Tesla Model Y or EV6?
Tesla Model Y or EV6?
Author
Discussion

smashie

Original Poster:

685 posts

179 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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Having just resigned from my current job, the Kia EV6 order I placed via salary sacrifice has therefore been cancelled. With the new Job I can get a company car should I chose. I am still keen on the EV6, but umming and arring over the Tesla Model Y.
They each have their pros and cons, with the Tesla's biggest Pros being better range and the supercharger network .

For those that had the same dilemma, which did you chose and why?

I am not new to EVs, having owned a couple in the last 5 years (i3 and Leaf e+)

Thanks,

Mr E

22,984 posts

287 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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I’m going Y. For the charging network.

skilly1

2,885 posts

223 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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You can't beat the Tesla supercharge network. There are better electric cars but I would not want to rely on the public charging network at the moment.

anonymous-user

82 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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I think the standard answer to this is, if you rely on the public charging network, then Tesla is your best bet. If you don't, fill your boots, there are plenty of more compelling options these days. The fact you're considering one must mean you're cool with the looks, but it would be an insurmountable barrier for me.

MrB.

599 posts

214 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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Having driven both, reasonably extensively, I'd say Kia EV6. A much better drive, if not quite as roomy inside. The Model Y has too firm a ride, and whilst I agree about their charging network, there is a chance that will open up to all other EV owners soon. The EV6 is, for me, the one to have. Efficient, much more refined than the Tesla, and has a good future-proof EV architecture. Plus, I happen to think its a great looking car (the Tesla is just *yawn* same old Tesla) and the way it goes in GT Line S AWD trim is plenty quick enough. Also, you get the 7 year warranty and a much better reliability record.

But in the end, your choice. But all I will say is drive them both for more than a 5 minute test drive. Whilst the Tesla will initially wow you with performance, over the longer term, the harsher ride quality and "so-so" interior quality will take its toll.

smashie

Original Poster:

685 posts

179 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
MrB. said:
Having driven both, reasonably extensively, I'd say Kia EV6. A much better drive, if not quite as roomy inside. The Model Y has too firm a ride, and whilst I agree about their charging network, there is a chance that will open up to all other EV owners soon. The EV6 is, for me, the one to have. Efficient, much more refined than the Tesla, and has a good future-proof EV architecture. Plus, I happen to think its a great looking car (the Tesla is just *yawn* same old Tesla) and the way it goes in GT Line S AWD trim is plenty quick enough. Also, you get the 7 year warranty and a much better reliability record.

But in the end, your choice. But all I will say is drive them both for more than a 5 minute test drive. Whilst the Tesla will initially wow you with performance, over the longer term, the harsher ride quality and "so-so" interior quality will take its toll.
That has basically been my thinking, but I originally ordered the RWD for more range, but as it is slower off the mark than my Leaf, this time around I'm looking at AWD EV6. Performance wise this is pretty much on par with the MY but a big gap in range. If the charging network is up to it, then the EV6 should be good enough on range as I have been getting around 180 motorway miles in my Leaf and the EV6 AWD should get me about 30 or 40 more miles than the Leaf. The EV6 is certainly a nice place to be inside. Got my MY test drive on Saturday, having cancelled 2 already as I wasn't sure I could live without an instrument cluster, especially as the GTL-S had HUD.

J1990

847 posts

81 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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Lease prices on the Y are insane, namely due to the ridiculously low GFV Tesla are giving it.
Given that this is a company car and that's not relevant I'd be going for the Y in a heartbeat based on: Charging network, general interior (subjective), massive increase in internal space and generally just a more enjoyable drive from my test drives of both.

I felt the Y had a little more road noise than I'd ideally have liked and, assumingly due to the increased weight, the stiffness of the suspension left a lot to be desired. Neither of those things would've been enough to put me off.


SWoll

22,623 posts

286 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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J1990 said:
Lease prices on the Y are insane, namely due to the ridiculously low GFV Tesla are giving it.
Given that this is a company car and that's not relevant I'd be going for the Y in a heartbeat based on: Charging network, general interior (subjective), massive increase in internal space and generally just a more enjoyable drive from my test drives of both.

I felt the Y had a little more road noise than I'd ideally have liked and, assumingly due to the increased weight, the stiffness of the suspension left a lot to be desired. Neither of those things would've been enough to put me off.
The Model Y is cheaper to lease (£750 v £800) on the same terms (3 years, 36k miles) than the Kia in AWD GTL-S spec despite being more expensive to buy.

Seems there's even less faith in the residuals of the EV6.

To the OP, drive them both and it'll be very clear which you prefer. The EV6 will have less range and charging options but the charge curve is exceptional if you're only needing to public charge occasionally.

anonymous-user

82 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
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They are both very good, but quite different. Definitely drive both.

Given current supply chain issues, the actual answer may be “whichever one is actually available” though.

smashie

Original Poster:

685 posts

179 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
charltjr said:
They are both very good, but quite different. Definitely drive both.

