My First Time In A Tesla After Owning A Kona EV Was Shocking, 'The Doors Were Flimsy Like A Mid-2000s Corolla' And 'Road Noise Was Night And Day'

Tesla came first, arms wide, promising minimalist interiors, supercomputing on wheels, and the appeal of a clean energy future. Hyundai, meanwhile, stayed quiet, working, refining, not tweeting. So when a Reddit user going by thesherbetemergency published an honest, nuts-and-bolts comparison between his 2024 Hyundai Kona EV and a loaner 2022 Tesla Model 3, the results were sobering, especially for the Musk-faithful. This wasn't tribal warfare or brand loyalty cosplay. It was just one guy with a steering wheel in each hand and 9,000 miles of lived experience.

Hyundai Kona EV vs Tesla Model 3 First Impressions

“This is a bit of a brain dump.” 

He wrote, 

“But maybe someone will find it helpful.” 

We did. Because what followed wasn’t filtered. It was a brutally clear comparison that showed just how much the playing field has shifted in the EV space.

The Tesla was faster and techier. But the Kona? It felt solid.

“General build quality: This one goes to Hyundai 100%.” 

He said without hesitation. The Model 3, meanwhile, was riddled with creaks, groans, and loose-fitting panels that recalled a mid-2000s Corolla, not exactly the standard-bearer of luxury refinement.

Kona EV vs Model 3 Pricing, Performance & Features

• The Hyundai Kona Electric offers a more budget-friendly entry into the EV market, with a starting MSRP of around $34,425, compared to the Tesla Model 3's starting price of approximately $43,880. The Kona's compact SUV design provides ample cargo space and a higher driving position, catering to those seeking practicality and versatility in urban settings. 
• The Tesla Model 3 stands out with its superior acceleration and advanced technology. Its base model delivers 271 horsepower, significantly more than the Kona Electric's 133 horsepower, resulting in quicker acceleration and a more dynamic driving experience. Additionally, the Model 3's infotainment system is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and extensive features, though it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which the Kona offers as standard. 
• Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network provides Model 3 owners with widespread and reliable fast-charging options, enhancing long-distance travel convenience. In contrast, Kona Electric owners may need to rely on third-party charging stations, which can vary in availability and speed. User experiences also highlight differences in software and app functionality, with Tesla's app offering more seamless integration and features compared to Hyundai's.

The Redditor described a Model 3 with over 55,923 miles under its belt, clean and functional, but telling. The doors sounded cheap, the frunk lid wouldn’t latch properly without a strong shove, and the steering wheel wrap was peeling. A contributor chimed in with the line that hit like a tire iron to the ego: 

“It's kind of funny that the Model 3 has a noticeably lower build quality than a Kona… With the Mitsubishi Mirage discontinued, there might be none worse.” 

That’s a gut-punch for a brand that positioned itself as a tech-luxury disruptor. Meanwhile, the Kona was praised for its Mercedes-like door thud, robust assembly, and relative silence in motion, offering a tactile experience far closer to a German compact than a budget Korean runabout.

Yet, the story shifts when we get to the tech. Tesla still leads the pack here, and it’s not close. From the huge high-res touchscreen to voice controls that actually work and a suite of driver-assist features like Sentry Mode and user profiles, the Model 3 is a software-first experience. The Redditor was clear-eyed: 

Advertising

“The Tesla tech is so well-integrated into every aspect of the car that it's hard to beat.” 

Hyundai’s Blue Link system, on the other hand, felt like a leftover from a 2015 Veloster, clunky, error-prone, and devoid of the polish that defines Tesla’s interface. Score one for the Palo Alto crowd.

But for every clever Tesla gimmick, there was a practical drawback. The Kona still has real buttons, blessed, tactile, knurled plastic buttons, that let you adjust climate or media without diving through submenus. 

“On the Tesla, just about every switch, dial, or toggle is found on the touchscreen interface, usually one or two menus deep.”

The reviewer noted. You shouldn’t have to ask your car for permission to turn on the defroster. While Tesla’s voice assistant tries to bridge that gap, there’s still a world of difference between immediate, physical feedback and fumbling through a UI while barreling down the freeway at 80mph.

‘Hyundai Way’, E-GMP Platform & Production Expansion

• Hyundai's 'Hyundai Way' strategy outlines an ambitious plan to sell two million electric vehicles annually by 2030. This includes launching 21 new EV models across various segments, from affordable to luxury and high-performance vehicles, under both the Hyundai and Genesis brands. 
• The company has developed the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to underpin its next-generation EVs, facilitating faster charging and extended range. Additionally, Hyundai established the Ioniq sub-brand to focus exclusively on electric vehicles, with models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and the upcoming Ioniq 9 SUV. 
• Hyundai is investing heavily in EV production infrastructure, including a new $7.6 billion plant in Georgia, USA, dedicated to producing electric and hybrid vehicles. This facility aims to enhance Hyundai's competitiveness in the North American market and qualify its vehicles for federal EV tax credits.

And then comes the drive. Straight-line acceleration? No contest, the Tesla’s instant torque and rear-drive layout give it the edge. But the Kona? 

“It feels like a more premium vehicle.” 

The driver wrote, and not in the way that wins drag races. It’s planted. Predictable. It handles imperfect roads with the composure of a car tuned by someone who listens to their suspension engineers. By contrast, the Model 3 was likened to a “video game”, quick, yes, but numb, disconnected, and strangely hollow in feel. And the road noise? “Night and day.” Even with double-paned windows, the Tesla let in more wind and tire roar than the Kona, which “felt closer to a German entry-level luxury car.”

None of this is to say the Model 3 is a bad car. It’s not. It’s fast, efficient, and packed with useful (and sometimes gimmicky) tech. But the comparison reveals a seismic truth in the modern EV war: Tesla no longer stands unchallenged. The Kona, particularly in its latest Ultimate trim, proves that legacy manufacturers aren’t just catching up, they’re overtaking in areas that matter to everyday drivers: ride quality, build integrity, interface sanity. Hyundai didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. They just had to refine it.

How Hyundai Kona EV Overtakes Tesla Model 3 in Comfort, Quality & Quietness 

The takeaway is more than a tale of two cars, it’s a reflection of the changing tides in the automotive world. The electric vehicle is no longer a Silicon Valley novelty. It’s a global race.

And if a humble Kona, once the punchline of press fleets, can roll up next to a Tesla and walk away with the win on comfort, noise, and build, then this EV era is no longer about who started the fire. It’s about who can keep the thing burning.

The roads are full of choices now, and the winner isn’t necessarily the one with the loudest fans.

Have you driven a Tesla Model 3?



What do you think about the car, and does it deserve the reputation it currently has?



Let us know in the comment section below.



Image Sources: Tesla Media Room, Hyundai Media Room

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.