Hyundai Kona Electric vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Which EV is better?
Head-to-head: Hyundai Kona Electric vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Compare real range, efficiency, charging time, price, rating and running costs to find the best electric vehicle for you in 2026.
Our verdict
Tesla Model 3 Long Range wins this head-to-head
It wins 6 of 8 categories compared below, with a margin of 5 category wins.
The numbers that matter
Real, comparable stats from our database. The green value wins each category.
| Specification | Kona Electric | Model 3 Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Range Model 3 Long Range wins | 420 km | 549 km |
| Battery Model 3 Long Range wins | 64.8 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Efficiency Model 3 Long Range wins | 15.2 kWh/100km | 14.9 kWh/100km |
| 0-100 km/h Model 3 Long Range wins | 7.3 s | 4.2 s |
| Fast charge 10-80% Model 3 Long Range wins | ~40 min | ~22 min |
| Seats tie | 5 | 5 |
| Price Kona Electric wins | $33,000 | $44,990 |
| Rating Model 3 Long Range wins | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Est. running cost / yr | $342/yr | $335/yr |
View the full specification sheet
| Specification | Kona Electric | Model 3 Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 64.8 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Range | 261 mi (EPA) | 341 mi (EPA) |
| Top speed | 105 mph | 145 mph |
| Power | FWD · 201 hp | AWD · 423 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 7.3 s | 4.2 s |
| Charging (10-80%) | ~40 min (100kW) | ~22 min |
| Drive | FWD | Dual motor AWD |
| Efficiency | 4.1 mi/kWh | — |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 25.5 cu ft | — |
Hyundai Kona Electric
Pros
- Very efficient
- Good range for size
- Sharp new design
- Well equipped for price
Cons
- Moderate charging speed
- No AWD
- Smaller than rivals
- Boot unchanged from ICE
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Pros
- Long real-world range
- Best fast-charging network
- Frequent software updates
- Low long-term running costs
Cons
- Minimalist interior is not for everyone
- No physical buttons
- Build quality varies
- Insurance can be pricey
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range really better than Hyundai Kona Electric?
Our verdict is based on real specs: range, battery, efficiency, acceleration, charging speed, seats, price and rating. The winner wins the majority of those categories, but the right choice depends on your budget, driving style and priorities.
Which has more range, Hyundai Kona Electric or Tesla Model 3 Long Range?
420 km vs 549 km respectively, before factoring in weather and driving conditions.
Which is cheaper to run?
Based on official efficiency and a typical $0.15/kWh tariff at 15,000 km per year, running costs are estimated at $342/yr for the Hyundai Kona Electric and $335/yr for the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
Should I compare more models?
Yes - add both models to our interactive comparator to see every spec side by side, or use the Which EV quiz to find more models that fit your budget and lifestyle.
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Not sure which one is right for you?
Add these models to our interactive comparator and compare every spec side by side, or take the quiz to find even more matches.