Tesla’s had a rough 2025 so far; sales are down and existing owners are ditching the brand. CEO Elon Musk’s vocal support for Donald Trump and his work with DOGE are partly to blame, but the EV maker’s lineup has also grown stale, prompting drivers to look elsewhere.
Right now is a great time to buy because the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expires on Sept. 30. Keep in mind you must have the car in your possession by then (versus having a pending order).
If you shop in person at a dealership, you have another advantage over Tesla since you can test drive the car. Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, and many others offer comparable vehicles in terms of range and price.
Tesla protest in Chicago on March 22 (Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Here are the best alternatives for each Tesla model, all of which will be able to power up at Superchargers by the end of this year, making it even easier to take the leap.
Model Y: Affordable SUVs
Chevrolet Equinox EV (Credit: Emily Forlini)
Statistically speaking, if you’re looking at this list, there’s a good chance you drive a Model Y. Over 95% of Tesla’s sales are the Model Y or Model 3, and the Y is the company’s best-seller, so we’ll spend some extra time on this section. There are also many compact electric SUV options, so settle in.
A refreshed Model Y arrived in March, starting at $44,990. There are compact electric SUV alternatives at that price or below to consider. The Hyundai Kona Electric starts at just $32,975, and the Chevrolet Equinox EV starts at $33,600—before the $7,500 federal tax credit! The Equinox earned a PCMag Editors’ Choice Award for its price, good-looking interior and exterior, and Level 2 self-driving software. Its 319-mile range is close enough to the Model Y’s 357-mile max range; you’re not likely to notice a difference.
The Chevrolet Blazer ($44,600, before the tax credit) is a slight upgrade from the Equinox in terms of interior space and features. You’ll want to try both at the dealer.
Honda Prologue (Credit: Honda)
Other roomy options are the Nissan Ariya ($39,770) and Honda Prologue ($47,400). The Prologue has earned rave reviews from buyers. It’s developed a reputation for incredible leasing deals, sometimes below $200 per month, so check your local dealer.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 ($42,600) also got a major refresh this year, becoming the first non-Tesla EV to have a built-in charge port compatible with Superchargers. The Ioniq 5 has been one of the most popular Tesla alternatives for several years, earning a PCMag Editors’ Choice award in 2022. As of this year, it even qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is also a crowd pleaser (and a personal favorite). It also got a refresh for 2025, including a reduced price (starting at $36,495), a range-preserving heat pump, and better performance. Notably, its Level 2, hands-free driving tech is a cheaper, compelling version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (Credit: Emily Forlini)
Early adopters may be drawn to a newer brand; the Polestar 4, for example, is on sale now. Starting at $56,400, it’s a bit more expensive, but it comes with a polished interior and innovative features like an HD camera feed instead of a rear-view window. Try it, if you dare!
The Volvo EX30 also came to the US this year ($45,000), with the Swedish brand’s characteristically modern, fresh interior and safety features.
Volvo EX30 (Credit: Emily Forlini)
Another personal favorite is the Kia EV6 ($44,375), mostly because it’s well-engineered, with an efficient battery (117 MPGe) that powers up in just 18 minutes on a fast charger. Kia also offers quick-accelerating GT trims that will satisfy adrenaline junkies and a generous 10-year warranty, versus the industry standard of about eight years, to put your mind at ease.
Lastly, on the higher end of this price range sits the Genesis GV60 ($52,350). Genesis makes some unique electric cars, but make sure they’re available in your area. If so, you could be the next member of this niche brand with a passionate following.
Model X: Luxury SUVs
BMW iX (Credit: BMW)
Tesla’s Model X SUV is the high-end version of the Model Y, starting at $89,990 with a 329-mile range and up to seven seats. For those looking for a 7-seat, luxury electric SUV, you have three main options: The Rivian R1S ($76,990), Lucid Gravity ($79,900), and Cadillac Vistiq ($77,395). All are about $10,000 cheaper than the Model X, with more impressive interiors.
