2026 has begun, and that means all sorts of lists about 2025 are being published again. This website happily participates with top 10 overviews of the most popular used cars and used EVs. Looking at both overviews, it is striking that all mentioned used cars have already shone in this section one or more times, except for one: the Tesla Model Y. That is why we are paying attention to it this week.
With the current harsh winter weather, an efficient EV like the Tesla Model Y comes in handy, because if there’s one thing electric cars are sensitive to, it’s weather conditions that take a toll on the range – and that’s not good for the peace of mind of the driver (and passengers). Such a Model Y doesn’t immediately cause stress, but how do the twins Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 perform? Our budget: 26 to 28 thousand euros.
Tesla Model Y – 2022 – 123,390 kilometers – € 26,999
It was the most registered car in 2023 and 2024; the Tesla Model Y. It made its debut in 2021, which means the electric American is gradually storming the used car market. This Tesla Model Y is one of the cheaper ones, if we desire a not-too-experienced example. The R-154-TR comes from the first owner and is offered with a one-year Bovag warranty and delivery service. It is also the entry-level model of the Y-range, but you won’t be lacking much. If you unleash all 299 hp on the rear wheels, it sprints to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, only giving up at 215 km/h. A stated consumption of 15.7 kWh per 100 kilometers means you’ll run out of power after 455 kilometers. The South Korean opponents last longer, but they also have a larger battery on board. This means that AC charging from 20% to 80% takes about an hour less (3:36 hours compared to 4:21 hours for the Ioniq 5 and 4:38 hours for the EV6). At a (Tesla) fast charger, you’ll spend two minutes more, because this Y already peaks at 170 kW (Ioniq 5: 233 kW, EV6: 240 kW). Nevertheless, 20 minutes is fast enough.
The Model Y is a kind of inflated Model 3, and rear passengers in particular benefit from this – there is full-fledged space for five people plus their luggage. Like the exterior, the cabin is devoid of many frills. Controls are minimized: you have the steering wheel, the buttons on it, and the stalks behind it. Furthermore, you control almost everything via the central, horizontal touchscreen. It takes little effort to navigate through the largely logical menus, although you always have to look at what you’re doing. There’s a lot on board, also when it comes to safety features. On the road, the Y displays a dynamic character. Stability and cornering behavior are beyond all doubt, and the tuning of springs and shock absorbers is also balanced.
Where to buy? Vakgarage De Wit, Nieuwerkerk a/d IJssel
Motor synchronous motor, permanent magnet
Max. power 220 kW/299 hp
Trunk space 854 l/2,158 l
Max. braked trailer weight 1,600 kg
Avg. consumption 15.7 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
All data according to factory specifications
Hyundai Ioniq 5 73 kWh Style – 2021 – 91,665 kilometers – € 27,950
A year older than the Model Y, but with a significantly lower annual mileage (and therefore perhaps less fast charging, which is favorable for battery degradation) is this Hyundai Ioniq 5, which, like the American, is waiting for its second owner at a universal car dealership. However, six months of Bovag warranty are included in the asking price here.
Where the Model Y is fluidly designed, the Ioniq 5 is much more angular. It looks like a hatchback, but when you stand next to it, it’s actually a size larger and is therefore classified as an SUV. Retro elements are applied here and there, yet it looks timeless and even somewhat science fiction-like. Anyway, the shape of the Ioniq 5 provides oceans of space in the back, for both head and legs (in the front you sit a bit high). The trunk is also generous, while a frunk is provided at the front where the charging cable finds a spot. Despite the external differences between this trio, they differ by only 1 kg in weight and all are allowed to tow 1,600 kg braked (they all have a tow bar on board). Inside, it’s a bit cozier than in the Model Y, partly due to the presence of physical buttons. Still, the overall ergonomics in the Model Y are slightly better: you have to lean out of your seat to properly operate the screen to the right of the steering wheel.
Hyundai may aim more for comfort than its corporate sibling Kia, but the Ioniq 5 nevertheless has excellent road holding. Although the car is quite high, you feel the low center of gravity. The steering is light and direct enough, and the EV never feels soft. There’s too little feedback to speak of any form of dynamics, but it’s certainly not the case that the chassis is started by abrupt course changes.
This Style is one of the simpler trims, yet you won’t be lacking anything in the N-276-KB.
Type Ioniq 5 73 kWh Style
Where to buy? Roubos Cars, Dussen
Motor synchronous motor, permanent magnet
Max. power 160 kW/217 hp
Trunk space 527 l/1,587 l
Max. braked trailer weight 1,600 kg
Avg. consumption 16.8 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
All data according to factory specifications
Kia EV6 77.4 kWh Plus – 2021 – 107,391 kilometers – € 25,600
If Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 are corporate siblings, then the Ioniq 5 featured above and this Kia EV6 are perhaps twin brothers, as both were registered in the Netherlands in November 2021! Yet they are not entirely identical under the skin, because the EV6 already has the slightly larger 77.4 kWh battery. In addition, the Kia is slightly faster and a bit more economical. The stated consumption of 16.5 kWh provides a range of 528 kilometers (Ioniq 5: 481 kilometers). In these winter conditions, you probably won’t achieve that, which didn’t stop the seller from photographing it in a snowdrift. The N-458-KT also comes from the first owner, the car still enjoys a factory warranty, and a SoH (State of Health) value of still 100 percent is stated. Sounds promising!
The EV6 is sculpted more dynamically than the Ioniq 5, but therefore also less timeless. Moreover, rear passengers are more likely to hit their heads on the roof (otherwise, there’s plenty of interior space). Once inside, it’s noticeable that the interior also completely differs from its family member. The multimedia system does not set new standards in operating speed but functions above average. There is enough storage space for all sorts of items. In short: a spacious, neatly maintained cabin.
Its appearance lives up to the EV6’s driving characteristics. These are certainly dynamic, almost on Model Y level. Fortunately, comfort has not been forgotten. There is enough tranquility in the car, making it suitable both as a comfortable holiday transporter and a companion for spirited drives on winding (mountain) roads. In that respect, it strikes a balance between the other two. Speaking of holidays; with 480 liters, this South Korean offers the least amount of standard luggage space. There is a frunk at the front, but it is quite compact. Even with the rear seats folded down, the Kia must let the other two go far ahead. This is inherent to the (sometimes somewhat wild) design of this equally excellent all-rounder.
Type EV6 77.4 kWh Plus
Where to buy? Car company Favoriet, Vaassen
Motor synchronous motor, permanent magnet
Max. power 168 kW/229 hp
Trunk space 480 l/1,260 l
Max. braked trailer weight 1,600 kg
Avg. consumption 16.5 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
All data according to factory specifications
Three SUVs to start 2026 electrically, but which one?
With our budget, you can put a fairly substantial electric SUV in front of your house. The Model Y is the most dynamic and efficient, but (as a brand) given the many reactions to Tesla news on our website, it is not entirely uncontroversial, largely due to the antics of CEO Elon Musk. If you are a comfort lover, you should definitely avoid the Model Y and go for a Hyundai Ioniq 5. If you’re looking for the golden mean, there’s the Kia EV6. Which electric SUV appeals to you the most?