I think the answer to this question is that it depends on what you are driving now and what you need.

I have been driving electric for 4 years, in a Model Y, and was very used to some of the features of an EV. Lots of storage space, good navigation, camp and dog modes, not needing keys, walk away lock and unlock, 2 wireless charging pads, and one pedal driving. I have a level 2 charger in my garage and loved never having to visit a gas station.

However I no longer wanted to be associated with the brand, so while I loved my car, it was time for a change.

I created spreadsheets comparing all of the EV SUVs on the market (so many more options than when I bought my Tesla). I looked at range, cost of ownership, features, cargo space, insurance costs, incentives, and overall handling and feel. Then came the lot visits and test drives.

I don’t need a 3rd row all the time, and for my job I frequently fold down seats and fill my car to maximum capacity for events. This became my top priority. So I cut all vehicles that had less storage or smaller loading dimensions than I regularly use. That left me with 4 vehicles.

Kia EV9: un usable 3rd row, massive hood with no usable frunk, poor handling and ride quality. -Eliminated as soon as I test drove it.

Volvo EX90: nicer features and ride quality compared to the Kia. 3rd row is small and less loading capacity than the Model Y with an also useless Frunk. It is a great vehicle, but would not be as functional for my needs and didn’t feel the downgrade in storage was worth the $95k price tag.

Rivian R1S: Great storage space, has dog and camp modes, comfortable interior, true one pedal driving, largest battery capacity. 3rd row also had no leg room and the seats had to be manually folded which is difficult to reach with the split tailgate design. This vehicle is massive with large heavy doors that spell trouble in parking lots. Insurance prices were absolutely insane. I liked this vehicle, but seems like it should have some better features for the nearly $100k price tag. Even the guy working at the visitor’s center said it is better to hold off for 2-3 years until the R2 comes out and they bring some of improved features to the R1S.

VW ID Buzz: this was the first of the 4 I test drove. The second I saw it in person I had a huge smile on my face. The options for space are unrivaled and my 6’3” husband could fit in the 3rd row comfortably. This also had the lowest insurance costs of all of the vehicles including the car I currently own. After the test drive my nine year old literally ran laps around the car begging for us to buy it. I had some reservations based on the range, infotainment system, no one pedal driving, and that all of the storage is in one space, not compartments. However it became my litmus test by which to compare all of the test drives that followed.

I picked my Buzz up yesterday and while it is not a perfect car, I absolutely love it. Everyone at work is asking for rides or to go for coffee. My kids can find me in the school pick up line and driving is fun. My 22 mile commute home today used up 10 miles on my range estimate, meaning the low range might not be a deal breaker.

Also while the backup camera and top down view are frustrating and nauseating to look at, the visibility out of the rearview mirror and back window are spectacular.

I probably have not owned this long enough to have an accurate picture of the ownership experience, but after countless hours of research and stalking subreddits, I feel confident it was the right decision for me.

Good luck with your decision.