Whether you’re commuting to and from work or enjoying the scenic views of the Georgia Mountain Parkway, you need our Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model 3 guide. The new Kia EV6 is a stunning five-passenger electric SUV with 32 standard safety features; the Tesla Model 3 is a five-seat sedan with a history of safety recalls.
Both offer extended long-range driving, but only the 2024 Kia EV6 offers you its top features as standard; the Tesla sedan hides its best systems – and even its paint colors – behind expensive paywalls. We’re certainly partial to the new Kia EV6, the model that Car and Driver ranked second in its class,1 but don’t let our opinion sway you.
Let’s explore the cutting-edge, all-electric details in this showdown of innovative EV models so you can decide for yourself which is the best vehicle!
We’ll begin our 2024 Kia EV6 vs. 2024 Tesla Model 3 comparison with driving range. This year, the new Kia EV6 offers four trim levels, most of which come in RWD and e-AWD configurations. Light Long-Range RWD, Wind RWD, and GT-Line RWD options can deliver an EPA-estimated 310 miles2 of driving range, meaning you could travel from your home in Kennesaw to Greensboro, North Carolina, without stopping to charge.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 offers three trims. The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive model travels only 272 electric miles3 before needing to charge, but you could opt for a Long-Range Rear Wheel Drive variant to gain up to an EPA-estimated 363 miles3 of electric range.
Electric power means instant torque, and instant torque means seat-pinning acceleration. The second key comparison in our 2024 Kia EV6 vs. 2024 Tesla Model 3 comparison is the wicked performance of these electric vehicles.
The 2024 Kia EV6 for sale offers a variety of motors and specs so you can customize your SUV’s performance to your needs. An entry-level Kia EV6 Light RWD yields 167 horsepower, while e-AWD Kia counterparts can generate up to 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. For ultimate power, choose the top-tier GT AWD, which gets you up to 60 mph in a lightning-fast 3.4 seconds with its astonishing 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 is strangely quiet about its horsepower and torque specs. The lineup’s top-trim Performance model offers 510 horsepower, which doesn’t even come close to the top-spec Kia EV6, but the other two Tesla Model 3 horsepower specs aren’t listed. Tesla torque specs are also mysteriously missing, though the Performance model claims to hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds – but only with the rollout subtracted.
Since these are all-electric vehicles, it’s also essential to note that the Kia EV6 can recharge at more than 130,000 nationwide charging stations, while the Tesla Model 3 is relegated to its much smaller group of 50,000 public Tesla chargers.
While connected to a public DC fast charger, the 2024 Kia EV6 battery can replenish from 10% to 80% in only 18 minutes.4 The Tesla Model 3 doesn’t follow standard charging specs but claims it can add up to 175 miles in 15 minutes.5
For a more detailed comparison of Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model 3 specs, charging, and performance, take a look at our comprehensive chart:
| Trim Models | Light, Wind, GT-Line, GT |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | up to 576 |
| Torque | up to 545 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | RWD and Torque-Vectoring e-AWD |
| 0-60 Rate | as quick as 3.4 sec |
| EPA-Estimated Range | up to 310 mi2 |
| DC Fast-Charge Time (10%-80%) | 18 min4 |
| Body Style | Crossover SUV |
| Public Charging Stations | 130,000+ |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi6 |
| Trim Models | Performance, Long Range AWD, Rear-Wheel Drive |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | up to 510 |
| Torque | N/A |
| Drivetrain | RWD and AWD |
| 0-60 Rate | as quick as 2.9 sec (w/ rollout subtracted) |
| EPA-Estimated Range | up to 363 mi3 |
| DC Fast-Charge Time (10%-80%) | N/A |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Public Charging Stations | 50,000+ |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi7 |
The last key aspect of this 2024 Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model 3 comparison is size and cabin layout. As we noted above, the Kia EV6 is a five-seat SUV, and the Tesla Model 3 is a five-passenger sedan. Both offer great everyday practicality, but if you need a vehicle that’s easily parked in tight spaces, the Kia EV6 is your winner.
A new Kia EV6 has a slightly smaller length and width than the Tesla Model 3, plus it offers a bit more cargo capacity: The Kia EV6 gives you 24.4 cubic feet of standard trunk space compared to the 24 cubic feet of a Tesla Model 3.
There’s never been a better time to ditch the gas pump and go all-electric. If you’re ready for an EV SUV lifestyle, visit Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw today to tour and test-drive the new Kia EV6 trims. Our other Kia electric vehicles also offer great practicality, so check out our Kia Niro EV vs. Tesla Model Y comparison to see how the Kia brand takes the crown from Tesla yet again.
Interested in saving even more on your Kia lease or purchase? Our dealership offers frequent new Kia specials to help you get behind the wheel of a car you love at a price you can afford, so make sure to call and inquire about our current offers!
While both vehicles seat five passengers, the 2024 Kia EV6 offers the best of both worlds: It has an exterior length and width that is slightly smaller than the 2024 Tesla Model 3, meaning you can more easily park in downtown Kennesaw, but the EV6 also gives you more cargo space than the Tesla Model 3, so you can pack the trunk with everything you need for the weekend.
The Kia EV6 warranties cover your vehicle for much longer than the Tesla Model 3 warranties. A 2024 Kia EV6 comes with five years or 60,000 miles of basic coverage6 compared to the Tesla Model 3 and its four years or 50,000 miles of protection.7 The Kia EV6 electric battery warranty is also two years longer than the comparable Tesla warranty.6,7
Yes, the 2024 Kia EV6 has a frunk. A front trunk or “frunk” is a staple of many electric vehicles. Though this front storage space is small, it can be a great place to store necessary items like leather cleaner, a microfiber cloth, or a portable battery charger. The Kia EV6 also gives you 24.4 cubic feet of conventional rear trunk storage behind the second row of seats.
1Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/ev6-2024
2Based on EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
4Actual charge will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging.
5Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.
6Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
7Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
