Best Electric Cars · head-to-head

Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) is cheaper at $36990. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) or Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024)?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) is the cheaper at $36990.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024)
US price $36990 $46550
BrandTeslaHyundai
Released20252024
Range mi 321 303
Battery kwh 69.5 77.4
Peak charge (kW) 225 233
Zero to 60 s 5.8 7.2
Drivetrain RWD RWD
Seats 5 5
Cargo cuft 21 26.3
Release 2025 2024

Sources — Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025): greencarscompare.com (verified 2026-06-15). Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024): greencarscompare.com (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Range mi: Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) 321 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024) 303
  • Battery kwh: Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) 69.5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024) 77.4
  • Peak charge (kW): Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) 225 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024) 233
  • Zero to 60 s: Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) 5.8 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024) 7.2
  • Cargo cuft: Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025) 21 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024) 26.3

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD (2025)

Only one whitelisted outlet survived verification: Car and Driver, which instrumented-tested this exact entry-level Model 3 RWD (the trim formerly badged 'Standard,' launched as a 2026 model). They praise its value, quiet cabin, and handling, and it beat Tesla's own acceleration claim (0-60 in 5.4 sec vs an estimated 5.8). But their steady 75-mph highway range test returned just 270 miles—well under the 321-mile EPA rating—and peak DC charging is capped lower than other Model 3 trims. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Strong value: cheapest Model 3 at $38,380, about $5,750 below the Premium RWD for little lost content; Still fun to drive—quick off-center steering, 0.88 g skidpad, and retains the panoramic glass roof unlike the base Model Y; Quiet, comfortable cabin and satisfyingly quick acceleration (0-60 in 5.4 sec, beating Tesla's 5.8 sec estimate).

Flagged: Real-world highway range disappoints: 270 mi in C/D's 75-mph test vs the 321-mi EPA estimate; Lower peak DC charging (225 kW rated / 187 kW observed) than other Model 3 trims; Austere, cut-down cabin—cloth seats, no dash ambient lighting, a rear that feels 'a bit too much like a New York City taxicab', and no Apple CarPlay.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD (2024)

Only one whitelisted tester, MotorTrend, published a hands-on review covering the exact 2024 Ioniq 5 line; Edmunds (fetch-blocked) and Car and Driver (page now covers the 2025-2026 facelift, not the 2024 RWD) were excluded. MotorTrend praises the spacious interior, fast charging and value, and recommends the single-motor RWD for its 303-mile range (the most in the Ioniq 5 lineup), while flagging the missing rear wiper and a slightly jittery ride. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Spacious, premium interior with clever functionality; Fast DC charging (Hyundai-claimed 10-80% in ~18 min); Single-motor RWD delivers longest range in lineup (303 mi).

Flagged: No rear windshield wiper on most trims; Slightly jittery ride, could use more plushness; RWD is not as quick or powerful as the dual-motor setup.

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