Tesla v Nissan v Kia The Newest Budget EVs Compared
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
Alex is known for his thorough, information packed reviews. I browse around 50 automotive review sites so Im sometimes asked by family and friends what I consider the best source for someone actually seeking purchase advice about a particular vehicle. No question its Alex on Autos. As someone who spent years composing lectures for students that seek to convey as much information as possible in a digestible lecture format, Im in awe. Its the Khan Academy of automotive reviews. And this particular example surpasses even Alex usual high standards. Some viewers will complain that the Tesla reviewed here shortchanges the brand. What about all the additional options, innovations, and trim levels Tesla offers, theyll say. But that misses the point of this review and the marketplace in general. The EV market will not grow by appealing primarily to those already committed to electric vehicles and willing to pay an initial purchase price of 50K+. It will expand by being cross shopped with ICE vehicles and hybrids and priced around the average of new cars in 2019, about 37, 000. For those consumers Alex focuses on many of the most important features of these vehicles and provides a great introduction to some of the more esoteric details such as differences in charge options, the impact of ambient temperature on vehicle range, and even true overall range, figures that are sorely missing from most EV reviews. What would I choose if I were shopping today? Despite my respect for all that Tesla has accomplished, it would be the KIA Niro though personally Id wait for the Soul EV. The Tesla is undeniably tempting but I doubt I could resist adding bells, whistles, range extensions, and performance features that would drive the price far beyond 40K. And as frustrating as it often is to negotiate with a dealer I havent reached the point of preferring to purchase a vehicle as I order kitchen supplies from Amazon. Further, living in Washington state I dont have to eliminate KIA and Hyundai from my shopping list. But all in all, I think anyone interested in seeing EVs flourish should applaud all these (and other) manufacturers putting investments into the market. Competition is good and the more choices available the more consumers will consider them. And thats good for everyone and the earth, itself.
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Alex is known for his thorough, information packed reviews. I browse around 50 automotive review sites so Im sometimes asked by family and friends what I consider the best source for someone actually seeking purchase advice about a particular vehicle. No question its Alex on Autos. As someone who spent years composing lectures for students that seek to convey as much information as possible in a digestible lecture format, Im in awe. Its the Khan Academy of automotive reviews. And this particular example surpasses even Alex usual high standards. Some viewers will complain that the Tesla reviewed here shortchanges the brand. What about all the additional options, innovations, and trim levels Tesla offers, theyll say. But that misses the point of this review and the marketplace in general. The EV market will not grow by appealing primarily to those already committed to electric vehicles and willing to pay an initial purchase price of 50K+. It will expand by being cross shopped with ICE vehicles and hybrids and priced around the average of new cars in 2019, about 37, 000. For those consumers Alex focuses on many of the most important features of these vehicles and provides a great introduction to some of the more esoteric details such as differences in charge options, the impact of ambient temperature on vehicle range, and even true overall range, figures that are sorely missing from most EV reviews. What would I choose if I were shopping today? Despite my respect for all that Tesla has accomplished, it would be the KIA Niro though personally Id wait for the Soul EV. The Tesla is undeniably tempting but I doubt I could resist adding bells, whistles, range extensions, and performance features that would drive the price far beyond 40K. And as frustrating as it often is to negotiate with a dealer I havent reached the point of preferring to purchase a vehicle as I order kitchen supplies from Amazon. Further, living in Washington state I dont have to eliminate KIA and Hyundai from my shopping list. But all in all, I think anyone interested in seeing EVs flourish should applaud all these (and other) manufacturers putting investments into the market. Competition is good and the more choices available the more consumers will consider them. And thats good for everyone and the earth, itself.
