I’ve been test driving some EVs recently and thought I was set on the EV6 GT-Line AWD. Out of all the cars I tried, the EV6 stood out as my favorite, with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD coming in second. I was sure the EV6 would also be more affordable, but after shopping around, it seems like the EV6 is priced $7-10k higher than the Model 3. The best price I found for the EV6 GT-Line AWD is $45,988 (and many are higher). Meanwhile, I found a Model 3 Long Range AWD for $37,580. Is this normal or am I missing something here?
As a long-time Kia owner, I expected it to be the better value, but the Model 3 is cheaper. Is there a reason the EV6 costs more? They seem pretty close in terms of features. I love the EV6, but I’m struggling to justify paying 20% more.
TL;DR: Surprised to see the EV6 much more expensive than a Model 3. Is this normal, and if so, what makes it worth the higher price?
The EV6 is more in line with the Tesla Model Y price-wise since it’s an SUV. The Ioniq 5 also fits in this category. The only Kia/Hyundai that matches the Model 3 is the Ioniq 6.
Kenneth said:
The EV6 is more in line with the Tesla Model Y price-wise since it’s an SUV. The Ioniq 5 also fits in this category. The only Kia/Hyundai that matches the Model 3 is the Ioniq 6.
Exactly. Plus, the EV6 has way more legroom than both the Model 3 and the Model Y. While it doesn’t have as much trunk space as the Model Y, the build quality of the EV6 is way better, in my opinion. That’s why I picked it over the Tesla.
Kenneth said:
The EV6 is more in line with the Tesla Model Y price-wise since it’s an SUV. The Ioniq 5 also fits in this category. The only Kia/Hyundai that matches the Model 3 is the Ioniq 6.
That makes sense. Even though I loved driving the EV6, I don’t really need the extra space. I wasn’t a fan of the Ioniq 6 though, even though people rave about it.
@Howard
For me, it’s hard to buy an EV without V2L. It’s super handy most of the time but especially after a storm when you can use it to keep your food from spoiling, charge devices, or even make coffee.
@Howard
I test-drove the EV6 before deciding on the Model 3. While the EV6 was more spacious, the backseat windows were narrow, making me feel a bit claustrophobic. The Tesla just felt more premium in both looks and ride quality.
@martin
I don’t have a favorite yet, but after being an Uber passenger in a Model Y and then in my son’s rented EV6, the Tesla felt much cheaper. I always thought Teslas were supposed to be ‘premium’—but it didn’t feel that way.
@Imani
I agree that the older Teslas felt lacking. But the new 2024 Model 3 has definitely improved, with better materials, fancy tech like rear seat entertainment, and more. The driving tech isn’t perfect, but it’s catching up. I think the 2025 Model Y refresh will also step up the game.
I haven’t driven the Model 3, but I was impressed by the EV6. The build quality felt solid, and it’s super quiet. Honestly, if it were branded as a Lexus, I don’t think anyone would question the price.
The EV6 costs more because it’s a more feature-packed and complex car. Tesla isn’t terrible (apart from the Cybertruck), but in my opinion, the EV6 GT has more tech, like V2L, bi-directional charging, AR heads-up display, smart parking assist, physical buttons (yes, they matter), a heat pump, and more. No wonder it costs more. The Model 3 might be nice to drive, but it’s more basic compared to the EV6.