Kia Stonic vs Tesla Model 3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Kia Stonic scores higher, 72 vs 71
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Oct 2026, price 28 Oct 2026
Kia Stonic
11 of 27 standard · no option data · 4 not offered · 12 no dataFrom
$26,990
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 88kW
- Economy
- 5 L/100km
- Safety
- Not rated by ANCAP
- Boot (seats up)
- 352L
Top CarSorted Score, 72 vs 71
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Tesla Model 3
10 of 27 standard · no option data · 17 no dataFrom
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- Sedan
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric Motor
- Power
- No data
- Energy use
- No data
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- No data
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 3 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$26,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Satellite Navigation and Heated Front Seats not offered
$45,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
Kia Stonic S
$26,990
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 28 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $102 a week in repayments ($26,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 1 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $189 a week in repayments ($45,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Kia Stonic starts $18,910 lower on RRP.
The Tesla Model 3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Kia Stonic does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$102/wk(≈$441/mo)
Estimate on the Kia Stonic at $26,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published record does not give the Kia Stonic a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 4 of 10 key systems on the Kia Stonic and 5 on the Tesla Model 3.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
Kia Stonic
- REC-006665 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the daytime running lamps switch off when the vehicle enters fuel-saving (sailing) mode.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
Tesla Model 3
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005879 · published 30 Jan 2024The rear centre seat position of the Model 3 does not have an accessible top-restraint anchorage point as required by Australian Design Rule 34/03.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Stonic features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 16-inch display.
The Kia Stonic stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, V2L and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Stonic gets cloth upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather with textile inserts.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Stonic measures 4,165mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 555mm shorter than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm.
For towing, the Tesla Model 3 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
The Kia Stonic turns in a 10.4 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Tesla Model 3's turning circle is not on our record.
Cost to own
We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.
Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia Stonic) and 5 years / Unlimited (Tesla Model 3).
Where each one leads
The Kia Stonic: the lower starting price ($26,990 against $45,900) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).
The Tesla Model 3: the higher braked towing limit (1,000kg against 900kg).
The Verdict
Kia Stonic scores higher, 72 vs 71
The Kia Stonic scores 72 to the Tesla Model 3's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 25 points), safety (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 21 points), value (Kia Stonic ahead by 15 points). Warranty: 7 years on the Kia Stonic, 5 on the Tesla Model 3.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$102/wk(≈$441/mo)
Estimate on the Kia Stonic at $26,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Stonic and Tesla Model 3?
The Kia Stonic is the cheapest at $26,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $18,910.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Tesla Model 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025). ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Kia Stonic, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Stonic has the longest warranty at 7 years / unlimited km.
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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