Defining what makes a vehicle "cool" is as opinionated as it can get. While there are ways to justify the reasons for various factors, in the end, there is never a right or wrong answer. That being said, you can take a vehicle, such as the Tesla Model Y, dissect all of its features, compare it to other models, and see which one does it better. Tesla has a strong following in its community, and it goes beyond its owners. Putting electric SUVs next to the Model Y and calling them cooler does not mean the Model Y isn't worthy. It's pretty well known within the automotive industry that Tesla brings innovative technologies and designs that put them at the forefront of electric vehicles. There is one area that Tesla lacks or doesn't focus on, and that is customization and diversity within its lineup.
2024 Tesla Model Y Specifications
Powertrain
Single-Permanent-Magnet Motor or Front AC Induction And Rear Permanent-Magnet Motors
Horsepower
295-456 HP
Torque
310-497 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
RWD or AWD
Battery
62-82-kWh Battery
Range
320-302 Miles
Charging
10.4-11.5 Hours @ 220V
Fuel Economy
105-123 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
29-32 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
6.6-3.5 Seconds
Top Speed
135-155 MPH
Starting Price
$44,380-$52,880
People always say if it isn't broken, why fix it? This is true, and it's peace of mind to know that if you owned a specific Tesla model and that same model pulled up to the light next to you, you wouldn't feel jealous of the stranger's car. The word basic can sometimes be a negative word when describing things, but when you use that word with Tesla, they somehow change that word to be positive. If you buy a Tesla today, you can choose from five exterior colors and three interior colors. Of course, it depends on the model, but Tesla keeps it simple. Returning to the point, with an automotive manufacturer playing it safe, means all these new mainstream EVs pull in wow factors and aren't shooting for practical and minimal design and features. This is where these ten models come into play, with how they could be seen as ten cooler electric SUVs over the Tesla Model Y.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA. The methodology to evaluate the 'coolness' factor goes beyond just the aesthetics, which is why we have considered the EV as a whole to see if it counts as cool.
Related 15 Solid Alternatives To The Tesla Model Y
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1 BMW IX The Not-So-Ugly Duckling
The first SUV on the list wasn't to everyone's liking upon its release. The BMW IX received a lot of hate for several reasons, but after being out for a couple of years, people have started to look past its flaws and see its strengths. The BMW IX was released in 2021. This year marks a time when people within the automotive community were not ready for several automotive companies announcing their plan to implement a ton of EVs within their lineups. It might be an underlying reason as to why it was hated, but on paper, the BMW IX has some amazing features and a powerful powertrain.
Performance Specifications
BMW IX
Powertrain
Dual-Permanent-Magnet-Motors
Horsepower
516-610 HP
Torque
546-769 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
AWD
Battery
71-105.2-kWh Battery
Range
285-309 Miles
Charging
Under 11 Hours @ 240V
Fuel Economy
83-86 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
39-42 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
3.2-3.6 Seconds
Top Speed
162 MPH
Starting Price
$87,240-$111,500
When comparing the BMW IX to the Tesla Model Y, there are a few areas in which the IX might do better. For starters, BMW is known for its sporty characteristics within its vehicles, and that shows with this electric SUV. The IX is available in two trims, the iX xDrive50 and the iX M60. Regarding power, the IX's base trim's horsepower is 221 higher than Tesla's 295 horsepower. If you take both performance trims, the Tesla comes in at 456 horsepower, and the IX comes in at a whopping 610 horsepower. This allows the IX to do a 0-60 sprint in 3.2 seconds, but BMW is known for downplaying its numbers.
Of course, power isn't everything, and the IX, which is centered around performance, comes close to the Tesla Model Y Long Range's electric range. In the automotive community, performance plays a significant role in "coolness," and according to that, the BMW IX might be cooler than the Model Y.
2 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N The Electric SUV Built For The Tracks
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N took over the automotive news earlier this year when it debuted, and it was completely justified. If one EV on the list could take the money and be considered "more cool" than the Model Y, the Ioniq 5 N is one of the contenders.
