(Credit: Polestar)
Tesla's had a rough 2025 so far; sales are down and existing owners are ditching the brand. CEO Elon Musk's vocal support for Donald Trump and his work with DOGE are partly to blame, but the EV maker's lineup has also grown stale, prompting drivers to look elsewhere.
If you want to drop Tesla but stick with EVs, Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, and others offer comparable vehicles in terms of range and price. Their dealership networks mean you can take them for a spin before buying—a key part of picking the right car—whereas Tesla has an online sales model and limited in-person options.
Some brands are even offering discounts for Tesla owners to make the switch. Polestar and Lucid are looking to capitalize on anti-Musk sentiment by taking up to $5,000 off the cost of a limited selection of their vehicles.
Here are the best alternatives for each Tesla model, all of which will be able to power up at Superchargers by the end of this year, making it even easier to take the leap.
Model Y: Affordable SUVs
Statistically speaking, if you're looking at this list there's a good chance you drive a Model Y. Over 95% of Tesla's sales are the Model Y or Model 3, and the Y is the company's best-seller, so we'll spend some extra time on this section.
A refreshed Model Y arrives later this month, but with a higher price tag (starting at around $50,000 to $60,000 instead of around $40,000). That makes these compact electric SUV alternatives even more compelling given their price and range.
The Honda Prologue ($47,400) is roomier than the Model Y, with rave reviews from buyers. It runs on General Motors' Ultium battery platform, like the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV, another great option. The Equinox earned a PCMag Editors' Choice Award for its price (starting at $33,600), good-looking interior and exterior, and Level 2 self-driving software. Its 319-mile range is very close to the Model Y's 327-mile max range; you're not likely to notice a difference.
Early adopters may be drawn to a newer brand, like Polestar, which launches the Polestar 4 next quarter. It's available to configure now. Starting at $54,900, it's a bit more expensive, but it comes with a polished interior and innovative features like an HD camera feed instead of a rear view window. Try it, if you dare!
Volvo is also launching the EX30 in the US this year ($45,000), with the Swedish brand's characteristically modern, fresh interior and safety features.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 ($42,600) got a major refresh this year, becoming the first non-Tesla EV to have a built-in charge port that's compatible with Superchargers. All other EV brands currently require an adapter.
The Ioniq 5 has been one of the most popular Tesla alternatives for several years, earning a PCMag Editor's Choice award in 2022, along with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It also got a refresh for 2025, including a reduced price (starting at $36,495), a range-preserving heat pump, and better performance. Notably, its Level 2, hands-free driving tech is a cheaper, compelling version of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) package.
Lastly, the Kia EV6 is well-engineered, with an efficient battery (117 MPGe) that powers up in just 18 minutes on a fast charger. Kia also offers quick-accelerating GT trims that will satisfy adrenaline junkies, and a generous 10-year warranty versus the industry standard of about eight years, to put your mind at ease.
Model X: Luxury SUVs
Tesla's Model X SUV is the high-end version of the Model Y, starting at $84,990 with a 329-mile range. The BMW iX ($75,150) comes with a more upscale interior compared to Tesla's minimalist, bare-bones look. It has a tech-forward dashboard with a large 14.9-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital cluster.
The Audi Q8 e-tron is another great option, which we tested and preferred to Mercedes' ultra-luxury AMG EQE. It has a helpful head-up display on the windshield and automatic driving assists such as lane-keeping.
As for 3-row SUVs, Rivian R1S ($75,900) is the best option for early tech adopters who are used to Tesla's sleek software and advanced battery tech. However, the Kia EV9 ($59,400) is an equally compelling option, being much less expensive and still tech-forward. Lucid is also coming out with a large SUV this year, the Gravity. It's expected to start around $80,000 with a luxurious interior, 440-mile range, and "ultra compact" battery.
Model 3: Affordable Sedans
Mass market sedans are dwindling in popularity as compact SUVs like the Model Y rapidly replace them as the new normal. That means the Model 3 has few alternatives in its price range ($42,490). Sadly, Volkswagen killed the North American launch of the ID.7 in January citing the US's "challenging" EV climate, Car & Driver reports.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($37,850?) is your best bet. It has up to a 342-mile range, which is competitive with the Model 3's impressive 363 miles. It's won numerous awards, offers fast charging, and a distinctive look that turns more heads in a parking lot.
Model S: Luxury Sedans
The Model S is Tesla's pricier sedan, starting at $79,900 with up to a 410-mile range. This luxury segment offers exciting alternatives from BMW, Mercedes, and Lucid.
Lucid specializes in efficient, fast-charging EVs, and its Lucid Air ($69,900) offers 512 miles of range on the pricier trims.
BMW is the top dog when it comes to German EVs, selling more than Audi and Mercedes combined in 2024, InsideEVs reports. It offers three luxury electric sedans, the i4 ($57,900), i5 ($67,100), and i7 ($105,700). But long-time Mercedes lovers should still check out the tech-forward EQE sedan ($74,900).
This year, Volvo debuts the ES90 sedan with an Nvidia chip and high-end interior. We don't know the price yet, but we estimate it'll be a similar price to the Model S.
Cybertruck: Pickup Trucks
With its unique and polarizing look, Tesla's Cybertruck is one of a kind, but the Rivian R1T is probably the closest comparison given its techie features and enthusiastic early adopters.
The R1T is available to order online starting at $69,900, with up to 420 miles of range with battery pack upgrades. For those looking for a more established brand, take a trip to the Ford dealership to test drive the F-150 Lightning ($62,995, 320-mile range) or Chevy for the Silverado EV ($73,100, 460-mile range).
This category has struggled a bit recently, given the reduced range when towing. That prompted Ram to try an innovative solution with the 2025 Ram Recharger; it runs on battery power, but the battery charges with gasoline. This new type of hybrid called an "extended range hybrid" promises 690 miles or range and goes on sale later this year.