Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Kona Electric
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Tesla Model 3 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $14,400.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,390 and $44,550 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Tesla Model 3 and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model 3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Tesla Model 3 and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model 3 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display.
The Tesla Model 3 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Tesla Model 3 uses a Electric Motor producing 208kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 3.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model 3) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 620km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Tesla Model 3) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model 3 measures 4,720mm long on a 2,875mm wheelbase, 370mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 682L in the Tesla Model 3 and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 321L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model 3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 7 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model 3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $14,400.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model 3 has the most range at 520km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model 3 has the largest boot at 682L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model 3 makes the most power at 208kW. The Tesla Model 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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