The New Tesla Model Y Gets Its Most Fearsome Competitor Ever
Once hailed as the “iPhone of cars,” the Tesla Model Y has long been the top dog in the electric SUV world. With its unbeatable combo of range, power, tech, and price, it’s no surprise the Model Y became not just the world’s best-selling EV—but the best-selling car, period. But times are changing. The updated Tesla Model Y “Juniper” has just arrived, and with it comes a new wave of strong challengers that are finally catching up—and in some cases, even outperforming Tesla in key areas.
The team at Edmunds recently compared four of the hottest electric family SUVs to see who really owns the road in 2024. The showdown featured:
- Tesla Model Y Juniper
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Honda Prologue
4th Place: Honda Prologue – Spacious but Falls Behind
Don’t count the 2024 Honda Prologue out too quickly. Built on General Motors’ Ultium platform (before Honda’s own EV tech rolls out), this SUV brings a mix of practicality and comfort that American families will love.
Highlights:
- Biggest cupholders in the test (yes, that matters!)
- Generous interior space and cargo room
- Apple CarPlay included (unlike GM’s own EVs)
- Priced at $59,295
- Range: 283 miles
So why did it place last? While it’s a great start for Honda in the EV world, the Prologue just doesn’t stand out in performance or innovation compared to its rivals. It’s roomy and family-friendly—but not quite a game-changer.
3rd Place: Chevy Equinox EV – The Budget Champion
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is one of the most exciting budget electric vehicles in America today. With a price tag of just $34,995, it’s easily the most affordable of the group. But don’t let the price fool you—it also delivers shockingly good performance.
Highlights:
- 356 miles of tested range (better than expected)
- 2024 Breakthrough Award winner
- Lightweight, front-wheel drive design
- Compact size makes it easy to park and drive
However, its smaller size and single-motor setup put it at a disadvantage against the more powerful, all-wheel-drive options. As Edmunds put it, it “almost gets to the top spot on its value alone.” If you’re after maximum value per dollar, this is your ride.
Tesla Model Y vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5
In past years, this wouldn’t even be a contest—Tesla Model Y would win in a landslide. But things have changed. The refreshed Model Y Juniper has come a long way, and so has the Hyundai Ioniq 5. In fact, this time around, it’s a tie. Let’s look at each one.
Tesla Model Y Juniper – Still a Strong Contender
The new Launch Series Model Y is better than ever. Edmunds tested the version priced at $61,635, with a range of 327 miles. That’s some serious endurance for road trips or daily commutes.
What’s Improved:
- Quieter, more comfortable cabin
- Smoother ride than previous versions
- Fresh exterior design tweaks
- Always-on, Tesla-exclusive tech perks
It’s still minimalist—no buttons, no knobs, and everything is controlled via the touchscreen. While some love that clean look, others find it harder to live with. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system also remains hit-or-miss, occasionally making questionable decisions. Still, this is the most refined Model Y yet, and finally lives up to its premium price.
Here’s the shocker: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has pulled neck and neck with the Tesla. At $60,285, it’s similarly priced, but it delivers a very different experience.
- 282-mile range
- Buttons, knobs, and physical controls for easier use
- Built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Sliding center console for better usability
- Native access to Tesla Superchargers
- Uses the Tesla-style charging plug (NACS)
This SUV just feels more approachable. It blends futuristic looks with familiar functionality. It might not beat Tesla in raw numbers, but when it comes to day-to-day livability, many drivers might actually prefer it.
So, Who’s the Winner?
That’s the big twist—there isn’t one clear winner. Both the Tesla Model Y Juniper and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are outstanding in different ways:
- Tesla delivers minimalist tech, excellent range, and improved comfort.
- Hyundai gives you a more user-friendly design with plenty of smart features.
In Edmunds’ words, it all comes down to your personal preference:
Do you want the “uncompromising minimalism” of Tesla, or the “futuristic familiarity” of Hyundai?
More than anything, this comparison proves something big: Tesla is no longer the automatic winner. The EV market is maturing fast, and top-tier electric SUVs are now available from multiple brands. Consumers finally have real choices—and they’re all pretty great. So if you’re in the market for a family-friendly electric SUV, you’re not just stuck with Tesla anymore. The Model Y is still excellent—but now it has real competition. And that’s good news for everyone.
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