Tesla Model Y v Kia EV6 v Polestar 2: Pricing and features compared

Three years since its global debut, local pricing and specifications for the Tesla Model Y have finally dropped.

The medium-sized electric SUV will likely become Tesla’s best-selling model in Australia.

Indeed, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated the marque will increase right-hand-drive production in China due to ‘high’ demand locally.

Initially available from $68,900 just one week ago, the price for the entry-level Tesla Model Y has since increased by $3400.

UPDATE: Model Y driven in Australia

The Tesla Model Y is now in Australia, and we've driven it. We've also now compared it directly with Kia's EV6, on the road. Catch our video and reviews at the links below.

Model Y v EV6 v Polestar 2 continues below

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The Model Y is now listed at $72,300 before on-road costs, while the flagship Performance variant has risen by $2800 at $96,700, plus on-roads and Luxury Car Tax.

Another electric vehicle with strong demand is the Wheels Car of the Year-winning Kia EV6, the first ground-up EV from the Korean brand.

It shares its E-GMP electric architecture with the closely-related Hyundai Ioniq 5, with both vehicles suffering from extended wait times.

With similar features and pricing to the Model Y and EV6, the recently-launched Polestar 2 raised sedan is yet another option for electric vehicle shoppers.

So, how do the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and Polestar 2 stack up against eachother on paper? Let’s find out.

Pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

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Electric vehicle incentives for the entry-level Kia EV6 and all variants of the Polestar 2 except the dual-motor are available to buyers in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

All models priced under $84,916 – a 6.6 per cent jump – will be exempt from the Luxury Car Tax from July 1, 2022. The current limit for the 2021-22 financial year is $79,659.

Availability

As mentioned, the demand for electric vehicles is growing strongly in Australia.

First deliveries for the Tesla Model Y are expected to commence in the second half of 2022, although more-recent orders will not arrive in Australia for at least six to 10 months.

Meanwhile, demand for the Kia EV6 is outstretching supply.

Kia Australia told Wheels that 100 additional vehicles would arrive in Australia before the end of 2022, with greater stock expected next year.

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“We hope next year there will be a far more abundant supply than the 600 or so,” said Roland Rivero, general manager of product planning at Kia Australia.

“I’ve read several articles it is a three-year wait for people, it won’t be, we can get more supply in 2023, but at least there’s more in the pipeline for 2022,” he added.

Over at Polestar, the 2 is less affected by supply issues, but buyers should still expect to wait a few months on a build-to-order vehicle.

Production at factories in China was recently affected by stringent COVID-19 lockdowns, which also contributed to the Model Y’s delayed launch in Australia.

Performance

* Power/torque figures for the Tesla Model Y Performance is based on estimated information published to the EV Database. Tesla does not supply power and torque numbers for its vehicles.

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Driving range

Charging Speed

* Charging speeds for the Tesla Model Y is based on estimated information published to the EV Database for the Performance variant.

Tesla does not supply an exact recharge time for its vehicles, but suggests its Supercharger network will recharge up to 275km in 15 minutes.

Charging network

An advantage point goes to the Tesla Model Y, which can access the brand’s widespread Supercharger network.

This opens up trouble for non-Tesla electric vehicles, with the inability to use the brand’s proprietary network.

Although the CCS (Type 2) plug fits, Tesla locks the chargers to only work with its vehicles.

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Photo from PlugShare

In addition, the Model Y can utilise other public chargers – including the Chargefox, Evie, NRMA and Queensland Electric Highway networks – available to EV6 and Polestar 2 owners, amongst others.

Rapid fast charging at up to 350kW is available at some public charging stations; however, this is not universal – most CCS chargers vary between 50kW and 350kW.

Tesla has hinted at opening up its global Supercharger network to other manufacturers but has only done so in Europe thus far.

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Features

All vehicles

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The Model Y's Black and White interior is optional

Tesla Model Y (in addition to the shared features above)

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Kia EV6 (in addition to the shared features above)

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Polestar 2 (in addition to the shared features above)

Safety technology

All vehicles

The Kia EV6 and Polestar 2 are both covered by a five-star ANCAP safety rating under the latest 2020-22 criteria, while the Model Y is yet to be rated.

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Tesla Model Y (in addition to the shared features above)

The optional ‘full self-driving’ package ($10,100) adds navigation-based Autopilot, automatic lane change, automatic parking with Summon, and traffic light and stop sign recognition.

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Kia EV6 (in addition to the shared features above)

A 360-degree camera system, blind-spot view monitor, and reverse AEB are standard on GT-Line grades.

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Polestar 2 (in addition to the shared features above)

Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, rear-cross traffic alert, side parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system are optional as part of the Pilot Lite pack ($3400) across the Polestar 2 range.

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Cargo space

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Warranty and servicing

Which electric vehicle would you pick? Let us know in the comments below!