Kia EV6 (left) vs Model 3 (right)
We are right in the middle of an automotive revolution. Although electric cars have been around for more than a century, it was only a few years ago that they started to become a mainstream product, and their overall quality seems to be improving with each new model. There’s no doubt that Tesla has been at the forefront of this worldwide transition from gas-powered vehicles to electrical ones. But as with most pioneers in tech and industry, the competition is likely to catch up sooner or later.
Tesla’s Model 3 and the 2022 Kia EV6 are great examples of electric cars that aren’t merely cleaner alternatives to classic internal combustion vehicles. Although Tesla’s engineers have had more time to improve their creation since the first Model 3 generation debuted in 2017, the Kia EV6 is a serious competitor. Here’s how the two models compare.
Trim Levels
Although both the Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6 offer multiple trim levels, the differences between these models are mostly related to power and range than other features.
The Tesla Model 3 makes this point when you notice the names of the three trims: Rear-Wheel Drive (base), Long Range, and Performance. The base trim provides an estimated 272 miles of range on a full charge and pushes the Tesla to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 5.3 seconds. The Long Range trim improves on both these numbers, with 358 miles of range and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.2 seconds. The Performance trim dramatically improves in acceleration while compromising on mileage, with 3.1 seconds to reach 60 mph and a range of 315 miles.
The 2022 Kia EV6 comes in three trims and includes a separate package called First Edition. The base Light trim provides an estimated 232-mile range and can reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill in around eight seconds, while the Wind trim improves to 301 miles of range and a zero-to-60 acceleration time of 7.2 seconds. The GT trim has a 274-mile range, and it takes fewer than 3.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Finally, the First Edition package has a 274-mile range and can reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
Now, it seems that the Tesla Model 3 edges out the EV6 when it comes to range and acceleration, but that mostly depends on your priorities. Although Tesla trims have longer ranges than their Kia EV6 correspondents, Kia has an innovative and efficient charging system. It supports 400-800-volt DC charging to push the charging speed to 350 kW. In other words, you can get 70 miles of range in just five minutes. Tesla’s base model only has a top charging speed of 170 kW, and its Long Range trim can go up to 250 kW.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Tesla Model 3’s interior looks sleek and modern, but its minimalistic approach may not fit everyone’s taste. The driving position is very comfortable and easy to adjust, with excellent visibility due to the low hood line and all-glass roof. You can control all functions and features with the help of a large 15-inch touch-screen interface, which has its advantages and downsides. On the one hand, everything is in one place. On the flip side, simple functions like adjusting the windshield wiper speed require more attention than they would via the traditional method.
The 2022 Kia EV6 takes a more traditional approach and offers a classic interior design and functionality, keeping everything elegant and easy to use. In contrast to the Tesla, the EV6 features plenty of buttons and knobs. The EV6 allows you to access standard features without briefly looking at a screen while driving. Despite the classic look, all materials used for the interior emphasize sustainability, and its vegan leather upholstery and recycled plastic look great while having minimum impact on the environment.
Again, the choice between the two mostly comes down to personal taste. Those who appreciate Tesla’s modern and minimalistic approach may want to ignore its downsides and prefer it to Kia’s more classic and elegant design choice. However, if you’re planning on taking many trips along with friends and family, the Kia may be an objectively better choice. It provides significantly more legroom for passengers in the back, plus way more trunk space, with 28 cubic feet to Tesla’s 19.8.
Technology
As you would expect from two modern electric vehicles, both the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3 excel with their tech features. The EV6 has a new infotainment system called Kia Connect, with features that constantly receive over-the-air updates. The EV6 also has HD radio, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.
As mentioned earlier, you can operate Tesla’s entire infotainment system by using its large touch-screen interface. The touch-screen’s impressive size also makes it an ideal TV for moments when you’re not driving, especially since you can connect it to streaming services like YouTube and Netflix. However, the Model 3 does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. That means Bluetooth is the only method for you to connect your phone to the vehicle.
Safety Features
The 2022 EV6 features Kia’s Highway Driving Assist II package. The package includes a full-range adaptive cruise control system that automatically keeps your vehicle in the center of its lane and can also automatically change lanes when you use the turn signal. Other driver aids for the EV6 include the Blind-Spot View monitor and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Tesla Model 3 also comes with excellent driver aids and an autonomous driving mode, which keeps getting more precise with over-the-air updates. Overall, both these vehicles are exceptionally safe, both passively and actively.
Electric cars are no longer compromises that car buyers make to save on gas and reduce pollution. These vehicles’ rapid advance is starting to make gas-powered cars look outdated, and the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3 are certainly great examples of that. If you want to test drive the Kia for yourself in North Rochester, Minnesota, or have any questions about the model, contact us at Tom Kadlec Kia.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
Warranties 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.