Few electric SUVs can compete with the 330-mile driving range of the Tesla Model Y, but buyers hungry for something faster, sportier, or cheaper should consider alternatives like the Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, or Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
The Model 3
electrified the market for green sedans, but the Model Y feels like the token SUV in Tesla's lineup. When matching up with competitors, bigger doesn't always mean better—sometimes it just means bigger. And if it happens to be one of the most expensive options in a red-hot market, like the Model Y, sometimes it can also mean not enough. If you're wondering whether there's an all-electric crossover that works harder for your dollar, Jerry
the top-rated car insurance
app can help. We've got eight alternatives to the Tesla Model Y for you to explore so you can choose the best EV—and the best Tesla Model Y insurance cost
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1. 2022 Kia EV6
Pros: Knockout looks, confident handling, impressive interior
Cons: Small trunk, uninspired infotainment UI
Does the Kia EV6
have power? Sure—pick the 576-hp dual-motor setup and rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Handling? You got it, from responsive steering to adjustable regenerative braking. Killer style? In spades, both inside and out. Unfortunately, you can only have so much fun. The standard EV6 battery lasts 232 miles while the expanded 310-mile battery eats into the 24.4 cubic feet of rear cargo space. And as imaginative as we find the EV6's cabin, its infotainment UI is disappointingly pedestrian.
2. 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Pros: Priced to sell, generous features, lean driving experience
Cons: Existential angst—is it really a Mustang if it's electric?
The electric Ford Mustang Mach-E
certainly embodies a Mustang's spirit, if not its mechanics. You can hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with the 480-hp dual-motor setup. Clever design choices recall muscle car nostalgia, but with a fresh and exciting twist. The Mach-E experience is yours to savor for up to 305 miles on a single charge. Downsides? Almost none.
In fact, the only place the Mach-E suffers is in comparison—were you to switch from a Ford Mustang GT
to a Mach-E, you might have some complaints. Obviously, this isn't a problem for most people. Just sit back and have a blast driving Car and Driver's electric crossover of the year
. 3. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Pros: Solid performance, fast charging, spacious seating, iconic exterior
It may look the part, but the Hyundai Ioniq
5 isn't a flashy personality. Expect it to deliver 303 miles per charge with smooth, straightforward competence, while its entertainment options keep you busy. The only place it allows itself to show off is at a DC fast charging station—just five minutes nets you an additional 68 miles! So much promise only makes the Ioniq 5's tepid interior that much more baffling. It's comfortable, sure, but it's also bland and gummy, like oatmeal. Did Hyundai blow its entire design budget on the body?
4. 2022 Hyundai Kona
Pros: Pleasing road manners, spectacular warranty
Cons: Modest range, ho-hum driver-assistance technology, tight cabin
Manufacturers should stand by their products, but Hyundai
has done one better. New electric Kona owners can now enjoy three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. And that's on top of an already-impressive ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee! Its warranty may bring peace of mind, but the Kona's 201-hp motor, 258-mile range, and 6.4-second acceleration time are short on thrills. Not to mention, space is tight in the third row and the cargo area. And who wants to pay $8,000 for the Hyundai Kona Limited
trim for adaptive cruise control? 5. 2022 Volkswagen ID.4
According to Volkswagen, "ID" stands for "Intelligent Design" and "Identity". Only one is true of the Volkswagen ID.4
—chisel off the badges and there's nary a hint of the playful VW spirit to be seen. However, Volkswagen continues to be the people's automaker in terms of price and value. You'll miss little in the way of entertainment options and the 280-mile driving range should satisfy most consumers.
The ID.4's suspension and handling make it a mellow and comfortable cruiser. Unfortunately, it's just as sleepy when it comes to acceleration and overall performance. Make sure you bring a thermos of coffee to put in the cupholder.
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6. 2022 Kia Niro EV
Pros: Decent driving, decent price
Cons: Cheap interior, tight second row
Spotting the Kia Niro
in a lineup of mid-range EVs is difficult. Its face is pleasing but unremarkable, as is its performance in most categories—and maybe that's a good thing. Its acceleration, steering, list of features, and 239-mile range are so average they don't draw attention.
No, what you'll remember about the Niro is its black, plasticky interior, reminiscent of an early 2000s minivan. Your passengers, on the other hand, might carry a bruise or two on their heads, since the battery is stuffed under the back seats. All we can say is that the Niro EV is exactly what it needs to be and no more.
7. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Pros: Good range, agreeable driving, crowd-pleasing entertainment features
Cons: Death by a thousand budget cuts
The Chevrolet
Bolt EUV makes a statement of its price tag: I'm here to undercut the competition. Alright, so it's affordable—but is it any good.
In our opinion, yes! The perky electric Chevy is eager to please, taking 6.8 seconds to reach 60 mph with a 200-horsepower motor. Its driver-assistance technology, entertainment features, cargo space, and 247-mile range should be enough to meet an urban driver's basic needs—but, of course, your mileage may vary.
8. 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Touring L
Pros: Plentiful storage, oodles of room, good fuel economy, luxuriously outfitted
Cons: Pricy hybrid powertrain
Since we've covered seven of the Model Y's closest competitors, allow us to present a wildcard: the ever-practical, ever-humble minivan. There's a lot to be said for sticking to your lane and the Chrysler Pacifica
is a leader in its specializations: pure passenger comfort and efficient mileage. Look past the leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row captain's chairs, and Amazon Fire entertainment system, and you'll see the Pacifica is no slouch under the hood. Its 3.6L V6 engine works with dual electric motors to shift a huge amount of freight with enough power for a 33-mile electric errand run around town. Forget the trendy SUV for a moment and you just might fall in love with this underappreciated gem.
2022 Tesla Model Y vs. the competition
You've read the sales pitches, now here are the numbers—below you'll find a table comparing the Tesla Model Y to eight of its biggest competitors in price, power, seating, towing, and fuel economy.
| | | | | | Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) |
---|
| | | Five seats, third row available | | | |
| | Single rear-axle electric motor, dual-axle electric motors | | | | |
| | Single rear-axle motor, dual-axle electric motors | | | | |
| | Single rear-axle motor, dual-axle electric motors | | | | |
| | Front axle-mounted electric motor | | | | |
| | Rear axle electric motor, dual-axle electric motors | | | | |
| | Single front-axle electric motor | | | | |
| | Single front-axle electric motor | | | | |
| | 3.6L V6 with dual electric motors | | | | 32 mpg (combined), 82 MPGe (combined) |
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