Latest News
December 2024 New Car IncentivesAlternatives to the Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s best-selling electric vehicle is their Model Y SUV, but are there better options out there? We found a couple Tesla Model Y alternatives to check out.
Tesla’s Best-Selling Model
When it comes to electric vehicles, Tesla is one of the biggest brands globally. They entered the market and started producing electric motor-powered cars at the right time to get an early foothold and develop some of the best EV examples on the market. All of Tesla’s models have good sales figures globally, but their best-seller is the Model Y.
This electric SUV comes in a simple, sleek design that can go up to 337 miles on a single charge, provides an extensive range of advance driver assistance tech, one of the best infotainment systems in the game, and can offer ample cargo solutions while also being optioned with a folding third row (albeit a bit cramped). If ever there was an ideal SUV for families looking to go electric, the Tesla Model Y certainly tops the list. However, there are some great alternative options out there too. Some of these other electric SUVs offer some things that even Tesla’s best-seller can’t.
Tesla Model X
Let’s start with Tesla’s other SUV, the Model X. The Tesla Model X does cost over double in price, but you get a lot more great features for the extra cash. You end up with an estimated electric range of 335 miles, unique gullwing doors for rear passengers, the availability of not only three rows of seating be also second row captain’s chairs, and in addition to the large infotainment screen at the front, rear passengers get their own separate screen for streaming services and gaming. What’s truly exciting though is the Plaid option that turns the Model X into the quickest electric vehicle by setting a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. Serious performance, tons of advanced technology, and it looks pretty nice too.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
If you’re looking for a bargain alternative, the first place to look is at Chevrolet with their Equinox EV. This electric SUV comes in with a starting price of $33,600, which is over $10,000 less than the Model X. For that discount, you get a vehicle capable of up to 319 miles on a single charge, an all-new infotainment system setup on a 17.7-inch touchscreen, standard advanced safety tech, and access to General Motors’s hands-free Super Cruise system that does the highway driving for you. There isn’t the availability for a third row, but you do have plenty of cargo room behind those rear seats along with extra hideaway cubbies below the cargo floor.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Another notable competitor that comes at a discount is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. While the difference in starting price isn’t as substantial as the entrant from Chevy, the Mustang Mach-E does present a stylish alternative for nearly $5,000 less than the Model Y. Ford’s electric SUV is capable of 320 miles on a single charge, still offers smartphone mirroring tech (unlike Chevrolet) on a 15.5-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, and comes with a host of great advanced safety tech. Ford also offers some exciting performance version with the GT Performance Upgrade that allows the model to go from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Add on top of that the Rally option and you’ve got a fun electric SUV that can sprint over gravel paths just like a WRC car.
Polestar 2
Polestar is another emerging electric vehicle brand like Tesla, but the Volvo off-shoot focuses on creating an opulent experience. Their Polestar 2 offers the same minimalistic, modern design language that the Model Y offers but made with better quality materials and adds more luxurious trim. It also drives nicer with its focus on providing sedan like handling that also produces comfortable ride. However, this EV won’t wow in the performance category. It can only reach a range of 254 miles and sprints to 60 mph in 4 seconds. The infotainment system also isn’t as intuitive or as large as Tesla either. It’s a unique choice that mixes some disappointing cons with enjoyable pros over the Model Y.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai has made great strides in improving their electric powered vehicles since the Niro EV. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has quickly shot up electric vehicle lists with its sharp looks, competitive price, and the sweet performance N version. At its best, the Ioniq 5 musters up 303 miles of range on a single charge. Inside is a simple, modern interior featuring a driver oriented dual screen setup for driver info and entertainment options. The best option though is that Ioniq 5 N that packs 641 horsepower that allows it to speed to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. That version also adds a drift mode if you’re looking to get sideways in your electric SUV. Be sure to check out the Kia EV6 too if you’re looking for the cheaper alternative to the Ioniq 5.
Audi Q8 E-Tron
If range isn’t your worry but rather riding in comfort, Audi produced an electric SUV that’ll be fit for you. The Audi Q8 e-tron carries all of the great qualities found in their gas-powered Q8 range but introduces electric motors to make it an EV. While this Audi can only achieve up to 285 miles of all-electric range, it offers a great ride and inside is an interior composed of quality materials, comfortable seating, and luxury adornments like massaging front seats that are wrapped in two-tone leather upholstery. Those luxury accommodations come at a luxury price though with Audi Q8 e-tron models starting at over $70,000.
Rivian R1S
Rivian is another big competitor in the EV space that’s got the perfect option if you’re looking to adventure off-road in an electric SUV. The Rivian R1S is able to go as far as 410 miles on a single charge, has three rows of seating, puts down performance numbers on par with Tesla, and can go where the Model Y can’t. The R1S is designed to get you deep into the outdoors with your family and all their things while being emissions conscious – a perfect blend for those that love nature. Plus, if you get the Quad Max version and bring things back on pavement, you can go from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. At a starting price of $75,900, the R1S is a little steep when comparing to the Model Y. But it’s worth every penny when you consider how much farther you can go and how much more you can bring along inside this Rivian electric SUV.
