EV for Tasmanian touring

Althaine | 2026-03-17 01:45 | 6 views

I'm considering my first EV. Living in Hobart, I'd use it 90% for urban/suburban commuting but also want to regularly tour Tasmania including more remote areas and unsealed roads (think access to trailheads), although not needing a true offroading capability. I really don't want to spend more than 50k with 40k being a comfortable target. I took a Geely EX5 for a test drive (urban and highway) and found a lot to like. My second test drive I took it through some winding hilly terrain with patchy road. The ride was too soft and I felt I was 'wallowing' from side to side. I had a chat with the salesperson at BYD about this experience and they suggested the Atto 3 would feel very similar. I test drove the Sealion 7 on the same route as the EX5 and the Sealion felt significantly better, but is frankly out of budget. Where should I be looking for a firmer (or at least less bouncy/wallowing) ride on rural / unsealed roads?

Comments (7)

PreReFriedBeans 2026-03-17 01:53

clearance may be an issue for certain trailheads (farmhouse creek, arm river etc) make sure you take that into account. Not many of the cheaper ones have more than 170mm or so

m276_de30la 2026-03-17 01:54

Leapmotor B10. It doesn’t wallow as badly as most other Chinese cars. Or, if you can get an Xpeng G6 under the 50k bracket, that would work well too. The least body roll goes to the Model 3 and Y, but you’d need to look for a pre-facelift one to be under $50k. Suspension on pre-facelift models are quite harsh but that makes for decent handling.

Sweet_Word_3808 2026-03-17 02:06

I have an Atto 3 and from what you describe it won't be what you want. Could try an MG4 in case being smaller and RWD makes a difference? Most of the Chinese EV SUVs will wallow. Can you find a 2nd hand Seal? Also 2nd hand Model Y has very stiff suspension. Elon factor aside, the ride should be closer to what you want. Cabin isn't as quiet as a BYD or Geely though.

herstonian 2026-03-17 06:57

Skoda Elroq. Reviews praise it for it's ride and handling

narvuntien 2026-03-17 13:54

If you are okay with something smaller the MG4 is the chinese budget EV that drives the best

ChuqTas 2026-03-17 22:52

I've driven a lot of Tassie, but minimal experience with anything that would be deemed "off-road". I drive a Model 3 which is definitely not the preferred option (suspect a Model Y would do much better) but here's my coverage. Gravel roads I've travelled highlighted, not that many, and certainly not a challenge. I haven't been game to do, e.g. any of the rougher unsealed roads to Corinna. https://i.imgur.com/5kN6nzl.png Also check this guy, he's done a lap of Tasmania in his Kia Niro: https://www.youtube.com/@EVAdventuresDownUnder

mch1971 2026-03-18 14:40

I've had an EX5 Inspire since October. For 90% of your usage, you are good. The smooth/wobbly drive experience is something you will get used to and eventually love. As a contrast, our other car is a 5 door Jimny with zero dampening, 100% road feedback.

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