Electric vehicles are taking over roads across the globe, and car enthusiasts are going crazy with EV adoption. The number of electric vehicles being used goes as high as 18 million worldwide. Therefore, with more choices than ever between makes and models, deciding on your next electric car can be tricky. Two of the most exciting options for EV enthusiasts are the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3.
I took a deep dive into the specs, features and ownership experience of these compelling electric cars. From performance to practicality and everything in between, here’s an in-depth comparison of the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 to help you choose the best electric car for your needs.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Parameters
To help you make a better decision between the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3, I compared them across ten key parameters:
- Size and Dimensions
- Range
- Battery and Charging
- Driver Technology
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Warranty and Servicing
- Pricing
- Safety Equipment
- Interior and Design
- Performance and Handling
Now, let’s check out how the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3 stack up in each category.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Size and Dimension
In terms of size, the key difference between the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 is that the EV6 is a taller crossover SUV, while the Model 3 is a lower-slung sedan. This translates into more generous headroom and overall passenger space in the EV6 with greater cargo capacity.
The EV6 has the upright, spacious feel of an SUV, with abundant headroom and legroom for passengers front and back. Even tall riders can stretch out because of its boxy proportions. The Model 3 feels lower and leaner in comparison.
With over 50 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats down, the EV6 beat the Model 3 when it comes to packing in groceries, luggage and other cargo. Although Tesla’s frunk helps add capacity, the EV6 still offers greater overall volume.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Range
Range is a vital consideration for EV buyers when comparing the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3. The EV6 and Model 3 deliver compelling max ranges. The EV6 can reach up to 528 km in its long-range RWD form. The Model 3 offers up to 629 km in its Long Range configuration.
While the numbers are close, the Long Range Tesla edges out the Kia for the max range. However, the EV6 offers a very competitive range for its class, plus both models offer generous distance driving per charge.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Battery and Charging
The KIA EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 packs are similarly sized, but how they refuel those batteries is where things get interesting.
- The Kia EV6 uses an advanced nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery pack with high energy density. It can charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes on 350kW DC fast charging.
- Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 sticks with a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery for most variants, focusing on longevity and safety. Using Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, the Model 3 can replenish 180km in just 15 minutes.
Both EVs offer rapid charging to minimise downtime, but the Kia EV6 clearly dominates when it comes to a maximum charging speed of over 100kW.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Driver Technology
Moving to advanced driver assistance and safety systems, the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3 take quite different approaches.
The Kia EV6 focuses on providing the latest active safety and driving aids in a user-friendly package. For example,
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Highway Driving Assist 2
- Safe Exit Assist
The Tesla Model 3 offers basic Autopilot driver assistance features as standard but charges extra for its advanced “Full Self Driving” (FSD) package, currently priced at AED 37,000. FSD adds auto lane change, auto park, summon, smart summon, traffic light/stop sign recognition and autonomous city driving.
While Autopilot delivers cutting-edge functionality, making advanced features optional extras can frustrate Tesla owners. In this case, the Kia EV6 brings user-friendly safety technologies in its upfront pricing.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Infotainment and Connectivity
Entertainment and connectivity are essential for modern cars. The EV6’s dual curved screens provide vibrant, angled views. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, online maps/apps, and integrated control of EV functions. It even has voice recognition and OTA updates that keep things convenient and fresh.
Tesla does things differently with its massive in-house centre display and own ecosystem. You won’t find CarPlay or Android Auto here. Instead, Tesla gives you its exclusive apps and offerings.
Both EVs provide modern connectivity and entertainment. However, Tesla’s closed ecosystem can frustrate owners who prefer Apple or Google integration. The Kia offers flexibility to use your apps of choice.
Also, Read BYD Atto 3 vs. Tesla Model 3
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Warranty and Servicing
Everybody wants assurance for their investment in electric vehicles and hence comes the point of warranty and servicing.
When it comes to warranty coverage, Kia clearly wins. The EV6 has a longer bumper-to-bumper warranty at 5 years/60,000 miles versus 4 years/50,000 miles for the Model 3.
But more importantly, Kia provides double the battery and powertrain coverage at 10 years/100,000 miles compared to Tesla’s 8 years/100,000-120,000 miles. This gives EV6 owners much more long-term peace of mind.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Pricing
Here’s where things get really interesting in the battle of Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3. So, when it comes to dollars and dirhams, the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 are in the same electric luxury league, but their price tags tell two different stories. Based on UAE listings, the base Kia EV6 Wind model comes in at around AED 190,000.
