The electric SUV battlefield has never been more intense. Not long ago, the Tesla Model Y reigned supreme as the lone pioneer of the compact EV class. Fast forward to today, and it’s surrounded by rivals from nearly every major automaker—proof that even with EV headwinds, this segment’s growth shows no signs of slowing.
With so many players now in the game, choosing the right electric SUV has become a real puzzle. That’s where our test comes in. We’ve assembled seven of the most talked-about EVs of 2025: the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Volkswagen ID4. Nissan opted out with its Ariya, and Subaru’s Solterra skipped this round since its refreshed 2026 version wasn’t ready. To crown a winner, we examined performance, range, charging, handling, and overall value—seeking the perfect mix of brains and brawn.
We requested dual-motor, big-battery configurations from all participants, but Chevrolet sent a base front-drive Equinox EV with 220 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Its AWD variant, with 300 hp and 355 lb-ft, would’ve been more fitting. Power figures across the group ranged from 320 hp in the Korean entries to 397 hp in the Tesla, with torque from 389 lb-ft in the Model Y up to 500 lb-ft in the Mach-E. Both the VW ID4 and Toyota bZ fell in the middle, producing 335 hp and 338 hp respectively, though neither manufacturer listed torque specs.
Range and Charging Times
Despite advances in battery tech, EVs still face two stubborn hurdles: range anxiety and charging reliability. As John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, reminded us in MotorTrend Investigates: America’s EV Problem, those two worries remain the biggest barriers for new buyers.
We ran headfirst into these issues during our test in Tehachapi, California, a couple of hours north of Los Angeles. The fast chargers near our hotel—stations we’d used before—were unexpectedly offline, forcing us to hunt for alternatives. And with the industry shifting from CCS to Tesla’s NACS standard, adapters became our lifeline for connecting to both Superchargers and legacy plugs.
To determine real-world range, we performed MotorTrend’s Road-Trip Range test: a 70-mph highway loop designed to neutralize elevation and wind effects. The Kia EV6 topped the charts, managing 266 miles per charge—just shy of its EPA-rated 295. Close behind came the Chevrolet Equinox EV at 262 miles, while the Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y tied for third at 252 miles apiece. The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s larger 20-inch wheels hurt its efficiency, limiting it to 234 miles. Toyota’s bZ managed 222 miles, and the Volkswagen ID4 brought up the rear with 208.
Charging speed told a similar story. The EV6 once again led the pack, adding 160 miles in just 15 minutes on a 350-kW charger. The Ioniq 5 wasn’t far behind, adding 138 miles in the same window. The Model Y followed with 133 miles, Toyota added 115, and the ID4 managed 103. The Mach-E and Equinox EV were neck and neck, adding 95 and 94 miles respectively.
On the Road
Range and charging matter, but the true test lies behind the wheel. Comfort, handling, and driver confidence define the ownership experience—so we took all seven EVs through our 27-mile evaluation route, featuring city streets, canyon roads, highways, and even some bumpy railroad crossings.
Though many posted similar power numbers, their personalities couldn’t have been more different. The Mustang Mach-E emerged as the driver’s favorite—its steering communicative, its balance sharp, and its spirit faintly echoing the muscle car that inspired it. In a world where many EVs feel sterile, the Mach-E had genuine soul.
You might assume the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 drive identically, given their shared bones, but the Kia feels sportier. Its steering is tighter and suspension firmer—controlled yet never harsh. The Ioniq 5, meanwhile, prioritizes serenity with a pillow-soft ride and near-silent cabin.
Tesla deserves credit for progress: the updated Model Y’s retuned suspension finally delivers composure instead of punishment. Gone is the brittle stiffness of the past. Steering remains quick and heavy, but balanced enough for long drives without fatigue.
The Toyota bZ impressed with its smooth ride and energetic powertrain but frustrated judges with tire noise and the absence of one-pedal driving. Likewise, the ID4 disappointed with limited brake regeneration options but earned praise for its confident road manners.
The front-drive Equinox EV rode comfortably and soaked up bumps well, but its layout caused torque steer—the steering wheel tugging under hard acceleration. Its lack of rear-wheel drive limited agility, leaving it outclassed in this company.
Inside
Thanks to floor-mounted batteries, all these EVs boast generous interior space. Tesla’s rear cabin particularly stood out, winning points for its dedicated entertainment screen supporting Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch, as well as powered folding seats, a separate A/C zone, and class-leading legroom.
Still, cost-cutting reared its head. The Model Y lacked a sunroof shade—unforgivable under bright skies—and offered only a single USB port up front (though it did include dual wireless chargers like the Toyota). Watching the low-mounted rear screen could also leave your neck sore after a while.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s interior struck the best balance between tech and usability. Its layout blends clearly labeled physical buttons with intuitive digital elements. The Kia EV6, however, annoyed judges with its shared knob setup for audio and climate control—requiring a switch between modes just to adjust temperature or volume.
Ford’s Mach-E earned praise for simplicity. Its vertical touchscreen is easy to navigate, though some wished temperature controls were placed higher. A reworked console moves the shifter to the steering column, freeing up extra space, and a small secondary display keeps essential data right in the driver’s eyeline—something the single-screen Tesla lacks.
Toyota’s bZ divided opinion. The small steering wheel paired with an instrument cluster set above the rim made visibility awkward for some and cramped for others.
Chevrolet’s Equinox EV added flair with Camaro-inspired vents and broad dual screens, but frustration followed once we realized it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Built-in Google Maps and apps like Spotify help, yet the experience still feels limited compared to what most drivers expect.
Volkswagen’s ID4 continued its theme of “almost there.” The infotainment system improved in clarity but still lagged in speed and usability, and basic actions—like changing volume or opening rear windows—required odd slider controls or shared switches.
Value
When it comes to value, price alone doesn’t tell the whole story. What truly matters is what you get for your money—comfort, quality, and the features that make daily driving easier.
At roughly $35,000, the Chevrolet Equinox EV was the clear bargain, but its simplicity reflected the price. It lacked all-wheel drive, dual-zone climate, and even heated seats. Still, every model comes with an 85-kWh battery and solid room for four, making the LT trim a strong choice among budget EVs like the Hyundai Kona or Nissan Leaf.
The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, though mechanical twins, landed at different price points. The EV6 Wind cost about $56,400, while the Ioniq 5 Limited reached $61,000, second highest in the group. The Hyundai offered more features, but the Kia hit the sweeter value note if you can forgo a sunroof and larger wheels. For a brand once famous for affordability, Hyundai’s premium lean here was unexpected.
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E Premium, priced near $58,700, justified its tag with a robust feature list—B&O audio, 360-degree cameras, ventilated seats, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. It and the Tesla were also the only two to include functional frunks.
Volkswagen’s ID4, at $59,900, felt overpriced. Though well equipped, its interior quality trailed the rest, and its quirky window and control layout remained baffling. Worse yet, it’s currently the only model here without access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, though VW promises an update—eventually.
The Tesla Model Y topped the chart at $63,600, roughly $8,000 of which comes from its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) option. Skip that, and its value looks much stronger. Judges still criticized Tesla’s visible cost savings, like the absent sunshade, but its technology and performance remain near the head of the class.
Toyota’s 2026 bZ struck a great balance. Starting at about $36,400, the single-motor XLE offers 236 miles of EPA range. Upgrading to the AWD Limited trim with JBL audio raises the price to roughly $47,300—a solid deal when stacked against pricier rivals. Its modest range aside, the Toyota presents an attractive way to save ten grand while staying electric.
Safety
Carmakers are pouring resources into safety innovations that go far beyond traditional airbags and crumple zones. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are now the real frontier. Brands like Tesla and Ford even enable hands-free driving on select roads, where the car takes temporary control while the driver remains alert—an impressive glimpse into the near future of autonomy.
Ford’s BlueCruise earned glowing reviews in our tests. It kept the Mach-E centered and managed lane changes gracefully, with crystal-clear cues for when to let the car steer and when to step back in. The communication between driver and machine felt natural, inspiring confidence rather than tension—exactly what good automation should do.
