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Jun 30, 2023

10 Solid Alternatives To The Tesla Model Y

The Model Y is a great buy, no doubt about that, but for the money, you have

The Model Y is a great buy, no doubt about that, but for the money, you have better choices out there!

One of the very first electric makers out there, Tesla was pretty much, for many years, the first option you had when buying an EV. But the market has changed a lot lately, and Tesla's models now have to face fierce competition, with the Model Y being no exception. Tesla's crossover has a lot of winning points, but there are also things where it can be improved considerably.

The 2023 Model Y is offered in two trims: Long Range, priced at $54,990, and Performance - $58,990. The Model Y Long Range is powered by a Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive system that delivers a total of 384 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, while in the Performance the combined output is increased to 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The model also delivers impressive range in its segment: 303 and 330 miles – which as you can imagine is hard to beat. The Performance only needs 3.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, and can hit a top speed of 155 mph. But, with everything the Model Y wins on a performance level, it loses on looks, build quality, and interior comfort. In that regard, the market has lots of other options for you.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Tesla Model Y Is So Popular

Kia's EV6 is the first logical choice when it comes to looking for an alternative to the Model Y. The EV6 is offered in three trim levels: Wind, GT-Line, and GT, with RWD and AWD configurations available based on the model. In its base trim, the EV6 it is not more powerful than the Model Y - it only has a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle that delivers a total of 225 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque, or two electric motors - one on each axle – that deliver a combined 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. However, the EV6 has the advantage of offering the GT: a trim that has a combined power output of 576 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. The EV6 is cheaper than the Model Y too: its prices range from $48,700 in the base trim to $61,600 for the EV6 GT. The EV6 loses the battle when it comes to range: it delivers anywhere between 206 and 310 miles. However, it has the advantage of benefiting from the world-first 800V multi-charging architecture that allows the battery to go back to 80 percent in under 18 minutes.

If you find the Kia EV6 a proper alternative for the Model Y, you will find the Ioniq 5 a little bit more interesting. They share pretty much the same powertrain and technical features, but the Ioniq 5 has a more retro look that makes it a lot more appealing. So, if you want something with a little bit more of a Sci-Fi look, you should definitely opt for the Ioniq 5. Hyundai's EV has the disadvantage of only delivering anywhere between 168 and 320 horsepower, while its range is anywhere between 220 and 303 miles. Just like the EV6, it can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 is also a lot cheaper when compared to the Model Y: for the 2023 model year, its prices range from $41,450 in the base model to $56,500 for the Limited AWD model.

Related: 10 Reasons Why People Hate Tesla (And Why They Might Be Right)

Despite what many people initially thought, the Ford Mustang Mach-E grew to be one of the most successful EVs on the market and a very nice alternative to the Model Y. For the 2023 model year, customers can choose between four trims: Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT with output ranging from 266 to 480 horsepower - which means the Mach-E GT is more powerful than the Model Y Performance. The range goes anywhere between 224 and 312 miles, while prices range from $45,995 to $63,995 - making the Mach-E a lot more affordable. The Mach-E also comes as standard with a massive 15.5-inch infotainment screen - which is actually 0.5 bigger than the Model Y – offers a storage capacity of up to 59.7 cubic feet, and can tow up to 3,300 pounds. When putting the Mach-E next to the Model Y, the first one "rides with more refinement, offering a cushier experience," while also being "more settled and composed, with better control of its wheel and body motions."

Another new model on the market, the Genesis GV60 brings a stunning and elegant design, a luxurious cabin, and tons of sophisticated technology - the perfect recipe to become a very competitive alternative for the Tesla Model Y. The GV60 features a dual motor setup, with power ranging from 225 horses to 429 horses, or 483 if you opt for the Performance trim - making it a little bit more powerful than the Model Y Performance. Also, in its most powerful trim, the GV60 is almost as fast as the Model Y Performance: it needs 3.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, while Tesla's crossover needs 3.5 seconds. The range goes up to 321 miles, and, when using a 350-kW charger, you will only need 18 minutes to recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent. With prices ranging from $58,890 to $67,890 the GV60 is a little bit more expensive than the Model Y, but, when stepping inside the cabin, you are not going to regret your choice.

