Tesla has been front and center in the shift to electric vehicles, leading the field to higher heights of growth. The 2022 Tesla Model Y is a part of the automaker’s efforts to maintain its lead over other EV manufacturers trying to conquer the market by offering cheaper alternatives. So, how does the luxury electric SUV compare to its more affordable rivals? Here are four reasons why the 2022 Tesla Model Y is a better choice than the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Tesla Model Y offers better range than the Hyundai Ioniq 5

Given that Tesla has been in the EV market longer than Hyundai, the electric car manufacturer has had more time to fine-tune its offerings to get the most out of the battery and drivetrain. That has resulted in a 330-mile range for the Tesla Model Y, thanks to the vehicle’s 122 MPGe fuel economy.

Conversely, Edmunds notes the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s EPA-estimated fuel economy rating is 144 MPGe. As such, it’s unsurprising that the 2022 Ioniq 5 doesn’t have as much range and maxes out at 303 miles.

Also, the driving range on the Model Y Performance trim is significantly lower at only 303 miles, giving the Ioniq 5 a fighting chance. However, that applies only to rear-wheel-drive models. If you pick an all-wheel-drive version of the Hyundai SUV, you also get less range: 256 miles.

Model Y drivers get better fuel economy

The 2022 Tesla Model Y offers an EPA-estimated 122 MPGe fuel economy rating, making it one of the most fuel-efficient EVs. Consumer Reports testers got 121 MPGe, but it still put the Tesla SUV ahead of most other EVs, with only the Tesla Model 3 performing better in CR’s tests.

Also, the fuel efficiency is predictably lower on the Model Y’s Performance trim, with the EV achieving an EPA-estimated 111 MPGe. As for the Ioniq 5, its EPA-estimated rating is 114 MPGe for the base version, and this figure drops to 98 MPBe if you pick an AWD drivetrain. Consequently, you’ll save more on fuel over time with the Tesla than with the Hyundai.

The 2022 Tesla Model Y boasts faster acceleration than the Ioniq 5

Another area where the 2022 Tesla Model Y performs significantly better than its cheaper counterpart is acceleration. According to Car and Driver, the electric SUV’s two motors make 384 hp. That allows the all-electric luxury crossover to go from 0 to 60 mph in a zippy 4.8 seconds for the Long Range trim.

Tesla claims the Performance trim’s speed is even more impressive, achieving the same distance in 3.5 seconds. The Hyundai Ionic 5 is no slouch, but it’s likely to eat the Tesla’s dust in a drag race. The affordably priced RWD SE trim goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, understandable given the vehicle’s 225 hp and 258 lb-ft output.

The AWD versions of the Ionic 5, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, are better suited to drag racing. In fact, getting to 60 mph took only 4.7 seconds on Consumer Reports’ test track. Consequently, they would make for a more entertaining drag race if pitted against the Tesla Long Range trim. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be much of a competition if they were racing the Model Y’s Performance trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 doesn’t offer as much storage space as the Tesla Model Y

Despite having a smaller wheelbase, the 2022 Tesla Model Y is longer, wider, and taller than the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. These size differences are pretty evident in the storage space available in the two EVs. The Hyundai offers 27. 2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, expandable to 60.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The Model Y has a 34.3-cubic-foot cargo area behind the rear seats. And with the rear seats folded, the EV offers 76.2 feet of storage room.