The demographics of Model 3 and Model Y buyers show that these cars are often someone’s first EVs. Although the Tesla brand is still grouped under “luxury” cars, people come to them after driving affordable and mass market vehicles, including:
- Honda CRV
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Civic
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Corolla
- Previous Tesla Model 3/Y
This list speaks to the reputation that the Model 3 and Model Y have taken on in US car culture. But, with all the new entrants to the electric car market, maybe 2025 seems like a great time to try something new? As Tesla market share drops from 80% to just under 50%, here are some picks that other drivers are switching to.
Volkswagen ID.4
Particularly with their awesome lease offers these days, the ID4 is a popular choice for first time, and repeat EV drivers. We know of at least three EV drivers who have taken advantage of the lease terms to get the ID4 - one while they wait for the future EV of their dreams (Rivian S2, anyone?) Supercharger access for Volkswagen drivers will happen in March, but rumors are that adapters won’t be sent out until early summer. Someone who owns both a Tesla and an ID4 explains their feelings on the two cars,
“Having owned both a Model Y and an ID.4, I can say that I prefer driving the ID.4 in virtually every circumstance. It's a smoother ride, it's got a way better turning radius, and it feels more spacious inside. I also really like the sunshade that covers the glass roof -- in the summer, it keeps the interior of the car a lot cooler than the Tesla's dark tint.The only reason today that we'd drive the Model Y over the ID.4 is on a roadtrip when we know we'll have to charge. But that advantage will disappear in July when VW gets access to the Tesla superchargers.”
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E had a great year in 2024, with sales up 26.9% from 2023. And, it seems like a popular choice for EV drivers after owning a Tesla. Fords now also have access to the Tesla charging network, although owners may have to find a converter to go from their car’s CCS port to the NACs charger.
A post on Reddit from someone who recently traded in a Model 3 for a Mustang Mach-E compared the two cars,
“..on paper the GT should have the same range as my M3 (270), but Ford and Tesla give range estimates differently…Even though my M3 was slower I miss being able to sling it around corners as a sedan, but the Mach-E has better interior, styling, power, sound system, and trunk and frunk space. Range anxiety is real but I'll adjust as I get used to it. Worth it for me!”
One commenter did caution a potential Model 3 to Mach-E convert that,“
You’re going to lose the heat pump going that route just FYI. We have a Mach-E and a Model 3 and the difference jn cold weather range is very noticeable and we don’t even live in a particularly cold climate!”
Kia EV6
For drivers used to the reliability and ease of charging that comes with the Tesla Supercharging network, the Kia EV6 offers something neat: super fast charging speeds. One week after swapping a Tesla Model Y for an EV6, one driver has this to say,
“I drove it for about 3.5 hours on Saturday. Had the range to get me where I needed to go, and then went to an EA station by my house to use some free credits. Added 40% range in about 13 minutes at a 350 kW station (averaging around 150 kW with a peak just over 200 kW).It drives quieter and smoother on the freeway than my Model Y did, though the steering has a bit more “slop” and the wheel has more degrees of turn lock-to-lock, which is certainly an adjustment.The driver assistance tech is pretty good on it, reminiscent of some earlier iterations of Tesla AP. Having real sensors is nice for things like blind spot monitoring and parking. The lane departure avoidance is gentle but helpful.The interior storage is a bit lacking in terms of volume and functionality but it’s not a huge detriment. CarPlay is very sensitive to the quality of cables it’ll work with and it took me a minute to figure out the best solution.”
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 is the EV6’s boxier cousin, but also a popular choice for drivers looking to branch out from the Tesla brand. Hyundai has the same zippy charging and floor-up electric design as Kia.
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The main complaint that drivers have when they switch from Tesla is about the software, which most admit is much better in Teslas. A Danish Ioniq 5 owner who used to drive a Model 3 Long Range discusses this with other Ioniq 5 drivers,
“I’m three months into an Ioniq after having a Model 3 for two years. The app and software is not as good, but it works. Commands take ~15 seconds to confirm, but it’s not actually a problem once you’re used to it. You can turn the climate on remotely. No sentry mode sucks, but FitCamX is a great dashcam solution. Took me a bit to get used to remembering to turn the car off and lock the doors. But again, not a problem now.”
Others concur,
“The app is no way near as polished as the Tesla, but I got used to it fairly quickly. No problem with controlling the climate control, but having to lock a car again has taken some getting used to.”
Have you made the switch to a newer generation EV from a Tesla? How does it compare? Drop us a line!
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