Tesla Model Y vs Cadillac Optiq
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Tesla Model Y starts from $65,900 before on-road costs, while the Cadillac Optiq opens at $80,000. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $14,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $72,490 and $88,000 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model Y features a 16-inch touchscreen, while the Cadillac Optiq gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Tesla Model Y stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Cadillac Optiq. The Cadillac Optiq counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats and harman/kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Tesla Model Y uses a Electric Motor producing 194kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Cadillac Optiq responds with a Electric making 224kW and 480Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The Cadillac Optiq has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 194kW. In the real-world sprint, the Cadillac Optiq is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model Y) vs 75kWh (Cadillac Optiq). DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Tesla Model Y) vs 150kW (Cadillac Optiq).
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model Y measures 4,792mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 161mm shorter than the Cadillac Optiq at 4,953mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac Optiq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 854L in the Tesla Model Y and 500L in the Cadillac Optiq, giving the Tesla Model Y a 354L advantage.
For towing, the Cadillac Optiq leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.6m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Tesla Model Y and Cadillac Optiq trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Tesla Model Y and Cadillac Optiq?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $65,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Cadillac Optiq by $14,100.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model Y has the most range at 466km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model Y accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Tesla Model Y all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L.
Which can tow the most?
The Cadillac Optiq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Cadillac Optiq makes the most power at 224kW. The Cadillac Optiq is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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