Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model 3: Which One Wins?

Hyundai, like the rest of the major car manufacturers around the world, has found itself playing a bit of catch-up to Tesla’s EV lineup. As the Tesla Model 3 is one of the most desirable electric cars available today, Hyundai had to bring its A-game and then some with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The good news for Hyundai is that’s exactly what they did, and even if the car doesn’t have the sleek lines of the Tesla, it still offers plenty of technology to combat the lead of its biggest rival. 

It’s this technology that is going to help the Hyundai CEO on his quest to gain 7% of the worldwide EV market by 2030. To get there, the company had to produce a vehicle that appeals to the masses, at an affordable price tag, and with plenty of range. Tesla, for its part, continues to improve on its already great Model 3 and looks to extend its EV leadership well into the future. 

Here’s how the Hyundai Ioniq 5 stacks up against the Tesla Model 3. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model 3: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model 3: What’s the Difference? 

Pricing

When it comes to any car purchase, electric or otherwise, pricing is almost always the top consideration. In the case of the Hyundai and Tesla, there’s a definite case to be made for both cars, especially in light of Tesla dropping its prices significantly in January 2023. As of this writing, Tesla’s entry Model 3, the RWD variant, starts at $43,990 for all buyers. From there, you have the option to pay an extra $2,000 depending on what color exterior paint you want. There are two more potential upcharges including choosing larger 19” sport wheels for $1,500 or choosing an all-white interior (instead of the standard black) which can add an extra $1,000. 

On the other hand, you can opt for the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive trim level which begins at $53,990 with the same additional price considerations for paint and interior color. Regardless of which trim level you choose, the biggest consideration is whether you add Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability for an extra $6,000 or $15,000, respectively. 

Hyundai’s pricing with the Ioniq 5 is similarly simplified where each trim level of the vehicle has one price and one available option. The Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range starts at $41,450 while the SE starts at $45,500; the SEL starts at $47,450, and the Limited trim level starts at $52,600. There is only one available option that can be added to any trim level in the form of the all-electric powertrain HTRAC AWD system for $3,900. Otherwise, the only other way to increase the Ioniq 5 price is through accessories like a cargo net for the trunk or all-season fitted floor liners instead of standard carpet floor mats. 

Range

Tesla has long been the range champion of electric vehicles and the Model 3 is often regarded as the car to beat. Its RWD rim level offers 272 miles of range according to EPA testing though that number drops to 267 miles if you opt for the sportier 19” tires. The Tesla Model 3 Performance trim level offers up to 315 miles of range according to EPA testing. 

The Long Range Tesla Model 3 is not currently available for purchase but is expected to be available sometime in 2023 when buyers can expect to have close to 358 miles of range. 

Hyundai’s SE Standard Range model of the Ioniq 5 offers the lowest range in the lineup with 220 miles while the SE, SEL, and Limited all jump to 303 miles in their RWD variants or 256 miles if you opt for AWD. Given these numbers, Tesla wins in the battle of range but not so much so that it sways a potential buy either way. 

Charging

When it comes to charging, both the Hyundai and the Tesla are pretty close in comparison as neither car can truly stand out over the other. It’s also important to note that charging can vary by location, weather, or other factors that could impact overall charge time both negatively or positively. 

As far as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 goes, Level 2 charging (240V AC Home Charging) should take under 7 hours, perhaps closer to 6.5 hours under optimal conditions. Using a 400V DC Public Charging, you can expect to go from 10-80% in around 25 minutes. At its very best possible charging time, using an 800V DC Fast Charging station, the Ioniq 5 will go from 10-80% in 18 minutes and gain 68 miles of range in under five minutes. 

Using a 240V Level 2 charger at home, Tesla indicates your Model 3 will receive up to 44 miles of range per hour or around 6.5 hours of time total. With the Tesla Supercharger network, you can anticipate fast charging up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Tesla’s large network is quite obviously one of its biggest strengths but overall, Hyundai has shown that Tesla doesn’t have a monopoly on fast charging. 

