Buying an EV has never been more difficult with the amount of options that you have on the market, especially in the luxury SUV category.
Two of the most popular models in this segment are the NIO ES6 and the Tesla Model Y. If you consider these two models, you are in the right place because in this article we will compare them in many key aspects including the specs, price, power, range, and more. So, buckle up because it will be a long drive!
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Specs
Let’s first take a look at the specifications of these two models and learn more about the numbers these two models deliver. For this purpose, we created a side by side comparison so you get a good perspective.
| Model | NIO ES6 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Standard | Base |
| Price | $49,760 | $36,389 |
| Battery (kWh) | 70 kWh | 60 kWh |
| Drive | AWD | RWD |
| WLTP Range (km) | 420 km | 400 km |
| Power Output (kW) | 320 kW | 220 kW |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 5.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Plug Types (AC/DC) | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 |
| Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | 7/140 | 11/170 |
| Cargo Space (liters) | 668 liters | 753 liters |
| Frunk Cargo Space | No | Yes |
| Length (mm) | 4,850 mm | 4,750 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,965 mm | 1,921 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,758 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Running Clearance | 160 mm | 167 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm | 2,890 mm |
| Tow Rating | 500 kg | 750 kg |
| V2L | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years/120,000km | 4 years/80,000 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/120,000 km | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Loyalty Program | Yes | Yes |
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Price
The price is probably one of the factors that is deciding when it comes to whether or not you will get a certain model or not. If the price is right you will go for that model and if the price is not right you will stay away from that deal. It’s rather difficult to make compromises if something is out of our league.
So, how do these two models perform in this area? Well, both of these models are expensive. They tend to cost a lot of money.
The more expensive out of the two is definitely the NIO ES6. This model starts at $49,760. Which is a high price but you get a premium model, so we think that the high cost is totally worth it.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y starts as low as $38,389. But this price can grow substantially if you go for the AWD model. This model starts at $42,000. And as you add more options, you will reach up to $80,000.
So, we can sum things up and note that the Model Y is more affordable on the lower end. But as you add options, it can get more expensive than the NIO ES6.
This is why for a well-equipped model, we think that the NIO ES6 is a more affordable and also better optioned model.
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Design and Interior
Exterior and interior designs are something that is very important when it comes to buying a certain vehicle. This is the aspect that attracts us to a certain product. So, how do these two models perform in this area?
Well, the NIO ES6 is carrying the highly regarded futuristic design that was introduced by NIO for all of their models.
On the front end, you have very thin DRL lights and on the bottom bumper portion, the high beams are mounted.
The front end is sleek and aerodynamic. This is essential for the NIO ES6 to have a great range.
The rest of the design is your typical SUV. The side profile is rather sleek with the door handles flush to the body. And in the rear, you have a big light bar that when illuminated, looks rather stunning.
On the other hand the Tesla Model Y is a rather undefined model. This is an SUV but the design is nothing like your normal SUV.
This model can be described as a Model 3 with a taller roofline. In the rear, the Model Y implements a fastback approach that we really love.
Overall, the Model Y is a great SUV for those who don’t want to drive something more unique on the roads.
The interior of both of these models is really good. But the NIO ES6 is much more vibrant and it just fills you up with energy when you enter the cabin. There is a lot that’s going on, the design is beautiful and there are soft touch materials and technology everywhere.
While on the other hand, the Tesla Model Y does not have a very vibrant interior. In this model, you only have a screen and a steering wheel. Which is a shame. Since not everyone is after the minimalist approach
That’s why our vote goes for the NIO ES6 when it comes to the exterior and interior design. This model has a lot to offer to you as a buyer.
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Power and Performance
Power and performance is very important, especially when you spend so much money on a car. An EV has to accelerate fast and put a smile on your face. And luckily for you, both of these models can be considered as rather quick.
The NIO ES6 is equipped with a dual motor setup that produces up to 320 kW. This is about 429 hp and 620 N-m of torque.
This performance will be good for an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds. Which for a vehicle of this size is quite a lot.
The Tesla Model Y on the other hand is also quick. This model develops about 220 kW or 295 hp. This is good for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds.
But there is also the AWD Performance version of the Tesla Model Y. This model is very expensive but also very fast.
The AWD Performance accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds. Which is much faster compared to the NIO ES6.
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Battery and Range
Battery and range are also very important when it comes to buying a new EV. An EV has to deliver a good range for this price point. You just don’t want to suffer from range anxiety and experience this on a daily basis as many other owners.