Performance Specifications
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Powertrain
84 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery W/ Dual-Electric Motor
Horsepower
641 HP
Torque
546 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
AWD
Battery
84.0-kWh Battery
Range
221 Miles
Charging
Under 7 Hours @ 240V
Fuel Economy
72 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
N/A
0-60 MPH
3.25 Seconds
Top Speed
162 MPH
Starting Price
$66,100
So far, performance is the critical factor in deciding if these models have better wow factors than the Model Y. Don't worry because this isn't over "ten models faster than the Model Y", but in today's world, going fast is pretty cool. That's precisely what the Ioniq 5 N does with its assortment of performance upgrades. For starters, the Model Y wipes this EV with range and fuel economy. But, who needs that when you can go around the Nürburgring in seven minutes and forty-five seconds? The Ioniq 5 N is priced relatively lower than other high-performance models with slower 0-60 sprints and horsepower. Hyundai didn't capitalize on its mainstream sports SUV, which is cool.
3 Kia EV6 One Of The Quickest Electric SUVs On The Market
The Kia EV6 made some headway upon its release and fit right in with its comparable competition, such as the Mach-E, Ioniq 5, and Model Y. One trim, in particular, looks cooler on paper, and that's the EV6 GT. The EV6 GT can even beat some newer Ferraris in 0-60 mph sprints, which is cool in some people's books.
Performance Specifications
Kia EV6
Powertrain
Single or Dual Electric Motors
Horsepower
167-576 HP
Torque
258-545 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
RWD or AWD
Battery
58-77.4-kWh Battery
Range
218-310 Miles
Charging
Under 7 Hours @ 240V
Fuel Economy
72 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
28-39 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
6.7-3.4 Seconds
Top Speed
162 MPH
Starting Price
$42,600-$63,810
The Kia EV6 GT is one of the fastest electric SUVs on the market and was Korea's fastest EV for a short period. Similar to the BMW IX, the EV6 GT was designed for performance, but the platform has more to give than speed. Sharing a nearly identical base price, the Model Y and EV6 are $300 in difference. The Model Y's base looks better and performs better than the base EV6, but the EV6 GT is in another ballpark.
Both performance-centered trims have close numbers, but the EV6 GT provides an all-electric range of 310 miles, while the Tesla Model Y Performance only gives a 279-mile range. The Tesla Model Y's exterior is a common design seen throughout many people's daily commutes, but Kia developed a "design to inspire" with a bold, sporty aesthetic.
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1 4 GMC Hummer EV The Return Of A Legend
GMC sparked fools gold with the Hummer in the early 2000s, but it didn't take long for people to realize they missed an SUV they didn't like before. In 2009, GMC announced bankruptcy, and discontinuing the Hummer was part of the bigger picture. Skip to the last couple of years, and people were ecstatic for the behemoth of an SUV to reappear within the automotive industry.
Performance Specifications
GMC Hummer EV
Powertrain
Dual or Triple Permanent-Magnet Motors
Horsepower
570-830 HP
Torque
7,400-11,500 LB FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
AWD
Battery
212-kWh Battery
Range
303-314 Miles
Charging
Around 24 Hours @ 120V
Fuel Economy
53 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
63 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
Estimated 3.5 Seconds
Top Speed
106 MPH
Starting Price
$96,550-$104,650
The GMC Hummer EV excels in one area that the Model Y can't even compete in: its towing capacity. The Hummer EV has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, and the Model Y comes in at 3,500 pounds. Unfortunately, the Hummer EV Pickup couldn't make the list, but if it had, those numbers would've reached 12,000 pounds. In terms of the all-electric range, the Hummer EV does well, with a range of over 300 miles. Only 212 kWh is usable out of the 246 kWh battery cells, but that's impressive for EV batteries. The Model Y only has 62-82 kWh throughout the three trims.
The most noticeable difference between the two is looks. Defining whether a vehicle looks good or not is entirely opinionated, and you can't go wrong with whatever you decide. It would be hard not to say that the GMC Hummer EV has a better exterior design than the Model Y. Its fresh look reflects previous generations.
5 Porsche Macan EV Nothing Like German Performance And Design
The Porsche Macan EV is one of the few Porsches you can buy without spending a fortune. The good news is that Porsche still incorporates its sportiness and sleek design into the affordable Macan EV.
Performance Specifications
Porsche Macan EV
Powertrain
Single Or Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors
Horsepower
335-630 HP
Torque
415-833 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
RWD Or AWD
Battery
95 kWh Battery
Range
320-380 Miles (WLTP Cycle)
Charging
10 Hours For AC with 11 kW
Fuel Economy
N/A
kWh/100 Miles
N/A
0-60 MPH
5.2-3.1 Seconds
Top Speed
136-162 MPH
Starting Price
$78,800-$105,300
Many of the electric SUVs were designed for performance, and the Macan EV has some get-up to it, but the range is impressive compared to the Tesla Model Y. The base Macan EV offers 320 miles of range and goes up to 380 miles on the Macan 4. This is more than the Model Y, with its all-electric range of 320 miles. Not only does it one up Tesla there, but this is impressive with it coming close to the electric SUV with the most range. But, mind you, the Macan's range numbers are WLTP-rated, which is known to be more lenient than the EPA testing.