The Tesla Model 3 currently lists from AED 180,000 for the most affordable Standard Range Plus rear-wheel drive variant.
While closely matched for performance and range, the Kia commands a premium over the equivalent Tesla. But the Model 3 offers more affordable entry pricing for budget-focused buyers wanting to go electric.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Safety Equipment
When it comes to safety, the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3 come fully loaded with cutting-edge tech to provide all-around protection on the road. The Kia focuses more on active collision prevention with radar-based systems to detect potential impacts from all angles and assist the driver in avoiding them. Features like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance and Safe Exit Assist give an extra set of eyes when changing lanes, parking and exiting the vehicle.
Meanwhile, Tesla takes a surveillance approach – literally turning the Model 3 into a vigilant sentry when parked with its cameras continuously monitoring for threats. Both autos aim to give drivers invaluable peace of mind, knowing they and their passengers have the latest advances in accident avoidance and mitigation.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Interiors and Design
Let’s not forget the importance of style and comfort in an electric vehicle you’ll spend so much time in. Step in the EV6, and you are met with sweeping contours and techy fabrics that feel both sporting and upscale. Its ambient lighting provides a relaxed vibe, while the curved panoramic screens enhance the cockpit-like feel.
The Tesla Model 3 goes for minimalism with clean, contemporary lines and premium trims. Its enormous centre touchscreen dominates as the heart of the experience.
Externally, the EV6 makes a statement with its aggressive lighting and detailing that screams high-tech electric. The Model 3 projects a more subtle refinement in its flowing forms but still says the future is now.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Performance and Handling
When it comes to performance and handling, the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 delivers serious thrills. The Kia EV6 is an electric SUV that accelerates quickly and handles well, but not quite as sharply as a sports car. The top AWD version can go from 0-100 km/h in around 5 seconds. It also feels sporty and stable when cornering.
The Tesla Model 3 is a sedan with incredible acceleration and agile handling. The Performance version can rocket from 0-100 km/h in just over 3 seconds! It stays flat through tight turns thanks to its low centre of gravity.
In simple terms, the Tesla is much faster off the line and more nimble around corners. But the Kia EV6 still offers good acceleration and solid handling for an electric SUV. Both are fun to drive, but the Tesla Model 3 is in a different league when you really push it hard.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 Verdict
To summarise, both the Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 make compelling cases as electric luxury cars. The Kia EV6 justifies its higher price with greater interior space, ultra-fast charging and a lengthy warranty. Its safety tech focus provides confidence in daily driving. But acceleration and tech innovations fall slightly short of the Tesla.
With the Tesla Model 3, you get uncanny performance plus high-tech features like Autopilot. But the tight rear seat and cargo space hurts practicality. Ownership costs are lower, but you miss out on cutting-edge charging speed.
For tech-focused EV enthusiasts chasing performance thrills, the Tesla Model 3 still reigns supreme. Yet the Kia EV6 makes a strong value case for tech-savvy family-focused buyers wanting space, pace and peace of mind.
Which car has more legroom, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 offers slightly more legroom, especially for rear passengers, making it a bit more comfortable for tall riders.
Which is more reliable, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is known for its reliability of around 75%, with a strong track record in electric vehicle technology. However, the Kia EV6 is also a dependable choice with a 77% quality and reliability rating, backed by Kia’s solid reputation.
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model 3?
Both the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model 3 are highly efficient electric vehicles. The Tesla Model 3 edges out slightly in efficiency, often offering more miles per charge, depending on the model.
Is the Kia EV6 faster than the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6 both offer quick acceleration. Top-tier Tesla Model 3 variants are faster, but the EV6 is also impressively quick off the line.
Is the Kia EV6 cheaper than the Tesla Model 3?
Price-wise, the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3 are competitive, with base models starting in a similar range. Exact pricing can vary based on features and location, but both offer good value for an electric vehicle.
Wrapping Up
I hope this extensive Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 comparison has provided key insights to help you select your next dream EV. Both push boundaries in their own ways to offer sustainability without compromise.
For the best blend of practicality, performance and advanced features, the Tesla Model 3 still leads the pack. But the Kia EV6 sets new expectations for affordable long-range electric cars. Whichever you choose, going electric is a win for you and the planet. Happy green driving!