The NIO ES6 has a good starting range of 430 km with the smallest battery pack. But honestly, we would not recommend this model because for a vehicle of this size, you need more range.
This is why we recommend going for the largest battery pack. With this battery pack, you will get a range of 900 km. 900 km of range is more than enough for many out there.
While with the Tesla Model Y, you get a base range of 400 km. And if you choose the long range version, you will get up to 530 km.
And as you can see, the NIO ES6 basically crushes the Tesla Model Y in terms of range. If you want to get an EV and forget when was the last time you charged it, the NIO ES6 is the way to go!
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Autopilot and Other Tech
One of the main features that every modern EV should have is the Autopilot. This concept was created by Tesla with their self-driving technology that they called the Autopilot. But can the Tesla drive itself? Let’s find out.
Both of these models implement something that is known as adaptive cruise control. This is a feature that allows the driver to have Level 2 autonomy on the highway. So, what does this mean?
This means that your car can technically drive by itself on the highway with only minor driver adjustments. Pretty useful feature for those who drive a lot on the highway.
Behind this feature, there is the powerful ADAS system. This system is the Advanced Driving Assistance System.
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This ADAS system is composed of many sensors, cameras, and lidars across the vehicle that monitor 360 degrees around the car. Then with powerful hardware, this data is evaluated and the car makes instant decisions.
The ADAS system has a whole palette of features besides the adaptive cruise control. These features include blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, crash detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, parking assist and a lot more.
Basically both of these models have these features, it really depends on your budget of how much you have to spend to activate all of these options.
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Size and Body
Size and body are also very important. A car has to be roomy and practical in order to meet all of your demands. Because if it’s not, you will struggle on a day to day basis.
Luckily both of these models are very practical. For example, with the NIO ES6, you can seat up to 5 people comfortably. Headroom and legroom with the NIO ES6 is not a problem at all. And you also have a giant trunk where you can fit up to 650 liters of cargo.
On the other hand with the Tesla Model Y, you also get a spacious cabin for the first and second row. Headroom and legroom is not a big issue at all.
With the main thing being the ability of the Tesla Model Y to have up to 7 seats. This amount of seating is very good for people with large families.
But the only drawback with the Tesla Model Y is that the model implements a sloping roofline. This means that the headroom in the third row is very limited.
If you are an average height person, you will definitely struggle and your head will hit the back glass.
So, driving like this is very impractical. Unless you seat your children in the rear.
But overall, the Tesla Model Y offers more functionality compared to the NIO ES6. Only if you go higher and pick the NIO ES8, will you get the ability to fit more people in the back.
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Safety
Safety is an integral aspect that you shouldn’t miss when it comes to vehicle shopping. You need to get a car that will offer the maximum safety options for your budget.
We mentioned that both of these models come with autopilot for the highway, also known as adaptive cruise control.
But these two models also offer a ton of other features such as blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, parking assists, and much more.
So, make sure that you add as many of these features in order for you to be as safe as possible.
These models were also crash tested a lot. The Tesla Model Y was tested all over the world, scoring 5/5 stars overall on every test possible.
While the NIO ES6 was only tested in China where the model got the highest rating.
Overall, both of these models are highly regarded when it comes to safety and choosing one over the other will not change a lot in this aspect.
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Warranties
Vehicle warranty is also very important when it comes to vehicle shopping. You just need to have good vehicle coverage because who knows what will happen.
When it comes to NIO, they offer an unlimited warranty when it comes to the battery in China. This is because in China you use the BaaS, battery replacement as a service and you don’t have to worry about charging and battery life.
While in Europe, NIO offers an 8 year or 120,000 km warranty on the battery. While with Tesla you have 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.
When it comes to overall vehicle warranty, with the NIO ES6, you have up to 3 years or 120,000 km. While with the Tesla Model Y, you have 4 years or 80,000 km
Overall, the NIO ES6 comes with a better vehicle warranty than the Tesla, you have 40,000 km more warranty on the powertrain and other components.
NIO ES6 vs Tesla Model Y: Additional Considerations
There are no important considerations that you need to make when it comes to the NIO ES6 and the Tesla Model Y.
Final Thoughts
Both the NIO ES6 and the Tesla Model Y are solid cars. They offer premium materials and premium experience.
It really depends on your budget and also on your taste for which model to go after. Our personal favorite is the NIO ES6.
Primarily because this model has a larger cabin and more space in the rear. On top of that, you have a lot more power and also an incredible range of 900 km.
