Tesla has become a synonym for the electric car as this company kickstarted one of the greatest revolutions in the automotive industry as a whole. The Tesla Model 3 is the most popular and likely the best Tesla EV you can buy which puts it right at the top of the EV game. However, many other automakers were soon to follow with their own iterations of the electric vehicle.
Hyundai is one of the largest automakers in the world which is rather obvious as they are constantly pumping out new cars left, right, and center. One of the most interesting cars Hyundai makes is the Ioniq 5. Ever since the Ioniq 5 came out, people were quick to compare it with the Tesla Model 3. So, Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model 3 – Which is better?
The Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are head-on competitors in the compact to the mid-size luxury EV market. The Tesla Model 3 is the sportier car of the two and it comes in a few different iterations while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 range is a little simpler in comparison. Both of these cars look really futuristic and eye-catching inside and out.
Reliability is also really similar between the two, but the Tesla Model 3 has had a rougher start. The Tesla comes with a larger trunk and more space in the front while the Ioniq 5 offers better visibility and more space in the rear. If you want to know why you should take over the other, be sure to read this article!
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 starts at around $49,000 and it gets a fair bit of standard equipment which means that you really don’t have to spend much on extras. As far as the powertrain is concerned, you can choose between three battery sizes starting from a smaller 50-60kWh battery, a mid-level 75kWh battery, or the top-spec 82kWh battery.
Power ranges from 283hp all the way up to 513hp for the top-spec performance model. AWD comes as standard with higher-end models, and you can expect up to 358 miles on a full charge with the Long Range Plus model. The Tesla can charge with speeds up to 250kW which can give you almost 80% of battery charge in just 30 minutes or so.
The design of the Model 3 is in keeping with the rest of the Tesla range thanks to smooth creases and a bubble-like passenger compartment. The interior is as minimalistic as it can get as the Model 3 does not even get a gauge cluster. However, the Model 3 does get a whole load of useful and gimmicky tech features.
Reliability is capped at around 75/100 at J.D. Power which means that newer Model 3 models are much better than earlier ones. Practicality is adequate as the Model 3 does get a large trunk space, yet it does suffer a bit when it comes to rear headspace.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
With a starting price of around $42,000, the Ioniq 5 is a few thousand dollars cheaper than the Model 3, but it does not get as much standard equipment which means that you will have to spend more to match the Tesla spec for spec. The Ioniq 5 comes with two battery sizes, a smaller 58kWh battery or a larger 77kWh battery while power output ranges between 170hp and 306hp respectively.
FWD is also the standard with the Ioniq 5 while AWD is available as an option. The maximum range you can get out of the Ioniq 5 is rated at 303 miles, the maximum charging rate is capped at 350Kw which means the Ioniq 5 can charge from 0 to 80% in just 18 minutes. However, many people say that the Ioniq 5 maxes out at 230kW and charges from 0 to 80% right about the same time as the Tesla.
Design-wise, the Ioniq 5 looks really authentic with its retro-future that certainly does attract attention. The interior is much busier than in the Tesla which means that it feels like a normal car. Reliability is slightly worse at 73/100 at J.D. Power, but Hyundai said that newer Ioniq 5 models are a lot more reliable.
Practicality is really good as the Ioniq 5 offers a lot of space at the back, but falls short of Tesla when it comes to trunk space.
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Verdict – The Tesla Model 3 is better
The Tesla Model 3 offers more variety when it comes to powertrains, especially if you like performance cars. The Performance version of the Model 3 is going to leave the Ioniq 5 in the dust thanks to its 500hp+, but the Model 3 is also the more engaging car to drive in general.
Even though the Ioniq 5 offers a considerable tech palette, the Model 3 comes with more advanced autonomous driving tech and is the more tech-infused car in general. The Model 3 also uses softer interior materials and simply feels like the more premium car overall.
On the other hand, the base Ioniq 5 is more efficient than the base Model 3 and it also offers a more interesting design, both inside and out.
FAQ Section
Is the Tesla Model 3 safer than the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
Both the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 were awarded the IIHS “Top Safety Pick Plus” award which means that these two EVs are some of the safest EVs on the market. Tesla does get a few pluses because of its advanced safety features such as Sentry mode which are only available with Tesla cars.
Is the Tesla Model 3 a better family car than the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 might be more practical for family use thanks to better visibility and easier entry into the car. On the other hand, the Model 3 is likely the one if you want your kids to be entertained on a long journey. The bottom line is that both of these are perfect for family use, and you can’t make a wrong decision here.
Can Hyundai EVs use Tesla Superchargers?
In some places around the world, Hyundai owners can use Tesla Superchargers. However, in most instances, you can’t use Tesla Superchargers with other cars as these come with different chargers and different maximum kW charging rates.
