8 Top Tesla Model 3 Competitors
The Tesla Model 3 faces some stiff competition from the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, among others.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Tesla may be the first name you think of when it comes to electric cars, but it’s not the only entry in that race. The Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are both closing in on the former undisputed leader in the all-electric field.
The Model 3 is the cheapest car Tesla offers and potentially the most accessible choice in the lineup. But there is no shortage of strong competitors, so if you want an electric car that’s not a Tesla, you’ve come to the right place.
Come along with super app
Jerry
as we see how the Tesla Model 3
stacks up against eight other competitors. You might just find the EV (and the car insurance
savings) you’ve been looking for!1. Nissan Leaf
Starting price: $28,495 to $36,895
Selling points: Accessible price tag, quick charge time
Weak spot: Performance less than exciting, limited range
The
Nissan Leaf
is certainly one of the most budget-friendly EVs on the market right now, with a starting price tag of $28,895 for the base S trim. It’s a small yet roomy hatchback that offers comfortable seating and good cargo space, and a healthy dose of tech features—including some semi-autonomous driving tech.The Leaf’s driving range is on the shorter end of the spectrum, at 149-200 miles. While this may be a non-issue for folks who just need a capable daily city driver or a short-term commuter, it may make others a bit nervous. Another downside of the Leaf is that its charging technology is a bit outdated and not compatible with all public charging stations, so it’s not a great choice if you plan on roaming far from home.
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2. Mini Cooper Electric
Starting price: $30,795 to $37,750
Selling points: Affordable, lots of personality, fun to drive
Weak spot: Very short range, small interior and cargo space
Mini throws its hat in the EV ring with the
Mini Cooper
Electric, a cute two-door fellow with Mini’s iconic style at the forefront. The starting price tag is competitive, and even the base level trim comes with a healthy number of standard features. The Mini Cooper Electric has the shortest range out of all the vehicles mentioned here—it’s able to go a mere 110 miles on a full charge. Its small rear seat and low cargo room will not be terribly practical for most people, either. But it is incredibly peppy to drive, so if you don’t go too far and don’t need to carry a lot of passengers or stuff, it’s a fun choice.
3. Chevy Bolt EV
Starting price: $26,595 to $29,795
Selling points: Competitive range, low price tag
Weak spot: Feels less than premium, no all-wheel drive option
If you’re looking for the least expensive EV on the market today, the
Chevrolet Bolt EV
is it. Folks who really want to go electric but are put off by the high sticker prize of some of the snazzier models will find an economical and comfortable alternative here.The interior is spacious enough for a small car, with comfy seats and 17 square feet of cargo space. The Bolt EV’s range of 259 miles keeps it quite competitive with its peers, and its driving style is practical but still enjoyable. Reviewers liked the Bolt EV overall but did remark that it felt like the economical and practical option that it is.
4. Kia EV6
Starting price: $42,695 to $57,115
Selling points: Stylish, good performance, offers drivetrain and battery options
Weak spot: On the expensive side
The
Kia EV6
is the maker’s first all-electric vehicle, and it’s a competitive entry. With an exciting, stylish design and the ability to go 0-60 mph in 3.5 to 4.5 seconds, the EV6 is an option for those who want to experience the more electrifying aspects of an EV.Agile handling, athletic acceleration, and a range of 232 to 310 miles depending on the battery you choose mean the EV6 is not only fun to drive, but practical in the real world too. Competition is heating up among electric cars, and the EV6 clearly has Tesla in its sights.
5. Polestar Polestar 2
Starting price: $49,800 to $76,900
Selling points: Good driving manners, nice design
Weak spot: New brand with an unproven track record
Another close competitor to the Tesla Model 3 is the Polestar Polestar 2. That’s not a typo, the name of the company and the name of the car are both Polestar. You might not have heard of it, but it’s got a good pedigree—Polestar is the all-electric offshoot of the Swedish carmaker
Volvo
. With a competitive range of 260 to 270 miles and the capability to go 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds, the Polestar 2 is an option that’s worth getting to know. The downside? Higher trim levels and options can get expensive quickly, and despite being a subsidiary of Volvo, it’s still a new brand—which can sometimes mean that there are kinks to be worked out.
6. Audi e-tron
Starting price: $67,995 to $96,095
Selling points: Exquisite ride quality, Audi-level opulence
Weak spot: Expensive, prioritizes luxury over EV functionality
Audi
is going all in on the electric car game, with seven different all-electric models. If the Audi e-tron is not the one for you, there are half a dozen others to choose from in the family.As an Audi, the e-tron will offer opulent bells and whistles and a splendidly smooth ride. In fact, it’s not immediately apparent that it’s an EV at all.
The range of 222 miles on a full charge is not terribly competitive, especially when you take into account the high sticker price. The e-tron performs well, but it’s not outstanding. It’s a luxurious Audi first and an electric car second, and that may be a plus for some and a minus for others.
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7. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Starting price: $42,000 to $53,000
Selling points: Impressive range, fast charging capabilities
Weak spot: Not as attractive on the inside as it is on the outside
The
Hyundai Ioniq
5 offers a maximum range of 303 miles on a full charge and has DC fast charging functionality, both of which make it a strong competitor to Tesla—and for less money. While futuristic and fun to look at, the interior is not quite as stylish. It is roomy and comfortable though and also made with sustainable materials like natural fabrics and recycled bottles.
Even though it might not be super exciting to ride in, there’s plenty of room for cargo and for passengers in the front and the back. It even has a footrest so you can put your feet up while you charge up! The Ioniq was a completely new vehicle for Hyundai, and many reviewers see it as an exciting harbinger of even better all-electric offerings from the maker—so stay tuned.
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8. Volkswagen ID.4
Starting price: $35,00 to $47,000
Selling points: Good cargo space, competitive range
Weak spot: Not super exciting to drive
The
Volkswagen ID.4
is a family-friendly and economical entry into the EV market, albeit a bit bland. Cargo space is an impressive 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and the interior is practical and comfy and offers plenty of room. The maximum range is up to 280 miles for the ID.4, which is on the high end as far as its peers go and makes it a practical choice for those who need to go a little bit farther in their driving duties.
Lots of tech and safety features come standard, which also makes this model a good choice for a family EV. Its driving style is pretty unexciting and lacks any of the eye-popping acceleration that some electric cars are known for, so if you’re looking for athletic performance the ID.4 won’t be on your shortlist. But if you want an EV that’s practical and economical, then take a look at what Car and Driver deemed “an electric car for the people.”
Tesla Model 3 vs. the competition
If you want to see it all in black and white, here are some key specs of the Tesla Model 3 and some of its competition:
Model | Price range | Range | Maximum seating capacity | Cargo volume | Level 2 charging time | 0-60 mph time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tesla Model 3 | $48,440 to 64,440 | 272 to 334 miles | 5 seats | 15 cubic ft | 8 to 12 hours | 3.1 to 5.8 seconds |
Nissan Leaf | $28,495 to $36,895 | 149 to 215 miles | 5 seats | 24 cubic ft | 4 to 8 hours | 6.7 to 7.4 seconds |
Mini Cooper Electric | $30,795 to $37,750 | 110 miles | 5 seats | 9 cubic ft | 7.5 hours | 6.1 seconds |
Chevy Bolt EV | $26,595 to $29,795 | 259 to 310 miles | 5 seats | 17 cubic ft | 7 hours | 6.7 seconds |
Kia EV6 | $42,695 to $57,115 | 232 miles | 5 seats | 28 cubic ft | 7 hours | 3.5 to 4.5 seconds |
Polestar Polestar 2 | $49,800 to $76,900 | 260 to 270 miles | 5 seats | 26 cubic ft | 8 hours | 4 seconds |
Audi e-tron | $67,995 to $96,095 | 222 miles | 5 seats | 27 cubic ft | 10 hours | 5.1 seconds |
Hyundai Ioniq 5 | $42,000 to $53,000 | 220 to 303 miles | 5 seats | 27 cubic ft | 6 to 8 hours | 4.5 seconds |
Volkswagen ID.4 | $35,00 to $47,000 | 280 miles | 5 seats | 30 cubic ft | 7.5 hours | 7.6 seconds |
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