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If you want to save another $20,000, try the Hyundai Ioniq 9 ($58,955) or Kia EV9 ($54,900). They’re fantastic as well, and with the extra room in your budget, you can upgrade to the more premium trims and add-on luxurious features that create a luxury feel. Even better, both qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
If five seats are enough for you, try the BMW iX ($87,250). It has a more upscale interior compared to Tesla’s minimalist, bare-bones look. It has a tech-forward dashboard with a large 14.9-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. The Jeep Wagoneer S ($70,795) is also a new launch for 2025 and the brand’s first EV.
Audi Q8 e-tron (Credit: Emily Forlini)
The Audi Q8 e-tron is another excellent option, which we tested and preferred to Mercedes’ ultra-luxury AMG EQE. It has a helpful head-up display on the windshield and automatic driving assists such as lane-keeping. Audi also offers the Q4, Q6, and performance-focused SQ6. Mercedes EVs ($53,000 to $179,000) are also quite popular and worth checking out given their iconic design.
Cadillac also has two five-seat, electric cars at different price points. New this year is the Optiq ($50,900), which joins the Lyriq ($58,595). The latter has been out since 2022, but refreshed, and it’s a well-loved standby in this segment. Lastly, Genesis makes a more premium option EV (in addition to the one we mentioned in the last section), the Electrified GV70 ($64,380).
Model 3: Affordable Sedans
Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Credit: Hyundai)
Mass-market sedans are dwindling in popularity as compact SUVs like the Model Y rapidly replace them as the new normal. That means the Model 3 has few alternatives in its price range ($42,490). Sadly, Volkswagen killed the North American launch of the ID.7 in January, citing the US’s “challenging” EV climate, Car & Driver reports.
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The Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($37,850) is your best bet. It has a range of up to 342 miles, which is competitive with the Model 3’s impressive 363 miles. It’s won numerous awards, offers fast charging, and has a distinctive look that turns heads in a parking lot.
The Kia EV6 ($44,375) could also be a stretch option, though it’s technically a crossover. Its slimmer profile presents like a large sedan, between that and an SUV (hence the name: crossover). On the expensive end, check out the BMW i4 ($57,900).
Model S: Luxury Sedans
BMW i4 (Credit: BMW)
The Model S is Tesla’s pricier sedan, starting at $84,900 with up to a 410-mile range. This luxury segment offers exciting alternatives from BMW, Mercedes, and Lucid.
Lucid specializes in efficient, fast-charging EVs, and its Lucid Air ($69,900) offers 512 miles of range on the pricier trims.
BMW offers two luxury electric sedans, the i5 ($66,275) and i7 ($106,875). But longtime Mercedes lovers should still check out the tech-forward EQE sedan ($74,900) and super luxurious EQS ($104,400). In that price range, don’t miss the Porsche Taycan ($103,900).
This year, Volvo debuts the ES90 sedan with an Nvidia chip and a high-end interior. We don’t know the price yet, but we estimate it’ll be similar to the Model S.
Cybertruck: Pickup Trucks
Rivian R1T (Credit: Rivian)
With its unique and polarizing look, Tesla’s Cybertruck ($79,900) is one of a kind, but the Rivian R1T is probably the closest comparison, given its tech features and enthusiastic early adopters.
The R1T is available to order online starting at $69,900. With battery pack upgrades, it can achieve up to 420 miles of range. For those looking for a more established brand, visit the Ford dealership to test drive the F-150 Lightning ($62,995, 320-mile range), Chevrolet Silverado EV ($73,100, 460-mile range), or GMC Sierra ($91,995, 390-mile range).
This category has struggled a bit recently, given the reduced range when towing. That prompted Ram to try an innovative solution with the 2025 Ram Recharger; it runs on battery power, but the battery charges with gasoline. This new type of hybrid, called an “extended range hybrid,” promises 690 miles of range and goes on sale later this year.
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About Emily Forlini
Senior Reporter
