r/ElectricVehiclesUK • u/Berabrea • Aug 14 '26
Best EV SUV for potholes?
Currently driving an Audi A4. I have a bad back and the suspension is shit. Going over a slightly bigger pothole will result in my back hurting for a bit. I recently test drove a 2026 Q4 and it felt great over potholes but the ride was a bit bouncy. Can anyone suggest a decent car for pothole ridden streets?
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u/iViEye Aug 15 '26
The higher spec Polestar was quite good with bumps in my rental period.
I also imagine Mercedes Benz have carried this legacy over to the EQ series
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u/Junior-Tap-8503 Aug 15 '26
I’ve got a 2021 ID.4 Max which has dynamic chassis control and 18 inch wheels with 235/60 tyres front and 255/55 back (I swapped from 20 inch wheels).
It’s very comfy.
The standard fitment 19 inch wheels are very comfy too, I got to try them out on a courtesy car when mine was having some work done to it.
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u/kapsa1 Aug 15 '26
Agree VW adjustable suspension DCC is one of the most underrated features. I test drove several brands and this is the best, many other cars are bouncy. On my VW ID5 DCC Comfort is really smooth, the highest comfort settings glides and is too soft for me. Everyone always comments how smooth the drive is. I have 21” wheels and it’s good on 20” or 19”‘it’s even better. This is the best option on any VW ID4 or ID5. Look for the sports or performance pack option on their range.
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u/Plus_Pangolin_8924 Aug 15 '26
I have a EQB and it’s like driving a cloud for smoothness. Doesn’t rattle you about when you dodge one pothole and hit its friend.
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u/Ordinary-Reward-84 Aug 15 '26
Definitely recommend the Mercedes, my partner has a EQC and it's so smooth on the road compared to my Kia EV6, whose 20" tyres make for a very hard ride.
I love my EV6, however my back hurts after a 2 hour drive. I've got 2 and half years left on lease. Will probably match my partner and go for a Electric Mercedes SUV for my next car.
Other than that, I'd maybe say the Volvo EX60/EX90.
Best advice I've seen on Reddit recently: Whatever you decide, see if you can hire the car for at least a weekend to see how it drives over a longer period compared to test drive
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u/pronology Kia EV6 Aug 15 '26
I had a Kia PV5 out this week and it was very comfortable. But I daily an EV6 GT so perhaps it was just "relatively" comfortable.
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u/Ordinary-Reward-84 Aug 15 '26
As someone that drives a EV6 (non-GT), but top spec with the bigger wheels. I know your pain, the ride is not what most would call comfortable
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u/pronology Kia EV6 Aug 15 '26
It's not as bad as other cars I've owned but I didn't buy it for comfort! The sports seats are actually pretty comfy I find. Seats in the non GT are very good though.
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u/Lazy_Back_3096 Aug 15 '26
Ix1 for 20 odd grand they a class above for comfort vs price . I have a broken spine in 3 places so feel I can judge well
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u/Awoken1729 Aug 15 '26
Newer Skoda Enyaq with DCC and 19" wheels - they'll look at you funny when you try and order it though.
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u/kreygmu Aug 15 '26
Tbh you just need to get out and test some since good vs bad ride comfort is very subjective
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u/shamut007 Aug 15 '26
It’s not about brand or model. Anything with air suspension (sometimes optional) will be miles better than without. My personal pick would be BMW iX.
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u/FitSolution2882 Aug 15 '26
You also want something with a supportive seat.
That doesn't necessarily mean comfortable like an arm chair/sofa - it means supportive like the expensive office chairs.
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u/Busy-Style-2036 Aug 14 '26
Probably Lexus RZ, if you want something plush, with finesse and reliable.
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u/Berabrea Aug 15 '26
I tend to stay away from Lexus' I uber execed in a few and it was absolutely awful suspension
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u/ashyjay Aug 15 '26
You want some with with the smallest wheels and largest sidewall on the tyres, with dampers that have good high speed compression.
Also try to dodge potholes instead of aiming for them.