Infotainment

If there’s one thing that can be said about the Tesla Model 3, it’s how ultra-minimalist its interior is. Aside from the steering wheel, gas/brake models, window switches, and transmission stalk, every function of the car takes place through its 15-inch tablet-sized display. There’s no question Tesla has gone all in on supporting just about every aspect of the vehicle into this touch display. Using the scroll and push controls you control everything from volume, side mirror, headlights, maps, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and a ton of games to play while charging your vehicle. 

On the other side of the equation is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 which offers an infotainment system that is more futuristic than non-electric Hyundais on the road. To that point, two 12.3 digital displays sit right next to one another, each with sharp resolutions that provide detailed information on the Ioniq 5 including available range, battery life, and Hyundai’s fun blind-spot video feed. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. What the Hyundai lacks in the fun factor, it more than makes up for with practicality. 

Safety

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 has long been considered one of the safest cars on the road and that’s boosted by its Top Safety Pick+ from the 2022 IIHS safety report. The same goes for the NHTSA which has also consistently ranked the Model 3 as a top-tier safety pick. To earn these scores, Tesla has emphasized its patented side sill structure that absorbs impact as well as the rigid body frame and crumple zones, and made advanced airbags all standard across its lineup.

The same goes for the eight cameras provided on the Tesla Model 3 that give a full 360 degrees of visibility so you can see vehicles or pedestrians with enough warning to avoid an accident. There are also standard features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and lane departure avoidance. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5

With the release of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai has emphasized its SmartSense technology which adds a variety of safety features to the car. This includes forward collision avoidance and highway driving assistance, both of which play the dual role of automatically maintaining the right distance behind the car in front of you as well as staying centered in your lane when cruise control is engaged. Smart cruise control allows you to set a chosen speed and the Ioniq 5 will use its built-in radar technology to maintain a proper safe distance from the vehicles around you. 

SmartSense technology also adds standard features like driver attention warning which allows the Ioniq 5 to detect if it feels like you are getting drowsy and it plays a loud sound to gain your attention. In addition to these features, the Hyundai also comes equipped with lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, and using surround view monitoring to monitor all around the vehicle for danger when parking. Last but not least is a safe exit assist that warns you if you try to exit the vehicle while a car or pedestrian is quickly approaching. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model 3: 5 Must-Know Facts

• After seeing large leaps in pricing post-pandemic, Tesla dropped Model 3 pricing by up to 20% in January 2023. 
• The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an interior that while simplified, is closer to a traditional layout versus the single large screen in the Tesla Model 3. 
• The Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD model has a claimed range of 303 miles while the Tesla Model 3 RWD has a range of 272 miles. 
• Tesla’s biggest advantage is likely its built-out supercharger network that spans the United States and some parts of the world. 
• Tesla’s infotainment is designed for fun with games, color changes, music, and even a farting sound while the Hyundai is more refined and traditional. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model 3: Which One Should You Choose? 

In the case of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 versus the Tesla Model 3, the question isn’t necessarily which one is better, it’s more of a question as to which one is right for you. Do you value Tesla’s supercharger network and Tesla’s overall sleeker vehicle design? If so, the Model 3 is right for you and that’s also true if you value an infotainment system that believes fun and games are as important as changing radio stations. Adding to the infotainment value is the compatibility with the Valve Steam game store where you can download a handful of titles that are playable while charging. What’s not yet a major factor is self-driving as the Tesla even its Full Self Driving capability is still very much a work in progress. 

The Hyundai is definitely the better option for anyone who values a more traditional vehicle purchasing experience and interior. While it’s still a far cry from other Hyundais on the road today with its dual-screen approach and minimal interior, there are still enough tactile buttons to satisfy anyone who still needs something to physically touch. If there’s any specialized consideration around the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it’s around its body style which is quite futuristic in nature and unlike anything else on the road. It’s a love-it-or-hate style and that might be enough to sway some potential buyers away even if everything else about the vehicle is great. 

In the end, the Tesla Model 3 is more tried and true as an electric vehicle and you get the comfort of knowing Tesla’s Supercharger Stations are popping up everywhere. The Tesla isn’t the better option across the board, but it’s likely the one most buyers will choose.