The electric SUV market has evolved dramatically, transforming from a segment once dominated by a single contender, the Tesla Model Y, into a fiercely competitive arena featuring numerous nameplates from nearly every mainstream automaker. Despite facing economic headwinds, this segment continues its rapid growth, offering consumers more options than ever. To help navigate this expansive market, a comprehensive comparison was conducted on seven of the most popular electric SUVs for 2025: the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Volkswagen ID4. This evaluation rigorously assessed their performance, range, charging capabilities, handling, interior comfort, technological features, value, and safety systems.

When examining performance, power figures for the tested models ranged from 220 hp for the front-drive Chevrolet Equinox EV (though an AWD version with 300 hp is available) to 397 hp for the Tesla Model Y. Torque varied from 389 lb-ft (Tesla) to 500 lb-ft (Mach-E). Each SUV presented a distinct driving personality. The Ford Mustang Mach-E stood out as the most engaging, offering a character subtly connected to its traditional Mustang heritage, with smooth torque delivery, strong lateral grip, and confident body control. The Kia EV6 provided a sportier feel with tighter steering and a firmer, yet comfortable, suspension. Its platform-mate, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, offered the most comfortable ride, characterized by a placid experience and minimal cabin vibrations. The refreshed Tesla Model Y showed significant improvement with a retuned suspension, delivering a more settled and comfortable ride compared to its previous stiff iterations. The Volkswagen ID4 was praised for its sporty driving dynamics, while the Toyota bZ had ample power but was criticized for loud tires and lacking one-pedal driving. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Equinox EV struggled with torque steer despite its lower power output and had limited handling prowess.

Range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain critical concerns for EV buyers, a challenge highlighted during testing in Tehachapi, California, where fast-charging stations were offline, requiring adapters for both Tesla’s NACS and legacy CCS plugs. In MotorTrend’s Road-Trip Range test at a constant 70 mph, the Kia EV6 emerged as the leader, 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 with 252 miles each. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, with its larger 20-inch wheels, managed 234 miles, while the Toyota bZ and Volkswagen ID4 trailed with 222 and 208 miles, respectively. Fast-charging tests further demonstrated the Kia EV6’s efficiency, adding 160 miles in 15 minutes at a 350-kWh charger. The Ioniq 5 added 138 miles, the Model Y 133 miles, the Toyota bZ 115 miles, the ID4 103 miles, and both the Mach-E and Equinox EV added around 95 miles in the same timeframe.

Interior design and technology play a crucial role in user experience. All tested EVs offered roomy cabins due to their underfloor battery packs. The Tesla Model Y impressed with its rear seats, featuring a dedicated screen for streaming, powered folding seats, a separate rear A/C zone, and the most rear legroom. However, it showed signs of cost-cutting, such as the absence of a sunroof cover and only one front USB port. The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s cabin was lauded for its well-executed layout, balancing physical and digital controls effectively. Conversely, the Kia EV6’s switchable climate/audio control, using a single knob for dual functions, frustrated judges. The Ford Mach-E’s large vertical screen was simple but required glancing down for temperature adjustments, though its redesigned center console improved practicality. The Toyota bZ’s driving position was unpopular due to its small steering wheel and screen placement. The Chevrolet Equinox EV featured appealing Camaro-inspired air vents and wide dual screens, but its lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant drawback. The Volkswagen ID4’s infotainment improved but still lagged in responsiveness, and its capacitive slider controls and two-switch window operation were points of contention.

Value, encompassing price, features, materials, and overall quality, was a key evaluation metric. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, priced at $34,995, was the least expensive but also the most sparsely equipped, lacking AWD, dual-zone A/C, and heated/powered/leather seats. Despite this, its 85-kWh battery and four-person cabin made the LT trim a compelling option. The Kia EV6 Wind ($56,435) offered strong value with comparable features to the higher-priced Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited ($61,025), provided one accepted smaller wheels and no sunroof. The Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium ($58,670) offered a robust package including a B&O sound system, 360-degree camera, heated/ventilated seats, and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving tech. Both the Mach-E and Model Y were noted for their usable front trunks (frunks). The VW ID4’s $59,870 price felt steep given its interior materials and lack of Supercharger access (a future update). The Tesla Model Y, at $63,630 (including an $8,000 Full Self-Driving option), topped the price list, with judges noting cabin cost-cutting despite its leading tech. The 2026 Toyota bZ also offered fantastic value, with the Limited AWD model tested at $47,330, making it a good way to save money compared to competitors if its middling real-world range is acceptable.

Safety, through airbags, structural strength, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), was a high priority. Ford’s BlueCruise system in the Mach-E performed exceptionally well, providing clear alerts and smooth automatic lane changes, instilling a strong sense of safety. 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. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6’s Highway Driving Assist II combined smart cruise control with lane following assist, allowing brief hands-free moments and reliably maintaining speed and lane position. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive, and Chevrolet’s basic adaptive cruise and lane keeping systems were ranked in that order, with Chevy's system falling short partly due to the absence of Super Cruise in the test model.

Ultimately, the competitive landscape made choosing a single victor challenging, demonstrating that Tesla is no longer the undisputed leader in the electric SUV segment. Traditional automakers have significantly closed the gap, offering strong alternatives in design, engineering, performance, safety, and value. The Ford Mustang Mach-E was ultimately ranked first, praised for its engaging personality, quick steering, and sporty feel, despite minor drawbacks like one-pedal tuning and rapidly climbing price. The Kia EV6 secured second place, lauded for its impressive range, good value, and excellent charging performance, though its dual-function HVAC/radio controls were a point of frustration. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in third, noted for its outstanding styling, high tech, and quick charging, but its higher price and increased competition were recognized. The Tesla Model Y placed fourth, its improved suspension and segment-leading tech counterbalanced by FSD glitches, high price, and apparent cost-cutting. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, Toyota bZ, and Volkswagen ID4 rounded out the top seven, each offering unique strengths and weaknesses.

Adding to the evolving market, Tesla has introduced the new, high-performance Model Y Performance, designed to be a significantly more potent variant. This