Here's how Tesla's Model Y refresh stacks up against Porsche's sporty all-electric Macan
by Khris Bharath on January 15, 2025, 16:00With the intent of soon bidding farewell to the internal combustion engine that once defined it, Porsche finally dragged its best-selling Macan into the electric age last year. But if things don’t go to plan, I have a feeling that the gas-powered variant which is set to be discontinued in 2026, may stick around. The recent shift in market dynamics, not favoring EVs much has warranted Porsche to realign its EV strategy with rumors of some models that were destined to be electric even to take the hybrid route, or even better an ICE retrofit. Meanwhile, Tesla’s super-popular and newly unveiled Model Y, now under the "Juniper" moniker, is all set to continue to assert its dominance in the electric crossover market, already racking up 50,000 orders within the very first day.
Yes, I get that this won’t be an apples-to-apples comparison, when you take into account things like brand-caché, build quality, target demographics, or even price; Tesla and Porsche are miles apart. Having said that, I’d be lying to you if I said that there’s not a possibility of cross-shopping between these two if you’re in the market for an entry-level all-electric crossover with above-average performance credentials. For now, the latest Model Y’s top-spec Long Range model with AWD comes closest to the base Macan electric. While both aim to go after the environmentally conscious buyer, which one truly delivers? Let’s find out.
2025 Porsche Macan Electric Vs. 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper: Performance
The base Macan Electric and the top-spec Model Y Long Range offer distinctly different approaches to performance. In this particular case, we have the Macan Electric equipped with a single rear-mounted motor, delivering 355 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Tesla’s Model Y Long Range, in contrast, utilizes a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, pushing out 384 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Despite Tesla’s slight edge in power, the Macan Electric with the rear-wheel drive setup should hold its own with a refined driving experience that’s characteristic of Porsche engineering.
In terms of acceleration, the Model Y Long Range edges out the Macan Electric with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, compared to the Macan’s 5.2 seconds. Both vehicles feature a single-speed gearbox, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted power delivery. The Macan’s top speed of 136 mph is slightly higher than the Tesla’s electronically limited 125 mph.
Underpinning the Macan Electric is a 100 kWh battery (95 kWh net capacity) based on an 800-volt architecture, enabling fast DC charging at up to 270 kW, achieving an 80% charge in about 21 minutes. The Model Y Long Range employs a slightly smaller 80 kWh battery but compensates with Tesla’s Supercharger network, allowing charging speeds of up to 250 kW.
While both SUVs promise a range of well over 300 miles, Tesla’s advanced battery management system could provide a slight real-world advantage. Additionally, the Tesla comes standard with a heat pump for increased efficiency in cold climates and a more advanced driver-assistance suite, including Tesla’s Autopilot with optional Full Self-Driving capability.
2025 Porsche Macan Electric | 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Long Range | |
---|---|---|
Powertrain | Single electric motors | Dual electric motors |
Horsepower | 355 hp | 384 hp |
Torque (lb-ft) | 415 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft |
Drive type | RWD | AWD |
0-60 (mph) | 5.4 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
Top speed | 136 mph | 125 mph |
Battery capacity | 100 kWh (95 kWh net) | 80 kWh |
Max Charge Speed | 270 kW (DC) | 250 kW (DC) |
Range | 315 miles | 343 miles |
Curb weight | 5,004 lbs. | 4,391 lbs. |
Max Towing Capacity | 4,400 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. |
2025 Porsche Macan Electric Vs. 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper: Features & Price
From a design perspective, the 2025 Porsche Macan Electric retains Porsche’s signature aesthetics, with a sloping hood, four-point LED headlights,, and a sporty yet elegant form. While I’m fine with much of the lineup, I’m not a fan of an EV being called a Turbo. On the inside, it features premium leather upholstery, a 12.6-inch curved driver’s display, and a 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch passenger display available for an additional $1,570.
Standard features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Also, given the longer wheelbase compared to the gas-variant, the Macan Electric is a lot roomier. The overall cabin experience is tailored for luxury and driver engagement.
The Tesla Model Y Juniper (which will be made in China by the way), on the other hand, leans heavily into minimalism and presents a refreshed exterior with a much more aggressive front bumper, a flatter hood, and a lightbar drawing inspiration from the Cybertruck and Tesla’s Robo-taxi that we saw, not too long ago. You now have a light bar in the back as well. Personally, I’m a fan of the way that the Model Y refresh now looks. I always felt that the pre-facelift model was a bit bland. But if I had to pick between these two, purely based on looks, I’d still choose the Macan Electric. I’ve never been a fan of the coupe-like profile on crossovers. But each to their own.
Inside, the Model Y boasts a massive central 15.4-inch landscape touchscreen upfront that serves as the command center for virtually all vehicle functions. You also get an 8.0-inch unit for rear passengers. The Juniper update adds improved materials, including vegan leather and sustainable wood trim, alongside enhanced ambient lighting and acoustic glass for a more premium feel. Tesla’s cabin is undeniably tech-centric, but it may lack the tactile luxury, that potential Porsche expect. In terms of practicality, the Model Y Long Range has a significant edge, offering 76 cubic feet of max cargo space with the rear seats folded, compared to the Macan Electric’s 50 cubic feet.
Feature | 2025 Porsche Macan Electric | 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD |
---|---|---|
Exterior Features | - LED headlights - 20" alloy wheels - Panoramic sunroof (glass) - Adaptive air suspension - Full-width LED light bars | - Redesigned bumpers - Full-width LED light bar - New wheel designs (19" to 20") - Power liftgate - Heated side mirrors |
Interior Features | - 12.6" digital driver display - 10.9" touchscreen infotainment system - Heated and ventilated front seats - Keyless entry and ignition - Premium audio system with multiple speakers | - 15" center touchscreen with navigation - Panoramic glass roof - Heated front and rear seats - Ventilated front seats - Rear passenger touchscreen for climate control |
Chassis Features | - Multi-link rear suspension with air springs - Electric power-assisted steering - Regenerative braking system - Optional rear-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability | - Dual-motor all-wheel drive for improved traction - Independent front and rear suspension - Regenerative braking with adjustable levels |
Cargo Capacity | - Cargo volume behind rear seats: 19.1 ft³ - Maximum cargo capacity with seats folded: 50.6 ft³ | - Cargo volume behind rear seats: 30.0 ft³ - Maximum cargo capacity with seats folded: 76.0 ft³ |
Price | Base price starting at $77,295 | Base price starting at $45,000 |
Khris Bharath
Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio