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In 2017, when the Model 3 was introduced, there were no direct competitors in the electric SUV sedan industry. This helped explain why it was so successful. However, in 2024, everything has changed. Now it faces competition in the US market from well-established manufacturers like Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, all of which provide competitive electric cars.
Thank goodness Tesla completely revamped the Model 3 last year, both inside and out, and loaded it with tons of new amzaing and interior features. Now that the Model 3 Highland is available for customization in the United States, we thought it would be interesting to compare the updated model to some of its new competitors that have emerged in recent years.
The new Volkswagen ID.7, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2 are its competitors. You should know that the Model 3 is a rather small and inexpensive car and that some of the vehicles listed below might be somewhat larger and more costly, so they aren't exactly competing head-on. They will more range likely be cross-shopped with the Model 3, not its larger sibling, the Tesla Model S, because they are all still smaller.
Charging
There is a 250 kW charging limit for the Long Range Model 3, 170 kW for the Rear-Wheel Drive, and 210 kW for the Performance. Even by today's standards, it charges rapidly, but it has a maximum add speed of 569 mph. The 800-volt charging speeds of automobiles like the Porsche Taycan, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles built on the E-GMP platform, and the 400-volt Tesla Model 3 are incomparable. The Model 3 makes excellent use of the most extensive charging network available, which makes topping up a Tesla far more dependable and easy than with any other brand. Nonetheless, its charging performance is still rather remarkable.
Performance
At the very top of Tesla's Model 3 lineup sits the Model 3 Performance, which has some fairly remarkable specs. Although the updated Model 3 Performance is not currently configurable, the two motors used in the 2023 model produced an impressive 455 hp and 487 pound-feet of torque. Off the line, its all-wheel drive grip allowed it to go from zero to sixty in 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph.
The rear-wheel drive 2024 Model 3 can reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, but the long range dual motor version reduces it to 4.2 seconds. At their most, neither of these variants can go faster than 125 miles per hour.
The BMW i4 M50 can out-horse the Model 3 Performance with 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, but it's a lot heavier (weighing in at over 5,000 pounds), thus it takes 3.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Furthermore, it has a slower peak speed (142 mph) than the Tesla.
Electric Vehicle Range
The updated 2024 Tesla Model 3 isn't only more aesthetically pleasing than its predecessor; it also has a reduced drag coefficient of 0.219, making it more aerodynamic. Because of this, it may go slightly farther on a single charge, even though the motors and batteries are mostly undamaged. While the Dual-Motor Long Range model gains an additional mile from 333 to 341 miles, the standard Rear-Wheel Drive 2024 Model 3 maintains its 272-mile EPA range and uses the same LFP battery pack.
Hyundai Ioniq 6: Impressive EPA Range In Long Range Trim
Due to the discontinuation of the Model 3's long-range rear-wheel drive option, this is fewer than the 361 miles of EPA range offered by the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in SE RWD Long Range trim, the vehicle's highest trim level. The EPA range decreases to 270 miles when the Ioniq 6 is equipped with all-wheel drive.
Polestar 2: Enhanced Range With Redesigned Powertrain
The Polestar 2 had its EPA safety and range ratings increased in the summer of 2023 as a result of a redesigned powertrain and the utilization of a slightly larger-capacity battery pack. With the standard single-motor model, you can go 320 miles; with the bigger optional 20-inch wheels, that number jumps to 307 miles.
BMW I4: Range Variations Across Different Models
The eDrive35, the entry-level model with a single motor, can go up to 276 miles on a single charge; the eDrive40, with two motors, can go up to 301 miles; and the xDrive40, with all four wheels, can go up to 307 miles. The highest i4 M50 model reduces the range to 269 miles.
Volkswagen ID.7: Targeting A Competitive Range In The US Market
The latest competitor, the ID.7 sedan from Volkswagen, has not yet been given an official range rating by the EPA. Given the car's battery pack size and specs, Volkswagen has stated that it aims for a US range of 300 miles, which is fair considering the car's WLTP rating in Europe is nearly 400 miles.
