2023 Hyundai Kona Electric vs 2023 Tesla Model 3

With the high prices of Tesla electric vehicles, it is unexpected that now the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV can even play in the same league. When it comes to true EV performance, it holds its own.

The more affordable electric crossover can even match up to many of the high-tech gadgets and comforting amenities you’ll find in EVs today.

1. A Quick History of Two Electric Cars

   Introduced in a limited way in 2017, the Tesla Model 3 has been on the market in its present form for about 5 years. Classified as a near-luxury midsize car, it is the smallest Tesla model.

   Classified as an affordable crossover, the Hyundai Kona was introduced the same year, but it didn’t make it to American markets until 2018. Konas won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, claiming an award that no crossover its size had ever won. The crossover tied for number one in Best Subcompact SUVs at US News in 2022.

   For 2023, the Kona EV is actually in a new generation. New Kona Electric crossovers have special horizontal lights that run above and below the rear bumper.

2. EV Value

   The Car Connection has named the Kona Electric number one in the small SUV class, leapfrogging over its non-electric classmates. This is due to a number of factors with the most obvious being its stellar efficiency, affordable price, and quality packaging.

   Plus Hyundai is still including complimentary electric charging in the Kona Electric purchase. When Tesla 3 models were first introduced in 2017, they included this. Now it might be offered in a special promotion, but most purchases won’t include this money-saving amenity.

3. Reliability and Ownership Costs

   Hyundai has 835 dealerships with certified service departments. Plus the brand has the longest warranties as well as a superior reputation for quality. A 2023 Hyundai Kona purchase comes with more peace of mind as well as valuable extras such as scheduled maintenance and complimentary charging sessions.

   

   Reliability has been a problem as evidenced by Tesla’s low marks in the JD Power surveys of owners. Adding frustration, there are few shops ready to take on Tesla repairs. There are only 135 Tesla stores, and there are very few Tesla specialists for service or bodywork.

4. Performance

   To compete with the Model 3, the Kona EV must handle the road. This Hyundai electric crossover has a 201-horsepower system that kicks out 295 lb-ft of torque. Drivers will find plenty of power whether they are starting from zero or accelerating on the highway.

   There are three Model 3 powertrains. The most affordable one generates an estimated 310 lb-ft and 271 horsepower. The Long Range and Performance models have racier powertrains that the Kona Electric doesn’t aspire to match.

   Familiar front-wheel drive is a Kona hallmark while the Tesla 3 favors rear-wheel drive in its entry level edition. You can get all-wheel drive on the top Tesla 3 trims, but these are quite costly.

5. Handling and Efficiency

   Electric cars handle a bit differently than gas-powered cars. These two both have regenerative braking. This captures energy as you brake and re-routes it to the battery to assist the charge level. This can be difficult in some vehicles, but both the Tesla 3 and Kona Electric have refined regen braking that should feel fairly natural to the user.

   

   Even better, these EVs have one-pedal driving. The Kona Electric driver can brake simply by lifting their foot from the accelerator. The pedal does double duty in certain situations, allowing for simpler driving.

6. Electric Range and Efficiency

   The electric range for these two vehicles is remarkably similar given their different price points. Tesla 3 electric range is 272 miles while Kona Electric can go 258 miles. The more expensive Tesla 3 Performance claims 315 miles while the Long Range goes 358 miles.

   Overnight charging time is 9 hours and 15 minutes for the Hyundai. Tesla charging time is estimated at 10 to 12 hours.

   Earning 134/106 mpge in city/highway driving, Kona EV has estimated yearly power costs of $600. Earning 138/126 mpge, the Tesla Model 3 fuel costs are estimated at $550.

7. Spaciousness and Comfort

   The Kona EV is a true crossover with a higher ground clearance than the Model 3. This also gives the driver a higher perch. A power-adjustable chair is standard in both EVs, despite initial cost differences.

   If you want heated seats, you’ll be happy to know they are standard in both EVs. Kona EV Limited models add the coveted ventilated seats that Phoenix AZ drivers love.

   With 19.1 cubic feet, the Kona cargo hold has a wide opening for ease of use. If seats are folded, it can expand to 45.8 cubic feet. The Tesla 3 has a 19.8 cu-ft cargo hold.

8. Technology and Connectivity

   Kona cabins are rich with soft touch points and cutting edge technology. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow for the maximum interface with an individual’s smartphone. These two systems are not even available on the Tesla.

   A single screen dominates the Tesla dashboard. All features are accessed through the screen, leading many critics to complain about the distracting and complicated nature of this system.

   

   More mainstream, the Kona Electric has a helpful array of buttons and knobs as well as duplicate controls on the steering wheel. It has up to two screens and 22 inches of real estate where it can spread out menus and touchpoints to help the driver find what is needed.

   Highway Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering to give the Hyundai Kona Electric driver a taste of semi-autonomous travel. Regular driver aids make commuting easier as they watch the front, sides and rear, providing steering assists and emergency autobraking as needed.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a good electric vehicle with lots of today’s best technology, you don’t have to spend more for the Tesla Model 3. You can start your search with the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric.

Schedule a test drive at San Tan Hyundai and find out what life is like without an enormous fuel bill.

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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