10 CLOSEST COMPETITORS TO THE TESLA MODEL Y

The Tesla Model Y took the EV world by storm when it hit the road in 2020, mostly due to its placement in the crossover market that has emerged as one of the hottest in the business. Its cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and practical design have made it a favorite among EV adopters. But, the Model Y delivers not just the functionality of an SUV, but also the range of a compact crossover, the acceleration of a sports sedan, and a reasonable price, and that’s a formula that’s hard to match.

Tesla Model Y Performance Specifications

Few electric cars can match the Model Y’s balance of affordability, range, and spirited driving dynamics. However, the rapidly evolving EV market has brought forth a select group of challengers that come tantalizingly close, each bringing a unique set of attributes to the field.

2025 Genesis GV60

Overall Score: 11/30

Although the Genesis GV60 is designed to compete with luxury crossover EVs like the Tesla Model Y, it is also an aspirational vehicle for people currently in Kia and Hyundai EVs. It’s by no means a bargain model, emphasizing high-end materials, premium features, and elegant styling.

Performance Specifications

The standard 2025 Genesis GV60 powertrain is underrated, boasting middle-of-this-pack rankings for range and performance, and some of the best fuel efficiency in the group. It comes in RWD with one motor or AWD with another one, and there’s not much difference in efficiency and range, though it does step up in performance.

Pros

• Luxurious and well-equipped
• Quick to charge
• Advanced safety and tech features

Cons

• Limited rear-seat space
• A bit heavy
• Premium pricing escalates quickly

2025 Audi Q4 Premium 45 e-tron

Overall Score: 13/30

The Audi Q4 e-tron is a testament to Audi’s commitment to craftsmanship, blending sleek, modern design and meticulous attention to interior detail. Positioned as an attainable luxury EV, it attracts buyers looking for premium features without venturing into ultra-high-end luxury EV territory, and boasts Audi’s signature refinement.

Performance Specifications

The Audi Q4 Premium 45 e-tron’s EPA-estimated range of is okay, but falls short of many of its competitors. It’s reasonably efficient for its size, but its performance is below what you’d expect from the Audi Vorsprung durch Technik philosophy. For better performance, you have to step up to (and pay up for) the Q4 55 e-tron.

Pros

• High quality
• Smooth and refined
• Competitive starting price

Cons

• Slightly lower range than key rivals
• Slower acceleration than some rivals
• Limited premium feature availability

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE/SEL

Overall Score: 15/30

Arguably one of the best-looking EVs in the market, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers a bold retro-inspired design and solid value, with a purchase point that undercuts almost all rivals. Inside, the Ioniq 5 blends minimalist styling with practicality in a roomy cabin that houses innovative touches like a sliding center console and large dual screens.

Performance Specifications

Buyers of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE and SEL can choose rear-wheel-drive or opt up to AWD, with driving range varying accordingly. The trade-off is that its acceleration is not on par with the Tesla Model Y, but it can compete in terms of its range and efficiency, while slightly undercutting it on price.

Pros

• Competitive pricing
• Striking exterior design
• Class-leading charging times

Cons

• Lackadaisical acceleration
• Too utilitarian for performance
• Less cargo space than some rivals

2025 Cadillac Optiq Luxury 1

Overall Score: 16/30

Although very little is known about the entry-level compact 2025 Cadillac Optiq, we know it is positioned as an appealing alternative in the compact luxury electric SUV market, directly competing with the likes of the Tesla Model Y on price and presentation. The Model Y may have the Tesla cachet, but Optiq offers a distinctive Cadillac aesthetic.

Performance Specifications

Built on the GM Ultium platform, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq is motivated by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers acceptable acceleration and dynamic handling. If it holds true to Cadillac’s projected 300-mile range, it positions itself competitively within its class.

Pros

• Luxurious interior
• Advanced technology
• Competitive electric range

Cons

• Premium price
• A bit sluggish against rivals
• Bulky for a compact EV crossover

2024 Kia EV6 Light

Overall Score: 17/30

The Kia EV6 stands out as a stylish electric crossover that challenges the Tesla Model Y on attractive design and pricing. More traditional in its styling than the Model Y, its sporty skin is stretched over a high-tech, room cabin that can be loaded up with features and still retain an attractive price point.

