The refreshed Tesla Model Y Performance will follow the regular facelifted (‘Juniper’ as the internet wants to call it) model that has just started reaching U.S. buyers. While it’s expected to remain among the quickest in its class, the Model Y Performance faces formidable competition.
Several rivals will offer comparable, and sometimes superior, driving excitement. In this story, we’ll discuss the new Model Y Performance’s main alternatives in the U.S. Note that some photos shown here are of the earlier model year.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT sports a twin-motor AWD setup with 480 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque—700 lb.-ft. if you opt for the Performance Upgrade package. A 0-60 mph sprint takes just 3.8 seconds, or a significantly low, 3.3 seconds if you choose the Performance Upgrade package. It travels up to 280 miles on a full charge, as per EPA.
Price: USD 52,495 (excl. USD 1,995 destination fee)
Availability: Order books open
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is essentially a large hot hatch, even though not officially marketed as one. Its twin-motor AWD setup gives it 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque as default, and if you press the N Grin Boost switch, it’ll temporarily bump those figures to 641 hp and 568 lb.-ft., respectively. 0 to 60 comes as quickly as 3.25 seconds, and flat out, this EV goes up to 162 mph. The EPA-estimated range is far from impressive, or even decent – 221 miles.
Price: USD 66,200 (excl. USD 1,475 destination fee)
Availability: On sale
2025 Kia EV6 GT
The 2025 Kia EV6 GT is the facelifted version, and will be launched in the U.S. in the coming months. The dual-motor AWD EV packs 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque, and a Launch Control function can boost its power to 641 hp. A 0 to 60 mph sprint should take as little as 3.4 seconds, while the top speed is 162 mph. The new model will likely give an EPA-estimated range of around 230 miles.
Price (expected): USD 65,000 (excl. destination fee)
Availability (expected): Summer 2025
Acura ZDX Type S
The ZDX Type S is the most powerful Acura SUV to date. With two motors that produce 499 hp and 544 lb.-ft. of torque and give it AWD capability, it sprints from rest to 60 mph in less than five seconds. EPA estimates it’ll deliver 278 miles on a full charge.
Price: USD 73,500 (excl. USD 1,350 destination fee)
Availability: On sale
2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS
The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is comparable to the Acura ZDX Type S but is more of a mainstream model. It packs up to 615 horsepower and up to 650 lb.-ft. of torque and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Moreover, it offers a much better EPA-estimated range of 303 miles.
Price: USD 60,600 (excl. USD 1,395 destination fee)
Availability: On sale
2026 Genesis GV60 Magma
The 2026 Genesis GV60 Magma, set to enter production in Q3 2025, will sport two motors that give it an AWD drivetrain layout. It should pack 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque, with a boost function increasing those numbers to 641 hp and 568 lb.-ft., respectively. It will likely zip from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 162 mph. We expect the EPA-estimated range to be around 230 miles.
Price (expected): Approximately USD 75,000 (excl. destination fee)
Availability (expected): Q4 2025
Polestar 4
The Polestar 4 will be introduced in the United States in the second quarter of the year, as per brand CEO Michael Lohscheller. The SUV coupe flaunts a radical design, being devoid of a rear windscreen. In its top-end configuration, it sports two motors putting out 544 horsepower and 506 lb.-ft. of torque, with 0 to 60 coming in just 3.7 seconds. The EPA-estimated range is decent, too – 270 miles.
Price: USD 62,900 (excl. USD 1,400 destination fee)
Availability: Q2 2025
Rivian R2
The Rivian R2 is the company’s new mid-size SUV, slotted below the Rivian R1S. In its top-end configuration, it will have three motors, two in the rear and one in the front. Rivian claims the R2 Tri-Motor will speed up from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds. It could have an EPA-estimated range of around 275 miles.
Price (expected): Approximately USD 60,000 (excl. destination fee)
Availability: 2026
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV.com’s rendering of the new Tesla Model Y Performance
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
