The 5 Best Tesla Model Y Alternatives Currently for Sale
The Tesla Model Y is an all-around stud of an electric SUV, but the competition in this segment is fierce. For the price of the Model Y and even less money, you can get a great electric car from some stellar competitors.
Time waits for no one, and while Tesla utterly dominated the electric car market for some time, many noteworthy electric SUVs are hitting the scene. Most of these electric SUVs present a better value proposition than the venerable Tesla SUV and are ready to give Tesla a run for its money.
So, what other EVs should you consider if you’re looking to get a Tesla Model Y?
1. VW ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 isn’t the most exciting electric SUV in the world, but it’s definitely a great alternative to the Model Y. This is especially true if you don’t want to break the bank.
The ID.4 offers a lot of the EV goodness that the Tesla does, but it undercuts the Model Y in price by a ridiculous amount. Tesla’s smallest SUV starts at an eye-watering $65,990, while the Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $37,495.
This is a huge difference and can end up being the ultimate deciding factor for potential buyers. If you want to shell out more cash for the dual motor version of the ID.4, you’ll still only end up paying $46,295. This is an immense difference, and the almost $20k gap can’t truly be justified unless you’re a huge Tesla fan.
The ID.4 in dual motor configuration has an estimated range of 255 miles from its 82kWh battery. This should be more than enough for most people’s daily drive, and the ID.4 also comes standard with three years of free EV charging via Electrify America. If the ID.4 is any indication of whatVW’s EV lineuphas in store for the future, the outlook is very positive.
2. Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai has designed an instant classic with its IONIQ 5 electric SUV. This is one of the coolest electric vehicles on the road, and it’s not even close. The design of the IONIQ 5 runs laps around the boring Model Y, especially the retro-modern touches that abound throughout the IONIQ 5’s sheet metal.
It’s crazy that an SUV that costs $41,450 to start can bring so much more appeal to the table than a $65,990 luxury SUV from an established EV maker. In terms of range, the IONIQ 5 manages up to 303 miles. This means the IONIQ 5 can go toe to toe with some of the best electric vehicles on the market when it comes to range.
The interior of the IONIQ 5 is also an amazing place to be. If you prefer more lively interiors, it’s definitely a better alternative to the bland interior of the Model Y.
Hyundai has built one of the most desirable EVs on the market, and the fact that the price is so attractive in comparison to the Tesla alternatives is just a huge bonus. The IONIQ 5 provides a glimpse at the future ofHyundai’s electric vehicle lineupand the products yet to come.
3. Audi e-Tron
Audi has some of the best vehicle designs currently on the market, and its e-Tron SUV is no exception. The e-Tron is probably the second best-looking electric SUV, right behind the IONIQ 5.
If Tesla interiors don’t quite do it for you, the e-Tron features a classic, warm Audi interior with the highest quality materials. The e-Tron doesn’t represent the huge overall value that the IONIQ 5 does, especially considering its starting price of $70,800. But the Audi makes up for it with its amazing build quality, especially the aforementioned interior.
The range is the biggest problem, though. The other choices on this list undercut the Model Y in price and can somewhat approach its range estimate. But, while the e-Tron is more expensive than the Model Y, the max range is a paltry 226.
To be honest, the range is horrible for the price. The cheaper Tesla manages 330 miles of range, which thoroughly embarrasses the Audi. The Audi makes a case as a decent all-around EV, but the glaring problem is its suboptimal range. If you don’t drive too far daily, the Audi might still be a good option.
4. Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E is Ford’s first electric SUV, and the US company has done a stellar job. With bold styling and excellent performance, the Mach-E hits it out of the park in most categories.
This electric SUV from Ford can be configured in many ways, from a dual motor to a single motor build and standard or extended range battery packs. The choices might seem overwhelming, but it’s great to have many options when configuring a new car.
The Mach-E starts at $46,895, but the price inflates quickly if you go for the GT model. The Mach-E might be ideal if you’re looking for a sporty SUV that’s not the Performance variant of the Model Y.
Inside, the Mach-E is modern and classy, if a bit boring. The only memorable item in the interior is the massive infotainment screen, but other than that, the interior seems pretty standard Ford.
The Mach-E is a nice choice if you’re a fan of the Ford brand or you’re looking for a sporty SUV that can hit blisteringly fast 0-60 MPH runs, in the case of the GT. The $69,895 price for the GT seems a bit excessive, though, considering the Model Y is around the same price and does most things better.
5. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 sports a very interesting design, but it’s not as universally appealing as the IONIQ 5. Regardless, Kia was able to churn out a car with a bold aesthetic that doesn’t borrow from any other vehicle, and they deserve props. The EV6 is also a great value, offering 310 miles of range for a starting price of $48,500.
Compare this to the Tesla Model Y, and you’ll quickly realize that Kia means business. The EV6 and the IONIQ 5 are great cars that show you don’t need to overpay to get a competent EV that can travel the distance.
Inside, the Kia features an interior that doesn’t quite match the aggressive exterior. It looks a bit cheap compared to the Model Y, but then again, it is cheaper.
The interior is the only part of the EV6 package which could use a refresh. But, other than that, the EV6 is an extremely competent vehicle that should have no problems selling like hotcakes.
The Electric SUV Segment Is Heating Up
A segment that Tesla seemingly created is now heating up more than ever. The Model Y is obviously a huge pioneer in this automotive niche, but the competition is catching up, and in many cases, it’s actually offering better value for the money.
The Model Y is still a great option; nobody buying it will feel like they’re missing out. But it’s great to have other electric SUVs to choose from if you don’t want a Tesla.
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