Tesla Model 3: Maintaining Long-Range Status Despite Discontinuations
In spite of the lack of major technical upgrades brought about by the facelift, the Model 3 remains one of the most extended-range cars offered in the US. This is the main takeaway. If Tesla produced a Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant of the Model 3, it would likely outperform the Hyundai, and the only vehicle that beats it is the single-motor Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Tech
The price of a car is still a big part of the decision to buy it, even if it runs on gasoline or electricity. In 2024, the base price of a Tesla type 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is $38,990, and the price of a Long Range All-Wheel Drive type is $45,990.
The Polestar 2, which is about the same size, starts at $49,900 for the Long Range Single-Motor trim and goes up to $55,300 for the all-wheel drive trim. You will have to pay an extra $5,500 for the speed pack if you want it to work at its best.
Evaluating The Tesla Model 3 Highland Against Rivals: A Comprehensive Comparison
When comparing the Tesla Model 3 Highland to its rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevy Bolt, several factors come into play. Batteries technology is a crucial aspect where Tesla has traditionally excelled, offering efficient and reliable power sources that contribute to impressive range and performance. While the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevy Bolt also boast advanced battery systems, the Model 3 Highland's claimed range and higher trims set it apart.
Additionally, cargo space and rear passengers' comfort are essential considerations for everyday usability, areas where the Model 3 Highland shines with its spacious interior layout. The infotainment system and standard features are also key elements, with Tesla known for its intuitive touchscreen interface and comprehensive suite of onboard technology. However, some buyers may prefer physical buttons for certain functions, a feature that the Model 3 Highland lacks compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, when it comes to a comfortable interior, similar performance, battery life and cutting-edge battery technology, the Model 3 Highland remains a top contender in the electric vehicle market.
A Point-By-Point Comparison Between The BYD Seal And The New Tesla Model 3,
Electric Vehicle Comparison: BYD Seal, Tesla Model 3, Kia Niro EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV
The electric vehicle (EV) market is growing, giving more inexpensive and diversified options. Compare some major recent additions:
Tesla Model 3 vs. BYD Seal:
Exterior:
- Stylish coupe-like hatchback from BYD.
- Model 3: Innovative, minimalist design with a distinct shape.
Performance:
- BYD Seal: 536 horsepower, 3.8 seconds 0-60 mph. Up to 341 miles.
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Tesla Model 3: Models with 299-510 horsepower and 3.1-3.5 seconds to 60 mph. Up to 358 miles.
Price: - BYD Seal: Possibly $30,000 starting price.
- Model 3 starts at $46,990.
Availability:
- No North American release date for BYD Seal, entering some European markets in 2023.
- Tesla Model 3: Globally available.
What's it like inside?
Interior:
- BYD Seal: a huge, modern cabin with high-quality materials and a huge touchscreen information system.
- Tesla Model 3: Minimalist, tech-focused cabin with a huge touchscreen.
2024 Kia Niro EV Specifications
Introducing the 2024 Kia Niro EV: Refreshed style and LED highlights adorn the outside of this practical crossover. Interior: Modern amenities complement the roomy and cozy cabin's high-quality materials. Specifications: 201 hp, 7.4 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. Up to 253 miles of range. The starting price is $40,750. Available: You may now find it in some markets.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Specifications
- Outside, it's a sleek, contemporary SUV with aerodynamic features and a classic Chevrolet look.
- Cabin: Roomy, well-appointed, and equipped with user-friendly technology and enough of storage space.
- Two engine options are available, each with an estimated 297 horsepower or 411 horsepower; the former can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, while the latter can do it in 4.0 seconds.
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Dynamic range: 210–300 miles (specific mileage not yet determined).
Starting price: $30,000. - Delivery: Anticipated for the latter half of 2023.
In Conclusion
Tesla hasn't changed much about the Model 3 Highland's mechanical side, so most of the important parts are the same as the version that came out before the refresh. But even so, the Model 3 is still the best car on the market because it combines range, tech, speed, and price in a way that competitors still can't match. The new Model 3 also has nicer materials and better attention to detail inside, more interior space, and it looks better from the outside as well. The most important part of the Model 3 that needed work was the inside. It's not totally new, but it's nicer to sit in than it was before.
Polestar 2, which is the most similar car you can buy in the U.S., is still probably its biggest foe. But since the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has also come out, buyers of small and midsize electric sedans now have another very good and not-too-expensive option.
The Volkswagen ID.7 could also take buyers away from the Model 3 and maybe even the bigger Model S, depending on how cheap it is. Its size puts it in the middle of the prices of the two Tesla cars.
