- Base Trim Horsepower
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272 HP
- Base Trim Torque
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253 lb.-ft.
The Polestar 4 is a curious, unconventional entry into the electric SUV space, notable for its sleek, coupe-like profile that doesn’t have a rear window, replacing it with a full-length glass roof that doesn’t offer much of an unimpeded look rearwards, so a digital camera provides the rearview. Its design provides a more avant-garde aesthetic that ties in marvelously with its minimalist Scandinavian design direction.
As part of its brand’s growing portfolio, the sporty Polestar 4 distinctively fills in the gap between the practical Polestar 2 sedan and the more conservative Polestar 3 SUV. It still embodies the company’s vision for design-led, forward-thinking EVs, in keeping with the company’s leadership in the premium EV space, and balances practical usability, traditional luxury, and futuristic vision.
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2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Starting Price: $59,995
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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282 HP
- Base Trim Torque
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402 lb.-ft.
When it comes to grabbing attention, the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz is one of the most distinctive vehicles on the road that doesn’t have a prancing pony on its hood. Reviving the spirit of Volkswagen’s second-ever vehicle—what would become the classic Microbus, the retro-inspired EV travels a different design road from three-row competitors like the Kia EV9 and Mercedes EQB, and delivers charm few other vehicles can match.
Due to its nostalgic looks, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz stands as a halo model in VW showrooms, reminding buyers of the company’s heritage while driving the company forward into its electric future. Beyond being notable for carving out a niche in a segment dominated by SUVs, the ID.BUZZ offers respectable range and efficiency for its size, paired with smooth, quiet performance that suits its role as a family-friendly transporter.
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2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV
Starting Price: $59,995
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
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104/91/98 mpge
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
Yet another nostalgia-inducing EV, the electric 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona sedan carries forward with muscle car proportions and announces its presence with an innovative (and very un-EVish) “exhaust” note that delivers the visceral thrill EV buyers didn’t know they were missing. It may not have the lung-fibrillating rumble of classic Chargers or the auditory sensuality of a Ferrari, but it will draw attention like an open exhaust in an underground garage.
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is notably the brand’s first step into full electrification, and carries the added burden of prolonging Dodge’s muscle car legacy. In the EV space, it signals a shift from both electric sedans and performance EVs, all of which have favored designs that further the futuristic EV look. As you can guess, efficiency isn’t its primary goal, but it delivers a competitive combination of price, acceleration, and efficiency.
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2025 Kia EV6 GT
Starting Price: $63,800
- Base Trim Engine
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Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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601 HP
- Base Trim Torque
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545 lb.-ft.
The 2025 Kia EV6 GT looks very much like the EV take on a modern crossover, and its compressed-cabin look differentiates itself from performance electric crossover rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and Tesla Model Y Performance. Beyond the low-slung stance and balanced proportions, it draws attention through acceleration and driving dynamics that position it as a performance EV, rather than simply a dressed-up family crossover.
Within Kia’s broad lineup of mass-market vehicles of all sizes and shapes, the EV6 GT elevates the company’s image beyond affordability and practicality, making it a consideration for larger, more-established performance EVs. Efficiency and range aren’t its strongest suits, but the EV6 GT remains practical enough to balance daily use with weekend thrills, and shows that a mainstream automaker can craft an EV that is efficient and fun to drive.
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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Starting Price: $66,200
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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601 HP
- Base Trim Torque
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545 lb.-ft.
With its retro-inspired bodystyle and paint scheme, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N heralds back to the days of the sporty hatchback. Clean and angular, with a wide stance, bold aerodynamic touches, and performance-oriented detailing, it announces at a glance that it’s not just a city runabout but also a track-ready performer offering blistering acceleration and precise handling. It also thrills with a performance soundtrack and innovative simulated gearshifts.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is notable as the first fully electric “N” model, carrying forward the reputation of Hyundai’s performance division in the EV space. It follows up on the Tesla-instigated belief that EVs are not simply efficient runabouts, but can be configured in various ways to be different things to different folks. The Ioniq 5 N strikes a balance between efficiency and performance — neither a city car nor a track toy.
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2025 Lucid Air Pure
Starting Price: $70,900
- Base Trim Engine
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electric
- Base Trim Transmission
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Single-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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480 hp
- Make
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Lucid Motors
The Lucid Air started as a pupil of the Tesla Model S before becoming the master, particularly in the upper trim levels, though the RWD single motor Pure’s clean and aerodynamic bodyshell draws its fair share of attention on the street. To say efficiency is its greatest asset is to downplay acceleration that can take it through a 0–60 sprint in 4.5 seconds, touring-car-like handling, or business-class interior presentation.
The Lucid Air Pure makes the electric sports sedan attainable, without giving up the look and feel of high-end luxury. There aren’t many differentiating factors between the entry-level Pure and the top-tier Sapphire, except for a $180,000 chasm in cash outlay. Sure, it doesn’t have the breathtaking performance of the Sapphire, but its performance is as smooth and confident, and its interior is as refined.
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2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
Starting Price: $78,595
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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615 HP
- Base Trim Torque
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650 lb.-ft.
The Cadillac Lyriq-V has drawn its share of looks for its sleek, sophisticated styling, and will likely draw an even greater share when it acquires Cadillac’s performance “V” designation for 2026. Subtle aerodynamic tweaks and a lower, more athletic stance will alert passers-by that there’s something a bit different with the new electric luxury crossover, leading to anticipation of the 3.3-second 0–60 potential.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V establishes a performance halo for the brand’s new electric family, which also will include a new, longer, heftier, more powerful version of the mammoth Escalade. You know efficiency is not going to be its defining trait, but range remains reasonably competitive to allow drivers to seek out the open road and spur on its spirit. Inside the spacious cabin, rich materials and cutting-edge technology align with the Cadillac luxury ethos.
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2025 Tesla Cybertruck
Starting Price: $79,990
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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600 HP
- Base Trim Torque
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521 lb.-ft.
When it comes to polarizing buyers, you can’t beat the 2025 Tesla Cybertruck, but adore it or despise it, there is no denying you can’t help but look at it as it comes slinking down the street. It’s unlike anything else on the road, defined by its sharp-edged, sleek, stainless-steel silhouette that is as far removed as you can be from traditional pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and modern takes like the Rivian R1T.
Within Tesla’s lineup, the Cybertruck breaks the mold of the brand’s sedans and SUVs, serving as a visual and philosophical departure from the brand identity, while furthering Tesla’s performance and efficiency philosophy. In the broader EV marketplace, it sets itself apart with swift acceleration, impressive towing, and notable range, making it as much a statement as a workhorse.
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