Which is better bang for buck? Tesla Model 3 owner rates the new Kia EV6

With the Kia EV6 close to market launch, how does its sleek looks and performance platform stack up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the most popular electric car on the local market (and for that matter in many overseas markets)?

One Victorian car enthusiast has had a chance to share his thoughts on the matter, having recently test-driven a Kia EV6 at a Victorian dealership.

His assessment is also a good follow-on from Bryce Gaton’s article looking at whether people should wait for the Tesla Model Y, the arrival of which has been delayed indefinitely it would seem, or dive right in with the Kia EV6.

While the Model Y and EV6 comparison is pertinent because both are electric crossovers with hatch-style entry at the back, the Model 3 versus Kia EV6 is also of interest simply because both are available now (or at least, can be ordered now – there is now a five to seven month for the Model 3 and only limited availability on the EV6).

In an electric vehicle group on Facebook, Andrew Thomas – who tells The Driven he has owned a 2019 Mustang GT, 2020 Kia Stinger, 2021 Mercedes AMG a45s, 2021 Hyundai N-Line premium, and is waiting for a new Kia Stinger and Kia EV6 GT – has done just that.

Outlining his EV6 GT-Line RWD (which is a level up from the entry-level Air) test-drive, he has compared it to both his Tesla Model 3 Performance and his partner’s Standard Range Plus Model 3.

First up, Thomas says he was impressed with the spacious interior (although the rear of the EV6 was hard to get into) but said the visibility was better in the Model 3.

“(The) interior is nice,” he said, “as is (the) display and heads up display. In terms of visibility, the Tesla is way better than the EV6 through the front screen.”

But , he said: “the HUGE factor is usability. The speedo etc on the EV6 is way better than what Tesla does. When you change lanes, you can actually see the side cameras… as they are dead in front of you.

“The Tesla ones are a waste of space. It also has android auto and apple carplay, once again, much better than Tesla’s offering (you can use spotify, Tidal, Youtube Music etc…)”

He added, “The seats are in a much better position… No sore back for me anymore… My legs can angle down, not straight… AND it has cooled seats and air con that works AMAZINGLY.”

Living in Australia we have to say the addition of cooled seats is a plus (word is that Tesla is looking at adding this for future models). Additionally, the Tesla Model 3 has copped criticism for its noisy air conditioning, so it is not hard for Kia to improve on this.

“Driving?” said Thomas. But, he said the acceleration in the EV6 was wanting. While the range-topping EV6 hits 100km/hr in 5.2 seconds, the entry-level options do the 100km.hr sprint in 7.3 seconds.

“They are both great to drive. I drove the rear wheel drive version (lowest engine model Kia EV6) and it’s ssslllllooooooooooooowww!”

By comparison, he says, “My wife’s Tesla M3 SR+ is about mid 5s and you can really feel the difference. EV6 does come with twin motor (0-100 in 5.2) and GT (0-100 in 3.5) so it will be interesting to see what they’re like when they come out.”

His verdict on the RWD EV6? “I couldn’t buy a rear wheel drive version. It would drive me insane.”

In terms of external styling, he said: “Looks? I much prefer the EV6. I never have liked the front of the M3… It looks like a duck. The EV6 looks classy and sportier.”

Downsides came down to connectivity, internal styling and performance. “What annoys me about either car?” he said.

“EV6 – doesn’t have wireless android auto, piano black on lots of the interior, hard getting into the rear seat, base model is sooooooo slow.

“Tesla M3 – Terrible seating position (especially for bad backs), no cooled seats, terrible air conditioning, terrible windscreen wipers, lack of ambient lighting,” he said.

Finally: Which one is better value for money? According to Thomas, between the Tesla Model 3 SR+, which is $59,990 before on-roads and the EV6 Air, which starts from $67,800, he’d go for the Tesla.

However, of the Tesla Model 3 Performance up against the EV6 GT, he says: “Which one will be better bang for buck? … I’m sure it will be the EV6 GT. Once you get a fast EV6, it will be a fair bit ahead of the Tesla.”

View the full specifications of the Kia EV6, Tesla Model 3 (previously SR+) and Tesla Model 3 Performance here. And please watch out for The Driven editor Giles Parkinson’s report on his drive experience with the EV6 later next week.