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VLight
I chose the LR AWD M3 over the Niro for the AWD (For the winter snows, really wished it was a hatch back like its big brother but the M3 trunk is big for sedan. I really like the Niro, followed and read/watched everything about that car, didnt think they would be available in PA but while on my first week of M3 ownership (the grace period for no questions return) I got a call from Kia dealers in NJ that there were Niros in stock, (which in a few days sold out) - I told the guy I was loving my M3 too much, and didnt bother with the test drive. The M3 is the most amazing car Ive ever driven, the AWD is like a rocket, at any speed if you open it up, its just goes, it leaves everything (most things) behind, its really shockingly quick. It also feels really solid on the road, handles great, I love the one foot driving, Im happy with the strong regen, its really a point n squirt, regen brake for 99% situations, corner on rails then youre off again super car. I have a forward facing kid seat and he has good room for his legs, dont drive fast with him in it, but he giggles when I overtake. There are a lot of Tesla haters on the road, get a lot of mean/dark looks. were not rich, we took a big loan, got a tax return and help from family to get it, I think people assume youre a rich dxxk, maybe, I dont know, and I really dont get all the Tesla haters. Im also getting much better efficiency than reported here, miles/kWh (in the M3 thats Wh/mile ) than Alex gets, on a easy driving school run with 45-50 mph max I can get 190wh/mi (5. 26Mi/kWh) fairly easily, one drive recently (granted lots of downhill sections) i averaged 148Wh/mi (6. 76Mi/kWh) but my overall average is 230Wh/Mi (435Mi/kWh) which is still much more than Alex got with his m3. just saying not sure why his m3 Mi/kWh efficiency was so low. Anyway I have no regrets, wish the car was a little more invisible, all the attention is annoying, but its a beautiful, sleek, fast, efficient car - Oh and we live in a Condo so i have to drive 15 miles once a week or so to a SC to refuel.
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I chose the LR AWD M3 over the Niro for the AWD (For the winter snows, really wished it was a hatch back like its big brother but the M3 trunk is big for sedan. I really like the Niro, followed and read/watched everything about that car, didnt think they would be available in PA but while on my first week of M3 ownership (the grace period for no questions return) I got a call from Kia dealers in NJ that there were Niros in stock, (which in a few days sold out) - I told the guy I was loving my M3 too much, and didnt bother with the test drive. The M3 is the most amazing car Ive ever driven, the AWD is like a rocket, at any speed if you open it up, its just goes, it leaves everything (most things) behind, its really shockingly quick. It also feels really solid on the road, handles great, I love the one foot driving, Im happy with the strong regen, its really a point n squirt, regen brake for 99% situations, corner on rails then youre off again super car. I have a forward facing kid seat and he has good room for his legs, dont drive fast with him in it, but he giggles when I overtake. There are a lot of Tesla haters on the road, get a lot of mean/dark looks. were not rich, we took a big loan, got a tax return and help from family to get it, I think people assume youre a rich dxxk, maybe, I dont know, and I really dont get all the Tesla haters. Im also getting much better efficiency than reported here, miles/kWh (in the M3 thats Wh/mile ) than Alex gets, on a easy driving school run with 45-50 mph max I can get 190wh/mi (5. 26Mi/kWh) fairly easily, one drive recently (granted lots of downhill sections) i averaged 148Wh/mi (6. 76Mi/kWh) but my overall average is 230Wh/Mi (435Mi/kWh) which is still much more than Alex got with his m3. just saying not sure why his m3 Mi/kWh efficiency was so low. Anyway I have no regrets, wish the car was a little more invisible, all the attention is annoying, but its a beautiful, sleek, fast, efficient car - Oh and we live in a Condo so i have to drive 15 miles once a week or so to a SC to refuel.
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Steve Boedeker
For my taste, Tesla wins and i disagree with the map that insinuated its not available nationwide. I bought mine (in Texas) and received delivery to my home in 10 days. For now - the Kia is essentially a compliance car (available in the 12 states that have incentives. The Leaf is a basic front wheel drive hatchback but it kind of comes with basic auto pilot which is really nice and I think they should be bragging about it as it does the same thing as basic auto pilot for Tesla. Something your viewers might be interested in are the tax incentives available for all three. Both the Federal and the State ones. The Niro can even get that elusive Texas rebate not available for the Tesla because they have dealerships. The only one that allows the buyer to buy basic and upgrade later is the Tesla. For example the software can be pushed to activate features already built in (heated back seats, auto pilot, enhanced maps, and even the full self driving if it ever comes to fruition. This allows someone to buy low and add on later; this is exclusive to Tesla without doing after market modifications. Also, Tesla includes extremely nice alloy wheels under those hubcaps that look outstanding with a simple 50 lug but cover and emblem set. Just my two cents, I actually think that the Kia (and Kona) look great in videos but in person they just look like small hatchbacks pretending to be SUVs. I guess that I am biased. Teslas customer service is fantastic during the sale and the employees LOVE working for Tesla but they are understaffed and constantly putting out fires. This makes the rest of the ownership experience subpar if you ever need anything from them. They have cut too much staff to handle selling soo many cars.
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For my taste, Tesla wins and i disagree with the map that insinuated its not available nationwide. I bought mine (in Texas) and received delivery to my home in 10 days. For now - the Kia is essentially a compliance car (available in the 12 states that have incentives. The Leaf is a basic front wheel drive hatchback but it kind of comes with basic auto pilot which is really nice and I think they should be bragging about it as it does the same thing as basic auto pilot for Tesla. Something your viewers might be interested in are the tax incentives available for all three. Both the Federal and the State ones. The Niro can even get that elusive Texas rebate not available for the Tesla because they have dealerships. The only one that allows the buyer to buy basic and upgrade later is the Tesla. For example the software can be pushed to activate features already built in (heated back seats, auto pilot, enhanced maps, and even the full self driving if it ever comes to fruition. This allows someone to buy low and add on later; this is exclusive to Tesla without doing after market modifications. Also, Tesla includes extremely nice alloy wheels under those hubcaps that look outstanding with a simple 50 lug but cover and emblem set. Just my two cents, I actually think that the Kia (and Kona) look great in videos but in person they just look like small hatchbacks pretending to be SUVs. I guess that I am biased. Teslas customer service is fantastic during the sale and the employees LOVE working for Tesla but they are understaffed and constantly putting out fires. This makes the rest of the ownership experience subpar if you ever need anything from them. They have cut too much staff to handle selling soo many cars.
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fasdewxccx xcvxcv
I strongly Disagree with any review that lends its advice to pick other EVs other than Tesla. Now before you discount me as a Coolaide drinker, Tesla fan, cult, brainwashed idiot, please hear me out. Its very simple. As a longtime EV owner (2012) I find it absolutely disgusting and highly irrisponsible that any reviewer would advise against a Tesla. Why? Simple: 1) Safety. Tesla is by far and beyond the safest car on the road today. What value do you put on your life? Wouldnt you want to have the best chance of survival in an accident? Tesla gives you that chance by a large factor. 2) SuperCharging network. Having access to a worldwide insanely fast charging network, is what really gives the Tesla its stripes. With a Supercharger within 50-75miles of just about everywhere, this ability adds so much value and usability to this vehicle. Even if you never travel farther than 300 miles, there are instances where you will need a quick top up to get a task done. This is impossible with all other EVs. They all lack such a network. This is something that should not be overlooked. Beleive me. Ive been all EV now since 2013, (sold my last gas car then) and havent looked back since. So there you go. That is my REAL WORLD, LONGTIME OWNERSHIP experience. Not meaning to shame all these non-owner reviewers, but you guys are being very irresponsible with your mypoic reviews. There are so many other reasons why Tesla, but im not going to try and articulate that. You just have to live it. Its an amazing lifestyle change, for the better. This is why they talk about the Tesla smile.
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I strongly Disagree with any review that lends its advice to pick other EVs other than Tesla. Now before you discount me as a Coolaide drinker, Tesla fan, cult, brainwashed idiot, please hear me out. Its very simple. As a longtime EV owner (2012) I find it absolutely disgusting and highly irrisponsible that any reviewer would advise against a Tesla. Why? Simple: 1) Safety. Tesla is by far and beyond the safest car on the road today. What value do you put on your life? Wouldnt you want to have the best chance of survival in an accident? Tesla gives you that chance by a large factor. 2) SuperCharging network. Having access to a worldwide insanely fast charging network, is what really gives the Tesla its stripes. With a Supercharger within 50-75miles of just about everywhere, this ability adds so much value and usability to this vehicle. Even if you never travel farther than 300 miles, there are instances where you will need a quick top up to get a task done. This is impossible with all other EVs. They all lack such a network. This is something that should not be overlooked. Beleive me. Ive been all EV now since 2013, (sold my last gas car then) and havent looked back since. So there you go. That is my REAL WORLD, LONGTIME OWNERSHIP experience. Not meaning to shame all these non-owner reviewers, but you guys are being very irresponsible with your mypoic reviews. There are so many other reasons why Tesla, but im not going to try and articulate that. You just have to live it. Its an amazing lifestyle change, for the better. This is why they talk about the Tesla smile.
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Robs Rants
As an expert in the subject, you have something wrong calculated. I dont know who you emailed and how they drive, but there are also factors not exactly disclosed with detail. I respect this review, but there are always things done with car reviews I hate. one example is people talking about certain features a car has but in a practical sense, nobody uses and is useless because of how its performed and interacted with. You are getting your range wrong. I am absolutely certain about it. 330wh/mi is absurd. I have a performance 3, my job was doing nothing but studying Tesla, Personally in my car, I drive like a maniac. I FLOOR it all the time. I do 0-60 for fun at stop lights and usually drive 75 on highway, sometimes 85 going on trips to Vegas often. I FLOOR my car in the rain as well because of the awesome traction and corrections it has. I am constantly accelerating, never on chill mode, never taking it easy, Im at 250wh/mi. Ive been in probably 50 different driven Tesla cars as well, not sure how youre getting an average of 330, i dont know if i can purposefully get there. I think people tend to drive teslas much faster and less conservatively than cars like the bolt, or a Prius being the performance on them. Like i said, A/C, driving habits, people take more trips on a Tesla, driving at higher speeds.
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As an expert in the subject, you have something wrong calculated. I dont know who you emailed and how they drive, but there are also factors not exactly disclosed with detail. I respect this review, but there are always things done with car reviews I hate. one example is people talking about certain features a car has but in a practical sense, nobody uses and is useless because of how its performed and interacted with. You are getting your range wrong. I am absolutely certain about it. 330wh/mi is absurd. I have a performance 3, my job was doing nothing but studying Tesla, Personally in my car, I drive like a maniac. I FLOOR it all the time. I do 0-60 for fun at stop lights and usually drive 75 on highway, sometimes 85 going on trips to Vegas often. I FLOOR my car in the rain as well because of the awesome traction and corrections it has. I am constantly accelerating, never on chill mode, never taking it easy, Im at 250wh/mi. Ive been in probably 50 different driven Tesla cars as well, not sure how youre getting an average of 330, i dont know if i can purposefully get there. I think people tend to drive teslas much faster and less conservatively than cars like the bolt, or a Prius being the performance on them. Like i said, A/C, driving habits, people take more trips on a Tesla, driving at higher speeds.
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Christopher Kincey-Kamau
Tesla is to these other two as BMW is to VW. .You dont buy a stripped down. 3 series. You go buy a fukky loaded jetta. The lowest priced m3 tesla really isnt there for any reason other than fulfilling a oromise. The real car has Auto Pilot and Self Driving and other for cost options incl color scheme you want. Think 50k to 60k. This is the top selling premium car on earth all brands. Gllobal demand as folks are standing in line to get theirs del. telsa cant make or ship them fast enough. It is also only ev co with bats for its cars and only one selling at scale making a profit. Leaf flubs with bat cooling says they still dont understand evs or its customers wants and needs. Range and stability. No other co has cars with specs tesla wasnt selling 5 years ago and will be at least two more before you can go into a dealer and evs will actually be avail for sale and they not try to switch you to ice car they can make a profit on. Market wont become viable until 2021 so all this is hype. Model 3 is best ev avail and still be in 2022 as one you buy now will enjoy several major upgrades via wifi software. They engineered the hardware advancements that far out and now have supercomputer on boatd to orocess increased capabilities.
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Tesla is to these other two as BMW is to VW. .You dont buy a stripped down. 3 series. You go buy a fukky loaded jetta. The lowest priced m3 tesla really isnt there for any reason other than fulfilling a oromise. The real car has Auto Pilot and Self Driving and other for cost options incl color scheme you want. Think 50k to 60k. This is the top selling premium car on earth all brands. Gllobal demand as folks are standing in line to get theirs del. telsa cant make or ship them fast enough. It is also only ev co with bats for its cars and only one selling at scale making a profit. Leaf flubs with bat cooling says they still dont understand evs or its customers wants and needs. Range and stability. No other co has cars with specs tesla wasnt selling 5 years ago and will be at least two more before you can go into a dealer and evs will actually be avail for sale and they not try to switch you to ice car they can make a profit on. Market wont become viable until 2021 so all this is hype. Model 3 is best ev avail and still be in 2022 as one you buy now will enjoy several major upgrades via wifi software. They engineered the hardware advancements that far out and now have supercomputer on boatd to orocess increased capabilities.
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Gordini
Alex, interesting and thorough review. I would like to add another point of vue and perspective. - The Tesla Model 3 (75 kWh LR, 4WD, and Performance) was designed as a competitor for the BMW 3 series and Audi A4, and prevail doing it. Except for the 50 kWh battery, a less powerful motor, and few premium interior features, the SR and SR+ are very similar to the pricier versions. In particular the elaborated suspension, cooled liquid battery management, Autopilot capability, supercharger, structural security are identical. I think that regarding all of those points, the Model 3 surpass all of the other EV currently available. - I understand that you wanted to stay under 40, 000 but the other car manufacturers are also selling ICE cars, so they dont have to be profitable, thus they dont want to make those EVs available in large quantity, and the dealers dont want to sell them either. I dont own any EV, so I am only an observer, but looking at all the above points it seems to me that the Model 3 SR/SR+ is an absolute great deal.
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Alex, interesting and thorough review. I would like to add another point of vue and perspective. - The Tesla Model 3 (75 kWh LR, 4WD, and Performance) was designed as a competitor for the BMW 3 series and Audi A4, and prevail doing it. Except for the 50 kWh battery, a less powerful motor, and few premium interior features, the SR and SR+ are very similar to the pricier versions. In particular the elaborated suspension, cooled liquid battery management, Autopilot capability, supercharger, structural security are identical. I think that regarding all of those points, the Model 3 surpass all of the other EV currently available. - I understand that you wanted to stay under 40, 000 but the other car manufacturers are also selling ICE cars, so they dont have to be profitable, thus they dont want to make those EVs available in large quantity, and the dealers dont want to sell them either. I dont own any EV, so I am only an observer, but looking at all the above points it seems to me that the Model 3 SR/SR+ is an absolute great deal.
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Ray
The lack of coverage of the software updates and continual improvement of features was startling absent IMO. No mention of Dashcam or sentry mode. There is mention of how Tesla requires them doing the installation but no mention of Tesla Rangers coming to your home or work to do it at your convenience. I like the Niro too, but once you use the supercharger network and experience the increasing number of features over software updates, I feel like the Niro is as good as it will ever be at purchase time. The Tesla would be my car of choice for long road trips easily. Ive had some many problems with broken Blink or ChargePoint chargers or lack there of as there are only 2 to 4 in any one place. The smart phone app is also fantastic on the Tesla. Id be curious to see how the leaf and Niro apps work and how much info is accessible. As for the braking, I prefer to just modulate my foot on the accelerator pedal instead of multiple paddles to adjust the amount of regen braking, no paddles required.
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The lack of coverage of the software updates and continual improvement of features was startling absent IMO. No mention of Dashcam or sentry mode. There is mention of how Tesla requires them doing the installation but no mention of Tesla Rangers coming to your home or work to do it at your convenience. I like the Niro too, but once you use the supercharger network and experience the increasing number of features over software updates, I feel like the Niro is as good as it will ever be at purchase time. The Tesla would be my car of choice for long road trips easily. Ive had some many problems with broken Blink or ChargePoint chargers or lack there of as there are only 2 to 4 in any one place. The smart phone app is also fantastic on the Tesla. Id be curious to see how the leaf and Niro apps work and how much info is accessible. As for the braking, I prefer to just modulate my foot on the accelerator pedal instead of multiple paddles to adjust the amount of regen braking, no paddles required.
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Ryan Thompson
The Niro definitely surprised me in this review but there isnt a cold chance in EV hell Id ever pick a Kia over a Tesla. First and foremost, it is an ugly pile of mess on so many fronts. Second, I am a driver. Ive always loved BMW for this reason. I want to have fun when driving and love the stiff suspension in my Model 3. I cant imagine for a second anyone who enjoys driving their car is looking at anything but a Model 3. I also hit the Tesla lottery jackpot because I cant find any build quality issues on mine outside of a rattle in the dash that will easily be taken care of. My panel gaps are amazing, wind noise is minimal, and the interior finish is top notch. I even had my buddy who has a 2018 AWD Model 3 go over my car and compare it to his. He looked up and down to find issues and came away saying he couldnt believe how much better it was than his and his had very few issues that Tesla immediately took care of.
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The Niro definitely surprised me in this review but there isnt a cold chance in EV hell Id ever pick a Kia over a Tesla. First and foremost, it is an ugly pile of mess on so many fronts. Second, I am a driver. Ive always loved BMW for this reason. I want to have fun when driving and love the stiff suspension in my Model 3. I cant imagine for a second anyone who enjoys driving their car is looking at anything but a Model 3. I also hit the Tesla lottery jackpot because I cant find any build quality issues on mine outside of a rattle in the dash that will easily be taken care of. My panel gaps are amazing, wind noise is minimal, and the interior finish is top notch. I even had my buddy who has a 2018 AWD Model 3 go over my car and compare it to his. He looked up and down to find issues and came away saying he couldnt believe how much better it was than his and his had very few issues that Tesla immediately took care of.
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spooty01
I disagree with the interior quality assessment. the Leaf for sure is the bottom with all of its cheap hard plastics. However, the Model 3 is barely better. You need to flick, tap, and knock surfaces. Shake/rock center consoles, etc. Press on things, not just touch and look. Model 3 (Teslas in general) is very flimsy and cheap. Things sound hollow, flex, rattle. and lets not even get into the panel gaps. The Niro interior was quite impressive and much better than its cousin, the Kona. I would definitely pick the Niro over the other two. Im looking forward to look at the Soul EV when its released. i think that will be the ideal city EV. Also, when comparing warranty, you should mention how the Model 3 pulls another industry first. The Model 3 excludes essentially everything pertaining to fit, finish, and build quality.
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I disagree with the interior quality assessment. the Leaf for sure is the bottom with all of its cheap hard plastics. However, the Model 3 is barely better. You need to flick, tap, and knock surfaces. Shake/rock center consoles, etc. Press on things, not just touch and look. Model 3 (Teslas in general) is very flimsy and cheap. Things sound hollow, flex, rattle. and lets not even get into the panel gaps. The Niro interior was quite impressive and much better than its cousin, the Kona. I would definitely pick the Niro over the other two. Im looking forward to look at the Soul EV when its released. i think that will be the ideal city EV. Also, when comparing warranty, you should mention how the Model 3 pulls another industry first. The Model 3 excludes essentially everything pertaining to fit, finish, and build quality.
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