Kia continues to set the standard for quality, reliability, and performance. It makes a lineup of vehicles with the latest technology, impressive capability, and luxurious comfort features to suit any lifestyle or budget. And Kia stands behind every sale with world-class service.
Lately, electric vehicles (EVs) have grown in popularity, and the segment has seen stiff competition. But not all EVs are created equal. Below, we’ll examine two class leaders, the Kia Niro and the Tesla Model 3. We asked our EV experts here at Huffines Kia Corinth to compare these popular cars to help you make an informed buying decision.
2023 Kia Niro EV Vs. Tesla Model 3: Trim Levels and Pricing
Kia makes the Niro EV in two trim levels: the Wind and Wave. The Tesla Model 3 has three trim levels: the Base, Long Range, and Premium. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for each:
| 2023 Kia Niro EV Trim | MSRP | Tesla Model 3 Trim | MSRP |
| Kia Niro EV Wind | $39,550 | Model 3 Base | $44,380 |
| Kia Niro EV Wave | $44,550 | Model 3 Long Range | Not Available |
| Model 3 Performance | $55,380 |
The Long Range trim isn’t available yet. The 2022 version had an MSRP of $55,990. Tesla’s sales approach is to offer stripped-down vehicles at the listed MSRP, then sell packages and upgrades almost a la carte. A fully equipped Model 3 Base costs over $60,000, and the 2022 Long Range was over $70,000. The Performance trim costs $71,990 with all the bells and whistles.
Conversely, Kia offers the Niro EV Wind at a significantly lower price with desirable standard features well above what the Model 3 Base offers. And to compare the Wave model almost isn’t fair. You’d spend nearly twice on a fully loaded Model 3 Performance for the same comfort, convenience, and technology.
Edge: 2023 Kia Niro EV
Kia continues to impress with its bevy of premium features in the Niro EV. Without paying extra for features, the Niro EV has the value edge.
2023 Kia Niro EV Vs. Tesla Model 3: Technology
The Kia Niro EV’s technology runs through a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen display with the Kia Connect system’s built-in navigation and power on both models. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth come standard, enabling seamless integration of your smartphone for hands-free usage. And a six-speaker audio system is standard on the Wind trim, while the Wave model has a seven-speaker Harmon Kardon system.
Other standard features on the Wind and Wave include a wireless charging pad, two USB-A ports in the front, one USB-C port in the front, and two USB-A ports in the rear to keep everyone connected and charged. A smart key with push button and remote start capability gets you in and running.
Tesla uses a 15-inch touch screen to operate the infotainment and just about everything else, right down to the side view mirrors. While having one location for all your controls seems nice, the result is a morass of menus, sub-menus, and frustration.
You get the same level of connectivity with wireless charging and USB ports. Unfortunately, that colossal touch screen doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. Without these platforms, you can’t run your favorite phone apps from a Tesla.
Edge: 2023 Kia Niro EV
You don’t have to be Einstein to see that Kia’s practical approach offers better technology for simple, intuitive operations. So we give the edge to the Kia Niro EV.
2023 Kia Niro EV Vs. Tesla Model 3: Driver Assist Technology
Kia has developed an impressive suite of driver assist technologies called Kia Drive Wise. This system uses radar and advanced optical sensors to scan around your Kia Niro EV, continuously looking for hazards. You’ll receive visual and audio alerts when it detects a potential problem. In certain situations, the system will activate emergency brake support and steering correction to help you steer clear of trouble.
The suite includes forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection. The FCA scans the way ahead, alerting you to obstacles, usually vehicles. But the system also detects pedestrians crossing the road, cyclists on the road’s edge, and cars approaching as you make a turn. In addition, the Wave model adds junction-crossing detection, which alerts you to vehicles turning into your path.
A blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCAA) parallel exit system gives you eyes where you can’t see. This system uses sensors to scan to the rear and side, alerting you when vehicles approach or enter your blind spots. So you can confidently change lanes and back out of tight parking spaces. The rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCAA) system works with the BCAA. If you react slowly to the alerts, the RCAA automatically brakes.
The lane departure warning (LDW), lane-keeping assist (LKA), and lane following assist (LFA) systems use similar technology to track your Kia Niro EV when traveling in clearly marked lanes. The LDW alerts you when it detects an unintentional drift. If you fail to respond to the alert, the LKA provides gentle steering correction to return you to your lane. The LFA takes it further, using subtle steering input to keep you centered in your lane, reducing driver fatigue.
You also get Kia’s navigation-based adaptive cruise control with stop and go. Radar calculates the speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a following preset distance, even to a complete stop. This system can also safely navigate curves as you drive on the highways around Corinth, Texas.
Tesla offers similar driver-assist technology with forward collision alerts, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping. And Tesla’s Autopilot, a semiautonomous driving system that once put Tesla on the map, works much the same as Kia’s Smart Cruise Control, and many other brands have the same tech.
Edge: 2023 Kia Niro EV
We have to give the edge to the Kia Niro EV for its broader offerings.
Test-Drive a 2023 Kia Niro EV in Corinth Today
If you’re ready to elevate your commute with a tech-laden EV, the Kia Niro EV offers better value than the Tesla Model 3. You can start by shopping our virtual inventory and then visit us at 6940 S. Interstate 35E for a test drive. One of our EV experts will answer all your questions and let you take your favorite Niro EV for a spin.