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Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Tesla Model 3
Selected trimStandard Range RWDChange trim273 mi · 63 kWh · £40,695
Selected trimRWDChange trim332 mi · 60 kWh · £37,990
At a glance
In this comparison, Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads on motorway range, family practicality and charging speed, while the Tesla Model 3 leads on running costs and city driving.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
Choose the Tesla Model 3 if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.8p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Hyundai
6.1
Tesla
6.4
Too close to call
Motorway RangeHyundai
Hyundai
6.4
Tesla
5.5
FamilyHyundai
Hyundai
7.7
Tesla
7.1
ChargingHyundai
Hyundai
7.9
Tesla
2.3
Cost Per MileTesla
Hyundai
6.8
Tesla
8.8
City DrivingTesla
Hyundai
3.3
Tesla
4
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Tesla Model 3
RWD
- £2,705 cheaper
- 58 miles more WLTP range
- 162 litres more boot space
- 83 kW more power
- 2.3s quicker 0-62 mph
- 0.4 m tighter turning circle
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Hyundai IONIQ 5Standard Range RWD | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £40,695 | £37,990 (better) |
| Official range | 273 miles | 332 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 520 L | 682 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 18 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 8.5 sec | 6.2 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Tesla Model 3
Length
Hyundai IONIQ 54,655mm-66mm
Tesla Model 34,721mm
Width
Hyundai IONIQ 51,890mm-43mm
Tesla Model 31,933mm
Height
Hyundai IONIQ 51,605mm
Tesla Model 31,440mm-165mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Hyundai IONIQ 5Standard Range RWD | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,655 mm | 4,721 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,890 mm (better) | 1,933 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,116 mm | 2,088 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,605 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Turning circle | 12 m | 11.6 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 510 mm spare (better) | 467 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Hyundai IONIQ 5Standard Range RWD | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 520 L | 682 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1587 L | Not available |
| Frunk | 57 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 750 kg (better) | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Peak DC charging of 260 kW, faster than 85% of SUVs in our catalogue.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
- 3,000 mm wheelbase, longer than 90% of SUVs we track.
Tesla Model 3
- 2nd-largest boot among saloon EVs in our catalogue at 682 L.
- At 4,721 mm, shorter than 90% of saloon EVs in our UK catalogue.
- Uses 130 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 100% of saloon EVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Hyundai IONIQ 5 Standard Range RWD |  Tesla Model 3 RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.66m | 4.72m+66mm |
| Width | 1.89m | 1.93m+43mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.12m | 2.09m-28mm |
| Height | 1.60m | 1.44m-165mm |
| Wheelbase | 3.00m | Not available |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 137mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 520L | 682L* (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1587L | Not available |
| Frunk | 57L | Not available |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 12m | 11.6m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,920kg | 1,772kg (better) |
| Towing Capacity | 750kg (better) | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 63kWh (better) | 60kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 273 mi | 332 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 260kW (better) | 175kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £40,695 | £37,990 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | Saloon |
| Available | 2024+ | 2024+ |
* Tesla Model 3: Tesla publishes 682 L as total cargo volume (boot + frunk, measured to roof) — not directly comparable to standard VDA figures used by other brands.
