Hyundai

SE Standard Range

SE RWD

SEL AWD

Limited AWD

Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a streamlined electric sedan built on Hyundai's 800-volt E-GMP platform, positioned as a more aerodynamic and driver-focused alternative to the Ioniq 5 crossover. Reviewers from outlets including Car and Driver and MotorTrend have consistently highlighted its exceptional real-world efficiency and unusually quick DC fast-charging capability as its defining advantages. Its polarizing streamliner styling sets it apart in a segment dominated by conventional proportions, and the SE RWD trim's 361-mile EPA range ranks among the best in its price class.

SE RWD achieves 361 miles of EPA-rated range at $43,750, outpacing most competitors in the same price bracket

800-volt architecture supports DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, enabling roughly 18 minutes from 10 to 80 percent at compatible stations per Hyundai's figures

Dual-motor AWD trims reach 0–60 mph in 5.1 seconds at $48,450, offering strong performance without a premium-brand price

Aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd 0.21) contributes to class-leading efficiency and is frequently cited by reviewers as a core engineering achievement

Interior offers a wide, uncluttered dashboard with dual 12-inch screens, physical climate controls, and available 64-color ambient lighting well-regarded by reviewers for usability

Rear headroom is notably limited for passengers over six feet tall due to the steeply raked roofline, a recurring complaint in owner and press reviews

SE Standard Range trim is rear-wheel drive with only 149 hp and a 8.7-second 0–60 time, making it a poor value relative to the SE RWD given the performance and range gap for a $5,100 difference

Trunk space is constrained by the sloping fastback shape, with a relatively shallow frunk offering minimal supplemental storage

Interior material quality on lower SE trims has been described by reviewers as noticeably below European EV competitors at similar price points

Tesla

Long Range RWD

Long Range AWD

Performance AWD

Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 remains one of the benchmark mid-size electric sedans, consistently topping EV sales charts since its debut. Reviewers at Car and Driver and MotorTrend repeatedly cite its long-range efficiency — up to 363 miles EPA in the base Long Range RWD trim — and over-the-air software updates as key differentiators. The 2024 Highland refresh added meaningful interior upgrades, though Tesla's minimalist, screen-centric cabin philosophy continues to divide critics. Across trims, the Model 3 offers a broad performance envelope, from everyday-usable commuter to a 2.9-second Performance variant.

Long Range RWD leads the segment at 363 miles EPA range for $42,490, undercutting many competitors on a cost-per-mile-of-range basis

Performance AWD reaches 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, a figure Car and Driver confirmed puts it on par with sports cars costing significantly more

Tesla's Supercharger network remains the most reliable and widespread DC fast-charging infrastructure available to any EV buyer in North America

Over-the-air updates have historically added features and improved performance post-purchase, including real-world efficiency gains documented by InsideEVs

Dual-motor AWD trim delivers 394 hp and a 4.2-second 0-60 while retaining 346 miles of range, a balance competitors have struggled to match at $47,490

All controls routed through the center touchscreen, including gear selection and mirror adjustment, a layout Edmunds and MotorTrend reviewers consistently flag as a distraction hazard

Performance AWD's range drops to 298 miles EPA — a 65-mile penalty versus the base Long Range RWD — at a $12,500 price premium

Build quality inconsistencies, including panel gaps and interior trim fitment, have been reported by buyers and noted in Edmunds long-term tests despite improvements in the Highland refresh

Rear seat headroom is constrained by the sloping roofline, a recurring criticism from taller passengers in owner surveys and press evaluations

	Hyundai Ioniq 6	Tesla Model 3
Body type	sedan	sedan
Trims	4	3
Starting price	$38,650	$42,490
Max EPA range	361 mi	363 mi
Max power	320 hp	510 hp
Quickest 0–60	5.1 s	2.9 s
Federal tax credit	$7,500 eligible	$7,500 eligible
Drive options	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD
	Full Hyundai Ioniq 6 specs →	Full Tesla Model 3 specs →

Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs. Tesla Model 3