Tesla Model Y Faces Its Toughest Rival Yet: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ties in Head-to-Head Test

Edmunds pits the updated Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ against three strong electric SUV contenders, revealing a surprising tie for the top spot.

By Patrick George | April 13, 2025 at 8:50am ET

The Tesla Model Y has long been the undisputed champion of the electric vehicle world, a benchmark for range, performance, technology, and practicality that earned it the title of the world’s best-selling EV. However, as Tesla rolls out its updated ‘Juniper’ model, a new generation of highly competitive electric SUVs is emerging, challenging the Model Y’s dominance. A recent comparison test by Edmunds highlights just how much the landscape has shifted, with one particular rival proving to be a match for Tesla’s latest offering.

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In a comprehensive test of family-friendly electric crossovers, Edmunds lined up the new Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ against the Honda Prologue, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and the updated Hyundai Ioniq 5. While each vehicle presents a compelling case, the results of this rigorous evaluation point to a significant shake-up in the EV hierarchy.

Honda Prologue: A Solid Contender with Room to Grow

Securing the fourth position is the Honda Prologue. Built on a General Motors platform, the Prologue benefits from proven EV architecture while incorporating Honda’s signature design and user-friendly touches. Notably, it retains physical Apple CarPlay, a feature absent in some of its GM counterparts. The Prologue stands out for its generous interior space, ample cargo room, and impressively large cupholders – a testament to Honda’s understanding of American consumer preferences. The tested Prologue Elite model retails for $59,295 and offers an estimated 283 miles of range.

Chevrolet Equinox EV: The Value Champion

The Chevrolet Equinox EV, a recipient of Edmunds’ 2024 Breakthrough Award, lands in third place, lauded for its exceptional value. Priced at a competitive $34,995 for the tested configuration, the Equinox EV has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, achieving an impressive 356 miles in range tests. While acknowledging that local climate conditions in Southern California may have contributed to this outstanding figure, the Equinox EV’s range capabilities are undeniable. As a single-motor, front-wheel-drive vehicle, it naturally excels in efficiency compared to its all-wheel-drive competitors. Tester Brian Wong noted that the Equinox EV “almost gets to the top spot on its value proposition.”

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Tesla Model Y vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5: A Dead Heat

The most striking outcome of the Edmunds comparison is the dead heat between the updated Tesla Model Y and the updated Hyundai Ioniq 5. For years, the Model Y has been the benchmark, and the latest ‘Juniper’ iteration represents a significant improvement, boasting a quieter, more comfortable cabin, enhanced ride quality, and an impressive 327 miles of range (for the tested Launch Series model, priced at $61,635). Wong described the new Model Y as a “big improvement,” acknowledging that the previous generation would have likely landed in third place in this particular test.

However, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has closed the gap, matching the Model Y’s performance and offering several advantages that make it a formidable competitor. The Ioniq 5 now features a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, granting native access to Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. Priced at $60,285 for the fully loaded model with 282 miles of range, it provides a more user-friendly experience with physical buttons, knobs, and air vents, which many drivers find more intuitive than Tesla’s all-screen interface. Additionally, the Ioniq 5 offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a versatile sliding center console, a comfortable interior, and spirited performance.

Wong noted that while Tesla’s technology is advanced, its Full Self-Driving system can sometimes make “questionable decisions.” In contrast, the Ioniq 5’s design blends futuristic aesthetics with familiar functionality. “The Juniper is a big improvement for the Model Y,” Wong stated, “and that the previous generation ‘would have only gotten third place in this test. But now, it is on equal footing with the Ioniq 5.'” The fact that he phrased it this way underscores the rapid advancement of Tesla’s competitors.

The New Benchmark in Electric Crossovers

Is the updated Ioniq 5 now Tesla’s most significant threat in the U.S. market? Based on this comparison, it certainly appears to be. Ultimately, Edmunds’ tester Brian Wong concluded that the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: Tesla’s “uncompromising minimalism” versus the Ioniq 5’s “futuristic familiarity.”

The fact that the Model Y is no longer the automatic top choice in the electric crossover segment is a testament to the progress made by the entire EV industry. The competition is fiercer than ever, offering consumers more excellent choices than at any point in automotive history.

Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com