The 10 best Tesla Model 3 alternatives in 2024

September 16, 2024 by

If you’re in the market for a new electric car, or have spent just a few minutes browsing X, you’re probably familiar with the Tesla Model 3. It’s a car which has become synonymous with EVs over the last few years, and with good reason.

You get a very fast, well-equipped and comfortable saloon car for the same price as a top-of-the-line Vauxhall Corsa Electric, and it has a massive driving range as well. That said, the stripped-back dashboard and lightly hum-drum exterior styling may not be to everyone’s tastes.

If the latter applies to you, there are plenty of great alternatives to the Tesla Model 3 on the market to choose from. We’ve gathered ten of the best for you to peruse.

The best Tesla Model 3 alternatives in 2024 are:

  1. BMW i4
  2. Volkswagen ID7
  3. Tesla Model Y
  4. Kia EV6
  5. BYD Seal
  6. Polestar 2
  7. Hyundai Ioniq 6
  8. Ford Mustang Mach-E
  9. Peugeot E-3008
  10. Used Tesla Model 3

1. BMW i4

BMW i4

If you’re after an electric saloon car with a posh German badge and build quality to match, then the BMW i4 should be near the top of your shopping list. It may be quite a bit more expensive than a Model 3, but it feels like it when you step inside.

The i4 is also properly comfortable and refined on the motorway, while also being good fun to drive through the beds, although not as much fun as the petrol-powered 4 Series. The infotainment system is top-notch though, and the liftback tailgate makes the boot more usable than the Tesla’s.

2. Volkswagen ID7

Sticking with the German theme for a moment, how about the Volkswagen ID7? It’s a relaxed motorway cruiser with comfy seats, a high-tech interior, a spacious cabin and a big boot.

There’s not much fun to be had behind the wheel, and the interior is pretty bland as well, but the ID7 has the Model 3 licked when it comes to driving range. It can do up to 436 miles on a charge, while the Tesla can manage 390 miles.

3. Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y

But what if you really want to jump on the Tesla bandwagon to take advantage of the cutting-edge tech and excellent supercharger network, but need someone more practical than a Model 3? Well check out the Tesla Model Y.

This electric SUV has an enormous boot, spacious rear seats and a commanding driving position, as well as a blistering turn of speed and great range. It’s a shame that it doesn’t have the same upgrades as the facelifted Tesla Model 3, however an updated model is due to arrive next year with fresh styling and an upgraded interior.

4. Kia EV6

New Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is a stylish electric SUV with a great interior, and it’s recently been updated with a fresh face and more range than before to make it an even more enticing proposition. It’s a touch more expensive than a Tesla Model 3, but with some Carwow savings there’s not much of a price gap.

The boot may not be as big as some other electric SUVs, and it’s not the most comfortable car in this class either, but the EV6 makes up for this by offering generous standard equipment, and you can get clever vehicle-to-load charging which allows you to power appliances such as microwaves and kettles using the car’s battery.

5. BYD Seal

Looking for something a bit quirky and left-field? Then check out the BYD Seal. This electric saloon from China looks pretty similar to the Model 3 on the outside, but the interior design is much more interesting with plenty of curves and abstract shapes. It also has a driver’s display behind the steering wheel, something the Tesla does without.

It’s not as spacious or practical as the Model 3 – that car has a bigger boot and more rear legroom – but the Seal is comfortable to drive, and it can even put a smile on your face through the corners. At 354 miles, the range figure isn’t bad either.

6. Polestar 2

Polestar 2

If the Model 3 just isn’t stylish enough for you then the Polestar 2 might be more up your alley. It’s a great-looking car, especially inside where it looks like a cool Scandinavian apartment with clean lines and funky materials.

The Polestar isn’t as comfortable to drive as the Tesla though, nor is it as affordable, but the 406-mile range can’t be argued with and the Google-based infotainment system is excellent. It’s also packed with safety kit for added peace of mind.

7. Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai is on a roll at the moment making futuristic-looking EVs. It started a few years ago with the space-aged Ioniq 5, and now we have the Ioniq 6 saloon. Not only does it look like nothing else on the road, the interior is also a lovely place to spend a long journey.

You shouldn’t have much range anxiety either, because the Ioniq 6 can do up to 340 miles on a charge – although that’s 50 miles less than a Model 3 Long Range. It’s also not quite as practical as a Model 3 thanks to some tight rear seats.

8. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV with a sporty edge. It looks purposeful on the road with the sleek sloping roofline and muscular stance, and it offers decent performance as well, especially in flagship GT guise.

To make this car feel more agile through the bends it has a pretty firm suspension setup, which can make it uncomfortable for day-to-day use, and it doesn’t have a particularly large boot. On the plus side though, the interior is lovely and the tech is all nice and easy to use.

9. Peugeot E-3008

Looking for something with a bit of French Flair? The Peugeot E-3008 is well worth a look. Not only does it look fantastic on the outside, the interior can easily rival offerings from the premium German brands in terms of both design and quality.

The suspension is a bit jiggly around town, but on the motorway it smooths out nicely making it a great long-distance cruiser. A long Range model is also coming soon which will do a whopping 435 miles on a charge, although the standard car can still do 326 miles.

10. Used Tesla Model 3

2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance

None of the cars above take your fancy? Well before you head over to your local Tesla dealer to place an order for a brand new Model 3, you might want to check out the deals you can get on a used one.

There are loads of second-hand Model 3s available through Carwow, with two-year-old examples starting from as low as £22,000 at the time of writing. That’s a saving of almost 50% over the cost of a new one. The Carwow team actually lived with a five-year-old Model 3 for a few months, and you can find out how it was in this article.

Looking for an easy way to change your car? Then Carwow is the place to go. You can sell your old car for a great price, and get the best deals on a new one. All through our network of trusted dealers and all from the comfort of your home. Tap the button below to get started today.

Tesla Model 3

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