The Tesla Model 3 has long reigned supreme as one of the most popular electric sedans on the market. Few competitors have come close to challenging its dominance—until now. Enter the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, a sleek, sophisticated, and surprisingly competitive alternative. Hyundai is making bold moves in the EV world, and the Ioniq 6 is proof that they’re ready to disrupt Tesla’s party.

Packed with compelling features, thoughtful design, and pricing that makes Tesla sweat, the Ioniq 6 is giving buyers something to think about. Here’s how Hyundai’s newest electric ride is shaking up the game and why some drivers are eyeing it over Elon Musk’s cash cow.

1. Design That Turns Heads

The first thing you notice about the Ioniq 6 is its striking design. It’s modern without being too futuristic, sleek but not overly minimalistic. Many have described its flowing lines and sloped roofline as “Porsche-like,” which is certainly high praise. The Tesla Model 3, by contrast, is simple—a bit too simple for some buyers who want their car to make a statement.

Hyundai leaned hard into the “streamliner” aesthetic, creating a silhouette that’s eye-catching and aerodynamically efficient. With its ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.21 (for comparison, the Tesla Model 3 matches this, but with a more conventional shape), the Ioniq 6 is engineered for both form and function.

Unlike the increasingly common sight of a Model 3 on every suburban street corner, the Ioniq 6 stands out. For those looking to break away from the Tesla herd, it’s a breath of fresh air.

2. A Luxe, User-Friendly Interior

Tesla’s interiors are known for their minimalism, but for some, the lack of physical controls and an overwhelming reliance on the center touch screen are pain points. Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 takes a different approach, blending modern tech with practicality.

Step inside the Ioniq 6, and the first thing you’ll likely notice is its thoughtful, spacious interior. Hyundai cleverly incorporates a futuristic design while maintaining functionality. There’s a well-placed 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen alongside another 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Unlike Tesla, which insists you adjust climate control or open the glove box through a sometimes-clunky interface, Hyundai keeps it simple by offering physical buttons for essential functions.

Even better, the Ioniq 6 provides more space where it matters most. Thanks to its elongated body and smart packaging, rear passengers have more legroom (39.2 inches compared to Tesla’s 35.2 inches). This makes the Ioniq 6 a better option for families or anyone who plans to share their ride with taller passengers.

3. Better Range and Efficient Charging

When it comes to range anxiety, Hyundai flexes its muscles. The 2024 Ioniq 6 boasts an EPA-estimated maximum range of 361 miles for the rear-wheel-drive Long Range model. That’s slightly better than Tesla’s Long Range Model 3, which offers 358 miles, giving Hyundai bragging rights—at least on paper.

But range is only half the story. Charging time is another critical factor for EV buyers, and this is where Hyundai excels. Equipped with 800-volt architecture (something you’ll only find on more expensive EVs otherwise), the Ioniq 6 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. Tesla’s Model 3 takes about 30 minutes to achieve the same. For long-distance drivers, those saved minutes at the charging station can add up quickly.

Plus, Hyundai offers one perk that Tesla has yet to deliver—bi-directional charging. The Ioniq 6 can serve as a power source for devices, appliances, or even a small home backup, making it particularly appealing for adventure seekers or emergencies. Tesla’s Model 3 doesn’t have this feature available.

4. Pricing That Keeps Tesla in Check

Pricing is always a hot-button issue, and the 2024 Ioniq 6 is deliberately aggressive in this area. While the base Tesla Model 3 starts at $38,990 (and is therefore cheaper than the Ioniq 6’s starting price of $41,600), Hyundai packs in more standard features, bridging the gap when you factor in value.

For instance, features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Ioniq 6. Tesla, on the other hand, famously omits these, forcing users to rely on its native software—which can be divisive. Hyundai also offers more interior refinement and premium materials at its price point, while Tesla’s panel gaps and cost-cutting choices in cabin materials have been widely criticized.

Let’s not forget Hyundai’s unbeatable warranties. The Ioniq 6 comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, far exceeding Tesla’s 8-year/100,000-mile coverage for its standard battery.

5. Ride Comfort and Build Quality

Ask any Tesla Model 3 owner about their gripes, and build quality is likely to come up. From flimsy trims to quirky rattles, Tesla’s rapid production growth has sometimes come at the expense of finesse. Hyundai, by contrast, brings its reputation for well-made, durable vehicles to the table. Reviewers repeatedly praise the Ioniq 6 for its solid construction, quiet cabin, and premium feel. It’s not just built—it’s crafted.

Hyundai also wisely engineered the Ioniq 6 to excel at ride comfort. The suspension strikes a balance between sporty and smooth, making it far less jarring than the stiffer rides Tesla is known for. Whether you’re navigating twisty city roads or cruising on highways, the Ioniq 6 feels planted and composed.

6. Driver Assistance That Works Well

Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) has received endless buzz—and endless skepticism. It’s a controversial, expensive add-on that has yet to fully live up to its promise of autonomous driving. Hyundai takes a more grounded approach with its SmartSense driver-assist system.

SmartSense may not turn your Ioniq 6 into a self-driving car, but it does what it promises well. Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and highway driving assist work reliably and intelligently, providing peace of mind without overpromising. Sometimes, simpler solutions just work better.

Why Some Drivers Are Making the Switch

It’s clear that Hyundai isn’t just chasing Tesla—it’s presenting real competition. The Ioniq 6 offers solutions to many of Tesla’s perceived shortcomings, including better pricing transparency, more thoughtful driver aids, and a higher level of overall refinement.

For drivers who prioritize comfort, ease of use, and a more grounded ownership experience, the Ioniq 6 outshines the Model 3 in several meaningful areas. It’s a car that doesn’t just ride on the EV hype wave; it builds on it with practical innovations and an emphasis on real-world usability.

Tesla die-hards may still stick with the Model 3 out of loyalty or love of tech-forward execution, but for those willing to explore alternatives, the Ioniq 6 proves the EV market is more competitive—and exciting—than ever before.