In a world of SUVs and pickup trucks, new sedans are becoming something you rarely see. One exception to this rule is the Hyundai IONIQ 6. It arrived in 2023, expanding Hyundai’s lineup of sedans with a new all-electric model. When people think of electric sedans, the first thing that comes to mind is often the Tesla Model 3. But Hyundai is on track to change this. Take a look at a comparison between the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and the Tesla Model 3 and see how the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 tops the Model 3 in more ways than one.
Power and Performance
Since both the IONIQ 6 and the Model 3 have all-electric powertrains, you’ll get an instant response to pressure on the accelerator and a zippy driving experience overall.
Power for the IONIQ 6 starts with the Standard Range 53 kWh battery and a single electric motor, generating 149 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The rest of the lineup gets a 77.4 kWh battery and a more powerful motor that generates 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is optional with the larger battery, while the Standard Range works only with rear-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model 3 is also available with a standard and a long-range battery. The long-range battery can go from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 4.2 seconds, and the standard range can get there in 5.3 seconds. The IONIQ 6 Long Range with all-wheel drive will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
Driving Range
If you have the IONIQ 6 Long Range, you can expect to go up to 361 miles on a full charge. The Long Range Model 3 has a range of 358 miles. The IONIQ 6 Standard Range has an estimated range of 240 miles, compared to the Standard Range Tesla Model 3, which has an estimated 272-mile range on a full charge.
Interior Features
Inside the cabin is where you’ll see some of the biggest differences between the IONIQ 6 and the Model 3. The Model 3 has a minimalist design with a large 15.4-inch display in the center of the dash, but not much else. The IONIQ 6, on the other hand, has a smaller display that stretches for 12.3 inches with lots of Hyundai charm to make the cabin feel like a place you want to ride. There’s also a second 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver that the Tesla doesn’t have. This serves as a digital instrument cluster.
The entry-level IONIQ 6 comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heat pump, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Other standard features in the IONIQ 6 include stain-resistant cloth upholstery and an auto up-and-down driver’s side window. Synthetic leather upholstery comes in the SEL, and you’ll get driver’s seat memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Limited.
The base Model 3 has power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. It also comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Technology Features
The standard 12.3-inch touch screen in the IONIQ 6 works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has an integrated navigation system. The steering wheel has four pixel lights that illuminate certain colors to indicate different functions, such as displaying the battery status and using voice commands. Satellite radio comes standard with the IONIQ 6, and you’ll also get Bluetooth, voice recognition, and Hyundai Bluelink Connected Services. Just stepping up to the SEL trim adds wireless charging and Hyundai’s Digital Key, which allows you to use your smartphone as a key.
The Tesla Model 3 has a 15-inch touch screen with integrated navigation, but it doesn’t work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There’s wireless charging for up to two phones, and you can access Tesla’s audio, video streaming, and gaming services with a subscription. The Long Range Model 3 upgrades the standard stereo system to a 13-speaker premium sound system.
Safety Features
No matter what IONIQ 6 model you have, this Hyundai electric vehicle (EV) will come with a comprehensive list of advanced driver aids. These include frontal collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. All models also have lane-keep assist, lane-centering, and an intersection collision mitigation system. The midrange SEL adds to this with the Highway Drive Assist 2 system. It has an enhanced lane-centering system that can automatically change lanes when the turn signal is activated and an enhanced adaptive cruise control system with machine learning.
The Model 3 comes with Tesla’s Autopilot system. It is a suite of advanced driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic braking, and lane-keep assist. The Enhanced Autopilot system for the Tesla adds integrated navigation capability that works while getting on and off highway ramps and an automated parking system. The Model 3 also offers Tesla’s full self-driving capability that can potentially stop the Model 3 at stoplights when Autopilot is engaged.
The IONIQ 6 has some additional safety systems for the Limited trim. This model has a remote parking assist system that will allow you to get out of the car and use the key fob to get it into a tight parking spot remotely. It also has a 360-degree surround-view system and a blind-spot camera that will display a live view of your blind spot in the instrument panel when you activate the turn signal.
Are You Ready To Go Electric With Your Next Vehicle?
It’s a tight race between the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 and the Tesla Model 3, but the IONIQ 6 comes out on top when it comes to range, cabin features, and technology. The Model 3 might have a little more power, but both have the instant acceleration you expect with a fully electric powertrain. If you’re looking for your next EV, the Hyundai IONIQ 6, stop by Huffines Hyundai McKinney. We’ll show you why it’s the better choice.