Best Tesla Alternatives
As the EV market expands, Tesla and its controversial CEO face stiff competition.
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If You’re Considering a Tesla, These EVs Are Also Worth a Look
Just five years ago, when Tesla began sales of its fourth model, the Model Y crossover, there were only a handful of electric vehicles to choose from, and no more than one per automaker.
Now some automakers have as many EVs in their stable as Tesla. For the most part, the products are fresher and lack the ideological drama associated with polarizing Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s foray into politics. There are at least four dozen electric vehicles on sale now, including pickup trucks that arrived in advance of Tesla’s fifth and most polarizing model, the Cybertruck.
The following list looks at alternatives for each Tesla model. Keep in mind that the rating listed in the slides that follow might be updated throughout the year and may not match a vehicle’s full review, where the rating is most up to date.
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Tesla Model 3 Alternative: 2025 BMW i4
Overall Score: 8.8/10 | $52,800
The 2025 BMW i4 measures up against the Model 3 as an electric take on the German automaker’s 4 Series. The i4 is a striking sedan, or Gran Coupe in Bimmerspeak, despite a gaping iron butterfly grille acting as a replacement for BMW’s classic kidney grille. The Model 3 looks smoother and more minimalistic.
The i4 has a more refined and luxurious cabin, though it lacks Tesla’s simpler user interface. It handles with more grip, and it has a quieter, more comfortable ride. However, it can’t match the Model 3’s acceleration and 363-mile range with rear-wheel drive. The i4 peaks at 318 miles. BMW estimates a fast-charging rate of 90 miles in about 10 minutes. An adapter enables NACS charging.
More on the 2025 BMW i4
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Tesla Model 3 Alternative: Polestar 2
Overall Score: 8.7/10 | $64,800
An under-the-radar pick, the Polestar 2 electric hatchback has a distinctive design. While the Polestar 2’s drive tunnel hump limits some interior space, its spartan interior design and eco-friendly materials counter the Model 3’s basic interior.
Even with a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, the Polestar 2 costs more than the Model 3, and it comes up short in both performance and range. It peaks at 254 miles of range, versus 346 miles for the Model 3 with all-wheel drive. It takes 28 minutes to fast-charge from 10% to 80%, and the Polestar 2 requires a NACS adapter. It makes 476 horsepower and hits 60 mph in about 4 seconds, whereas the 510-horsepower Model 3 Performance hits it in 2.9 seconds.
More on the 2025 Polestar 2
- See 2025 Polestar 2 Photos »
- Read the 2025 Polestar 2 Full Review »
- See Luxury Electric Car Rankings »
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Tesla Model 3 Alternative: Hyundai Ioniq 6
Overall Score: 8.9/10 | $37,850
Consider the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a more practical and less expensive — but just as efficient — rival to the Model 3. Its swoopy design and nearly duck-billed trunk embrace its aerodynamic approach to limit drag, and its 135 MPG-equivalent combined rating nearly matches the Model 3’s 137 MPGe in rear-wheel-drive form.
The Ioniq 6 is about $3,500 cheaper, too, but that’s with a smaller battery pack that maxes out range at 240 miles. A larger, more expensive pack boosts range to 342 miles, which still comes up a bit short of the Model 3’s 363-mile range. Because Hyundai uses an 800-volt architecture, it charges faster than the Model 3, going from 10-80% in 18 minutes on a DC fast-charger, and a NACS adapter enables Supercharger access.
More on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
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Tesla Model 3 Alternative: Nissan Leaf
Overall Score: 8.0/10 | $28,140
The first mass-produced electric vehicle to go on sale in the U.S. dates back to 2010 with the Nissan Leaf hatchback. These days, it pales in comparison to the Model 3 in all but one metric: price. The only EV priced below $30,000, the Leaf makes for a practical commuter car with a low cost of ownership but only a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup.
At most, it goes only 212 miles on a charge, and shoppers should only consider it if they have regular access to home or work charging, because its endangered CHAdeMO fast-charging protocol can be hard to find and slow to charge. The larger battery pack in most Leafs takes 60 minutes to charge to 80%.
It’s worth noting that Nissan addressed these issues with the soon-to-arrive 2026 Nissan Leaf. It’s fully redesigned, and it looks more like the Nissan Ariya and has a Tesla-style NACS port, as well as a more competitive 303-mile range.
More on the 2025 Nissan Leaf
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Tesla Model Y Alternative: Kia EV6
Overall Score: 8.9/10 | $42,900
What could knock the bestselling electric vehicle off its perch? The Kia EV6 is a sporting alternative to the Tesla Model Y. Even though it’s marketed as a crossover SUV, the EV6 sits low and has a long nose that gives it almost wagon-like proportions. It rides as firmly as the Model Y but has a lower center of gravity and a better suspension that makes it feel more planted when pushed.
