Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3: Electric Vehicle Rivals
The Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3 dominate the UAE's electric vehicle scene, offering zero-emission thrills for Dubai commuters and Abu Dhabi road-trippers. The Kia EV6, a crossover with bold styling and ultra-fast charging, appeals to those seeking practicality and a traditional feel. The Tesla Model 3, a sleek sedan with autopilot tech, prioritizes range and seamless Supercharger access. This comparison dives into performance, range, interiors, and UAE pricing in AED to help you choose between these 2025 contenders amid growing DEWA stations and Salik exemptions.
Overview: Crossover Versatility vs. Sedan Efficiency
The 2025 Kia EV6, refreshed with a larger 84 kWh battery option, boasts 800V architecture for 18-minute 10-80% charges and up to 528 km range, scoring 4.7/5 on ArabWheels for its premium cabin. The Tesla Model 3 Highland facelift features a minimalist redesign, 702 km range in Long Range RWD, and Autopilot standard, earning 4.8/5 for resale value. Both secure 5-star NHTSA ratings, but EV6's 10-year battery warranty edges Model 3's 8-year/192,000 km—key in UAE's heat.
Performance and Driving Dynamics Comparison
The EV6's dual-motor AWD GT variant unleashes 576 hp for a 3.4-second 0-100 km/h, with rear-drive RWD at 225 hp and 7.2 seconds—its low center of gravity grips UAE highways superbly. The Model 3 Performance hits 3.1 seconds with 510 hp, while base RWD manages 5.8 seconds at 283 hp; its instant torque feels planted, though some note wind noise at speed.
|
Feature |
Kia EV6 |
Tesla Model 3 |
|
Base Power |
225 hp (RWD) |
283 hp (RWD) |
|
Top Power |
576 hp (GT AWD) |
510 hp (Performance) |
|
0-100 km/h (Base) |
7.2 seconds |
5.8 seconds |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD/AWD |
RWD/AWD |
|
Top Speed |
260 km/h |
261 km/h |
Battery, Range, and Charging Comparison
EV6's 77.4 kWh pack yields 510 km WLTP (real-world 400-450 km in UAE heat), charging 10-80% in 18 minutes at 350 kW. Model 3's 82 kWh Long Range hits 629 km WLTP (500-550 km real), with 15-minute 10-80% at 250 kW—its Supercharger network (over 20 UAE sites) trumps EV6's CCS reliance on DEWA/PlugShare.
|
Aspect |
Kia EV6 |
Tesla Model 3 |
|
Battery Size (Max) |
84 kWh |
82 kWh |
|
WLTP Range (Max) |
528 km |
702 km |
|
DC Charge (10-80%) |
18 min (350 kW) |
15 min (250 kW) |
|
AC Home Charge (Full) |
7 hrs (11 kW) |
10 hrs (11 kW) |
Interior Space and Comfort Comparison
EV6's hatchback design offers 490 L rear cargo + 52 L frunk (1,400 L folded), with 10-way adjustable seats and vegan leather—physical buttons aid glovebox-free usability. Model 3's sedan trunk swallows 594 L + 88 L frunk (1,000 L folded), but its 15-inch yoke screen controls everything, potentially distracting; rear space fits adults comfortably (37.7 inches legroom vs. EV6's 35.8 inches).
|
Dimension |
Kia EV6 |
Tesla Model 3 |
|
Length/Width/Height |
4,695 mm / 1,880 mm / 1,550 mm |
4,720 mm / 1,849 mm / 1,443 mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2,900 mm |
2,875 mm |
|
Cargo (Rear/Frunk) |
490 L / 52 L |
594 L / 88 L |
|
Rear Legroom |
910 mm |
958 mm |
Technology and Safety Comparison
EV6's dual 12.3-inch screens run Kia Connect with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, plus Highway Driving Assist II for semi-autonomous cruising. Model 3's 15.3-inch central display integrates Autopilot (adaptive cruise, auto lane change) and Full Self-Driving capability (opt)—its over-the-air updates keep it fresh. Safety: Both 5-star, but Model 3's Sentry Mode edges surveillance.
|
Safety/Tech |
Kia EV6 |
Tesla Model 3 |
|
Infotainment |
Dual 12.3-inch + Wireless AA/CP |
15.3-inch Central + OTA |
|
ADAS |
Level 2 (HDA II) |
Autopilot (Level 2+) |
|
Audio |
14-speaker Meridian |
17-speaker Premium |
|
Warranty (Battery) |
10 years/100,000 km |
8 years/192,000 km |
Pricing in AED Comparison
UAE pricing positions Model 3 as the entry EV at AED 167,990 for RWD, up to AED 250,000 for Performance. EV6 starts at AED 199,000 for Light RWD, reaching AED 280,000 for GT—Kia's incentives, like free charging, add value.
|
Trim Level |
Kia EV6 (AED) |
Tesla Model 3 (AED) |
|
Base |
199,000 (Light RWD) |
167,990 (RWD) |
|
Mid |
230,000 (Wind AWD) |
200,000 (Long Range) |
|
Top |
280,000 (GT) |
250,000 (Performance) |
Tyres and Maintenance: Efficient Rollers
EVs demand low-resistance tires for range in the UAE heat. Kia EV6 tyres like Michelin e.Primacy in 235/55R19 minimizes drag while gripping wet roads. Tesla Model 3 tyres, fitted with Pirelli P Zero Elect in 235/45R18, optimize acceleration. For Tesla tyres, Continental EcoContact 6 adds quiet efficiency. Kia owners favor Hankook iON evo for durability.
At PitStopArabia, premium tyre brands such as Bridgestone Turanza EV suit the EV6's dynamics, while Goodyear ElectricDrive GT enhances Model 3's efficiency—essential for battery health and safety.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Pick the Kia EV6 if: Crossover utility, fast charging, and button-based familiarity matter—great for UAE families needing hatch flexibility.
- Pick the Tesla Model 3 if: Superior range, Supercharger ease, and screen-centric innovation appeal—ideal for long-distance solo drivers.
Both propel EV adoption, but EV6 versatility, Model 3 innovates.
Charge ahead with PitStopArabia.com, the UAE's EV specialists for Kia and Tesla. From software diagnostics to tire optimizations, keep your EV6 or Model 3 humming. Book a service for tailored plans and green deals!
FAQs
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3: Which has better range?
Model 3 Long Range leads at 702 km WLTP vs. EV6's 528 km—real-world UAE drops 20% in heat, but Tesla's network mitigates.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 price in the UAE?
Model 3 starts lower at AED 167,990 vs. EV6's AED 199,000; Performance trims close at AED 250,000-280,000.
Which is faster: Kia EV6 or Tesla Model 3?
EV6 GT's 3.4 seconds 0-100 km/h edges Model 3 Performance's 3.1 seconds—both blistering for UAE straights.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 interior space?
Model 3 offers 594 L of trunk space vs. the EV6's 490 L of rear space, but the EV6's hatch folds flatter for versatility.
Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model 3 charging speed?
EV6's 350 kW hits 10-80% in 18 minutes; Model 3's 250 kW takes 15 minutes—Superchargers give Tesla an edge.
Which warranty covers the Kia EV6 vs. the Tesla Model 3?
EV6's 10-year/100,000 km battery tops Model 3's 8-year/192,000 km—both suit the UAE's demanding climate.










