2024 Fisker Ocean

Overview

California-based startup Fisker sold its first U.S.-spec Ocean electric SUV in late 2023, and when we had the chance to drive one we were surprised and impressed with its zippy acceleration, balanced handling, and overall competence. Unfortunately, the latest news from the company is about its precarious financial situation rather than sophmore-year upgrades to its compact two-row SUV. That's too bad, because the Ocean sports pitch-perfect styling, novel features, and an impressive driving range. While a cost-leader Sport trim comes with a smaller battery and less driving range, the other models are rated for up to 360 miles of driving per charge—an impressive number for an EV SUV. Rival EVs such as the Cadillac Lyriq and the Genesis Electrified GV70 are similarly stylish but offer less range. The Fisker's interior is thoughtfully laid out and uses recycled materials, including plastics recovered from the sea. Given the company's unproven status and recent financial troubles, buying an Ocean will require an ocean-sized leap of faith. Especially so, considering that that there's no shortage of impressive alternatives in the electric SUV segment—all of them from well-established automakers.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#24 in Best Luxury Electric SUVs

1

Porsche Macan EV

STARTING AT: $80,450

2

Genesis Electrified GV70

STARTING AT: $67,800

3

BMW iX

STARTING AT: $88,425

4

Genesis GV60

STARTING AT: $53,350

5

Cadillac Lyriq

STARTING AT: $58,590

24

Fisker Ocean

STARTING AT: $41,437

What's New for 2024?

An off-road Force E package is new to the Ocean lineup for 2024. It adds more aggressive all-terrain tires and a revised suspension with extra ground clearance. The limited-edition One trim, which was offered only for the Ocean's first year on the market, has been dropped from the lineup. The company has also dropped the price of remaining 2023 Oceans remaining in inventory by up to $24,000 depending upon model in the hopes of moving more metal but there's no word as of this writing about whether that offer will extend to 2024 models. In any case, buyer beware—of the company's stability, not the car's.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The embattled startup has struggled to roll out the Ocean so far and as a result, has found itself in dire financial straits. Long-term feasibility for the company looks unlikely, and buyers should exercise caution when considering a purchase or lease of a new Ocean. If you do decide to roll the dice, we think the mid-range Ultra trim, with its all-wheel-drive powertrain and more desirable standard equipment, looks to be the best value. Going with this model also increases the range from 250 miles to 340 and adds desirable features such as a power-operated panoramic sunroof, a "Hyper" drive mode, and the brand's much-ballyhooed California Mode, which drops the side and rear windows and opens the sunroof with the touch of a single button.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The entry point into the Ocean lineup is the Sport model, which features a single electric motor powering the front wheels. With 275 horsepower on tap, it's expected to go from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The Ultra and Extreme models have an electric motor on each axle that provide all-wheel drive. The compay estimates that the quickest version will sprint from a stop to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds; it has a peak output of 564 horsepower and 543 pound-feet of torque. All models are fitted with 20-inch wheels on low-rolling-resistance tires. A set of performance tires mounted on 22-inch wheels is also available. We sampled the performance-minded Ocean and found it quite pleasant to drive. Switching the drive mode for max output is a fun way to deploy all 564 ponies, certainly lending itself to the enthusiasts over the hypermiling folks who will likely spend most of the time in front-wheel-drive Earth mode. The front-drive Ocean is rated to tow 2040 pounds, while all-wheel-drive examples can pull 4000 pounds.

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Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Ocean comes with different-sized batteries, with the largest 106.0-kWh pack delivering an EPA-estimated range of 360 miles. The Ocean is also compatible with most EV charging stations, and Fisker has partnered with Electrify America to provide owners with an unspecified amount of complimentary charging. The Ocean uses a 400-volt architecture that supports DC fast-charging rates of as much as 200 kW. When plugged into a DC fast-charger that can meet that demand, charging from 10 to 80 percent battery could take about 35 minutes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates the Ocean Extreme's MPGe at 92 combined, 99 city, and 84 highway. That's nearly the same ratings as some of its high-profile competitors, such as the Genesis Electrified GV70 and Cadillac Lyriq, while a little better than the BMW iX. Once we test an Ocean, we'll provide its results from our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. For more information about the Ocean's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Ocean has a straightforward layout that's offset by some simple controls, and it's lined with reclaimed materials that promote sustainability. Along with a large touchscreen that rotates on all but the base model, its dashboard incorporates a slim digital gauge cluster and attractive materials that span across it. The amount of high-end standard amenities is limited since the entry-level Ocean is marketed as an affordable EV. However, every model features a rearview mirror with a digital camera feed, a power-adjustable steering column, and a power rear liftgate. The cabin has plenty of legroom and headroom with plenty of all-around visibility. While the Sport trim has a fixed-glass panoramic sunroof, the rest of the lineup has a panoramic glass roof with a retractable panel. Activating the latter's California mode opens the roof as well as the rear and side glass to create a convertible-like, open-air experience. We only hope that its back seat and cargo area are more useful than those in the company's ill-fated sedan.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Much like a Tesla, the centerpiece of the Ocean's interior is a huge touchscreen. Unlike a Tesla, the 17.1-inch display can rotate between portrait and landscape orientations, depending on the driving conditions. While the base model's screen is fixed vertically, its infotainment system comes standard with a Harman/Kardon stereo. All but the Sport model feature the innovative swiveling touchscreen and a more powerful audio system. In our experience with the Fisker's infotainment system, the interface can be somewhat laggy. Luckily, the system can receive over-the-air updates, which means fixes can be zapped over to help correct any issues.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Ocean comes with an impressive amount of standard driver-assistance technology. The out-of-the-box tech—referred to as the Fisker Intelligent Pilot package—includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Ocean's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Fisker's limited and powertrain warranties are above average. However, its battery warranty is currently the industry standard and complimentary maintenance isn't included.

• Limited warranty covers six years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 100,000
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2023 Fisker Ocean One
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base: $71,437

POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 564 hp
Combined Torque: 543 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 106.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 200 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.0 in
Length: 188.0 in
Width: 83.5 in
Height: 64.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/50 ft³
Cargo Volume, behind F/R: 32/17 ft³
Curb Weight (C/D est): 5400 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.7 sec
100 mph: 9.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.1 sec
Top Speed: 128 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 90–100/95–105/85–95 MPGe
Range: 320–360 mi

More Features and Specs