The Tesla Model Y was not only the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in Australia last year, it was also the best-selling car in the world. No, not just electric car – car, period.
It outsold other popular SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, as well as stalwart passenger cars like the Toyota Corolla.
The Model Y sure doesn’t make it easy for rivals in Australia.
For starters, Tesla has the early-mover advantage when it comes to EVs, and though the Model Y took its time getting here compared to other markets it still beat rivals from Toyota, Ford etc.
Secondly, it opens at just $55,990 before on-road costs, which is a pretty damn good price. Tesla has shown no mercy, slashing prices repeatedly to cut rivals off at the knees before they even have a chance to pose a threat.
So, best-selling EV, sharp price… the Tesla Model Y seems like a no-brainer if you’re after an EV, right? Well, it’s a good vehicle, but perhaps it’s not for you.
Perhaps you don’t like its austere interior or its blobby exterior, or you don’t like the brand’s controversial CEO, or you just don’t want such a common EV. Maybe you’re not even ready for an EV.
Below, the members of the CarExpert team have shared what they would get instead.
Alborz Fallah: Walking
I would rather walk than buy another Tesla Model Y. I did buy one and kept it for exactly 8 days, which was roughly 8 days longer than I wish I had owned it.
I won’t go into why being a Tesla owner is the modern day equivalent of having a tissue box in the back of your Camry hybrid, but the once only realistic choice for electric vehicles is now nearly at the very bottom of the options list (unless public charging infrastructure is your absolute number one priority).
For a bit less money, I would probably look at buying a BYD Atto 3 or for a bit more money, I would go with a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or step into a BMW iX1.
All three of these are better options and the beauty of them is that you won’t have to own a Model Y, which is about to be replaced with an updated one next year.
MORE: Buy a BYD Atto 3
MORE: Buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5
MORE: Buy a BMW iX1
Paul Maric: Ford Mustang Mach-E
We cancelled our order for another Model Y after getting burned by Tesla on resale values…and simply wanting to explore what else was on the market.
I’ve now spent more time with the Mustang Mach-E and it’s light years ahead of the Model Y in terms of interior presentation and engagement behind the wheel.
The app isn’t really up to scratch in comparison to the Model Y, but you never realise how much you miss the basics of a modern non-Tesla car – like parking sensors, Apple CarPlay and a head-up display – once you finally get out of a Model Y.
So while the Model Y is a cheap and cheerful option in the segment, it has become so common and boring. I’m glad we’ve been able to spend some more time in other EVs to see what we’ve been missing out on.
MORE: Buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E
Scott Collie: Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Tesla Model Y is an excellent electric SUV, but its brand of aggressive minimalism is a bit… jarring.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a gentler, more approachable take on the future of motoring. The pre-update car has a lovely, lounge-like feeling on the open road, and it’s one of very few electric cars to come close to matching Tesla for energy efficiency.
An upcoming update improves on the interior technology, too, finally giving this futuristic flagship the infotainment it deserves. I’ll have mine without the silly digital rear-view mirrors.
MORE: Buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5
James Wong: 2025 Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid
I’m not quite ready to go full EV yet, and that circa-$60,000-$70,000 bracket doesn’t have a lot of options that I would choose for myself.
So, I’m going to go to the halfway house and say I’d wait for the facelifted Cupra Formentor PHEV to arrive in Australia early next year.
In addition to the enhanced tech suite and the improved cabin finishes which help justify its semi-premium price point, the new e-Hybrid PHEV ups battery capacity to 19.7kWh (net) which extends EV range to over 100 kilometers per charge.
And that’s just the EV portion of the PHEV. The new drivetrain brings a new 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid system with 200kW (up from 180kW) which boosts performance, and the battery can now be DC fast-charged at up to 50kW.
With the enhanced battery system the Formentor can be pretty much driven entirely as an EV until you go on a road trip or go on a spirited drive and want to call on the engagement of its turbocharged combustion engine.
MORE: Buy a Cupra Formentor
William Stopford: Hyundai Ioniq 5
There are plenty of good mid-sized electric SUVs, but when I think about what I would actually want to live with one stands out.
I’d argue the Hyundai Ioniq 5 isn’t an SUV, even by today’s liberal definition, but it’s practical (if not as roomy as a Model Y).
The technology is great, particularly the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. The interior is comfortable and full of clever details, such as the sliding centre console and glove compartment drawer.
It also has a retro-futuristic design that really stands out, and makes this car look as fresh as when it launched.
Is it considerably more expensive, spec for spec, than a Model Y? Regrettably, yes, but it’s still a desirable offering. And even with the premium, if we’re looking at the top end of the range, I’d take an Ioniq 5 N over a Model Y Performance any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
MORE: Buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5
Jack Quick: Mini Countryman E
I know on paper there’s a big price difference between the Tesla Model Y RWD and the Mini Countryman E, and it ultimately isn’t as efficient and capacious, but I’d argue the latter has heaps more character and charm.
This German-built crossover has grown considerably compared to its predecessor and features a wide range of funky touches. It’s now built at the same plant as the BMW X1 and X2 which are both considerably more expensive than the Countryman.
Like the Model Y, the Countryman’s interior is centred around a touchscreen, but the latter has a round OLED unit that has bright colours and flashy graphics. It’s quite fun to play around with the different ‘Experience’ modes.
I’m also a big fan of the Countryman’s fabric lashings throughout the interior, though I’m well aware they are disguising some of the harder plastics.
MORE: Buy a Mini Countryman
Josh Nevett: BYD Sealion 6
While an EV would suit my use case just fine, a PHEV offers more versatility to a wider range of new car buyers. With that in mind, it’s hard to look past the new BYD Sealion 6.
Like other models in the BYD range, the Sealion 6 is sure to put some potential suitors off based on appearances alone, but if you’re a fan of the design then there’s plenty to like.
At $52,990 before on-road costs, the flagship Premium undercuts even the base Model Y by nearly $3000 and you don’t miss out on any kit. The top-spec Sealion 6 comes standard with all-wheel drive and 238kW of power, in addition to huge interior screens, a leatherette-lavished cabin, panoramic sunroof, feature-packed seats, and plenty of space to spread out.
It’ll be efficient too, especially if you spend most of your time driving in EV mode.
MORE: Buy a BYD Sealion 6
Max Davies: Mini Countryman SE All4
If you’re one that simply must go for a pure EV, why not make it something a bit special?
My perfect candidate for that would be the new all-electric Mini Countryman. Mini has taken a real step forward in recent years, and the latest Countryman is a prime example of exactly what the brand has to offer.
You get quirky yet cute retro styling on the outside, you get unorthodox shapes and materials on the inside, and under the skin are the bones of the BMW iX1, which is already an excellent EV.
The difference with the Countryman is its sharp pricing, because its $75,990 price point places it comfortably between the Model Y’s Long Range and Performance grades, while still being cheaper than even the base-spec iX1.
It’s still a few thousand dollars cheaper than even the base-spec iX1, but it brings that extra bit of character you don’t get in most cars. You still even get 230kW of power and 494Nm of torque, all of which is put to the ground through an all-wheel drive system.
Better yet, there’s a hotted-up JCW version around the corner if you want a bit more punch. What’s not to love?
MORE: Buy a Mini Countryman
Tyra Lawler-Cass: Hyundai Kona Electric
When it comes to EVs, driving range can be a dealbreaker. If you’re looking for an EV with a driving range close to that of a Tesla Model Y, consider the Hyundai Kona Electric Premium Extended Range.
The Kona Electric combines the futuristic, electrified experience you expect from an EV with practicality and comfort.
One of the standout features of the Model Y is its driving range, maxing out at 612km (NEDC). The Kona Electric comes close, boasting a claimed range of 557km, also on the NEDC cycle. However, keep in mind it takes twice as long to reach 80 per cent charge (from 10 per cent) compared to the Tesla.
More importantly, the Kona Electric has a proper instrument cluster – I think that says it all.
