7 Electric SUVs Compared: Tesla Model Y, Ioniq 5, EV6, Equinox EV, Mach-E, ID.4, bZ

Electric SUV Comparison Overview

• 🚗 Seven mainstream electric SUVs were assembled for a comprehensive comparison and ranking using MotorTrend's judging criteria: advancement in design, efficiency, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, safety, and value.
• ⚡ The contenders include the Chevy Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, Toyota bZ, and Volkswagen ID.4.
• 🔌 A significant challenge in testing was managing charging compatibility, requiring a box of adapters due to varying NACS and CCS plugs across the vehicles and chargers.

Interior and Design Insights

• 💡 The Chevy Equinox EV offers tech features and screens similar to the larger Blazer EV but lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• 📱 The Ford Mustang Mach-E impressed with its sporty feel, practical space, front trunk, and a large portrait-style touchscreen, though seat heater controls were noted as being low.
• 🌟 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stood out with its retrofuturistic design and a movable center console, but rear headroom was found to be limited for taller passengers.
• 🎨 The Kia EV6 featured a thoughtfully colorful interior and a striking cantilevered center console, but the combined stereo and climate controls were a point of frustration.
• 🚀 The Tesla Model Y's 'Juniper' refresh brought reshaped seats and removed the transmission stalk in favor of touchscreen controls, offering a more comfortable experience.
• 📐 The Toyota bZ saw dashboard and instrument cluster revisions for better visibility, though the large, enclosing center console and screen layout were criticized.
• 🚗 The Volkswagen ID.4 was described as the most 'car-like,' with a simple, well-laid-out instrument cluster, but retained frustrating slider controls for infotainment.

Driving Impressions and Performance

• 💨 The Chevy Equinox EV was noted for its comfort and quietness but suffered from torque steer and numb steering, feeling down on power.
• 🐎 The Ford Mustang Mach-E offered significant character, athletic handling, and engaging driving dynamics, though its ride could be firm and tires were loud due to efficiency focus.
• 🛣️ The Hyundai Ioniq 5 provided a great compromise of comfort, visibility, and handling, making it agreeable and fun to drive on various roads.
• ⚡ The Kia EV6 was praised for its spirited driving, feeling more athletic and akin to a hot hatchback, offering the most fun among the group without sacrificing comfort.
• 🚦 Tesla's Model Y driving experience was polarizing, with heavy steering and improved suspension, but abrupt power delivery and a tendency to fall apart when driven hard were noted.
• ⛰️ The Toyota bZ offered good power, comfortable ride quality, and direct steering, with a chassis that felt good, though quick steering was not to everyone's taste.
• 🧑‍💻 The Volkswagen ID.4 felt like a normal commuter SUV with a light, on-its-feet feel, but lacked true one-pedal driving and felt loose in its controls.

Charging and Final Rankings

• 🔌 Six of the seven vehicles are NACS compatible, allowing charging at Tesla Superchargers, with the VW ID.4 expected to gain compatibility soon.
• ⚡ The Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Tesla Model Y were among the fastest charging vehicles.
• 🥇 The Ford Mustang Mach-E secured first place due to its character, fun driving dynamics, good range, value, and overall premium feel, showcasing the power of incremental improvements.
• 🥈 The Kia EV6 took second place, lauded for its best-in-class range, fastest charging, and compelling refresh that pushed an already good car forward.
• 🥉 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 placed third, recognized for its great overall package, appealing design, and interior, though it felt slightly less cutting-edge than newer competitors.
• 🏅 The Tesla Model Y ranked fourth, showing improvements but still having 'Tesla annoyances' and averaging out due to excelling in some areas and faltering in others.
• 📉 The Volkswagen ID.4 was last due to its high price for the features offered and mediocre range, while the Toyota bZ was sixth, improving on its predecessor but still not competitive with the best.
• 🚗 The Chevy Equinox EV landed in fifth place, with issues like lack of Apple CarPlay, some build quality concerns, and slow charging holding it back.