Welcome to the ultimate electric car comparison for 2023, where we take a closer look at some of the best-selling EVs on the road. With the increasing popularity of electric cars, there are more options than ever before. We’ll compare the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model 3, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in different categories. Whether you’re looking for the best value for your money, a family-friendly option, a budget-friendly choice, or the best car for road trips or performance, we’ve got you covered.

Tesla Model Y

First up, the best-selling EV in America. Is it all that it’s cracked up to be? As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, competition in the EV market is heating up. One of the most well-known and well-regarded brands in this space is Tesla, which offers several models to choose from. But is the Model Y the best of the best? Let’s dive in.

Why It’s Awesome

The 2023 Tesla Model Y is an impressive electric crossover SUV that offers a range of up to 330 miles on a single charge, making it a great choice for those who need to travel long distances. It comes with a range of features that are sure to impress, including a large infotainment display, autopilot semi-autonomous driving system, and an all-glass roof that adds an airy ambiance to the cabin. The Model Y also offers impressive acceleration, making it a great choice for those who value speed and performance. It’s also incredibly safe.

Price and Range

The Long Range AWD Model Y starts at $52,990, while the Model Y Performance starts at $56,990. Tesla recently dropped its prices by up to 13%, making the Model Y more affordable than ever before. The entry-level ‘Standard Range AWD’ model comes with a different battery pack than the other two, and its range is lower at 279 miles per charge. It has finally appeared on Tesla’s online configurator with a price of $49,990.

The all-wheel-drive Long Range offers an impressive 330 miles of range, while the Performance model’s estimated range drops to 303 miles.

Performance

The Model Y is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup that allows for impressive acceleration. The Long Range model can go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, while the Performance model can achieve this in an even quicker 3.6 seconds. While the Model Y offers impressive acceleration, it doesn’t deliver the same level of driving satisfaction as the Model 3 due to the SUV body’s higher center of gravity. On the other hand, road noise is reduced in the Model Y compared to its sedan sibling.

How It Compares

Compared to other EVs on the market, the Model Y offers a range of impressive features, including autopilot semi-autonomous driving and a large infotainment display. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of build quality as luxury EV SUVs like the Audi Q8 e-tron, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Genesis GV60. Many reviewers note that even the IONIQ 5 and EV6 have a better ride quality. 

Additionally, the Model Y can feel clumsy on twisty roads and offers less driving range than some rivals, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Volkswagen ID.4. However, the Model Y does have one key feature that sets it apart from other EVs on the market: an optional third row of seats, making it a great choice for family buyers with small children. It’s VERY tight back there, so don’t expect to fit adults in the third row.

Overall, the 2023 Tesla Model Y is a solid choice for those in the market for an electric crossover SUV. It offers impressive acceleration and a range of impressive features that are sure to impress, and its third row of seats makes it a great choice for families. However, it does face stiff competition from other EVs on the market, so it’s important to consider all options before making a final decision.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an electric SUV that combines modern electrification with a touch of retro design. This SUV is a standout performer in its category, thanks to its impressive fast-charging capabilities and notable driving range. With a range of power options, and a spread of pricing and range availability, the IONIQ 5 makes for a compelling choice for anyone considering their first EV purchase.

Why It’s Awesome

The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s all-electric SUV that features a head-turning design with a digitized dashboard and eco-friendly materials. It offers quick charging times, ample passenger and cargo space, and modern infotainment and connectivity features. The IONIQ 5 boasts a 350-kW DC fast-charging capacity, which allows it to charge as quickly as far more expensive and luxurious EVs, like the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air. Inside, the IONIQ 5’s cabin features a flat floor, allowing for more room for passengers and cargo.

Price and Range

The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts at $41,450 for the SE RWD Standard Range, which can run for 220 miles on a single charge. But that’s not the best value. The SE rear-wheel drive with more power and a bigger battery starts at $45,500, and is good for an EPA-rated 303 miles on a charge. The SEL version, which comes highly recommended, is priced from $47,450. The top-of-the-line Limited trim comes in at $52,600, and featured a glass roof, heads-up display, 20” wheels, and other premium features. 

All-wheel drive adds a second electric motor, creating more combined power and costs $3,500 extra. The IONIQ 5 has a range of up to 303 miles with a single motor and 266 miles with all-wheel drive. That’s a minor increase from the 2022 model.

Performance

The standard-range battery paired with a single, rear-mounted electric motor generates 168 horsepower. The longer-range battery generates 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which propels the IONIQ 5 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds with rear-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive version is much more powerful, with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet, and goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, according to testing from Car and Driver and others. 

How It Compares

The IONIQ 5 compares favorably to other popular EV SUVs, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. It boasts better charging speeds and a longer range than most competitors in its class, as well as a more spacious interior. The IONIQ 5’s starting price is also competitive, especially considering its impressive performance and features. Sadly, dealer markups have plagued the IONIQ 5 from the start. Hopefully, 2023 will see the demise of these anti-consumer markups. Overall, the IONIQ 5 is a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and capable electric SUV.

