The electric SUV market is experiencing unprecedented growth and competition, moving beyond the sole dominance of the Tesla Model Y. Numerous mainstream automakers are now vying for market share in this rapidly expanding segment, despite broader headwinds facing electric vehicles. This comprehensive evaluation compares seven prominent 2025 electric SUV models: the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Volkswagen ID4, assessing their performance, range, charging capabilities, handling, and overall value.

Driving experience varies significantly across these EVs. The Ford Mustang Mach-E stands out as the most engaging, offering a distinct personality with smooth torque delivery, strong lateral grip, and confident body control, evoking a connection to its traditional Mustang lineage. The Kia EV6, sharing a platform with the Ioniq 5, presents a sportier feel with tighter steering and a firmer yet comfortable suspension. In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 provides the most comfortable ride in the group, characterized by its placid demeanor and minimal cabin vibrations. Tesla's refreshed Model Y shows considerable improvement with a retuned suspension that offers a more settled and comfortable experience, a significant departure from its previous stiff ride, complemented by notably quick and heavy steering. The Toyota bZ delivers adequate power and a good ride, but its loud tires and lack of one-pedal driving were points of critique. Similarly, the Volkswagen ID4's sporty driving dynamics were praised, yet it disappointed judges with only one brake regeneration setting and no one-pedal mode. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Equinox EV, despite its comfort and vibration damping, struggled with torque steer and limited handling prowess compared to its all-wheel-drive rivals, possessing the least power but the most front-axle torque in the group.

Reliable charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge for EVs, as highlighted by experiences during testing in Tehachapi, California, where fast-charging stations were offline, necessitating longer travel. The ongoing industry shift from CCS to Tesla's NACS port also required the use of adapters. In MotorTrend's Road-Trip Range test at a consistent 70 mph, the Kia EV6 led the pack, covering 266 miles, closely followed by the Chevrolet Equinox EV at 262 miles. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y tied for third, each achieving 252 miles. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, affected by its 20-inch wheels, managed 234 miles, while the Toyota bZ and Volkswagen ID4 lagged at 222 and 208 miles, respectively. Fast-charging tests further showcased the Kia EV6's efficiency, adding 160 miles in just 15 minutes at a 350-kWh charger. The Ioniq 5 added 138 miles in the same timeframe, the Model Y 133 miles, and the Toyota 115 miles. The ID4 replenished 103 miles, while the Mach-E and Equinox EV were nearly tied at 95 and 94 miles.

The cabin designs across these EVs, all featuring under-floor battery packs, generally offer spacious interiors. The Tesla Model Y's rear seats garnered praise for their dedicated streaming screen, powered folding seats, separate A/C zone, and class-leading legroom, though cost-cutting was evident with the absence of a sunroof cover and only one front USB port. The Hyundai Ioniq 5's well-organized cabin, with a thoughtful balance of physical and digital controls, was highly regarded. In contrast, the Kia EV6's switchable climate/audio control, using a single knob for dual functions, proved frustrating. The Ford Mustang Mach-E's large vertical touchscreen was appreciated for its simplicity, but its low placement for temperature adjustment was a drawback. This year's redesigned center console with a steering column shifter in the Mach-E enhances practicality. The Toyota bZ received criticism for its uncomfortable driving position, where a small steering wheel obscured part of the display. The Chevrolet Equinox EV's interior, though visually appealing with Camaro-inspired vents and wide dual screens, suffered from the notable omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Volkswagen ID4, despite improvements, still had a less responsive infotainment system and lacked a physical volume knob, as well as only featuring two window switches for all four windows and capacitive slider controls for climate.

Value, encompassing price, features, materials, and overall quality, played a crucial role. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at $34,995, was the most affordable but also the most basic, lacking AWD, dual-zone A/C, and heated/powered leather seats. However, its standard 85-kWh battery and spacious cabin make the LT trim a compelling option in the sub-$40,000 segment. The Kia EV6 Wind, priced at $56,435, offered strong value against its mechanically similar but more expensive Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited ($61,025), especially for those willing to forego smaller wheels and a sunroof. The Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium, at $58,670, delivered substantial features including a B&O sound system, 360-degree camera, heated/ventilated seats, and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, alongside the Model Y, being the only two with functional frunks. The Volkswagen ID4's $59,870 price tag was considered steep given its interior materials and lack of Supercharger access (a forthcoming feature). The Tesla Model Y topped the price chart at $63,630, a figure inflated by an $8,000 Full Self-Driving option, though its tech remains competitive despite visible cost-cutting like the missing sunroof shade. The refreshed 2026 Toyota bZ also presents strong value, with its Limited AWD variant (with JBL audio) at $47,330, offering a significant saving over competitors for buyers accepting its moderate real-world range.

