2019 Hyundai Kona EV vs 2019 Tesla Model 3 Quick Comparison

The Tesla Model 3 is the electric vehicle everyone wants, but the Hyundai Kona EV may be the most pragmatic option.

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 is the king of the ring when it comes to electric vehicles. It has brand recognition and the features to back up its reputation, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. Unlike its larger brothers the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model X, the Model 3 has quite a few competitors including the 2019 Hyundai Kona EV. Let’s take a look at how the Kona EV stacks up to the Tesla Model 3 including performance, interior space, range, charging times, and value.

Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Kona EV: Performance

The Tesla Model 3 is the faster of the two EVs by a wide margin. The entry-level Tesla Model 3 gets to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds which is 2.0 seconds faster than the Hyundai Kona EV. We won’t even talk about the Long Range and Performance versions of the Model 3. One thing people like about their EVs is how fast they feel compared to a traditional car, and if this is something you like as well, the Model 3 will give you exactly what you want. The Model 3 can also be equipped with all-wheel drive which isn’t available in the Kona EV.

Winner: Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Kona EV: Interior Space

The Kona EV is one of the smaller electric vehicles on the market with 544 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 1,296 litres of cargo space with the rear seats down. Still, the new Kona EV is more spacious than the Tesla Model 3 which offers 425 litres of cargo space in its trunk. On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 has slightly more interior volume for passengers. The rear seats are a bit more spacious in the Model 3 and there’s better head room. Still, we will give the Kona EV the win here because of its added cargo space.

Winner: Hyundai Kona EV

Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Kona EV: Range

There are varying levels of range in the Tesla Model 3 lineup. Base models get 386 kilometres while top-of-the-line Long Range models offer 499 kilometres. The 2019 Hyundai Kona EV offers 415 kilometres of range. To keep the comparo equitable, we will focus on base models and in that sense the Kona EV has the advantage.

Winner: Hyundai Kona EV

Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Kona EV: Charging Time

The base Tesla Model 3 charges fully on a 240-volt outlet in 8.5 seconds while the Hyundai Kona EV needs 9.0 hours.

Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Kona EV: Pricing

The Tesla Model 3 starts at $54,990 while the Hyundai Kona EV starts at $44,990. Both are eligible for the iZEV Canadian Federal program which offers a $5,000 incentive. Don’t let Tesla’s weird calculations fool you on their website either. They manage to bring the price down to around $35,000 on a Model 3, but that includes the $5,000 federal rebate, the $8,000 Quebec EV rebate, and something it calls “6-year potential gas savings” which equals $6,700.

Well, if we apply the same calculation to the Hyundai Kona EV which is eligible for both rebates and will also help you save gas, the price would be $25,290. The Kona EV is more affordable than the Model 3 by a wide margin no matter which way you look at the numbers. 

Winner: Hyundai Kona EV

Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Kona EV: Conclusion

We think the Tesla Model 3 is great. It’s everything we love about Tesla and cars in general wrapped into a good-looking, modern car. All of that comes at a price, however. Compared to the Kona EV, the Model 3 is a luxury car. It’s $10,000 more expensive and that’s just the base version. Top-of-the-line models can be double the price. Sure they have a lot more range (499 kilometres) than the Kona EV, but comparing them to the Kona EV would be like comparing a BMW 5 Series to a Honda Accord and saying the former is a better car.

In the end, the 2019 Hyundai Kona EV is the smarter option. It’s the logical choice. It gives you more space, great range and better value. Your heart wants the Tesla Model 3, but your brain and wallet will be happier with the Kona EV.

2019 Tesla Model 3 Images Gallery

2019 Tesla Model 3 gallery

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2019 Hyundai Kona EV Images Gallery

2019 Hyundai Kona EV images

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