Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai IONIQ Electric
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai IONIQ Electric 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 Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric.
In comparing the Tesla Model 3's and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Hyundai IONIQ Electric has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model 3's and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 Tesla Model 3 ranges from $23,989 to $37,536 while a used 2021 Hyundai IONIQ Electric is priced between $16,784 to $25,741.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model 3 loses 46.7 percent of its value and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric loses 49 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model 3 retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai IONIQ Electric.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Tesla Model 3 is 8.3 out of 10 while the Hyundai IONIQ Electric's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Tesla Model 3 being ranked 1 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric being ranked 5 out of 26.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Tesla Model 3 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Hyundai IONIQ Electric the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai IONIQ Electric a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Tesla Model 3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model 3’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Hyundai IONIQ Electric base engine makes 134 horsepower. Both the Model 3 and the IONIQ Electric are rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with highway ranges of 267 and 170 miles respectively. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Model 3 is 10 hours (240V), while the charge time for the IONIQ Electric is 6 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are electric compact cars, the Hyundai IONIQ Electric has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: The Tesla Model 3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$37,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$47,447
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$37,990 - $59,900
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
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,870
Price Range:
$23,989 - $37,536
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$30,521
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$24,808 - $36,884
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
763
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
46,887
# Good or Great Deals:
378
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:
60
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
24,864
# Good or Great Deals:
32
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Hyundai IONIQ Electric Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model 3
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:
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:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
566.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
1.7 - 566.7
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
Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 15Hyundai 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 / 26Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance, Standard Range Plus
Hyundai IONIQ Electric Trim Levels
Limited, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
258 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
134 hp
Torque:
218 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.040 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
127 / 127 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
267 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
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)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
15 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3648 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Noir Pearl
Blue
Intense Blue
Red
Not available
Silver
Stellar Silver
White
Ceramic White
Gray
Amazon Gray / Electric Shadow
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black
White
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray