The electric SUV market has become fiercely competitive, with the Tesla Model Y, once a singular force, now facing a robust lineup of eight other contenders from nearly every mainstream automaker. This comprehensive evaluation compared seven popular 2025 electric SUVs: the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Volkswagen ID4. The assessment covered performance, range, charging capabilities, handling, interior design, value proposition, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

In terms of raw power, the tested dual-motor, big-battery configurations varied. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 each delivered 320 hp, while the Tesla Model Y led with 397 hp. The Ford Mustang Mach-E provided 365 hp. Torque figures ranged from 389 lb-ft for the Tesla to a robust 500 lb-ft for the Mach-E. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, notably tested in a front-wheel-drive base model, produced 220 hp and 243 lb-ft, though a more powerful 300 hp AWD version is available. The VW ID4 and Toyota bZ featured 335 hp and 338 hp, respectively.

Reliable charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge for electric vehicles. Testing revealed firsthand issues with offline fast-charging stations and the need for adapters to bridge the transition from CCS to Tesla's NACS port. In MotorTrend's stringent 70-mph Road-Trip Range test, the Kia EV6 emerged as the leader, covering an impressive 266 miles on a single charge, closely approaching its EPA rating. The Chevrolet Equinox EV followed with 262 miles, while the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y tied for third, each achieving 252 miles. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 managed 234 miles, the Toyota bZ 222 miles, and the Volkswagen ID4 concluded the test with 208 miles. For fast charging, the Kia EV6 again excelled, adding 160 miles in 15 minutes at a 350-kWh charger. The Ioniq 5 added 138 miles, the Model Y 133 miles, the Toyota 115 miles, the ID4 103 miles, and both the Mach-E and Equinox EV added approximately 95 miles in the same timeframe.

Driving dynamics varied considerably among the contenders. The Ford Mustang Mach-E was celebrated as the most engaging to drive, offering smooth torque delivery, excellent lateral grip, and confident body control, retaining a subtle connection to its traditional Mustang heritage. The Kia EV6, sharing a platform with the Ioniq 5, offered a sportier feel with tighter steering and a firmer yet comfortable suspension. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, conversely, provided the most comfortable ride in the group, characterized by its placid demeanor and minimal cabin vibrations. The refreshed Tesla Model Y demonstrated significant improvements with a retuned suspension that delivered a more settled and comfortable experience, a stark contrast to previous versions, complemented by notably quick steering. The Toyota bZ had ample power but was criticized for loud tires and a lack of one-pedal driving. Similarly, the Volkswagen ID4, despite its sporty driving dynamics, disappointed judges with only one brake regeneration setting and no one-pedal mode. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Equinox EV, despite having the least power, struggled with torque steer due to its front-axle torque distribution and exhibited limited handling prowess compared to its all-wheel-drive competitors.

Interior design and technology also presented distinct user experiences. All electric SUVs offered roomy cabins, benefiting from their underfloor battery placement. The Tesla Model Y impressed with its rear seats, which included a dedicated streaming screen, powered folding seats, a separate rear A/C zone, and the most rear legroom. However, clear signs of cost-cutting were evident, 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. The Kia EV6's switchable climate/audio control, requiring toggling between functions, was a source of frustration. The Mach-E's large vertical touchscreen received praise for its simplicity, though temperature adjustments required a significant glance downwards. A redesigned center console in the Mach-E improved practicality by moving the shifter to the steering column, and a small screen near the steering wheel provided crucial information, a benefit over single-display setups like Tesla's. The Toyota bZ's driving position was unpopular due to its small steering wheel obstructing part of the screen. The Equinox EV featured appealing Camaro-inspired air vents and wide dual screens, but its critical omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a major drawback, despite offering built-in Google Maps. The VW ID4's infotainment system, though improved, lagged in responsiveness, and the lack of a physical volume knob, reliance on capacitive sliders, and dual switches for all four windows were noted as inconveniences.

Value, encompassing price, features, materials, and overall quality, was a key differentiator. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, priced at $34,995, was the most affordable but also the most sparsely equipped, lacking AWD, dual-zone A/C, and heated/powered seats. Nonetheless, its 85-kWh battery and spacious cabin made the LT trim a compelling option against other EVs under $40,000. The mechanically similar Kia EV6 Wind ($56,435) was deemed a stronger value than the higher-priced Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited ($61,025), offering comparable features. The Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium ($58,670) delivered substantial value with features like a B&O sound system, 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated seats, and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. Both the Mach-E and Model Y were the only two to offer usable frunks. The VW ID4’s $59,870 price tag felt steep considering its interior materials and the current lack of Tesla Supercharger access. The Tesla Model Y, at $63,630 (including an $8,000 Full Self-Driving option), was the most expensive, and while its tech remained leading-edge, cost-cutting was apparent. The 2026 Toyota bZ also offered fantastic value, with a starting price of $36,350, and the tested Limited AWD model at $47,330, providing significant savings compared to many competitors.

Automakers are heavily investing in vehicle safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Ford’s BlueCruise, tested in the Mach-E, performed exceptionally well, with clear alerts and smooth automatic lane changes, instilling driver confidence. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) demonstrated impressive capabilities on highways and city streets but raised ethical concerns as a beta product using customer-drivers for development, and still exhibited occasional glitches like unnecessary panic braking. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6's Highway Driving Assist II reliably maintained speed, distance, and lane position, allowing for brief hands-free moments. The ADAS systems of Toyota (Safety Sense 3.0), Volkswagen (IQ.Drive), and Chevrolet (basic adaptive cruise and lane keeping, as Super Cruise was not on the test model) were ranked in that order, with Toyota's system being the most refined of the three.

In a separate, exciting development for the Tesla brand, the