Tesla may not be doing well, but the Model Y is
Tesla may be off to a slow start in 2025, but the Model Y remains one of the best-selling EVs available. With plenty of room inside, a class-leading range, and a starting MSRP of $44,990, Tesla’s ubiquitous SUV is a solid choice for most buyers. Still, there’s stiff competition from established automakers who are electrifying their lineups.
Some automakers glommed to electrification early, while others are slower to bring respectable EVs to market. At this point, almost every major auto brand has an EV you should consider. The competitive landscape is packed, but these are the best alternatives to the Tesla Model Y.
Kia EV6
Kyle Edward
If you want an EV that sits lower to the ground, looks much sportier, and has a more traditional interior than the Model Y, give the Kia EV6 a look. The EV6 comes in more trims, too, which offers a lot more flexibility to a new car buyer. Unfortunately, it has a few downsides compared to the Model Y.
The EV6’s low-slung roofline may be a tougher sell to taller drivers, and the entry-level trim has a much lower range than the Model Y (232 miles for the EV6 and 327 miles for the Model Y). No Kia EV6 trim has the same range as the Tesla Model Y, and the EV6 trims with the best range are RWD, while the Tesla Model Y AWD still offers about 50 miles more range.
Comparably specced, the EV6 and Model Y are also similarly priced. The EV6 has more trims, many of which are less expensive than the Model Y, making it a budget-friendly option that everyone can appreciate.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 may not be the best-looking EV SUV, but it delivers where it matters most. It’s the sibling vehicle to the Kia EV6, sharing most of the same underpinnings and powertrain options. The Ioniq 5 has roughly the same power and range options as the Kia EV6, but its range tops at 318 miles – much closer to the Model Y’s estimate of 327 miles.
External styling aside, the Ioniq 5 offers similar interior room for passengers and cargo to the Model Y. However, trims with the best range are still RWD. An AWD Ioniq 5 has a better range estimate than a Kia EV6 but falls short of the Tesla Model Y by nearly 60 miles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford
Few vehicles are cooler historically than a Mustang, and this holds true in the age of electrification. The Mustang Mach-E hits most of the highest notes for EV SUV buyers, too, with plenty of interior room, respectable range, and style to spare inside and out.
Its range tops out at 312 miles, but it isn’t available on the AWD version. The lowest range offered on a Mach-E is 224, but you might enjoy those miles much more than you would in a Model Y, considering it’s sportier, more nimble, and a lot more fun to drive.
VW ID.4
Volkswagen
Looking for a solid EV that’s widely available, affordable, and sports decent range? The ID.4 is one to keep an eye on. It has similar interior room to the Model Y and a familiar reserved interior aesthetic. At its best range estimate, you’ll only give up about 35 miles of range compared to the Tesla Model Y.
Many believe it has a nicer ride than the Model Y, and its seats get higher marks than Tesla’s. Give VW’s polarizing in-car software a run-through before you purchase an ID.4, though. Overall, VW’s offering is more affordable than a Model Y, and the VW dealership network makes it easier to have yours serviced when the time comes.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
Chevrolet
Chevy’s answer to the Mustang Mach-E, the Blazer EV, turns plenty of heads. It has a massive center-mounted screen, plenty of room, and decent range. Available in three different trim levels, its range tops out at 324 miles, nearly identical to the Model Y. Keep in mind that the Blazer’s top-end range comes in an RWD model, and the best AWD range it offers is a still-respectable 291 miles.
The sporty interior is refreshing, but the materials used are not high quality. It has less cargo space than the Model Y, though it’s not enough to complain about. The same cannot be said for the Blazer EV’s MSRP, which starts at $44,600.
Nissan Ariya
Nissan is rarely the first automaker many consider when purchasing a new vehicle, but we suggest giving the Ariya a long look if you’re shopping for a new EV. It’s gorgeous outside and svelte and modern inside, with respectable range estimates across three of its four available configurations.
At best, the Ariya gets you 289 miles down the road on a single charge; at its lowest-range configuration, you’ll only go 216 miles. That’s a significant delta, so choose wisely when configuring a new Ariya. Starting at $39,770 and topping out at $54,370, the Ariya is comparably priced to Model Y, though many might prefer the Model Y’s tech. Still, the Ariya is considered a more comfortable ride.
Final thoughts
There’s no “perfect” option in the EV SUV class, but there are two other factors to consider: the cost to insure and the trade-in or resale value. In these metrics, Teslas fare worse than the competition. The EV market moves quickly, and we bet you’ll want to trade in your next EV sooner than you might think once something a bit better comes out in a few years.