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is a standout electric SUV that is turning heads in the EV market. The EV6 boasts a bold look all its own and athletic road manners that make it a joy to drive.

Why It’s Awesome

The EV6 is an SUV that’s easy to live with, fun-to-drive, and a good value. It’s one of our favorite EVs because its traits add up to a well-rounded electric vehicle. The interior is spacious and quiet, making it a comfortable ride for passengers. Plus, the EV6 has excellent acceleration and handling, particularly for an SUV. For hot-shoe drivers, the GT model is the one to get, with its impressive 576 horsepower that’s enough to make Stinger owners envious as it blows by them.

Price and Range

The Kia EV6 is costlier than nearly all other non-luxury electric SUVs, with a base price of $48,700. That’s for the base Wind trim with rear-wheel drive. The midrange EV6 GT-Line with RWD starts at $52,900. All-wheel-drive versions of the Wind and GT-Line start at $52,900 and $57,600, respectively. The new EV6 GT is more expensive but more capable, starting at $61,600. The EV6 offers two battery sizes: a 58.0-kWh and a 77.4-kWh pack. The smaller, standard battery has an EPA-rated range of 232 miles, while the larger, long-range battery is EPA-rated at up to 310 miles. Opt for the performance-oriented GT model, and the range drops to a measly 206 miles per charge, even though it comes with the larger of the two batteries.

Performance

The EV6 is available with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle that gives it rear-wheel drive or with electric motors on both front and rear that enable all-wheel drive. While all-wheel-drive models have a larger battery pack and either 320 or 576 total horsepower, the base rear-drive example has a smaller battery and just 167 horses. Opting for the bigger battery boosts the rear-drive EV6’s total system output to 225 horses. We drove a GT-Line AWD in Europe and enjoyed its satisfying acceleration, agile handling, and adjustable regenerative brake settings. At our test track, that 320-hp GT-Line model managed a brisk 4.5-second zero-to-60-mph time. If you prioritize maximum straight-line performance, the 576-hp GT has you covered; in our testing, it hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

How It Compares

The EV6 is a strong contender in the EV market and is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5. In terms of price, the EV6 is pricier than the Ioniq 5 but more affordable than the Model Y. While the Model Y has a longer range, the EV6 offers a respectable range and competitive performance. The Ioniq 5 has a similar range and performance to the EV6, but the EV6’s styling and features give it a unique edge. Ultimately, choosing between these three cars will come down to personal preferences, but the EV6 is a strong option that should not be overlooked.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a highly versatile electric crossover that has made a name for itself in the EV market. It offers a range of equipment packages to suit different customer preferences and lifestyles, ranging from the content-rich Premium model to the performance-oriented GT. The Mach-E is agile, quick, and boasts an appealing exterior, an upscale interior with the latest tech, and impressive range and capability.

Why It’s Awesome

The Mustang Mach-E’s design is sleek, modern, and sporty, with its elongated hood, sweeping roofline, and signature pony badge on the front. The interior is also impressive, with a streamlined dashboard, customizable ambient interior lighting, and a huge vertically mounted touchscreen for infotainment. The Mach-E’s battery is located under the floor, which maximizes passenger and cargo space, and the front trunk is made of durable plastics that can be rinsed and drained. The Mach-E also has an array of features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging.

Price and Range

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s pricing starts at $45,995 for the rear-drive Select model, and the GT Extended Range model is priced at $63,575+. The Premium model’s estimated range has been increased to 290 miles, while the Mach-E’s range varies between 224 and 312 miles, depending on the battery pack and the configuration of electric motors. Although it isn’t as impressive as some of the longest-range Tesla models, the Mach-E’s fast-charging capability and mobile charging device make up for it.

Performance

The 2023 Mustang Mach-E is available with either a standard-range 70.0-kWh battery or an extended-range 91.0-kWh pack. The electric motor is mounted on the rear or both axles, creating either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, respectively. The GT and GT Performance models have motors that combine to produce 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque, which can propel the Mach-E GT Performance from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Other models have between 266 and 346 horsepower and 317 to 428 pound-feet of torque.

How It Compares

The Mustang Mach-E is a highly competitive EV that has won awards for its impressive performance and design. However, it has since lost the title of EV of the Year to the cheaper and similarly impressive Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Mach-E’s range and performance are impressive, but its price point may be a drawback for some buyers. Overall, the Mach-E offers a lot of features, range, and capability that make it a worthy contender in the EV market.

Volkswagen ID.4

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is the German automaker’s answer to the electric SUV craze that has taken the world by storm. Designed to provide an affordable and practical option for those looking to switch from internal combustion, the ID.4 boasts an impressive driving range, fast charging capabilities, and a comfortable, spacious cabin. While it faces stiff competition from established players like the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the ID.4 holds its own with its attractive pricing and a well-rounded package that blends practicality with comfort.

Why It’s Awesome

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an excellent electric SUV that pairs practicality with comfort, making it a great choice for drivers looking to make the switch from internal combustion. It comes standard with DC fast-charging capability, allowing for relatively quick and easy charging at public stations. The ID.4 also boasts a spacious interior with high-tech features, ambient lighting, and generous cargo space, making it a practical choice for families or those who require extra storage.