* Tesla Model 3: Not published by Tesla; verified from multiple independent sources.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Hyundai IONIQ 5Standard Range RWD | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 273 miles | 332 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 228 miles | 229 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 18 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 260 kW (better) | 175 kW |
| Home AC charging | 10.5 kW | Not available |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 130 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 63 kWh (better) | 57.5 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NCMA | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 800V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Hyundai IONIQ 5Standard Range RWD | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8.5 sec | 6.2 sec (better) |
| Power | 125 kW | 208 kW (better) |
| Torque | 350 Nm (better) | 340 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Standard Range RWD
8.9/10
average across 7 reviews
- DrivingElectric5/5
- Car Magazine5/5
- Auto Express4.5/5
Tesla Model 3
RWD
8.5/10
average across 6 reviews
- Electrifying.com9/10
- DrivingElectric4.5/5
- Auto Express4.5/5
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Hyundai IONIQ 5Standard Range RWD | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £29,990 | £26,699 |
| Average used price | £33,990 | £30,299 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 18 listings | 91 listings (better) |
| Saving vs RRP | £6,705 below new | £7,691 below new |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 7.7% over ~6 months | Broadly flat |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Hyundai IONIQ 5 Standard Range RWD
Vulnerable Road Users63%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Tesla Model 3 RWD
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant90%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users89%
Safety Assist87%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Hyundai IONIQ 5Standard Range RWD | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | Not available | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | Not available | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag infotainment & software, interior material quality. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Standard Range RWD
Owners love
- Exceptional driving dynamics with outstanding handling, steering precision, and engaging performance that feels like a proper driver's car despite its 2.2-ton weight
- Cutting-edge 800-volt charging architecture enables industry-leading 350kW fast charging speeds, significantly faster than most competitors
- Impressive range with larger battery options (315+ miles WLTP) and strong real-world performance in various conditions
Watch out for
- Poor efficiency for its class, achieving only 2.5-2.7 mi/kWh in real-world driving, resulting in disappointing real-world range despite manufacturer claims
- Premium £65,000 pricing lacks competitive justification given interior quality comparable to standard Ioniq 5 and efficiency below competitor standards
- Known vulnerability to theft via programmable key exploits, particularly concerning in high-risk areas, with ongoing unfixed security issues
Owner tips
- Test drive extensively and set up suspension and drive modes (Normal suspension recommended for UK roads, Sport steering, Sport+ motor settings) to match your preferences before committing
- Budget for security upgrades like Ghost immobilizer in high-theft areas; check insurance quotes early due to known theft vulnerabilities
Tesla Model 3
RWD
Owners love
- Excellent driving dynamics with responsive steering, handling, and smooth one-pedal regenerative braking
- Superior touchscreen interface that is intuitive, responsive, and readable in sunlight
- Growing Supercharger network offers reliable charging infrastructure with competitive pricing
Watch out for
- Removal of physical stalks for wipers and turn signals creates safety concerns and requires constant touchscreen interaction while driving
- Automatic windshield wipers frequently malfunction in light rain and drizzle due to camera-based Tesla Vision system
- Unreliable indicator stalk (on older models with stalks) frequently malfunctions or doesn't respond consistently
Owner tips
- Test drive the specific model configuration before ordering to experience controls, door handles, and touchscreen usability in real driving conditions
- Use home charging with EV-specific energy tariffs to maximize cost savings; home charging is significantly cheaper than public chargers
Buying options
Get a quote
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
- £33,9902026Cars2View
- £29,9902025Cars2View
- £40,4902026Cars2View
Tesla Model 3
- £42,8992026Car360View
- £33,8992024Car360View
- £27,5992024Car360View
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 worth the extra £2,705 over the Tesla Model 3?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 costs £2,705 more than the Tesla Model 3. For that premium it adds 85 kW faster peak rapid charging. The Tesla Model 3 is not just cheaper - it also offers 58 miles more WLTP range, 162 litres more boot space and 83 kW more power. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 or the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is £2,705 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £144 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Tesla Model 3 comes out roughly £2,785 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model 3 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 228 miles for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 229 miles for the Tesla Model 3 - effectively matched, and both well below their WLTP figures because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 or the Tesla Model 3?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 43 mm narrower than the Tesla Model 3. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 510 mm of total clearance for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and about 467 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 also turns in a 0.4 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 or the Tesla Model 3?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 89% battery health for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 92% for the Tesla Model 3. That gives the Tesla Model 3 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Tesla Model 3's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Hyundai IONIQ 5 comparisons
More Tesla Model 3 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs with the biggest bootsWhere the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among Best Used Electric Cars Under £10,000 (UK)
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .