Tesla Model Y electric SUV alternatives you should consider if you want to look beyond Elon’s brand

Tesla was once one of the only bastions for good and affordable all-electric motoring, but times have changed.

Without getting too political, the brand’s profits and revenue is falling fast, and customers are looking to off-load Model Ys in record numbers, so what are the alternatives for those who can’t get behind Tesla and are looking for an all-electric family SUV?

Luckily, the market has exploded over the last 12 months, with more models in the mid-size SUV space than ever before – most of which undercut the new 2025 Tesla Model Y that is priced from $58,900 before on-road costs.

Here are the alternatives you should consider if the Tesla Model Y is no longer your cup of tea.

Kia’s EV5 mid-size SUV offers a tempting proposition for those that do not want to buy a Tesla Model Y due to its attractive pricing.

Keep in mind though, that $56,770 drive-away figure is only applicable to the base front-drive Air Standard Range, fitted with a 64.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that is good for a rated 400km of driving range.

A single electric motor drives the front wheels, outputting 160kW/310Nm.

While standard features such as a dual 12.3-inch infotainment and digital instrument cluster displays are high-end, the cloth and synthetic leather interior and 18-inch wheels might be a bit low-market for some.

Stepping up the model range is also an expensive proposition, with the next most affordable EV5, the Air Long Range FWD, another $7220 and only adding a larger 88.1kWh battery to increased driving range rating to 555km.

The most affordable mid-size all-electric SUV in Australia currently is the Geely EX5, having launched just last month.

Its $40,990 before on-road costs price tag isn’t only competitive with other EVs, it also undercuts petrol-electric hybrid models from the likes of Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia – making this a tempting Model Y alternative for those that don’t want to break the bank.

For the spend, buyers are treated to a single 160kW/320Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels, as well as a 60.22kWh LFP battery good for WLTP-rated 430km of range in the base Complete grade.

Geely hasn’t skimped on features either, with nice-to-haves such as heated front seats, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and automatic LED headlights all as standard.

Stepping up to the Inspire positioned at $44,990 nets buyers a powered tailgate, larger 19-inch wheels, and cooled and massaging front seats, while still undercutting its Tesla rival by a significant margin.

XPeng might be a relatively new automotive player, having started producing cars in 2018, but pundits don't call it the Chinese Tesla for no reason.

And that’s because out of all the brands and models on this list, the XPeng G6 comes the closest to aping the Tesla Model Y in design, philosophy, technology and driving feel.

Positioned just $4100 below the Model Y, the most-affordable G6 comes with a 190kW/440Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels and a 66kWH LFP battery good for a WLTP driving range rating of 435km.

The interior is light and bright like a Tesla, while its 15-inch infotainment touchscreen mirrors much of the same functions as a Model Y too.

Other niceties at this price point include an 18-speaker sound system, synthetic leather interior, phone-key functionality, a powered tailgate, and a heated leather steering wheel.

Also of note, the XPeng G6 comes with a physical key rather than a keycard offered by Tesla.

While Leapmotor might be a new brand to market, it is backed by one of the largest car conglomerates in the world as it has partnered with Stellantis (who count Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep under their umbrella).

Its first Australian model is the C10 electric SUV, blending European styling with Chinese technology.

The entry-level Style nets buyers a 160kW electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the 69.9kWh LFP battery is rated for 420km before needing a recharge, according to WLTL testing.

Though a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is nestled prominently in the dashboard, keep in mind it lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.

There is however, in-built satellite navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming, while other features include dual-zone climate control, a fixed panoramic glass roof, and flush-fitting door handles.

The Leapmotor C10 also doesn’t come with a physical key, opting instead to give buyers an NFC keycard used to tap the car open and close.

Behind Tesla, BYD is arguably the most prominent EV brand in Australia having launched with the Atto 3 and followed by with the Dolphin and Seal.

But it wasn’t until this year where BYD had a true Model Y rival in the form of the Sealion 7, priced from $54,990 before on-road costs.

The base car, known as the Premium, comes fitted with a 230kW/380Nm rear electric motor.

The BYD’s 82.56kWh battery is also rated travel up to 482km (according to WLTP standards) on a single charge.

Upmarket features include 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, head-up display, leather interior, powered tailgate, heated and cooled front seats, and full suite of safety systems.

BYD’s signature 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen is also present, and buyers can spend $63,990 for the Performance grade that adds a front-electric motor for a combined output of 390kW/690Nm.

The Deepal S07 might not have as much name recognition as the Model Y or other options on this list, nor is it a standout value proposition, but it does have one ace up its sleeve.

Mazda has deemed the S07’s platform good enough to take to Europe (and likely other markets) as the EZ-60 or CX-6e, which means it should be a solid contender.

In Australia, the S07 is available in a single grade, powered by a sole 160kW/320Nm electric motor on the rear axle, while its 80kWh battery is good for a WLTP-rated 475km of range.

Inside, the Deepal S07 sports a minimalist, paired-back interior with just a single 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen of note.

However, there is an augmented reality head-up display for driving information, and the infotainment screen boasts Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.

Other features on offer include heated and cooled front seats, interior ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and synthetic leather trim.

You might be thinking its weird to have a hybrid SUV on this list of Tesla Model Y alternatives, but hear us out.

The size of the X-Trail is right, and with an e-Power hybrid powertrain that uses its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine to power a dual-electric motor set-up that drives the wheels, it delivers an EV-like driving experience.

With a total system output of 157kW, this Nissan is plenty potent to mix with these all-electric contenders, while the base ST-L e-Power available at $50,490 before on-road costs comes with an attractive equipment list.

Highlights include a synthetic leather interior, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a surround-view monitor, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, and a 7.0-inch driver display.

Look, an EV isn’t suited to everyone, especially motorists that frequently travel long distances or do not have access to charging facilities, so a hybrid like the Nissan X-Trail e-Power could be a tempting option.

Another plus here is the badge, as Nissan is a long established, big-name marque with a vast dealer network and brand recognition.

At this price, you could also consider other hybrids like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage, but these systems allow the petrol engines to drive the wheels and then use a high-voltage electrical system to cut fuel usage.

There's no denying that the Tesla Model Y is an appealing package that blends practicality and performance with cutting-edge technology that just works.

It's often used as the yardstick for other EVs of the same shape and size, so if nothing else on this list can sway your decision – and you still don't want to support Tesla directly – well, buying a used or second-hand Model Y might be a good bet.

You won't get a brand-new car smell or a full factory warranty, but you can save a bundle as someone else has taken the initial depreciation hit, and there are plenty of private and dealer listings available Australia wide.

Browsing Drive's Marketplace listings currently shows 11 Model Ys for sale, priced from as little as $45,888 at the time of writing, meaning buyers can save around $13,000 when compared to buying new if they were to settle for a near-new vehicle only a few years old.

It might not solve the problem of owning a Tesla, but it is an option available for those that want a Model Y without buying directly from the brand.

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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.

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