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Kia e-Niro vs. Tesla Model 3
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Written by: Majid Ismailzada
Are you considering an electric vehicle for PCO but don't know what to choose?
Are you leaning towards getting an electric sedan or SUV?
If yes, you are in the right place, as this article will compare two of the popular EVs in the market- the Kia e-Niro and the Tesla Model 3.
View the details of Kia E-Niro PCO
Despite the difference in appearance between the Tesla Model 3 and the Kia e-Niro, which is a four-door sedan and an SUV, they are comparable in today’s EV market because their price points are closely matched.
Want to find out how both cats compare in performance, range, and design? Keep reading.
Overview of the Kia e-Niro
The Kia e-Niro, also known as the Kia Niro EV, is one of Kia’s primary electric models. This car is smaller than the popular Kia EV6 but is a good choice for first-time electric vehicle owners, as it allows them to get used to driving an electric car. Besides, while it is sophisticated for city life, it is resilient for urban commuting
» Not sure whether to go hybrid or electric? Learn the pros and cons for your PCO car rental businessOverview of the Tesla Model 3
Since its production in 2017, the Tesla Model 3 has undergone various changes and has added extra trim levels—Standard and Standard Plus. This EV has set the innovation and performance benchmark for all-electric vehicles, as it has advanced driver features, fast charging functionality, and a large interior touchscreen. Plus, with its different range configurations, this car is the best option for people who prioritize technology.
How the Kia e-Niro Matches Up With The Tesla Model 3
Performance and Acceleration
The Tesla Model 3 performs better and is faster than the Kia e-Niro, making it the best option for people who like fast driving. It comes in three engines and configurations:
- The Long-Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
- The performance model has an acceleration of 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
- The Rear-Wheel Drive has an electric motor of 202kW(275 hp) that enables acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
On the other hand, the Kia e-Niro offers a single electric motor with an acceleration of 64 kWh. It is not the fastest electric vehicle, but it is suitable for daily driving.
Dimensions
The Kia e-Niro is a compact 1757kg SUV that is 4420mm long, 1570mm tall and 1825mm wide with a trunk volume of 451 L. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior for 5 passengers despite its compact size. This spaciousness ensures a comfortable and relaxing driving experience for both the driver and passengers. On the other hand, the 1850 kg Tesla Model 3 is much heavier than the e-Niro with 4,694mm in length, 2,088mm in width, 1,442 mm in height, and 2,875mm in wheelbase.
Driving Dynamics
Many drivers appreciate how easy it is to drive the e-Niro as it focuses more on efficiency than speed. With its high driving position, driving on the road is much more predictable. However, driving the Kia e-Niro can be sluggish when accelerating from a complete stop. On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 offers a low centre of gravity as well as precise steering, allowing for a more engaging drive. Nonetheless, the Tesla Model 3, with its acceleration and g-forces, can prove to be too fast for most drivers.
Battery Life and Range
The Kia e-Niro is powered by a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery that can travel up to 285 miles. On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 engine's Rear-Wheel Drive can travel up to 272 miles, the Long-Range All-Wheel Drive up to 391 miles, and the performance up to 340 miles. Despite the Model 3's Long-Range All-Wheel Drive beating the e-Niro in range, the Kia e-Niro offers enough mileage for drivers who use their cars daily or for occasional road trips.
Charging Structure and Speed
The Kia e-Niro supports up to 77kW DC fast charging and can reach 80% charge in 43 minutes. The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, supports up to 250kW supercharging and can reach 80% in about 15 – 25 minutes. However, the accessibility of third-party charging networks that the Kia e-Niro relies on is not as extensive and dependable as the Tesla Supercharger network.
More comparisons: Nissan Leaf vs Kia E-Niro
Interior Design
Unlike the Tesla Model 3, the Kia e-Nito has a more traditional interior design, with physical buttons and an entertainment system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It has very decent leg and headroom. It also has ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard positions for child seats, and it can hold up to two car seats. Plus, its big cargo space makes it a good choice for families.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 opts for a minimalist interior with a large central 15-inch touchscreen where the driver operates most of the controls. It boasts a spacious cabin, but it doesn’t have as much cargo space as the e-Niro. Additionally, most drivers may find the futuristic design less intuitive than physical buttons.
Technology Features
The Tesla Model 3 boasts Tesla Autopilot, Advanced technology, and over-the-air software updates, which add to its appeal. But if you prefer more traditional control, the Kia e-Niro offers standard infotainment with an easy-to-use interface and physical controls. Besides, the 2023 e-Niro offers an 8-inch touchscreen.
Safety Features
The Kia e-Niro offers several safety features, such as LED daytime running lights, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alert, reversing camera, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aid, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and driver fatigue alert. It also has automatic emergency braking with car, cyclist, and pedestrian detection that operates from 5 – 85km/h. Besides, this EV has eight airbags.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model offers automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping aids, surround radar view, and blind-spot cameras. It also has seven airbags and extra bolstering where the doors meet the car body.
Pricing and Warranty
The Kia Niro has a starting price of £29,920 / £309 per month, while the Tesla Model 3 ranges between £39,990 to £59,990, with monthly payments starting at £547.
The Kia e-Niro also comes with a seven-year/ 150,000km warranty that covers the battery, while for the Tesla Model 3 Performance variant, you get a standard four-year/80,000km warranty.
Besides, if you are looking for a budget-friendly EV, the Kia e-Niro is the better option, but if you want an EV with a strong resale value despite the high price, go for the Tesla Model 3.
Wrapping Up
Despite the Kia e-Niro and Tesla Model 3 being good electric vehicles, they serve different types of drivers.
The Tesla Model 3 is for the driver who doesn't mind a fast, technologically advanced car, while the Kia e-Niro is for the more laidback traditional type of driver.
So, before choosing your EV, you need to consider your budget, driving habits, comfort levels, and charging access.
