Head-to-head
Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Tesla Model 3 starts $3,510 (5%) below the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Sedan
Tesla Model 3
The refreshed 'Highland' Model 3 brings sharper styling, a quieter cabin and improved ride. It remains Australia's benchmark mid-size electric sedan and the gateway to Tesla's Supercharger network.
- From
- $61,990
- Range
- 513 km
- Battery
- 60 kWh
Option B · Sedan
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 swaps the 5's upright stance for a slippery streamliner shape — drag coefficient of 0.21 — yielding a class-leading 614 km WLTP range from a 77.4 kWh battery.
- From
- $65,500
- Range
- 614 km
- Battery
- 77.4 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 goes 101 km further on a charge (614 vs 513 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 carries a 17.4 kWh larger battery (77.4 vs 60 kWh).
- 3
DC charging · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 accepts 63 kW more DC peak charging (233 vs 170 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 4
Boot · advantage Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 swallows 193 L more cargo with the rear seats up (594 vs 401 L).
- 5
Power · advantage Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 puts down 40 kW more (208 vs 168 kW).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model 3 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $3,510
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (6.1s vs 7.4s)
Where the Hyundai Ioniq 6 wins
- ▸ 101 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (233 kW vs 170 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Tesla Model 3
What we like
- ✓ Access to the Tesla Supercharger network
- ✓ Industry-leading efficiency
- ✓ Frequent over-the-air improvements
What we don't
- ✕ Stalk-less indicators frustrate many drivers
- ✕ Build quality remains variable
- ✕ Short 4-year vehicle warranty
Hyundai Ioniq 6
What we like
- ✓ Best range in segment for the price
- ✓ Excellent highway efficiency
- ✓ Genuinely distinctive styling
What we don't
- ✕ Rear headroom suffers vs the Ioniq 5
- ✕ Some cabin plastics feel scratchy
- ✕ Polarising 'pebble' design
Frequently asked: Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model 3 or the Hyundai Ioniq 6?
- The Tesla Model 3 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $61,990 versus $65,500 for the Hyundai Ioniq 6, a $3,510 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 614 km, 101 km further than the Tesla Model 3's 513 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 6 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 233 kW versus 170 kW for the Tesla Model 3. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Tesla Model 3 does 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds — 1.3 s quicker than the Hyundai Ioniq 6's 7.4 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Tesla Model 3 better value than the Hyundai Ioniq 6?
- On paper the Tesla Model 3 is $3,510 cheaper, but the Hyundai Ioniq 6 edges ahead on most other measurable specs. Whether the saving justifies the gap depends on which features matter most to you, and how much weight you give to brand and dealer factors.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model 3
if…
- ✓ you want to save $3,510 on the sticker
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (193 L more boot)
Choose the
Hyundai Ioniq 6
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (101 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you match the profile: sales reps
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.