Tesla Model Y: Our Top 5 "Real" Alternatives!

Market leader number 1, the Tesla Model Y still sees its competition approaching dangerously. Here is our selection.

Do you see it everywhere, to the point of getting bored? It’s understandable. The Tesla Model Y rides high on its media coverage and that of its CEO, the flamboyant yet brilliant Elon Musk. However, manufacturing a car involves many industrial challenges. Experience is valuable, and while Teslas are unanimously praised for their superior energy management and trip planning, other aspects fall short. Notably the perceived quality, assembly, interior noises, or premature wear of certain components. Finally, customer service is often criticized once the vehicle requires intervention (bodywork, maintenance, etc.). But all this will settle over time, it’s normal.

Nevertheless, we almost forget that very relevant alternatives exist on the market at comparable or lower prices. Here is Mobiwisy’s selection.

Skoda Enyaq 50 – More affordable (€34,990)

The large family SUV from Skoda is currently among the most attractive offers on the market. With an entry price below 40,000 euros, it drops to 34,990 euros after eco bonus.

It’s certainly less powerful (150 hp), less well equipped (no unnecessary gadgets), and has a lower range (about 300 km real-world) compared to the Tesla Model Y (280 hp and around 360 km real-world), but the €6,000 difference isn’t neutral at the moment of choosing. €6,000 is 24 months of monthly payments difference! For a family mindful of its budget, that’s huge. Not to mention the very high-quality German finish (Volkswagen group).

Mercedes EQB 250+ Edition – More premium (€41,950)

Priced just below €47,000, making it eligible for the eco bonus, this high-end Mercedes SUV is at €41,950. That’s €1,000 more than the Tesla Model Y, but the German has convincing arguments.

First, its build quality, exclusivity, dealership network, and… the gigantic size of its battery: 70.5 kWh usable. It boasts a WLTP mixed cycle range of 485 km, compared to 455 km for the Tesla Model Y. In reality, you should expect about 400 km of real-world range, but it’s already a very good performance! Power-wise, it delivers 190 hp, sufficient to carry the family easily.

The only “flaw” is its limited charging speed of 100 kW, compared to 150 kW for Tesla. Charging stops will be longer, but the battery will thank you in the long run.

Ford Mustang-E – More dynamic (€41,990)

It’s no longer in the spotlight, yet its offerings remain very serious. Last spring, Ford made the buzz by discounting its sporty Mustang-E SUV by €10,000 to qualify it for the bonus. Thus, for €41,990, you get a car initially worth €57,000. Nice move.

The American positions itself as a “dynamic” vehicle with its reinforced chassis and 270 hp. We won’t call it sporty, though. For this starting price, only the black color is available, but that’s no punishment. The battery is also large: 76 kWh, with a real-world range around 400 km, and a recharge power of 150 kW, like the Tesla. Like its rival, the Ford features an additional front trunk of 81 liters. Interior space is thus outstanding.

Nissan ARIYA – More eccentric (€40,800)

Beauty is, of course, subjective, but this is the most distinctive SUV in terms of design. Impossible to confuse with another. So, you love it or hate it. Little known in France due to a limited network, but its pricing deserves attention. Let’s not forget that Nissan was once the world’s leading electric car manufacturer with the Leaf.

Like its competitors, the Ariya 63 kWh Engage version, originally sold at €50,800, has been discounted to €45,800 for several weeks to compete with the Tesla Model Y. After bonus deduction, that’s €40,800. A big cuddly car, the Nissan consumes a bit more and its real-world range will barely exceed 330 km despite some advanced solutions (including a standard heat pump) to curb its appetite. Its 217 hp and 300 Nm torque, however, ensure sufficient dynamism for daily driving. Charging on a home socket is limited to 7.4 kW, and 130 kW at fast chargers, so no worries for longer trips. Just plan to take breaks every 2 hours, as road safety recommends.

Choosing the Nissan Ariya is choosing to drive “differently”. That can also be nice in a world full of Tesla Model Y…

Volvo XC40 Recharge – More stylish (€41,990)

This isn’t the most spacious, but it opens a door into the world of premium and Swedish-style sobriety. A creation of Chinese giant Geely, this Volvo XC40 Recharge remains one of the technical benchmarks on the market.

Less popular due to its relatively high initial price, Volvo is now also making an effort to heavily discount its SUV to bring it below €47,000. Sold at €41,990 after bonus, the XC40 Recharge offers a 69 kWh battery, 238 hp, 420 Nm of torque… and a 200 kW recharge power! The best in this comparison.

The design impacts the range, announced at 476 km in WLTP mixed cycle, but in reality, it will be around 400 km for daily use and 300 km on the highway. However, the 10% to 80% charge takes only 27 minutes, so no need to stay tethered during long trips.

OUR CHOICE AT MOBIWISY: SKODA ENYAQ 50 FOR ITS AMAZING VALUE FOR MONEY