Porsche knows how to design its vehicles around performance, and the Turbo Electric trim sprints a 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. While the Macan EV is almost double the price of the Tesla Model Y, you still get a better range, better performance, and better looks.
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6 Rivian R1S The New Kid On The Block
You were probably raised and told never to judge a book by its cover, but just for this one instance, the Rivian R1S looks way cooler than a Tesla Model Y. In all seriousness, the Rivian R1S has many innovative features that also ensure great fuel economy and impressive performance.
Performance Specifications
Rivan R1S
Powertrain
Dual, Triple, or Quad Permanent-Magnet Motors
Horsepower
533-1,025 HP
Torque
610-1,200 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
AWD
Battery
106.0-147.0 kWh Battery
Range
260-410 Miles
Charging
13-20 Hours @ 240V
Fuel Economy
64-82 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
41-52 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
4.5-2.5 Seconds
Top Speed
125 MPH
Starting Price
$75,900-$105,900
One area that has yet to be discussed is cargo capacity. The Rivian R1S is the electric SUV with the most cargo capacity. Similar to the Hummer EV, the R1S can tow up to 7,700 pounds, providing endless adventure with some strength to tow. The Rivian is available in three motor configurations with dual, triple, or quad electric motors. When it comes to range, the R1S Dual Max one-ups the Model Y with its 410-mile all-electric range. This makes the Rivian R1S the electric SUV with the most range. The Dual Max trim can perform a 3.4 second 0-60 mph sprint with its 665 horsepower. If that isn't enough power, you can go with the Quad Max, which can do it in 2.6 seconds with an available 1,025 horsepower.
The Rivian R1S and its five trims are the other contenders to be considered cooler than the Tesla Model Y. It plays and looks the part with its performance and fuel economy, which are more impressive than that of the Model Y. You can't be wrong when deciding which EV is better. Still, if one were to guess, the Rivian R1S would be a good amount of people's first choice if they had to pick between the two.
Discussion Will There Be An Electric SUV Anytime Soon That Can Take Down The Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y has consistently been a top-seller since it was launched in 2020 and there's no stopping it. Is there any other automaker that can come up with a true-blue rival to the Model Y and steal customers from Tesla?
7 Mercedes EQS SUV Bringing Luxury To EVs
The Mercedes EQS SUV does almost everything right. In fact, Mercedes has been going strong in terms of its electric lineup through diverse features, including range, comfort, luxuries, and performance. While it's hard to pinpoint one or two things on these vehicles to explain how they could be cooler than a Model Y, it's safer going with features that the automotive manufacturers excel in, such as the luxuries Mercedes offers.
Performance Specifications
Mercedes EQS SUV
Powertrain
Single or Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors
Horsepower
355-536 HP
Torque
419-633 LB FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
RWD or AWD
Battery
118-kWh Battery
Range
339-330 Miles
Charging
14 Hours @ 9.6 kW
Fuel Economy
85-77 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
39-42 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
6.5-4.5 Seconds
Top Speed
130 MPH
Starting Price
$104,400-$127,350
You may have already thought about the Tesla's interior and why none of these vehicles have been compared to the Model Y. Similar to power, which most automotive enthusiasts care about, Tesla's interiors, such as the Model Y, would easily be outdone by the entirety of the list. This was left for the EQS SUV since it has the most elevated interior out of the eleven SUVs. The EQS can be equipped with various add-ons ranging from technology to comfort. The Model Y doesn't come with Nappa Leather, nor does it come with all-around ventilated seats in the front and rear.
The EQS is an elevated electric SUV on the market that would make anyone feel like a million dollars. You could write a pamphlet about all the bells and whistles available on this Mercedes SUV and its sedan counterpart.
8 Ford Mustang Mach-E Not Your Ordinary Mustang
Most people might recognize this electric SUV since it's pretty common in traffic and daily commutes. The one thing that people might overlook is the specific trims on the Mach-E due to Ford taking a play off of Tesla's book, with underwhelming designs. Although it might not be the prettiest SUV out there, the Mach-E brings good range and impressive performance.