Performance Specifications

Available in RWD or AWD, the 2024 Kia EV6 is powered by a single or dual-motor powertrain to produce up to 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque in the high-performance GT model, but then you’re also going to pay over $62,000. The lower trim tiers match up with the Tesla Model Y quite well on all fronts, except desirability.

Pros

• Clean, crisp exterior design
• Competitive pricing
• Various degrees of performance to suit different buyers

Cons

• Shorter range than some direct competitors
• Limited cargo space compared to some rivals
• Slow charging under some conditions

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS

Overall Score: 20/30

A Chevrolet Equinox in name only, the Equinox EV is more closely linked to other EV offerings under the GM umbrella, such as the Cadillac Optiq you read about earlier. It’s, of course, the more affordable of the stable, competing against the Tesla Model Y in price and presentation, with comfortable seating for five.

Performance Specifications

Using GM's Ultium platform, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS comes standard with a single motor (FWD) or adds a rear induction unit for an all-wheel-drive system that produces 300 hp. It matches up with the Tesla on range, but not on efficiency and performance (though that’s not a bad thing for everyday, around-town use).

Pros

• Competitive starting price
• Good range
• Stylish design

Cons

• Slower than most rivals
• So-so efficiency
• Needs a technology update

2024 Nissan Ariya Evolve+

Overall Score: 20/30

The Nissan Ariya was the natural progression of the Nissan Leaf, growing from a compact hatchback into a compact crossover that has all the stylish cues to attract buyers in that market segment. It is also priced competitively and extensively equipped to compete against the market-leading Tesla Model Y.

Performance Specifications

The 2024 Nissan Ariya comes in front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrains, with energy stored in a choice of batteries, depending on the trim and type of driving anticipated. Its two-motor powertrain puts out decent power and torque, but its forte is range and efficiency, which is average but still trails many of its competitors.

Pros

• High-quality interior
• Smooth and efficient powertrain
• Comprehensive safety and technology suite

Cons

• Leisurely acceleration
• Smaller cargo space than competitors
• Slower to charge than competitors

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro

Overall Score: 20/30

Volkswagen’s ID line is one of the more diverse stables in the EV market, including the only minivan variant in the marketplace. The ID.4 is the compact crossover member of the group, and features VW’s hallmark cues of clean, crisp design and solid engineering, and like VW’s other products, the ID.4 is solidly competitive in its segment.

Performance Specifications

There are moderate differences between the rear-wheel and all versions of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, so buyers won’t be passing up on performance aspirations by picking the lesser-powered version. Also, the modest increase in price to attain AWD, doesn’t impact efficiency and range too much either.

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Plenty of space for cargo
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Slower acceleration than rivals
• Average range
• Confusing infotainment system

2025 Volvo EX30 Plus

Overall Score: 20/30

With its elegantly minimal persona, the 2025 Volvo EX30 compact crossover competes effectively against the Tesla Model Y on price and performance. It also stays true to Volvo’s traditional values of safety, and solid build and quality. Belying its affordable price tag, it is packed with premium features and is right-sized for urban maneuverability.

Performance Specifications

The 2025 Volvo EX30 is also available with a single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup producing 268 hp, and carrying a very affordable price in the mid-$30s. The base RWD model offers a respectable EPA-estimated range of up to 275 miles, but that drops when you add the second (front) motor, though acceleration picks up considerably.

Pros

• Competitive price for a premium EV
• Advanced safety features
• Quick in dual-motor configuration

Cons

• Reduced range
• Tight interior
• Heavy, due to Lithium Iron Phosphate battery

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium

Overall Score: 21/30

The Ford Mustang Mach-E positions itself as the stylish, history-backed alternative to the Tesla Model Y in the electric SUV market. The Premium trim level offers features like a 15.5-inch infotainment display, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a premium interior, emphasizing comfort and modern technology.

Performance Specifications

Performance-wise, the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium pushes all the right buttons with its extended range battery that provides exemplary range in rear-wheel drive, or an all-wheel drive version that can accelerate in under five seconds. Efficiency is not up to the Tesla, but Mach-E bills itself as a performance model.

Pros

• Head-turning design
• Feature-rich interior with premium materials
• Competitive range and performance

Cons

• Efficiency lags behind competitors
• Infotainment system not intuitive
• Mustang needs an engine note

2024-11-28T08:12:17Z