Should you buy a Tesla Model Y? Five best alternatives to the popular electric SUV

The Tesla Model Y has become a sales-chart sensation both locally and globally, even overtaking its popular sedan sibling, the Model 3.

While the Model Y has many positives, not least remarkable interior space, it's far from the perfect package.

The suspension is noisy and restless, and rear-vision is limited, to pick two of the criticisms.

If you're set on buying a Tesla and not focused on a particular body style, then we'd recommend the Model 3 sedan – especially as it has just given a substantial makeover for 2024 that makes it better to drive, increases its range, and upgrades the cabin.

But if you're fixed on a midsized electric SUV, here's the WhichCar guide to five good options...

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JUMP AHEAD

• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Kia EV6
• Polestar 4
• Volvo C40

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The use of the Mustang name remains a mystery – okay, not really, it's a marketing ploy – but although the Mach-E is no sports car, it is good to drive.

"Coupled with its satisfying steering, the Mach-E gets high marks for driver enjoyment – there might not be a V8 under the bonnet, but there’s definitely a Mustang spirit in this one," said tester Tony O'Kane in our first Australian drive.

Criticisms included high pricing, though Ford Australia responded quickly by slashing the cost of the entry model by $7000 to a far more reasonable $72,990 (if still several thousands more than a base Model Y).

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There are two other models above the base rear-wheel-drive Mustang Mach-E Select. The mid-range Premium is still RWD but a bigger battery gives it the longest driving range of the line-up: 600km.

The flagship GT has the same battery but dual electric motors lend it AWD and the most power (358kW), while features include electronically adjustable damping and Brembo brakes.

A GT will set you back $105K, however (before on-road costs).

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Hyundai Ioniq 5

Did any other model in 2021 make such a design statement of intent for its brand than Hyundai's retro-futuristic crossover?

Fortunately, there was more to the Ioniq 5 than its stand-out styling - and much more advanced than the electric Ioniq four-door that had previously been sold (alongside hybrid versions).

One fundamental difference was a new 'E-GMP' 800-volt battery platform that, when released, could only be found elsewhere on the Porsche Taycan, a vastly more expensive vehicle.

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The interior, helped by a limo-like three-metre wheelbase, is remarkably spacious. This includes an airy front cabin aided by a clever, sliding centre console.

A pricing and range revamp in time for 2024 brought the entry cost down to $65,000 (closely matching the most affordable Model Y), with an upgrade from RWD to AWD starting at $80,500.

In early 2024, the range will be topped by the Ioniq 5 N performance model. We've already driven it in Korea and can tell you it's quite brilliant - and you can read our review.

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Kia EV6

The twin to the Ioniq 5 had enough advantages over its platform sibling in 2022 to win the Wheels Car of the Year - the first Kia to ever achieve the feat.

As with most contenders in its class, the EV6 is offered in both single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD forms. Pricing starts from $72,590 for the former or from $87,590 for the latter.

Unlike most rivals (but like the Ioniq 5), it features a battery platform with 800-volt charging capability – double the 400V of the typical EV. The big win from this is 350kW rapid charging – capable of boosting the battery from 10-80 percent in just 18 minutes.

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Good handling backs up the EV6's sporty design, while it also rides well. While the AWD versions are pricier than ideal, RWD models offer satisfying performance.

GT-Lines are the best equipped for the respective price tags in the range.

The flagship GT became Kia's first ever $100K car but is quite an impressive package - and comfortably beat the Model Y Performance in our comparison test (see feature below).

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Polestar 4

Okay, so the midsized electric SUV from Volvo's spin-off brand Polestar isn't here until about August 2024... But we think it's worth including based on our experience of the highly likeable Polestar 2 sedan.

Looking like a cross between the Polestar 2 and upcoming Polestar 3 large SUV, the Polestar 4 brings a sleek-looking body brimming with visual appeal.

Two 'Long Range' models are confirmed for now: a $81,950 RWD single-motor and $92,150 AWD dual-motor.

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With WLTP range targets of up to 560km and 600km, respectively, both are set to offer longer ranges than the equivalent Model Y (533km Long Range; 514km Performance).

The fastest Polestar 4 has double the power and torque of the entry model - 400kW and 686Nm - and a quoted 0-100km/h of 3.8 seconds that puts it just a tenth behind Tesla's quickest Model Y.

Polestar is fond of option packs, however, so we're not expecting the 4 to beat the Model Y for value.

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Volvo C40

The C40 arrived in 2022 as a coupe-style spin-off of the XC40 compact SUV – though one other big difference is that it was offered with electric power only.

The C40 is similar to the Model Y in price, though it is smaller – and therefore less practical than the Tesla (and even its XC40 donor owing to that sloping roof).

However, we've included it here because the C40 is still roomy enough for a family and it's a delight to drive.

Considering we were already fans of the electric XC40, it was no surprise that the C40 joined our list of favourite EVs to drive.

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The ride is on the firm side but the damping is superbly judged, while the C40's steering is as buttery-smooth as its powertrain delivery.

An updated model arrived in late 2023 - unusually switching the entry variant from front-drive to rear-drive (much easier to do with an EV than ICE car, though!) and bringing improved range and faster charging.

The $78,990 single-motor RWD model has a WLTP range of 476km and 0-100km/h claimed acceleration of 7.3 seconds. That's decent range and good performance, though we'd be tempted to spend an extra $9K for the AWD dual-motor C40 that offers 507km of WLTP range and a speedy 4.7sec sprint time.

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Wait, there's more!

More rivals to the Model Y are coming in 2024 alongside the Polestar 4, including the Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4x twins, and Volkswagen ID4. You can read all about them and others in our New Medium SUVs 2024 article below.