Hyundai IONIQ Electric vs. Tesla Model S
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai IONIQ Electric and Tesla Model S contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai IONIQ Electric and the Tesla Model S.
When we compare the Hyundai IONIQ Electric's and the Tesla Model S's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai IONIQ Electric has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Tesla Model S has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai IONIQ Electric's and the Tesla Model S's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model S is a better car than the Hyundai IONIQ Electric.
Pricing: A used 2021 Hyundai IONIQ Electric ranges from $16,784 to $25,741 while a used 2021 Tesla Model S is priced between $45,992 to $78,765.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai IONIQ Electric loses 49 percent of its value and the Tesla Model S loses 59.5 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai IONIQ Electric retains 10.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model S.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai IONIQ Electric is 7.7 out of 10 while the Tesla Model S's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai IONIQ Electric being ranked 5 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Tesla Model S being ranked 2 out of 26.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai IONIQ Electric is 7.9 out of 10. For the Tesla Model S the reliability rating is 9.4 out of 10. This gives the Tesla Model S an advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai IONIQ Electric.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai IONIQ Electric’s base engine makes 134 horsepower, and the Tesla Model S base engine makes 518 horsepower. The IONIQ Electric is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 170 miles. The Model S is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 391 miles.This gives the Hyundai IONIQ Electric the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Tesla Model S the advantage in maximum range. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the IONIQ Electric is 6 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Model S is 12 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison: The Tesla Model S, a electric large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, and cargo space. The Hyundai IONIQ Electric, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Hyundai IONIQ Electric and Tesla Model S are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$33,245
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$33,805
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$31,670 - $36,500
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$69,420
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$74,660
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$69,420 - $79,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,483
Price Range:
$16,784 - $25,741
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$19,205
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$18,372 - $20,483
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
67
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
25,951
# Good or Great Deals:
31
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$61,216
Price Range:
$45,992 - $78,765
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$71,926
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
$61,216 - $82,635
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
263
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37,190
# Good or Great Deals:
147
Hyundai IONIQ Electric Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Tesla Model S Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai IONIQ Electric
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
8.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
5.5 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model S
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.5 - 3.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
608.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
342.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
76.2 - 608.3
Hyundai IONIQ Electric Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 26Tesla Model S Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 26Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Hyundai IONIQ Electric Trim Levels
Limited, SE
Tesla Model S Trim Levels
Long Range, Long Range Plus, Performance, Plaid
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 150000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
134 hp
Torque:
218 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.040 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
518 hp
Torque:
487 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.107 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
127 / 121 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
170 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
38.3 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
6 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
MPGe:
124 / 115 / 120
Range (city/hwy):
391 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
100 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
12 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
23 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
119.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
26.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3371 lbs
Width:
71.7 inches
Height:
58.1 inches
Length:
176 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4852 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
196 inches
Wheelbase:
116.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Noir Pearl
Blue
Intense Blue
Gray
Amazon Gray / Electric Shadow
Silver
Stellar Silver
White
Ceramic White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Not available
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black
Gray
Dark Gray
Beige
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Cream
White
Black and White