Verdict
For RM10,000 less, the Suzuki eVitara is the more manageable Malaysian-city SUV at 4,275 mm long and 1,800 mm wide, and its 5-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty is stronger. But the Tesla Model Y makes a serious case for the extra outlay: 295 hp cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 5.9 seconds, DC charging reaches 175 kW and its 854-litre boot is 548 litres larger. Its RM305 annual road tax, however, is RM185 higher than the Suzuki’s RM120.
Pick the Suzuki eVitara if you want the lower upfront and annual road-tax costs, a smaller footprint and a 360-degree camera with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pick the Tesla Model Y if you need much faster performance, 466 km of range, 175 kW DC charging and an 854-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Suzuki eVitara RM188,000; Tesla Model Y RM198,000.
- Performance: Suzuki eVitara 172 hp, 193 Nm and 8.7 seconds to 100 km/h; Tesla Model Y 295 hp, 420 Nm and 5.9 seconds.
- Range and battery: Suzuki eVitara 426 km from 61.1 kWh; Tesla Model Y 466 km from 60 kWh.
- Charging: Suzuki eVitara 7 kW AC and 67 kW DC; Tesla Model Y 11 kW AC and 175 kW DC.
- Size and boot: Suzuki eVitara is 4,275 mm long with 306 litres; Tesla Model Y is 4,790 mm long with 854 litres.
- Road tax: Suzuki eVitara RM120 per year; Tesla Model Y RM305 per year.
eVitara
- RM10,000 lower purchase price and RM185 lower annual road tax.
- Smaller 4,275 mm by 1,800 mm body for tighter spaces.
- 5-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty, plus 360-degree camera and wireless phone mirroring.
- Slower 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.9 seconds.
- 67 kW DC charging trails the Model Y’s 175 kW.
- 306-litre boot is far smaller than the Model Y’s 854 litres.
Model Y
- 295 hp and 420 Nm deliver a 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 466 km range and 175 kW DC charging suit longer trips.
- 854-litre boot, rear air vents and heated rear seats add family practicality.
- Costs RM10,000 more and incurs RM305 annual road tax versus RM120.
- At 4,790 mm long and 2,129 mm wide, it is substantially larger than the eVitara.
- No 360-degree camera or front and rear parking sensors are specified.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM188,000✓ | RM198,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM305 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 172 hp | 295 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 193 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 61.1 kWh✓ | 60 kWh |
| EV Range | 426 km | 466 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW | 11 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 67 kW | 175 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds | 5.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 201 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,790 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 2,129 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,891 mm |
| Weight | 1,788 kg | 1,921 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 306 litres | 854 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 255/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | MRF Wanderer Ecotred | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 EV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | India (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-links | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Crossflow Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Crossflow Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with LED Lighter |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, 4-way Power Adjustable Passenger Seat | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated & Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-Folding, Heated |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Rear Screen |
| Sunroof | Front Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Infinity Sound System | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 9 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 80,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km BEV Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used eVitara & Model Y for sale
eVitara vs Model Y FAQ
Is the Suzuki eVitara or Tesla Model Y better?
The Tesla Model Y is the better all-rounder for performance, charging speed, range and cargo capacity. Choose the Suzuki eVitara instead if a smaller body, lower road tax and longer unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model Y costs RM10,000 more than the Suzuki eVitara. It also costs RM185 more per year in road tax, at RM305 versus RM120.
Which one charges faster?
The Tesla Model Y charges faster on both AC and DC power: 11 kW AC and 175 kW DC, compared with the Suzuki eVitara’s 7 kW AC and 67 kW DC.