New Kia EV6 vs New Polestar 2 vs Tesla Model 3: verdict
The class-leading Tesla Model 3 is being challenged like never before by promising new electric rivals from Kia and Polestar. Can it fend them off...
Our verdict
The Tesla Model 3 has finally met its match. It’s been undefeated ever since it arrived in the UK more than two years ago, but despite a recent range boost, it loses out to the excellent Kia EV6. Kia’s new electric hatchback is bigger inside, quieter on the move, more comfortable and can manage more miles on a charge. It can even charge faster.
The one caveat is that this isn’t our favourite version of the Model 3. If your budget stretches closer to £50,000, the dual-motor Long Range model beats all of these cars for range and utterly destroys them for performance. Nevertheless, at this lower price point, the EV6 is as good as electric cars get.
The Polestar 2 has its strengths, including a smart interior. Sadly, disappointing efficiency, noisy cruising manners and the least comfortable ride of the bunch make it an also-ran in this now highly competitive class.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
1st - Kia EV6
For Longest range; fastest charging capability; best for rear passengers; smoothest ride; quietest cruiser
Against Slightly disappointing predicted depreciation; boot isn’t huge; infotainment glitches
Recommended options Heat pump (£900)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Read our full Kia EV6 review >>
Find Kia EV6 deals >>
2nd - Tesla Model 3
For Access to dedicated Supercharger network; most efficient; fastest acceleration; best handling
Against Relatively firm ride; saloon boot limits practicality; other Model 3s go a lot farther on a charge
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Tesla Model 3 review >>
Find Tesla Model 3 deals >>
3rd - Polestar 2
For Classiest interior; good driving position; decent safety score
Against Disappointing efficiency; cramped rear seats; unsettled ride; noisiest cruiser
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5
Read our full Polestar 2 review >>
Find Polestar 2 deals >>
Specifications: Kia EV6 77.4kWh RWD GT-Line
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 223bhp
Peak torque 257Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-60mph 6.9sec
30-70mph 5.9sec
Top speed 114mph
30-0mph 9.0m
70-0mph 47.6m
Noise at 30mph 58.7db
Noise at 70mph 64.4db
Kerb weight 2000kg
Tyre size (std) 235/55 R19
Estimated range 263 miles
Official range 328 miles
Efficiency 3.4 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 77.4kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 233kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 12hr 30min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 17min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Polestar 2
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 228bhp
Peak torque 243Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, front-wheel drive
0-60mph 7.5sec
30-70mph 6.4sec
Top speed 100mph
30-0mph 8.7m
70-0mph 46.2m
Noise at 30mph 61.5db
Noise at 70mph 66.9db
Kerb weight 2069kg
Tyre size (std) 245/45 R19
Estimated range 219 miles
Official range 336 miles
Efficiency 2.9 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 75kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 150kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 12hr
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 32min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Tesla Model 3
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 321bhp
Peak torque 310Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-60mph 5.8sec*
30-70mph N/A
Top speed 140mph
30-0mph 8.6m
70-0mph 44.2m
Noise at 30mph 59.4db
Noise at 70mph 65.5db
Kerb weight 1850kg
Tyre size (std) 235/45 R18
Estimated range 231 miles
Official range 305 miles
Efficiency 4.0 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 57kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 170kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 9hr 15min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 25min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
*official figure
Test weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
Kia EV6 77.4kWh RWD GT-Line with Yacht Blue metallic paint (£675)
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor with Moon metallic paint (£900), Plus Pack (£4000), Pilot Pack (£3000) and 20in V-spoke alloy wheels (£900)
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with Deep Blue metallic paint (£1100) and Black & White interior trim (£1100)
