Tesla Model 3 vs. Kia Niro Ev
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and Kia Niro Ev 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 Kia Niro Ev.
When comparing the Tesla Model 3's and the Kia Niro Ev's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The Kia Niro Ev has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model 3's and the Kia Niro Ev's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 is a better car than the Kia Niro Ev.
Pricing: A used 2025 Tesla Model 3 ranges from $34,489 to $42,997 while a used 2025 Kia Niro Ev is priced between $29,722 to $46,532.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model 3 loses 57 percent of its value and the Kia Niro Ev loses 59.5 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model 3 retains 2.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Niro Ev.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model 3’s base engine makes 425 horsepower, and the Kia Niro Ev base engine makes 201 horsepower. The Model 3 is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 363 miles. The Niro Ev is rated to deliver an average of 126 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 253 miles. This gives the Tesla Model 3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Niro Ev. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Model 3 is 11.7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Niro Ev is 60 hours (120V).
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Tesla Model 3 and the Kia Niro Ev have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
42490
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
53363
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
42490 - 64800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31746 - 46468
Starting MSRP:
39600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
39225
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
32875 - 45200
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38037
Price Range:
34489 - 42997
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
49176
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
38037 - 60314
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
39409
Price Range:
29722 - 46532
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
39162
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
32136 - 45940
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
24507
Depreciation %:
0.57676273
Resale Value $:
17983
Residual Value %:
0.42323727
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57677703
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57676273 - 0.68367001
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
23874
Depreciation %:
0.60287809
Resale Value $:
15726
Residual Value %:
0.39712190999999997
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
0.5959511
Category Depreciation Range:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
0.58343923 - 0.60655503
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Kia Niro Ev Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model 3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro Ev
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
167.42938742975846
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.4 - 167.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.024035969171391
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact SUVs)
2.4 - 5.0
Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 30Kia Niro Ev Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 59Ranking
12 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 65Ranking
15 out of / 65Ranking
18 out of / 65Ranking
20 out of / 65Ranking
44 out of / 65Ranking
46 out of / 65Ranking
63 out of / 65Summary Review
The Tesla Model 3 is widely regarded as the best electric sedan in the world. The Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in the US market by a wide margin. This compact/midsize sedan offers a thrilling driving experience and advanced technology.
Summary Review
The Kia Niro EV is one of the most practical and engaging five-door electric vehicles sold in America. This is one to carefully consider if you don’t need the functionality of a larger AWD utility vehicle.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent range
- AWD available
- Attractive styling
- Amazing performance with Performance trim
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Pricier than its reputation (mid-$50Ks is the typical price point)
- No spare tire on any trim
- Interior design and materials don’t match premium pricing
Pros and Cons
- Satisfying driving experience
- Kia’s simple and effective infotainment system
- Ample cargo volume - competitive with larger crossovers despite its compact size
- Not a true crossover
- No AWD available
- No spare tire
- Low volume
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance
Kia Niro Ev Trim Levels
Wave, Wind
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 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 / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
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:
425 hp
Torque:
475 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.105 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
188 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
127 / 127 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
363 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
82 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
11.7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
126 / 101 / 113
Range (city/hwy):
253 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
65 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
60 hours (120V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
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
Roof Rack:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
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
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Cargo Space:
24.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
122.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4030 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
185.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3721 lbs
Width:
71.8 inches
Height:
61.8 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
107 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Mineral Blue
Gray
Interstellar Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Runway Red
Silver
Not available
White
Snow White Pearl
Green
Cityscape Green
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
White
Not available
