DecodedCarsAudi Q6 e-tron vs Tesla Model Y
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron vs 2025 Tesla Model Y — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $150 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Both earned 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests.
Across all model years since 2005, the Audi Q6 e-tron has had fewer recall campaigns (3 vs 43).
The two cars
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is a standard SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 188 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,291 lb.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi Q6 e-tron if…
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (3 vs 43 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Tesla Model Y if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Audi Q6 e-tron on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
- Long EV rangeUp to 321 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Strong performanceUp to 456 hp, versus about 335 hp for similar 2025 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2025 Tesla Model Y
- Long EV rangeUp to 337 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Many owner complaints109 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 6 for similar models — most often about the forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control.
Full 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron specs →Full 2025 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →