While the EV market is cooling, the Audi Q4 e-tron® and Tesla Model Y are still strong contenders for Ontario, California, residents interested in owning an all-electric midsize SUV. These vehicles offer drivers a roomy interior, high-tech upgrades, and safety features that make them desirable options among consumers.
Although the Audi Q4 e-tron® and the Tesla Model Y have some similarities, there are also differences to be aware of before making a purchase. This Audi Q4 e-tron® vs. Tesla Model Y guide can help drivers decide which model best suits their needs.
Exterior Styling
Where the Tesla Model Y is sleek and modern, the Q4 e-tron® offers a sportier, more sophisticated design. A cool all-glass roof helps the Model Y feel open, while the Audi Q4 e-tron®'s sculpted lines and available matrix-design LED headlights make the SUV look good both coming and going. The Model Y doesn't have a front grille, as EVs don't need one, but the Q4 e-tron® keeps to its roots with a front grille that features the Audi logo front and center. This gives the Audi Q4 e-tron a more aggressive appearance and the recognition it deserves.
The Q4 e-tron® comes in four stylish exterior paint colors. Options are Pebble Gray, Glacier White, Mythos Black, and Navarra Blue. For 2024, the Tesla Model Y is available in these five colors: Ultra Red, Stealth Gray, Solid Black, Pearl White, and Deep Blue. Both models come with wheels ranging in size from 19 inches up to 21 inches, allowing drivers to further customize the look of their EV.
Interior and Technology
Moving inside, the Audi Q4 e-tron® and Tesla Model Y SUVs offer lots of comfort-enhancing amenities and features. These vehicles offer seating for five, with the Model Y offering an optional third-row seat that can accommodate two smaller passengers. Cargo capacity in the Model Y is expansive, especially when the seats are folded down, but the Audi Q4 e-tron® provides plenty of space for anything owners need to bring along. Interior space is similar in both models, but the Audi Q4 e-tron® has a little more shoulder room for added comfort.
Technology features in these SUVs are intuitive and helpful, whether it's for running errands in Ontario or commuting to Los Angeles for business. The Model Y has a 15-inch screen that's useful for everything from controlling audio volume to playing games while waiting to charge up. In the Q4 e-tron®, the touch-screen display is slightly smaller, but the SUV has button controls to adjust things like the temperature and heated seats. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration aren't included for the Model Y, but these features are standard in the Q4 e-tron®, making smartphone connection simple.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Model Y may stand out for its excellent driving range and rapid acceleration, but the Audi Q4 e-tron® offers a smooth driving experience when cruising around Ontario. Either model is available with the option of dual motors and all-wheel drive, but a single motor and rear-wheel drive are the standard setup. Drivers who opt for the superior quattro all-wheel-drive system in the Audi Q4 e-tron® can expect improved handling and responsiveness when they're behind the wheel.
Tesla's extensive charging network means drivers may have an easier time finding a public charging station, but most EV drivers prefer to charge their EVs at home because it's more convenient. The Audi Q4 e-tron® can go from a 5% battery life up to 80% in about 36 minutes when using a DC fast charger. Tesla Model Ys can add 160 miles of driving range in about 15 minutes when plugged into a fast charger.
With the top-tier Q4 55 e-tron®, drivers will feel the force of up to 335 horsepower when they take to the streets. The Model Y offers 295 horsepower with the standard range battery. Thanks to its fine-tuned suspension, the Q4 55 e-tron® feels as though it's gliding over the pavement, while the suspension system in the Model Y doesn't absorb road imperfections as well.
Safety Ratings and Features
Ontario drivers will appreciate the focus on safety that the Q4 e-tron® and Model Y offer. Both SUVs have design elements that make them durable and sturdy, ensuring passengers are safe, even in an accident. Active driver-assist technologies help prevent accidents from happening, and these models both feature a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane guidance to keep the car in its lane. Blind-spot detection is another common feature that can prevent drivers from changing lanes when it's unsafe. Park assist plus is available for the Audi Q4 e-tron® to help make maneuvering into parking spaces a breeze.
Safety ratings for the Audi Q4 e-tron® and Model Y are high. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration gave the Q4 e-tron five stars for its overall safety rating, and the vehicle rated good in most categories with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This got it on the IIHS's Top Safety Pick list. In 2023, the Model Y was a Top Safety Pick+ award winner, as it got a nearly perfect score in the crash test category. No matter the model, drivers can feel safe and secure when driving one of these EVs around Ontario.
Discover the Audi Q4 e-tron® at Audi Ontario
Drivers who want a comfortable and spacious EV can find it in the Audi Q4 e-tron® or Tesla Model Y. However, we believe that the Audi Q4 e-tron® offers an elevated driving experience and a more luxurious interior. We encourage anyone interested in driving an EV to come by Audi Ontario and explore the Q4 e-tron® in person. This allows interested parties to get behind the wheel and see how it feels to drive this elegant and well-appointed EV. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule a test drive. We love helping our customers find their dream cars.