2023 Hyundai Kona EV vs 2023 Tesla Model 3

One of the least expensive electric vehicles with a good long distance range, the 2023 Kona Electric greatly undercuts the 2023 Tesla Model 3 in price. Meanwhile its top trim challenges the entry level Model 3.

The question is: which one is worth your automotive dollar? This electric vehicle comparison will look at the value as well as the features you get for the money.

1. 2023 Trim Levels and Prices

   The Kona Electric trim levels have been changed for 2023. The SE is now the entry level trim with the SEL as the middle and Limited as the top. SEL models now have the standard 10.3-inch display with navigation.

   Prices start as low as $33,550 (SE) and top out at $41,550 (Limited). All three models have the same electric powertrain. The Car Connection ranks the Kona EV number one among all small SUVs. It offers a low enough price to compete with the others in its class, but it has electric efficiency to keep ownership costs to a minimum.

   The Tesla Model Y comes in three trim levels based on the three different powertrains. These include the rear-wheel drive model, long range model, and performance model. According to Kelley Blue Book, Tesla Model 3 prices have dropped to $39,990 for the RWD model. The Performance model remains priced like a luxury car at $52,990.

2. Reliability and Durability

   Many criticisms have been leveled at Tesla when it comes to quality and related issues. Car and Driver calls the Tesla 3 build quality “so-so” . Kelley Blue Book also notes that build quality is lacking. The brand has low rankings in recent reliability surveys at JD Power and is one of the lowest ranked at Consumer Reports.

   As a brand, Hyundai has a good reputation for quality. If there is a problem, there are dealerships in every major town across the U.S.

   Tesla does not have this network of dealerships to take care of problems, and a quick glance at social media will tell you that Tesla owners have a hard time getting their complaints addressed.

   

   Hyundai is offering up to three years of roadside charging at Electrify America Stations. Complimentary roadside charging has not been a Tesla standard since 2017 or so. It is sometimes offered as part of a sales promotion.

3. Powertrains and Drivetrains

   Consumer Reports praises the Kona EV for an enjoyable driving experience. Its electric powertrain generates 201 horsepower. Front wheel drive is the only powertrain. The floor-mounted battery pack gives it a low center of gravity that helps keep it planted through corners.

   With its 64 kWh battery and electric motors, it generates 291 lb-ft of torque. Like the Tesla 3 and other electric vehicles, this torque comes quickly. This gives it peppy acceleration.

   The Tesla Model 3 has a rear-wheel drivetrain. Its electric powertrain is estimated to generate 271 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. There are more competitive Model 3 powertrains with all-wheel drive, but these cost thousands more than the price of the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited.

4. The Advantages of One-Pedal Driving

   One-pedal driving is a much talked about feature of electric cars, such as the Tesla Model 3. Shoppers will be pleased to find out that the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV has this all important capability.

   Since electric vehicles use regenerative braking to maintain the electric charge, the Kona EV was designed to allow the driver to use one-pedal driving. This allows you to use the accelerator to brake by simply letting up on the pedal. The car reads this as coming to a stop. It's a great feature for city driving.

   

   As a car, the Tesla Model 3 has low ground clearance. At 5.5 inches, it definitely sits lower than the Kona EV with 6.2 inches. Plus the Hyundai electric SUV has a tighter turn circle than the Model 3.

5. Efficiency and Economy

   The Kona EV is rated at 134 mpge city, just a few miles short of the Tesla Model 3 which is rated at 138 mpge. Highway fuel economy is 106 mpge (Kona) or 126 mpge (Model 3). Of the two cars, only the Hyundai comes with up to three years of complimentary charging at Electrify America stations.

   Model 3 Performance AWD trims earn 118/107 MPG-e while Model 3 Long Range models earn 134/126 mpge. When you compare Kona EV to Tesla Model 3 using the fuel economy calculator, you’ll see there is just a $50 difference in yearly power usage.

6. Driving Range and Battery Charging

   The 2023 Kona EV Electric can claim an electric range of 258 miles. This is almost as much as the Tesla 3 which claims an electric range of 272 miles. You can upgrade (at quite an expense) to either 315 miles or 358 miles of driving range.

   Overnight charging is typical for both 2023 models. The Hyundai Kona EV comes to a full charge in about 9 hours and 15 minutes. Model 3 overnight charging takes 10 to 12 hours with the Tesla Wall Connector.

7. Size Considerations

   The Hyundai Kona is almost as big as the Model 3. The Kona cargo hold measures over 19 cubes. When the seats are folded, the area grows to 45.8 cubes. Shoppers will find this is similar to the space you will find in the Model 3.

   As a crossover, the Kona EV sits higher, giving drivers a better perch. For drivers who are accustomed to an SUV, the Hyundai EV is a much more logical choice.

8. Dash Tech Differences

   There’s no doubt that Tesla does its own thing. Is that a good thing? It takes a lot of practice to learn its tech system. The dash is very minimalist and all functions are conducted with the help of the screen. US News and World Report calls it “complex and often distracting”. There are no knobs or buttons, and even the climate controls must be adjusted using the screen.

   Tesla 3 models don’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to help extend smartphone functions. They don’t have AM Radio or SiriusXM satellite radio connectivity. On the other hand, some internet-streaming options are standard.

   

   Hyundais are known for their straightforward touchscreen systems. User-friendly menus and good graphics make it easy to find what you need. Plus there are physical buttons for many key features in easy reach of the driver on the console, dash and steering wheel.

   The Kona EV driver enjoys a standard power-adjustable chair as well as the SUV’s higher perch. An electronic parking brake with automatic hold and push button start are more evidence of its contemporary engineering.

9. Advanced Features

   A proximity key to gets you in and out of the Kona Electric quickly. The Hyundai Digital Key is standard on SEL and Limited trims. Tesla Model 3 cars come with a digital key and an available keyfob.

   Every Tesla Model 3 has two rows of heated seats whereas the Kona has front heated seats. However, this may not be a big deal-breaker in our Phoenix AZ climate. It’s probably more important that the inexpensive Kona EV has ventilated seats on the menu.

   The Kona Electric Limited has ventilated leather seats, a navigation touch screen, a wireless charger, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Similarly priced, the Model 3 has synthetic leather seating, an 8-speaker audio system, and navigation.

10. Driver Aids

    Essentially the two vehicles come with the same type of standard driver aids. This includes the all important automatic emergency brake, forward collision watch, and lane departure assist.

    Kona standards include a blind spot monitor with an assist, a rear cross-traffic alert with an assist, a driver attention monitor, and pedestrian detection. Other standard features include lane-centering assist, a driver attention monitor, a vehicle exit warning, and a rear seat alert.

    The top Model 3 offers automated features that Tesla often advertises. However, that means paying a luxury level price for your electric vehicle. If you stick with the well-equipped Hyundai Kona, you can enjoy adaptive cruise control for slow-and-go traffic and highway driving assist for semi-automated travel.

Conclusion

Whether it’s to save money or to get the best vehicle for the price, the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV is definitely the one to pick over the Tesla Model 3.

You’ll find it at your Avondale Hyundai dealer. Schedule a test drive.

REVIEWS

”The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is a worthy affordable EV choice that lacks the flash—but also the hefty price—of some competitors.”

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