Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
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 IONIQ 5 opens at $71,990. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $17,090.
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 $79,189 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 IONIQ 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Tesla Model 3 and 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
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 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
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 IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Tesla Model 3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model 3 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display.
The Tesla Model 3 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, V2L and BOSE audio. 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 IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model 3) vs 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5). DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Tesla Model 3) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model 3 measures 4,720mm long on a 2,875mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 682L in the Tesla Model 3 and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 155L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m 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 IONIQ 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 IONIQ 5?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 5 by $17,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the most range at 570km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 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 IONIQ 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
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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