Head-to-head
Tesla Model 3 vs Kia EV4
The Kia EV4 starts $12,000 (19%) below the Tesla Model 3. 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
Kia EV4
Kia's electric sedan slots beneath the EV6 and is positioned to undercut the Tesla Model 3 in Australia. Bold fastback styling, 7-year warranty, and an under-$50k from-price are the headline pitch.
- From
- $49,990
- Range
- 456 km
- Battery
- 58.3 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV4, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
DC charging · advantage Kia EV4
The Kia EV4 accepts 180 kW more DC peak charging (350 vs 170 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 2
Range · advantage Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 goes 57 km further on a charge (513 vs 456 km WLTP).
- 3
Warranty · advantage Kia EV4
The Kia EV4 covers the vehicle for 3 more years (7 vs 4 yrs).
- 4
Boot · advantage Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 swallows 159 L more cargo with the rear seats up (594 vs 435 L).
- 5
Power · advantage Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 puts down 58 kW more (208 vs 150 kW).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model 3 wins
- ▸ 57 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (6.1s vs 7.4s)
Where the Kia EV4 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $12,000
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (350 kW vs 170 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (7 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
Kia EV4
What we like
- ✓ Undercuts Tesla Model 3 from-price
- ✓ Kia's 7-year vehicle warranty
- ✓ Distinctive fastback styling stands out
What we don't
- ✕ Standard Range battery limits highway range
- ✕ AWD not yet offered
- ✕ Newer model — long-term reliability unproven
Frequently asked: Tesla Model 3 vs Kia EV4
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model 3 or the Kia EV4?
- The Kia EV4 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $49,990 versus $61,990 for the Tesla Model 3, a $12,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Tesla Model 3 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 513 km, 57 km further than the Kia EV4's 456 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 Kia EV4 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 350 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 Kia EV4'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 Kia EV4 better value than the Tesla Model 3?
- On paper the Kia EV4 is $12,000 cheaper, but the Tesla Model 3 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…
- ✓ maximum range matters (57 km further per charge)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (159 L more boot)
Choose the
Kia EV4
if…
- ✓ you want to save $12,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (3 more years of cover)
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.