Performance Specifications
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Powertrain
Single or Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors
Horsepower
264-480 HP
Torque
387-700 LB-FT
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Driveline
RWD Or AWD
Battery
72-91-kWh Battery
Range
230-320 Miles
Charging
9.5 Hours @ 240V
Fuel Economy
82-101 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
33-41 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
4.1-3.3 Seconds
Top Speed
114-168 MPH
Starting Price
$39,995-$58,995
The Mach-E is available in four trims, and the two performance trims are the cooler ones within the herd. You can't have "Mustang" in your name and not have some sort of performance. Ford must've thought of this from the start since the GT trim displays the "Mustang" performance many people know. The GT trim can go 0-60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds, but the recently released Rally trim does it even better in 3.4 seconds. Both trims have 480 horsepower, but the Rally trim goes from the standard 600 pound-feet of torque in the GT trim to 700 pound-feet.
As stated earlier, performance isn't everything, and the Mach-E Premium provides an extended range of 320 miles. This trim competes with the Tesla Model Y's Long Range trim, with a hundred-dollar difference in starting prices. If it came down to the Mach-E Rally and the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E might have a better advantage with its redesign and better performance.
9 Genesis Electrified GV70 One Of The Most Underrated Electric SUVs On The Market
The Electrified GV70 is one of the underrated EVs on the market, which might be because it doesn't have the flashy design seen on most EVs. It's like the kid in school who doesn't try but looks cool doing it. People are awaiting the release of the 2025 model, which has received some changes, but for now, you'll have to make do with models from the last two years.
Performance Specifications
Genesis Electrified GV70
Powertrain
Dual Permenent-Magnet Motor
Horsepower
429 HP
Torque
516 LB FT
Transmission
Single Speed Automatic
Driveline
AWD
Battery
77.4-kWh Battery
Range
236 Miles
Charging
About 7 Hours @ 10.5kW
Fuel Economy
91 MPGe
kWh/100 Miles
37 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Starting Price
$66,450
The Electrified GV70 carries on the characteristics of past Genesis' with its streamlined exterior design. The Tesla Model Y has an aesthetically pleasing design as well, but after some facelifts and redesigns of several Tesla models, it typically comes back looking the same. For the GV70 EV, it's a breath of fresh air, and it doesn't hurt that Genesis focuses on comfort over other areas. The SUV is equipped with modern technology, 350kW rapid charging, and vehicle-to-load-charging.
What makes the Electricified GV70 even cooler is that the 2023 model was a top safety pick for midsize luxury SUVs. If you're looking for an EV that is subtle but still has wow factors, the GV70 EV is worth considering. It's also nice to see some EVs that share their designs with their gasoline-powered siblings.
Related Tesla Model Y Price, Configurations, And What You Get For The Money
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10 Volvo EX30 You'll Just Have To Wait And See
Volvo last year announced the EX30, its small electric SUV, which will be released in late 2024 to early 2025. The Swedish automotive company focuses on fuel economy, CO2 footprints, and practicality. The EX30 expands Volvo's fast-growing electric lineup and comes at an affordable price.
Performance Specifications
Volvo EX30
Powertrain
Single or Dual Permenent-Magent Motor
Horsepower
268-422 HP
Torque
253-400 LB FT
Transmission
Automatic
Driveline
RWD Or AWD
Battery
69.0-kWh Battery
Range
Estimated 272 Miles
Charging
8 Hours @ 11kW AC
Fuel Economy
TBD
kWh/100 Miles
26.5 kWh/100 Miles
0-60 MPH
5.1-3.4 Seconds
Top Speed
N/A
Starting Price
$34,950
Volvo has kept some of the information on the EX30 under wraps, but some things are worth noting. The EX30 is available with a single motor that can be paired with an extended range. The second configuration consists of two performance motors, with both the front and rear axles receiving a motor. The all-wheel drive variant produces 422 horsepower and drives from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating Volvo car ever. Wearing a helmet back in the day while riding a skateboard wasn't cool, but in the last decade, it's the opposite. Volvo's implementation of safety in the entirety of its lineup is a wow factor and is one of the reasons the Swedish brand is considered the safest car brand in the world.
It's impressive that the Volvo EX30 has better performance, more affordable prices, and possibly better safety. The safety part may be speculation, but Volvo's track record shows that it's very likely that the EX30 will be one of the safer EV SUVs available on the market in 2025.