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
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
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 | |
Starting Price | $43,975 | $40,380 |
Standard Powertrains | ||
Engine | Electric motor | Electric motor |
Horsepower | 167 hp | N/A |
Torque | 258 lb-ft | N/A |
Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
Fuel Economy | 136 city/100 hwy/117 combined MPGe | 138 city/126 hwy/132 combined MPGe |
Standard Range | 232 miles | 272 miles |
Also Available | Dual-motor AWD; up to 310-mile range | Dual-motor AWD; up to 341-mile range |
Specs | ||
Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Battery Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/120,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 113.2 inches |
Overall Length | 184.3 inches | 185.8 inches |
Width | 74.0 inches | 82.2 inches |
Height | 60.8 inches | 56.7 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.2 feet | 38.4 feet |
Headroom, Front | 39.0 inches | 40.3 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.8 inches |
Legroom, Front | 42.4 inches | 42.7 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 34.5 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 57.8 inches | 56.7 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 54.2 inches |
Cargo Volume | 24.4 cubic feet | 24.1 cubic feet (includes frunk) |
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