Tesla’s Full Self Driving (Supervised) wowed the judges with its ability to handle both highways and city traffic. Yet not everyone was comfortable with it. Because it’s still in beta, concerns arose about whether real-world users are serving as unwitting test subjects. Occasional hard braking and overly assertive steering still interrupt what could otherwise be a seamless experience. We admired the tech, but trust came less easily.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 approach driver assistance with balance. Their Highway Driving Assist II blends adaptive cruise and lane-following functions to create a smooth, dependable ride. It won’t let you take your hands off the wheel for long—about 15 to 30 seconds—but during that time, it quietly manages speed, spacing, and steering with precision.
Among Toyota, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet, Toyota leads the trio. Its Safety Sense 3.0 packs adaptive cruise, lane alerts, and steering assist that help the car stay centered with poise. Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive handled traffic well with adaptive cruise and steady lane guidance, though the ID4 occasionally wandered within the lane.
Chevrolet trailed behind. The Equinox EV we tested lacked the brand’s top-tier Super Cruise system—an omission that hurt its performance score. The available version only offered basic adaptive cruise and lane-keeping, which worked fine but didn’t deliver the refinement or confidence of Ford’s or GM’s more advanced setups.
The Bottom Line
When it came time to declare a winner, the field was tight. Once the uncontested leader, Tesla now faces formidable rivals on every front. This comparison proved that its dominance has faded; the competition has caught up in design, engineering, performance, safety, and price. While Tesla’s Model Y still rules the sales charts, today’s buyers have more and better electric SUV options than ever—and one model managed to rise above them all.
1st Place: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Pros
- Engaging personality
- Sharp steering
- Fun, sporty handling
Cons
- One-pedal mode needs refinement
- Price rises quickly with options
- Awkward push-button door handles
Verdict: Incremental updates have transformed the Mach-E into a more mature and well-rounded EV. It delivers solid range, a roomy cabin, and lively performance. Some competitors may edge it out in specific metrics, but few match its overall charisma and balance.
2nd Place: Kia EV6
Pros
- Excellent driving range
- Strong value
- Quick charging speeds
Cons
- Confusing dual-use HVAC/radio controls
- Limited trunk capacity
- Cramped rear-seat legroom
Verdict: The EV6 nearly clinched the top spot. Its sleek design and robust specs impressed, but its frustrating controls and small cargo area kept it just short of gold.
3rd Place: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Pros
- Striking design
- Tech-forward interior
- Fast charging
Cons
- Premium price
- Stiff competition
- Lower range compared to rivals
Verdict: The 2023 SUV of the Year remains a strong contender with great dynamics and comfort. Still, as the EV field grows, the Ioniq 5 now competes against newer, sharper players.
4th Place: Tesla Model Y
Pros
- Industry-leading tech
- Advanced Full Self Driving capabilities
- Spacious interior
Cons
- Still prone to software and driving glitches
- Expensive
- Noticeable cost-cutting in materials
Verdict: With Tesla’s charging network now open to rivals, the Model Y loses a key edge. It’s still futuristic, but others now match—or surpass—it in refinement and performance.
5th Place: Chevrolet Equinox EV
Pros
- Attractive pricing
- Long range
- Stylish exterior
Cons
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Noticeable torque steer
- Slow charging rate
Verdict: The Equinox EV impresses with affordability and range but falls short in tech integration and driving finesse, keeping it out of the top tier.
6th Place: Toyota bZ
Pros
- Larger battery
- More power
- Standard NACS charging port
Cons
- Awkward driving position
- No true one-pedal operation
- Fails to stand out in key areas
Verdict: The 2026 Toyota bZ makes strides in battery size and range, but even with these upgrades, it blends into the crowd rather than leading it.
7th Place: Volkswagen ID4
Pros
- Drives like a true VW—solid and confident
- Roomy interior
- Sleek, futuristic design
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks one-pedal mode
- No Supercharger access
Verdict: Spacious and dependable, the ID4 remains a good value overall, but in this increasingly competitive field, “good” isn’t quite good enough.