Related: 10 Best Electric Cars Under $50,000 In 2023

Another model that promises to become a very successful EV is the ID.4 - Volkswagen's first all-electric SUV. On sale from 2021, the 2023 ID.4 is offered in four trim levels: Standard, Standard Pro, S, and S Plus, with prices ranging from $37,495 to $53,745 - which makes it a way cheaper alternative to the Model Y. The ID.4 is either powered by an electric motor located on the rear axle that delivers 201 horsepower, or by two electric motors with a combined output of 295 horsepower. Based on the battery you opt for, the range goes from 209 to 275 miles - which is only 55 miles under the Model Y, a sacrifice easy to make considering the price. The ID.4's cargo capacity it almost identical to that of the Model Y: 64.2 vs 72.1 cubic feet. And, to our surprise, many reviews have revealed that the ID.4 had a better ride quality than the Model Y.

With the Tesla Model Y being priced above $50,000 it really makes you wonder if you can't take a step forward and get a more luxurious vehicle for the price. And the answer is: you can! Mercedes' entry-level electric SUV, the EQB, is a much better alternative. It comes in two trims: EQB 300 4Matic priced at $54,500 and EQB 350 4Matic priced at $58,050. Both models are powered by a dual-motor setup, one with 225 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, and the other one with 288 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The range is only 257 miles, but the EQB is charged with a rapid DC charger in which case it only needs 32 minutes to take the battery back to 80 percent. And, if the EQB loses points on power and range, it wins in pretty much every aspect: looks, high-quality materials, a long list of high-tech features, the most advanced safety tech, and, in general, that Mercedes-esque levels of comfort you all know so well.

Related: Comparison: Audi Q4 e-Tron vs Tesla Model Y

Another model that will offer you a more luxurious ride when compared to the Model Y is the Q4 e-tron. Its cabin is filled with high-quality materials, and it is packed with the latest technologies, including an optional rear-seat entertainment system. And of course, you will also get that amazing Audi exterior look. The Q4 is offered with the same setup as the ID.4: a rear electric motor with 201 horsepower or a dual-motor setup with a combined 295 horsepower. The Q4 E-tron also only offers up to 250 miles on a single charge, but it will put the driver back on the road in under 38 minutes - all it takes to recharge back to 80 percent. When compared to the Model Y, the Q4 e-tron is also cheaper, with a price ranging from $49,800 to $62,900.

There is no doubt that the Tesla Model Y is one of the most efficient EVs you can find on the market, but it lacks build quality, looks, or ease of use. And this is why models like the Volvo XC40 Recharge will always make for a better alternative. The XC40 benefits from the same electric powertrain as the Polestar 2: two electric permanent magnet synchronous motors that deliver a combined 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. This is the only option you will have, but it is placed right between the Model Y Long Range and Model Y Performance. It has a range of only 223 miles, but it benefits from fast charging technology and only needs 37 minutes to go back to 80 percent. It has a spacious cabin equipped with an impressive suite of driver-assistance features and lots of other cool technologies and offers a decent 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space. It is priced almost identical to the Model Y - $53,550 but benefits from a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Related: 10 EVs That Won't Destroy Your Bank Account

While the Polestar 2 is not exactly a crossover like the Model Y, it can be a very nice, cheaper alternative. It has a better look, offers a sportier ride, is better equipped, and features a lot more technology. The Polestar 2 comes in two versions: a Single Motor model powered by one single electric motor with 231 horsepower, and a Dual Motor model with two electric motors and a combined 408 horsepower. Its range goes up to only 270 miles, but the Polestar 2's battery only needs 30 minutes to go back to 80 percent. It has a fully vegan cabin and features a similarly-sized 15-inch touchscreen display, better-quality materials, and a lot more customization options. Both Polestar 2 models are priced under the Model Y: Single Motor at $48,400 and Dual Motor at $51,900.

One of the cheapest alternatives you can opt for is the Hyundai Kona Electric. The 2023 Kona Electric is offered in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited with prices ranging from $33,550 to $41,550 - which means that even the high-end model is cheaper than the Model Y. The electric Kona is powered by one electric motor and offers a range of 258 miles. While this may not seem like a lot when put next to the Model Y, think if it is really worth the price when using your EV just for daily commutes. The Kona Electric is properly equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, a 9-speaker audio system, heated front seats, and safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane keep assist.

Alina has been enthusiastic about vehicles her entire life, and even from an early age found herself itching to get behind the wheel. Through high school and college, she could be found reading through whatever car magazines she could get her hands on, and her love for anything with four wheels has grown with each and every passing day. Over the years, Alina has Alina has accumulated so much knowledge about common and obscure cars that she's always able to surprise people with interesting facts and information. These days she spends her time working for Topspeed.com, reading up on the latest news and information, and occasionally hunting down hard-to-find information – something that she enjoys and is passionate about.