Automakers are heavily investing in ADAS, with some offering advanced hands-free driving capabilities. Ford's BlueCruise system in the Mach-E performed exceptionally, lauded for its clear alerts, smooth lane changes, and driver confidence. Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) demonstrated impressive capabilities on highways and city streets but raised ethical concerns due to its beta status and occasional glitches like unnecessary panic braking or aggressive steering, preventing drivers from feeling fully at ease. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6's Highway Driving Assist II provided reliable smart cruise control and lane-following, allowing brief hands-free moments. Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0, Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, and Chevrolet's basic adaptive cruise and lane keeping were ranked in descending order, with the Equinox EV's system falling short partly due to the absence of Super Cruise in the tested model, which is available on higher trims.

The fiercely competitive electric SUV market has reshaped the landscape, with Tesla facing formidable rivals. The Big Test revealed that the Model Y is no longer the undisputed segment leader. While traditional automakers are yet to match Tesla’s sales volume, their offerings provide robust alternatives in design, engineering, performance, safety, and value. For today's consumers, there is an unprecedented array of high-quality electric SUV options. After comprehensive evaluation, the Ford Mustang Mach-E emerged as the best holistic choice, praised for its engaging personality, quick steering, and sporty feel. The Kia EV6 secured second place, recognized for its impressive range, good value, and charging capabilities, despite frustrating dual-function controls and compromised cargo space. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, a former "SUV of the Year," landed in third due to stiff competition and its higher price point. The Tesla Model Y, despite technological advancements, placed fourth, losing a key advantage with Supercharger network access opening to other brands and displaying noticeable cost-cutting. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, with its compelling value and range but lacking essential features, ranked fifth. The refreshed Toyota bZ, offering a bigger battery and power but an awkward driving position, came in sixth, failing to truly stand out. Finally, the Volkswagen ID4, while spacious, trailed the competition due to its high price, interior materials, and lack of one-pedal driving and Supercharger access.

Tesla has introduced a new, high-performance variant of its Model Y, built to deliver exhilarating acceleration and speed. This "bonkers fast" Model Y Performance, following the Model 3 Performance, features the latest ‘Performance 4DU’ drive units, channeling a total of 460bhp to all four wheels. This enables a blistering 0-60mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. It also comes with an upgraded battery pack, maintaining the same weight but boasting higher energy density, and is rated for 360 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. Tesla engineers have equipped it with adaptive suspension technology, refined springs, roll bars, and bushings, alongside rear body structure improvements for enhanced torsional stiffness. Custom drive modes include the 'Insane' acceleration setting and adjustable traction control. Aesthetically, it distinguishes itself with new front and rear bumpers designed to reduce drag and lift, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, red brake calipers, 'Performance' badging, and 21-inch ‘Arachnid 2.0’ forged wheels. Inside, it features an upgraded 16-inch central touchscreen (larger and higher resolution than other Model Ys), special heated and ventilated Performance seats, and real carbon fiber trim. This variant is initially launching in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with deliveries beginning in September, and will be built at the Tesla Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg.

Beyond the general EV market, Tesla is actively developing its autonomous ride-hailing service, Robotaxi, based on the long-range dual-motor 2026 Model Y Juniper. This service, internally dubbed "Project Halo," involves a subtly enhanced "Hardware 4" sensor suite with a second communications and telematics unit for redundant, high-bandwidth connectivity, precise GPS, and robust connection to remote operators. Currently in Austin, Texas, the Robotaxi operates with a safety monitor and is invite-only, primarily serving Tesla employees, influencers, and press within geofenced areas, from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., with service potentially limited by inclement weather. Early experiences revealed smooth acceleration and braking, with the AI minimizing "jerk" for a limo-like ride. However, observations also included the Robotaxi occasionally exceeding the speed limit by 5-7 mph, stopping unexpectedly at a green light, and struggling with precise pick-up and drop-off locations, such as stopping at the wrong hotel or being unable to navigate red curbs. Concerns were raised regarding public safety for the "Full Self-Driving Unsupervised" beta, which still exhibits glitches like panic braking and aggressive steering. Critics also question the efficacy of Tesla’s cameras-only approach for reliable operation in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or sleet, especially when compared to Waymo's reliance on lidar and radar sensors. Despite its modern and comfortable cabin, the Robotaxi service appears to have a considerable distance to cover to match the maturity of competitors like Waymo in the autonomous ride-hailing space.

The electric vehicle landscape is rapidly evolving, marked by intense competition and continuous innovation. While new electric SUVs offer compelling alternatives in design, performance, and value, the development of autonomous driving services like Tesla's Robotaxi highlights both the potential and the significant challenges remaining in achieving fully autonomous and publicly reliable transportation.