EV

2024 Kia EV6 vs. 2024 Tesla Model 3 Comparison

As the market gets more options for new electric vehicles, they’re getting more consideration from new buyers. It can be a big decision to make the leap from gas-power to battery electric, but the 2024 Kia EV6 and 2024 Tesla Model 3 both make very convincing arguments for doing so.

Let’s take a closer look at these competitive EVs.

2024 Kia EV6

2024 Kia EV6 GT in red.

With a contemporary style that stands out, the Kia EV6 is impossible to ignore. The all-electric crossover benefits from Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, mixing aggressive styling with sustainable materials and processes. The results are an attractive and useful crossover that, even at its slowest, will push you back in your seat — a potent combination.

The starter version offers just 232 miles of range, but it can be ordered up to get you 310 miles. If you want to win the Traffic Light Grand Prix, the GT model with its 3.5-second 0-to-60 mph time may be for you, but you’ll sacrifice range to win. Prices start at $43,975, including the destination charge.

Kia EV6 Highlights

One-pedal driving: The ability to control the speed of your vehicle while improving the battery regen capability extends your driving range and adds to the life of your brakes. It may be unnerving at first, but most who use it won’t go back to driving “normally.”

Charging up: Using your vehicle to power items while out and about or even act as a generator for your home in the event of a power outage can be incredibly helpful. Conversely, if you want to charge quickly, using a DC fast charger, the EV6 goes from 10% to 80% charge in less than 20 minutes.

Plenty of protection: Kia protects you in two ways: a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain plan. Additionally, it gets 5 stars on frontal and side crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), just like the Model Y.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kia EV6 models for sale near you.

2024 Tesla Model 3

2024 Tesla Model 3 driving down a road.

If you’re looking to buy an electric vehicle, the car that essentially made EVs mainstream, the Tesla Model 3, is a must-consider. It’s sporting a subtle exterior update for the 2024 model year and gets some other tech upgrades that keep it near the top of the heap for those looking for a lower-priced electric vehicle.

With a potential 341 miles of range, a sub-6-second 0-to-60 mph time, a steady stream of over-the-air updates, and a simple and clean interior, the Model 3 still feels like the car of the future. Prices start at $40,380, including destination charge. However, the Long Range version is the most popular, beginning at $49,130, including destination. It’s also potent, with a sizzling 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.

Tesla Model 3 Highlights

Semi-autonomous driving: The standard Autopilot system bundles features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Autopilot adds Navigate on Autopilot, automatic lane-changing, automated parking, and Smart Summon. Finally, Full Self-Driving Capability further adds Autosteer on city streets and automatic stop-and-go at traffic lights and stop signs.

Supercharger Network: Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home, but not always. If you want to take your vehicle on a longer trip, Tesla’s developed the largest charging network in the U.S. With nearly 22,000 Superchargers across the U.S., range anxiety isn’t an issue, plus you can add 175 miles of range in about 15 minutes.

Cargo space: Sedans often suffer from a shortage of cargo space, but not the Model 3. Not only is there a roomy rear truck, but the lack of a gas engine also means there’s an additional 3 cubic feet of cargo space in the frunk up front — plenty of room for groceries or a couple of duffle bags.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Model 3 sedans for sale near you.

Similarities

These high-tech EVs have similar price ranges as well as driving ranges and enjoy contemporary styling.

Conclusion

Kia is making a big push in the EV segment, and the EV6 is an impressive entry. Designed to be an EV from the start, it takes advantage of the lack of a transmission tunnel to offer more interior space. It’s a great start. But the Tesla Model 3 has proved the more popular choice thus far. The Model 3’s starting price is lower, the range on its base model is a bit further, and it has access to the Supercharger network, although you’ll be able to charge an EV6 at a Supercharger starting in late 2024. Take both for a test drive and see which pulls your heart strings and works best for your needs and budget.

Specs

2024 Kia EV6 2024 Tesla Model 3
Popular Powertrains
Drive WheelsRWDRWD
Range232 miles272 miles
Charging Time6.3 hoursN/A
Towing CapacityN/AN/A
Payload CapacityN/AN/A
Ground Clearance6.1 inches5.5 inches
Horsepower167 hpN/A
Torque258 lb-ftN/A
Specs
Basic Warranty5 years/60,000 miles4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty5 years/60,000 miles8 years/100,000 miles
Battery WarrantyN/AN/A
NHTSA Overall SafetyNot ratedNot rated
Max Seating Capacity55
Wheelbase114.2 inches113.2 inches
Overall Length184.3 inches184.8 inches
Width With Mirrors74.0 inches82.2 inches
Width Without MirrorsN/A76.1 inches
Height60.8 inches56.8 inches
Turning Diameter19.1 feet38.0 feet
Headroom, Front39.0 inches40.3 inches
Headroom, 2nd Row38.0 inches37.7 inches
Headroom, 3rd RowN/AN/A
Legroom, Front42.4 inches42.7 inches
Legroom, 2nd Row39.0 inches35.2 inches
Legroom, 3rd RowN/AN/A
Shoulder Room, Front57.8 inches56.3 inches
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row55.6 inches54.0 inches
Shoulder Room, 3rd RowN/AN/A
Cargo Behind Last Seat24.4 feetN/A
Cargo Behind Second SeatN/A19.8 feet
Cargo With All Seats DownN/AN/A
Bed LengthN/AN/A

Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.