3 Great Alternatives to the Tesla Model Y Electric SUV
Are you dreaming of an electric SUV, but a Tesla Model Y isn’t really your style? Luckily for you, several companies make great electric SUVs. Here are three exciting alternatives to the Tesla Model Y.
1. Rivian R1S
Rivian is one of the buzziest electric vehicle startups around. Its R1T electric truck swept numerous awards, including MotorTrend’s truck of the year. Amazon also chose Rivian to build it a fleet of futuristic delivery vans. Jeff Bezos was so impressed in the product, and the company, that he’s heavily invested in Rivian.
The R1S is a technology-forward SUV that is earning the respect of even Tesla die-hards. Rivian insisted on a separate electric motor for each of its four wheels. The result is that the vehicle can speed up its outside wheels to pull itself through a corner–a process called torque vectoring. MotorTrend compared the chassis’ on-road performance to a sports sedan. Adaptive air suspension with hydraulic damping can lift up for 14.9 inches of ground clearance and wade through three feet of water.
Rivian is claiming 260-320 miles of range, a 3 second 0-60 mph time, and a tow rating of 7,700 pounds.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5
It seem like every automaker is offering an electric crossover SUV. But some are well-sorted and technologically advanced (such as the Volkswagen ID.4) while the first generations of others drive like internal combustion SUVs with electric motors hastily added (sorry Mazda MX-30). So which one should you consider? Car and Driver ranked every electric SUV, and its first-place winner was the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Hyundai did several things right with this Ioniq. Firstly, it starts at just $41,245. Secondly, you are free to configure it for your needs. Budget-conscious buyers can opt for the 58-kWh battery while those in need of range can up to 77.4-kWh. You can also opt for AWD. The entry-level model isn’t FWD–its a RWD. Reviewers also found the build quality very high, the interior spacious, and the style as chic as a Tesla.
The EPA awarded the Ioniq 5 with a maximum range of 303 miles. Car and Driver was able to push it to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
3. Jeep Recon
While the Tesla Model Y is a sleek SUV, designed to insulate you from the elements, Jeep is taking the opposite approach to electrification. The 2024 Jeep Recon may be an EV, but it is still very much a Jeep. The company admits this SUV is inspired by the Wrangler. And the eye-catching Recon comes with removable doors and windows as well as a retractable roof.
Jeep claims the Recon can navigate the famed Rubicon trail in one charge. Its skidplates and tow hooks certainly give it a gnarly 4×4 appeal. That said, it lacks the Wrangler’s solid axles and body-on-frame construction. But have no fear, the Wrangler is not going anywhere–though it may be another generation before the Jeep Wrangler goes electric.
Jeep has yet to release range or acceleration numbers for the Recon. We do know it will ride on Stellantis “STLA Large” chassis, a platform it will share with the new Wagoneer S and upcoming electric muscle cars.
Next, read more about Rivian’s quad-motor drive or watch the Ioniq 5 in action in the video below:
