Kelley Blue Book: The 2022 Audi e-tron vs. the Tesla Model Y—which is better?

Above average: Ride quality; stylish interior; slick exterior look; federal tax credit eligibility; great rear legroom.

Below average: Range lags behind some competitors; Sportback loses some headroom and cargo space to regular e-tron; no one-pedal driving option.

Consensus: With a raked roofline, the 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback is a stylish, luxurious EV with a great ride. Range isn’t great, and what it gains in looks it loses in space to the non-Sportback e-tron.

Also see: Lucid’s second trick, the Gravity, is a full-size luxury crossover EV

2022 Tesla Model Y

2022 Tesla Model Y starting price: $53,990 

Above average: Good range; exciting performance; room for cargo; standard all-wheel drive.

Below average: Ride is a bit stiff; no Android Auto/Apple
AAPL,
+1.51%
CarPlay; optional third-row seats are tight; no traditional dealer network.

Consensus: A midsize electric crossover, the 2022 Tesla Model Y offers impressive range, good space, and the availability of a longer-range model with an optional third row, or a quicker 5-passenger model. Bear in mind, though, that third row is pretty tight.

Audi e-tron Sportback vs. Tesla Model Y: luxury or range?

Audi e-tron Sportback

Among Audi’s increasing stable of EVs, the 2022 e-tron Sportback is the slicker, sloped-roof variant of the e-tron SUV. Its guts are the same as the regular model, although its more sporty exterior translates into a little less rear headroom and a little less cargo space than its more squared-off sibling.

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Power for the e-tron comes via motors at the front and the back, and if there’s one thing Audi knows, it’s all-wheel drive. Even better, the e-tron has an adjustable air suspension that can be tightened for a bit more sport or softened for a comfy and smooth ride. There’s an Allroad mode for winter driving, and an Off-road mode that can raise the suspension a bit for added clearance when the pavement ends.

Despite its sporty looks, the 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback doesn’t fly down the road like some EVs, although its 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque (more via Boost mode) make it quick enough for most drivers.

The Sportback’s range of 218 miles (4 less than the regular e-tron) is also bested by some competitors, but certainly fine for day-to-day driving. A fast charger can bring the battery back to 80% in about a half-hour.

Standard features are plentiful, with 4-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, LED lights, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to show different information, including a map. Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

Moving up trims, the Sportback gets a Bang & Olufsen
BGOUF,
-3.75%
premium audio system, a top-view camera system, full leather upholstery, and massaging front seats, among other amenities. With the towing package, the 2022 e-tron Sportback can pull up to 4,000 pounds.

Tesla Model Y

The newest member of the all-electric Tesla fleet and now entering its third year, the 2022 Tesla Model Y is the baby brother to the larger Model X crossover. It offers 5- or 7-passenger seating, depending on how it’s configured, and a choice of electric powertrains.

There are two big options for the Model Y, depending on what you want. The standard is the Long Range, with 447 horsepower, an optional third row of seats for 7 passengers, and 326 miles of range. The Performance model has 580 horsepower, although the range is reduced to a still-impressive 303 miles and there is no optional third row.

With plenty of power in both trims, the Model Y is quick, the dual motors delivering instant torque to all four wheels. The Performance model also adds upgraded brakes and a lowered suspension, although in either model the ride is pretty firm.

Inside, the Model Y is minimalist, with vegan simulated leather for seat upholstery and a strip of wood across the dashboard. The center of the dash is a 15-inch tablet-like infotainment screen that controls nearly everything. It can be a bit challenging to learn, and one demerit is that the Model Y does not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. In the 2-row models, the maximum cargo capacity is 68 cubic feet with all seats folded.

Standard features include a panoramic glass roof, heated front and rear seats, and automatic climate control. The center touchscreen includes navigation, and there are also a 14-speaker audio system, four USB ports, and two wireless charging pads.

Tesla’s semiautonomous driver assistance system includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automatic steering, and blind-spot monitoring, but still requires the driver to be attentive and ready to take control. All Tesla sales happen online, and prices are non-negotiable.

Similarities

All-wheel drive; warranty; spacious backseat.

2022 Audi e-tron Sportback advantages

Light off-road ability; federal tax credit eligibility; smoother ride; more luxurious interior.

2022 Tesla Model Y advantages

Considerably less expensive; range; MPGe; maximum cargo space; optional 7-passenger seating.

Which one is right for me?

While it is quite a bit more expensive than its rival, the 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback is luxurious, comfortable, spacious, and can even tackle some dirt roads.

With a lower price, the 2022 Tesla Model Y goes farther on a charge, but the feel is not quite luxe. It has a stiffer ride and some quality issues, but good cargo space.

Compare the specs:

This story originally ran on KBB.com.