Both models have long-range, rear-wheel-drive models, but the Model Y is quicker to 60 mph and goes a bit farther, with a range of 337 miles versus 319 miles in the EV6. Like Hyundai, the Kia uses an 800-volt architecture that enables DC fast-charging from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, and it can access Tesla’s Supercharger network with a NACS adapter. The Model Y may be the more practical choice, with better rear headroom and more cargo space.
More on the 2025 Kia EV6
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Tesla Model Y Alternative: Volkswagen ID.4
Overall Score: 7.9/10 | $39,995
Practicality reigns with the Volkswagen ID.4. A crossover SUV with a 263-mile range, the ID.4 comes standard with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, and it costs much less than the Model Y. The all-wheel-drive version of Tesla’s SUV costs about $8,000 more than the ID.4. The Volkswagen lacks the performance profile of the Model Y, but it’s comfier and quieter than the Tesla.
Technophiles might be turned off by its balky 12.9-inch touch screen and haptic climate sliders, especially compared to the Model Y, which is the standard-bearer for touch-screen interfaces. This VW can DC fast-charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, and a NACS adapter enables access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
More on the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4
- See 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Photos »
- Read the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Full Review »
- See Electric SUV Rankings »
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Tesla Model Y Alternative: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Overall Score: 9.1/10 | $42,600
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 shares underpinnings with the Kia EV6, but its retro-inspired hatchback design looks like nothing else on the market now. It’s roomy and airy, and its 800-volt architecture enables quick DC fast-charging times, but it can’t match the range of the Model Y.
The Ioniq 5 with rear-wheel drive has 318 miles of range, compared to 337 miles for the Model Y; the all-wheel-drive version peaks at 290 miles versus 311 miles for the Tesla. This Hyundai DC fast-charges from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, and it can access Tesla’s Supercharger network with a NACS adapter.
The overall package of the Ioniq 5 appeals, and the Ioniq 5 N performance model might be the most fun you can have in an EV at that price, with a 0-60 time of 3.25 seconds.
More on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- See 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Photos »
- Read the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Full Review »
- See Electric SUV Rankings »
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Tesla Model Y Alternative: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Overall Score: 9.3/10 | $37,995
The highest ranking Electric SUV in our database, the Ford Mustang Mach-E combines alluring style, sporty performance, and a good suite of standard safety and convenience features. The GT Rally shaves a tenth of a second off the Tesla Model Y Performance’s 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds, and the Mach-E handles better than the Model Y.
It appears Ford tried copying Tesla with its large touch-screen interface, to its detriment. The firm ride and mushy brake pedal feel might turn off some shoppers looking for a better balance between performance and cruising. This Ford peaks at 320 miles of range, versus 337 miles for the Model Y, and the Model Y has a roomier cargo area. The Mach-E charges a little slower, ranging from 38 to 45 minutes to 80% on a DC fast-charger. A NACS adapter is included.
More on the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- See 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Photos »
- Read the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Full Review »
- See Electric SUV Rankings »
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Tesla Model S Alternative: Lucid Air
Overall Score: 9.3/10 | $69,900
The Tesla Model S is the car that put Tesla on the luxury map and the one that made other automakers take Tesla seriously. The flagship sedan set a new benchmark for electric luxury, but that benchmark has been leapfrogged by the Lucid Air, which was led by former Lucid CEO Pete Rawlinson — previously the chief engineer of the Model S.
The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Air tops out at 512 miles, whereas the Model S maxes out at 410 miles. The Air charges quicker than the Model S, with Lucid estimating 200 miles of range in 12 to 17 minutes with a DC fast-charger. Tesla estimates a 10% to 80% DC fast-charge of 30 minutes with the Model S. Lucid sells a NACS adapter.
While the Lucid Air upholds the luxury promise much more convincingly than the Model S, both flagship sedans have bonkers performance potential, with the 1,020-horsepower Model S Plaid clocking a 0-60 time of 1.99 seconds. The tri-motor 1,234-horsepower Air Sapphire does it in 1.89 seconds.
More on the 2025 Lucid Air
- See 2025 Lucid Air Photos »
- Read the 2025 Lucid Air Full Review »
- See Luxury Electric Car Rankings »
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Tesla Model S Alternative: Porsche Taycan
Overall Score: 8.6/10 | $99,400
Another electric flagship performance sedan, the Porsche Taycan costs more than the Model S, has less range (318 miles), and lacks Tesla’s user-friendly interface. But this gorgeous hatchback comes in a much broader range of trims and even has a Turismo wagon option. The refined but sporty interior makes the Model S seem like it’s still in the development stages.
The Taycan is a little more snug inside, with much less cargo room, and like most Porsches, the options can be dizzying. Unlike most Porsches, its quickest model, the Turbo GT with Weissach package, comes up a hair shy of the Model S Plaid with a 0-60 time of 2.1 seconds. It charges quicker than the Model S, going from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes. And yes, Porsche offers a NACS adapter.
More on the 2025 Porsche Taycan
- See 2025 Porsche Taycan Photos »
- Read the 2025 Porsche Taycan Full Review »
- See Luxury Electric Car Rankings »
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Tesla Model X Alternative: BMW iX
Overall Score: 9,0/10 | $87,250
The Tesla Model X was the first three-row SUV to launch in the electric vehicle space, but its overly complicated falcon-wing doors, cramped third row, and steep price limited its appeal. Tesla toned it down some, and the five-seat configuration has proven to be popular, and pits it directly against the second iteration of BMW’s electric crossover SUV.
The BMW iX ranks much higher on our list of luxury SUVs because it’s built better than the Model X in terms of isolation from the road, interior refinement, upscale materials, and interior space. However, the exterior design can be busy, and it’s more expensive than the Model X. Its range is capped at 309 miles versus 329 miles for the X, and it lacks the Model X Plaid’s performance potential. It’s also slower to DC fast-charge, recouping 90 miles in 10 minutes. A NACS adapter is available. Still, the iX is a better luxury SUV.
More on the 2025 BMW iX
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Tesla Model X Alternative: Rivian R1S
Overall Score: 9.0/10 | $75,900
A direct luxury three-row contender to the Model X, the Rivian R1S is roomier in all three rows, has a more luxurious fit and finish, and is arguably the most off-road capable EV. In its second generation, the R1S has a range that peaks at 410 miles, versus 335 miles for the Model X, and it charges quicker. A refreshed infotainment system and improved air-suspension system further enhance its appeal, and distance itself from the Model X.
The Model X is more efficient, and the infotainment system seems to appeal more to technophiles. The top Tesla SUV models cost less than the R1S top trims, but the Rivian R1S is a better all-around three-row SUV. It DC fast-charges from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes, and a NACS adapter is available.
More on the 2025 Rivian R1S
- See 2025 Rivian R1S Photos »
- Read the 2025 Rivian R1S Full Review »
- See Luxury Electric SUV Rankings »
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Tesla Cybertruck Alternative: Rivian R1T
Overall Score: 9.0/10 | $69,900
Tesla promised big things with its biggest vehicles, but the Cybertruck arrived later to market than other electric pickups, and the promises exceeded the reality for the most daring (and polarizing) design in recent automotive history. Everything about the Cybertruck is different, from its stainless steel panels to its vault-like bed. The Rivian R1T proves that different works best when form follows function.
The bed may not be as large as half-ton trucks, but between its water-fording ability and off-road conquering, as well as its exceptional straight-line acceleration, the R1T does what most trucks cannot. Clever packaging, such as a gear tunnel between the cab and bed, prove that optimizing an EV platform doesn’t mean you need to rewrite the form of a pickup truck. It DC fast-charges from 10% to 80% in around 40 minutes, and a NACS adapter is available.
More on the 2025 Rivian R1T
- See 2025 Rivian R1T Photos »
- Read the 2025 Rivian R1T Full Review »
- See Electric Pickup Truck Rankings »
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Tesla Cybertruck Alternative: Ford F-150 Lightning
Overall Score: 9.5/10 | $49,780
The Ford F-150 Lightning sticks to the traditional pickup truck shape and form, adopting the platform and most of the same dimensions of the winning F-150. The solid light bar mustache across the fascia is the only giveaway that it’s fully electric, and under that hood sits a massive front trunk that secures cargo better than any bed tonneau cover.
With 240 to 320 miles of range, depending on the model, the Lightning nearly matches the Cybertruck. It takes about 45 minutes to DC fast-charge from 10% to 80%, and Ford includes a NACS adapter. The F-150 Lightning’s cab is a traditional crew cab roomy enough to seat five people in comfort. The Cybertruck’s infotainment, graphics, bed, and most other features feel futuristic, while the Lightning feels much more familiar.
More on the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning
- See 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Photos »
- Read the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Full Review »
- See Electric Pickup Truck Rankings »
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More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Are you interested in any of these Tesla alternatives? Visit our new car rankings to see how these vehicles compare to competitors’ models. And be sure to look at our best lease deals and financing deals pages, listing all the best incentives manufacturers have to offer.
The U.S. News Best Price Program connects shoppers who want to buy or lease a new car with local dealers. It offers significant savings with pre-negotiated prices, home delivery, and online sales options.
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Best Tesla Alternatives
- Tesla Model 3 Alternative: 2025 BMW i4
- Tesla Model 3 Alternative: Polestar 2
- Tesla Model 3 Alternative: Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Tesla Model 3 Alternative: Nissan Leaf
- Tesla Model Y Alternative: Kia EV6
- Tesla Model Y Alternative: Volkswagen ID.4
- Tesla Model Y Alternative: Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Tesla Model Y Alternative: Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Tesla Model S Alternative: Lucid Air
- Tesla Model S Alternative: Porsche Taycan
- Tesla Model X Alternative: BMW iX
- Tesla Model X Alternative: Rivian R1S
- Tesla Cybertruck Alternative: Rivian R1T
- Tesla Cybertruck Alternative: Ford F-150 Lightning
