Edmunds Didn’t Pick Tesla for This Award for the First Time
The Tesla lineup proved to many consumers that EVs could reach incredible speeds and offer electric ranges surpassing 200 miles. Still, it’s no secret that other automakers have warmed up to electrification. In addition to electric sedans, you can buy SUVs and trucks with all-electric powertrains now.
This has prompted many automotive critics, including Edmunds, to offer awards for each kind of EV. Still, even though Tesla has entries in all three EV segments, none of them won an Edmunds award. Does this mean Tesla has lost its edge?
Which EVs beat Tesla in the Edmunds Top Rated rankings?
This year, Edmunds says that the best electric passenger car is the Chevy Bolt. Despite a manufacturer estimated range of 259 miles, the Bolt was actually capable of 278 miles in real-world driving. Chevy claims that this EV can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds with its 200-hp powertrain.
The Tesla Model 3 is slightly faster, reaching the same speed in under 6 seconds. The Chevy Bolt still beats the Model 3 in terms of price, retailing for only $26,500. It also has a generous list of standard features and a spacious interior.Â
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is reportedly the best electric SUV to get, available in multiple configurations to optimize range and utility. Models with front-wheel drive have up to 303 miles of range, while the all-wheel drive variants can get up to 266 miles. FWD models with the long-range battery make 225 hp and the AWD Ioniq 5 is capable of 320 hp.
Edmunds says that the AWD Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers the best driving experience, but every model has five comfortable seats inside. This SUV also has an intuitive infotainment interface with standard navigation and smartphone integration, plus a full suite of advanced safety features.
With still no Cybertruck to steal its crown, the Ford F-150 Lightning scored a win in the Electric Truck category. Most trims with the extended-range battery can tow up to 10,000 lbs and can reportedly reach 60 mph in under four seconds. Edmunds also discovered that this battery is even more efficient in real-world driving, lasting for 345 miles before needing a recharge.
Edmunds didn’t give the Tesla Model 3 an award this year
The Model 3 won Edmunds’s Top Rated EV for three years in a row, and it’s still a popular choice for EV shoppers. The base rear-wheel drive model has 272 miles of range, while the AWD Model 3 Performance gets 315 miles of range.
It also has a top speed of 162 mph and can hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The Model 3 Long Range can be driven for 358 miles on a full battery, though Tesla has currently paused orders for this trim.
Like every other Tesla, the Model 3 has a simplistic interior complete with a large center touchscreen in the cabin. You won’t find any physical controls to match the infotainment functions, and there’s no support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
However, Tesla’s quirky technology interface also features fun easter eggs and unique features like Dog Mode. The Model 3 also has several standard safety features and Autopilot semi-autonomous driving.
A little competition might not be a bad thing
The Tesla Model 3 is definitely sportier than all of the 2023 Top Rated winners, but it’s also missing some key features. While it has standard synthetic leather seats, the Chevy Bolt offers more legroom for passengers. Additionally, pretty much every other EV on the market has smartphone integration.Â
With more EVs on the market, Tesla has more incentive to improve some of the weak spots in its current lineup. It’s a win-win for consumers as well, giving them more variety and better bang for their buck.
