Thinking of Getting a Tesla? Consider One of These Other EVs Before You Buy

Best Tesla AlternativesNot a Tesla fan? There are plenty of other EV brands from which to shop.By Jake Thiewes|Edited by Cody Trotter and Ryan Maxin|May 4, 2026By Jake Thiewes|Edited by Cody Trotter and Ryan Maxin|May 4, 2026, at 5:26 p.m. CreditZach Doell | U.S. News & World ReportNo matter what you think of its cars, its brand or its CEO, Tesla unequivocally changed the automotive industry with the Model S in 2012. Since then, the automaker has advanced the electric vehicle market quite a bit. Just six years ago, when Tesla's Model Y crossover went on sale, competition was limited. Many non-Tesla EVs weren't very good, with subpar technology and limited range. And that's to say nothing of the non-Tesla public charging network.Now, though, other automakers have fresh, competitive options across many body styles and price points. Tesla's best contribution to electric vehicles – the Supercharger network – is open to most other brands thanks to partnerships, adapters and many brands switching to the Tesla-style NACS plug itself.The following list looks at alternatives for each Tesla model. Keep in mind that the rating listed in the slides that follow might be updated throughout the year and may not match a vehicle’s full review, where the rating is most up to date.Advertisement CreditBMW of North America, LLC|ZIP CodeFind Best PriceTesla Model 3 Alternative: 2025 BMW i4ZIP CodeFind Best Price U.S. News Rating: 8.8/10 Maximum Range: 318 miles $52,800 BMW's entry-level electric sedan mirrors the gas-powered 4 Series, right down to its polarizing styling. More luxurious than the Model 3, the BMW i4 is well-rounded and fun to drive. It gets refreshed exterior and interior styling for 2025, which only adds to its opulence.Reviewer Mike Hagerty appreciates the i4's design similarities to the 4 Series, saying the "familiarity eliminates any learning curve or intimidation" that often comes with switching to an EV from a gas model. He calls the i4's handling and steering "superb" but notes the BMW's high price tag might be a barrier for those cross-shopping it with the Model 3. The i4's cabin is refined, with nice materials. However, its iDrive infotainment system is a pain to operate compared to Tesla's system. Interior and cargo space are on par with the Model 3, although BMW does not have a front trunk, or frunk.More on the 2025 BMW i4See 2025 BMW i4 Photos »Find the best price on the 2025 BMW i4 »Read the 2025 BMW i4 Full Review »See Luxury Electric Car Rankings »AdvertisementBrowse CarsSUVsCrossoversElectricHybridsTrucksLuxury AdvertisementAdvertisement CreditMichael Van Runkle | U.S. News & World ReportTesla Model 3 Alternative: 2025 Polestar 2 U.S. News Rating: 8.7/10 Maximum Range: 254 miles $64,800 The Polestar 2 is a practical hatchback with an austere interior; like the Model 3, the Polestar 2 prioritizes eco-friendly materials and thoughtful design. Though there is seating for five, four will be more comfortable because a hump in the floor limits interior space.Every Polestar 2 is a dual-motor model with all-wheel drive and 476 horsepower. It takes about 4 seconds to go 0-60 mph, and the 2 is a blast in corners as well thanks to its well-calibrated suspension. An optional performance package adds Öhlins adjustable shocks, though I've found the ride on the rougher side with this package. The Polestar 2 can use an NACS adapter and takes about 28 minutes to fast-charge from 10% to 80%. The Polestar 2 is also much more expensive compared to the Model 3, which may be a consideration for shoppers.More on the 2025 Polestar 2See 2025 Polestar 2 Photos »Read the 2025 Polestar 2 Full Review »See Luxury Electric Car Rankings »Advertisement CreditHyundai Motor America|ZIP CodeFind Best PriceTesla Model 3 Alternative: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6ZIP CodeFind Best Price U.S. News Rating: 9.0/10 Maximum Range: 342 miles $37,850 The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is more practical than a Model 3 in base form and is competitively priced, too. Though the base Ioniq 6 only has 240 miles of range, long-range models can travel up to 342 miles per charge, just shy of the Model 3's 363-mile range. Hyundai uses an 800-volt architecture that enables faster charging overall, and an NACS adapter is used for Supercharger access.Related: NACS vs. CCS: What EV Shoppers Need to Know in 2026The Ioniq 6's interior is modern, with user-friendly technology and ample buttons instead of a swath of screens. Seat comfort and ride quality are both excellent, though some interior materials feel cheap. Rear headroom is a little tight, due to the wild, aerodynamic styling.For 2026, the high-powered Ioniq 6 N debuts, with a whopping 641 horsepower. That model will be the only Ioniq 6 variant sold in the U.S. as Hyundai pivots its EV strategy in the states. More on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6See 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Photos »Find the best price on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 »Read the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Full Review »Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement CreditNissan North America, Inc.|ZIP CodeFind Best PriceTesla Model 3 Alternative: 2026 Nissan LeafZIP CodeFind Best Price U.S. News Rating: 8.6/10 Maximum Range: 303 miles $29,990 The 2026 Nissan Leaf is redesigned for 2026, but it keeps its low price point, starting just below $30,000. Range is finally competitive, with up to 303 miles per charge. A Tesla-style NACS port is used for DC fast charging, while a J1772 port is included for slower at-home charging. According to Nissan, the Leaf can charge from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes.The Leaf's value-first approach – with front-wheel drive and 214 horsepower – can't compete with higher-trim Model 3 variants. However, its interior is comfortable, with an inviting design and mix of touch controls, a touchscreen and real buttons.Senior Editor John M. Vincent says the Leaf's memory foam seats "are all-day comfortable." However, he also notes taller passengers may find the rear seats too small. More on the 2026 Nissan LeafSee 2026 Nissan Leaf Photos »Find the best price on the 2026 Nissan Leaf »Read the 2026 Nissan Leaf Full Review »See Electric SUV Rankings »Advertisement CreditPerry Stern for