Given current supply chain issues, the actual answer may be “whichever one is actually available” though.
I’ve driven Ioniq 5 and EV6 and decided on EV6 between those 2. Got the Tesla test drive Saturday morning. Main concern is can I get around the lack of instrument panel and having everything on the touch screen?
EV6 was only RWD though.

samoht

7,163 posts

174 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all

You could also consider whether the Nissan Ariya takes your fancy - I had a very short test drive of one, but the ride seems pretty good, drives nicely in general, very coherent and easy, and quite a bit of tech. Deliveries apparently from 'summer' this year, no idea the waiting list though. The 4WD model claims 285 miles WLTP range, 5.7s to 60.

smashie

Original Poster:

685 posts

179 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
samoht said:
You could also consider whether the Nissan Ariya takes your fancy - I had a very short test drive of one, but the ride seems pretty good, drives nicely in general, very coherent and easy, and quite a bit of tech. Deliveries apparently from 'summer' this year, no idea the waiting list though. The 4WD model claims 285 miles WLTP range, 5.7s to 60.
Already discounted that on cost. I’d want 4WD and the large battery. The one thing I hate about my leaf if fwd, so only leave ps 4WD with the Ariya, although as this time it will be company car rather than salary sacrifice, it may be cheaper, but as I don’t start until end of June I won’t be able to look until then.

MrB.

599 posts

214 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
smashie said:
MrB. said:
Having driven both, reasonably extensively, I'd say Kia EV6. A much better drive, if not quite as roomy inside. The Model Y has too firm a ride, and whilst I agree about their charging network, there is a chance that will open up to all other EV owners soon. The EV6 is, for me, the one to have. Efficient, much more refined than the Tesla, and has a good future-proof EV architecture. Plus, I happen to think its a great looking car (the Tesla is just *yawn* same old Tesla) and the way it goes in GT Line S AWD trim is plenty quick enough. Also, you get the 7 year warranty and a much better reliability record.

But in the end, your choice. But all I will say is drive them both for more than a 5 minute test drive. Whilst the Tesla will initially wow you with performance, over the longer term, the harsher ride quality and "so-so" interior quality will take its toll.
That has basically been my thinking, but I originally ordered the RWD for more range, but as it is slower off the mark than my Leaf, this time around I'm looking at AWD EV6. Performance wise this is pretty much on par with the MY but a big gap in range. If the charging network is up to it, then the EV6 should be good enough on range as I have been getting around 180 motorway miles in my Leaf and the EV6 AWD should get me about 30 or 40 more miles than the Leaf. The EV6 is certainly a nice place to be inside. Got my MY test drive on Saturday, having cancelled 2 already as I wasn't sure I could live without an instrument cluster, especially as the GTL-S had HUD.
I can't believe Tesla don't do HUD in their cars. Just something so simple that will eliminate one of their biggest flaws. They do now have the blind spot camera image on the screen like the Kia has (thats incredibly useful) but I just feel that the interior quality still leaves a lot to be desired. And with the ride quality being as harsh as it is, it will only take its toll on those interior plastics being shaken about as much as it does! It will soon have more rattles than Mothercare.

Also, a silly point perhaps, but although it has a big boot, there is no parcel shelf for it. Yes, there is privacy glass, but I don't like things in the boot being constantly exposed. As I say, a silly point, but it bugged me. Kia have a charging card called Kia Charge that groups together charging infrastructure so you don't need to be signed up to lots of apps. Plus they are a big investor in Ionity, so if they are in your area, or on your commute, they are decently quick, if a little bit more expensive. And remember, the EV6 tales charging speeds of up to 350kW, so its pretty future proof.

(And no, I don't work for Kia!)

smashie

Original Poster:

685 posts

179 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
Aaargh found another flaw with the Tesla and it’s still a few days until I test drive it. I don’t have Spotify, I have Amazon music and Apple Music, none supported by Tesla and CarPlay or android auto are not supported either. My list of negatives just keeps getting longer.

morrisk1

648 posts

271 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
I placed an order for an ev6 last week (AWD GTL-S, yacht blue). I was gutted to see the M3P go back, and vowed to go into another/Y but the Kia impressed me. Fortunately I generally just charge at home, but more public chargers are popping up so I'm not concerned. It'll be Q3-23 I need it so hopefully they tidy up a few little niggles I've seen mentioned and continue to improve with OTA updates. Looking forward to it.

samoht

7,163 posts

174 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
smashie said:
Already discounted that on cost. I’d want 4WD and the large battery. The one thing I hate about my leaf if fwd, so only leave ps 4WD with the Ariya, although as this time it will be company car rather than salary sacrifice, it may be cheaper, but as I don’t start until end of June I won’t be able to look until then.
I see the point about the Kia and Tesla base models being RWD rather than FWD, so a lot cheaper if you don't want the latter. However if you're looking at the AWD EV6 there's then only a few grand in it (£49k vs £54k), which potentially could close further if the Nissan has better predicted residuals (as is claimed). So on an AWD vs AWD basis it may be worth checking out how much difference it would actually end up making to the overall / monthly costs.

ZX10R NIN

30,431 posts

153 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
The EV6 is the better car but depending on your charging needs the Tesla may be the better car for you.

SWoll

22,623 posts

286 months

Wednesday 4th May 2022
quotequote all
smashie said:
Aaargh found another flaw with the Tesla and it’s still a few days until I test drive it. I don’t have Spotify, I have Amazon music and Apple Music, none supported by Tesla and CarPlay or android auto are not supported either. My list of negatives just keeps getting longer.
We had a Model 3 for 2 years with exactly the same setup. IME the lack of instruments is something you get used to in a day or two and despite being an Apple Music family subscriber the spotify app worked really well and was more stable than the apple carplay implementation in our current etron.

YMMV of course.