Price and Range

With a starting MSRP of $37,495 for the Standard trim and $42,495 for the S trim, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an affordable electric SUV that won’t break the bank. However, the base Standard trim pairs its attractive price tag with a smaller 58-kWh battery and only around 208 miles of range, which may not be sufficient for some drivers. In contrast, the all-wheel-drive Pro S Plus model, which starts at $50,195, comes with the larger 82-kWh battery and a maximum range of about 275 miles per charge.

Performance

The ID.4 comes with a single rear-mounted motor that produces 201 horsepower, but drivers can opt for the all-wheel-drive model, which comes with a second motor and ups power output to 295 horsepower. However, the ID.4’s driving demeanor was found to be less playful than its competitors, and its traditional gut-punch acceleration was also lacking, even in its most aggressive regenerative mode.

How It Compares

In comparison to the Tesla Model Y and the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the Volkswagen ID.4 falls short in terms of maximum range and performance. The Model Y offers an EPA estimated range of 330 miles, significantly more than the ID.4’s maximum range of about 275 miles. The IONIQ 5 offers slightly more horsepower than the ID.4, with a maximum power output of 305 horsepower. Additionally, the ID.4’s driving demeanor was found to be less playful than both the Model Y and the IONIQ 5, making it less enjoyable to drive. However, the ID.4’s lower starting price and practicality make it a solid choice for drivers looking for an affordable electric SUV with plenty of space and features.

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 revolutionized the electric vehicle market with its compelling combination of affordability, performance, and long-range driving capability. Even as competition from newcomers like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Polestar 2 has grown, the Model 3 remains a bestseller thanks to its unique features.

Why It’s Awesome

Tesla’s Model 3 electric sedan is incredibly fun to drive, and its low center of gravity gives it excellent handling on the road. It accelerates quickly and smoothly thanks to its powerful electric motor, which delivers a punchy response right from the start. The Model 3 Long Range edition provides an impressive 358 miles of range, while the Performance trim delivers extra power and a sportier appearance.

Price and Range

The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is priced at $41,990 for the base rear-wheel-drive model with an estimated range of 272 miles. The Long Range and Performance trims both offer longer ranges of 358 and 315 miles, respectively, with the Performance model coming in at just under $52,990. Buyers can add Full Self-Driving Capability for an additional $15K.

Performance

The Model 3’s electric motor provides instant torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds in the Long Range model and an impressive 3.5 seconds in the Performance edition. The Model 3 is known for its low center of gravity, resulting in excellent handling and a smooth ride. The steering is precise, and the Model 3 feels planted and stable in corners. Road noise is noticeable inside the cabin, but it’s a minor issue.

How It Compares

The Model 3 remains a top contender in the EV market, thanks to its performance, range, and overall appeal. The build quality has been a concern, with some reports of inconsistent assembly and questionable durability. Still, the Model 3’s range, power, and handling set it apart from the competition. Its interior is unlike any other car on the market, with almost everything controlled by a touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. The Model 3’s driver-assist system is impressive, but its name, Autopilot, is misleading. It’s a driver-assist system, not a self-driving feature.

Overall, the Tesla Model 3 is an excellent electric sedan and remains a bestseller for good reason. Its combination of range, performance, and fun driving make it a top choice for many EV buyers.

The Best of the Best

Best value for money 

Tesla Model 3: With a starting price of $42,990 and a maximum range of 358 miles, the Model 3 offers impressive value for money, along with strong performance and smooth driving experience.

Best for families

Hyundai IONIQ 5: The IONIQ 5 boasts a spacious and versatile interior with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it an excellent choice for families. It also has a range of up to 300 miles, ensuring long-distance trips are possible without frequent recharging.

Best for fast charging

Kia EV6: The EV6 offers super-fast charging, with up to 210 miles of range added in just 18 minutes. This makes it ideal for drivers who frequently make long-distance trips and don’t want to spend a lot of time at charging stations.

Best on a budget

Volkswagen ID.4: The ID.4 has a starting price of $39,995, making it an affordable option for those looking to switch to an electric vehicle. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, it offers a comfortable ride, good handling, and a range of up to 250 miles.

Best for road trips

Tesla Model Y: The Model Y boasts a range of up to 326 miles and Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, making it an excellent choice for road trips. It also has a spacious interior and plenty of cargo space, making long drives comfortable and convenient.

Best for performance

Mustang Mach-E GT: The Mustang Mach-E GT delivers thrilling performance with its 480 horsepower electric motor, which can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. It also has a sporty design and a range of up to 270 miles, making it a great choice for those who want an electric vehicle with an edge.

No Losers In This Competition

In conclusion, this electric car comparison has highlighted some of the top-performing and most popular electric vehicles on the market in 2023. Each of these models has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different lifestyles and driving needs. Whether you prioritize performance, range, value for money, or family-friendliness, there is an EV on this list for you. As more manufacturers enter the EV market, we can expect to see even more innovation and competition, leading to even better options for drivers.