No one will argue that when it comes to all-electric range it is very hard to beat Tesla cars. For example, with a range of up to 315 miles, the Model 3 is the leader in its segment. But an electric car should be about a lot more than just range. It should also be about looks, tech features, build quality, and interior design – in which case the Model 3 has a lot of room for improvement. The American EV is currently offered in two trims, with the base Model 3 priced at $42,990 and Model 3 Performance priced at $53,990. Depending on the trim, the Model 3 delivers up to 455 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. It also offers a cargo room of 19.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the frunk adds another 3.1 cubic feet. With the rear seats down, the cargo area can be expanded to 43 cubic feet. While these may sound like numbers hard to beat, in all reality there are a lot of electric cars out there, a lot better, offered for the same, or considerably less money.

Related: 10 Best Electric Cars For City Driving

15 Polestar 2: The Proper Electric Hatchback

Starting Price: $48,400

The Polestar 2 is offered in two trims: Single Motor - priced at $48,400 and Dual Motor priced at $51,900. The first one is powered by one electric motor that delivers a total of 231 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. A 78-kWh battery that ensures a range of 270 miles - which makes it just as efficient as the entry-level Model 3. The second trim has two electric motors for a combined 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. If you are willing to pay an extra $1,000 you can increase the output to 476 horsepower and 502 pound-feet. When it comes to cargo space, the Polestar 2 offers 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 38.7 cubic feet with these seats folded.

2023 Polestar 2 Specifications

The Polestar 2 also benefits from a nicer-looking exterior, a more luxurious, better-equipped interior, and a build quality that Is way superior to all Tesla cars. In the words of TopGear: “The Polestar offers passengers more leg and headroom and the versatility of a proper hatchback boot.”

Pros

1. Impressive performance for top model
2. Sporty exterior look
3. Elegant cabin with plenty of technology

Cons

1. Can get very expensive once you add all the options
2. Range could be better
3. Not enough room in the back

14 Kia EV6: Bigger Bang For Your Buck

Starting Price: $48,700

Kia's first dedicated electric vehicle is not only one of the most successful models on the market but also a great alternative for the Tesla Model 3. The EV6 is offered in both RWD and AWD configurations, with power ranging from 225 to 576 horsepower. This makes the EV6 GT a lot more powerful than the Model 3 Performance, and with a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds, it is almost as fast. The EV6 has a range between 206 and 310 miles, and prices range from $48,700 for the base EV6 Wind and go up to $61,600 for the EV6 GT.

2023 Kia EV6 Specifications

It may not be as affordable as the Model 3, but you do get a lot more for the money. First, you get a car with a great exterior look, then a more luxurious, better-equipped interior. Not to mention that when it comes to reliability, the Kia EV6 has a score of 84 out of 100, while the Model 3 of only 58.

Pros

1. Decent range, fast charging capabilities
2. Impressive specs for the EV6 GT
3. Lots of safety and driver-assist features

Cons

1. Not the most comfortable sitting position
2. A little bit more expensive than competition
3. Cargo space under competition

Related: Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6: How The EV Sedans Stack Up Against Each Other

13 Hyundai Ioniq 5: The Old-School Player

Starting Price: $41,450

Another great alternative to the Model 3 market is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. With a retro look and a very practical cabin, the Ioniq 5 is arguably the best choice when trying to get something for Model 3 money. Hyundai's EV is offered in four trims with prices ranging from $41,450 to $56,500, and range going from 266 to 303 miles. The base models are powered by one electric motor delivering 168 horsepower, while top versions have a dual-motor setup with 320 horses combined.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Specifications

The Ioniq 5 also benefits from one of the fastest charging capabilities out there, as it can charge the battery from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes. When it comes to cargo room, the Ioniq 5 offers 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats down. Various driven reviews found the Ioniq 5 a very relaxing drive, with the suspension noticeably softer than the Model 3.

Pros

1. One of the fastest charging times
2. Decent range and performance figures
3. Funky look, comfortable cabin

Cons

1. Not the best cargo room
2. The cabin can only be had in light colors
3. Only three trims to choose from

12 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Kind Of A Pony Car But Not

Starting Price: $45,995

Many will argue that the Mach-E's success is due to the Mustang nomenclature in its name, but in all reality, the Mach-E is an amazing electric vehicle, and you should really look into it as a great alternative to the Model 3. You will get to choose between four different trims: Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT, with prices ranging from $45,995 to $63,995. Depending on the trim you opt for, you will get anywhere between 266 and 480 horsepower, and a range between 224 and 312 miles.

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Specifications

The Mach-E can tow a lot more than the Model 3 - 3,300 pounds vs. 2,200 pounds - and it also offers more cargo space: 29.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be increased to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, plus an additional 4.7 cubic feet in the frunk.

Pros

1. Very fun to drive
2. Sports car-like performance with the GT trim
3. Luxurious cabin with comfortable seats

Cons

1. Can't be taken off-road
2. Cold reduces both range and charging speed
3. Infotainment system is not always responsive

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying A Used Electric Car

11 Hyundai Kona Electric: The Affordable Alternative

Starting Price: $33,550

When buying a compact electric vehicle paying luxury EV money might not be your thing. So, if you don't feel like spending a fortune on the Model 3, the Kona Electric is a much cheaper option. There are three trims to choose from: SE, SEL, and Limited with prices ranging from $33,550 to $41,550 - which places it at like $10,000 under the Model 3. The Kona Electric is powered by one electric motor that delivers 201 horsepower, while a 64.0 kWh battery pack provides a range of 258 miles.

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Specifications

The Kona Electric also has a more user-friendly interior, with physical buttons that are easy to read and within reach. It also offers a lot more cargo space: 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Pros

1. Great performance figures for the EV6 GT trim
2. Comfortable cabin with lots of standard features
3. Decently priced

Cons

1. Not the best interior space
2. Not the best range or charging speeds
3. No AWD

10 Volkswagen ID.4: The German Offering

Starting Price: $37,495

If you don’t want to spend a small fortune, but still want to drive a decent, compact electric vehicle Volkswagen’s ID.4 could be one of the best options you have. The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first EV offered on the U.S. market, and it should be followed by a lot more – one of which being the ID.7 – a model that should be good for 435 miles on a single range. Until that happens, can still opt for the ID.4: it is a lot cheaper than the Model 3.

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Specifications

There are four trim levels with prices ranging from $37,495 to $53,745 and it offers a lot more cargo space: 30.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ID.4 is either offered with one 201-horsepower electric motor placed on the rear axle, or two with a combined output of 295 horsepower. The ID.4 is equipped with either a 62kWh or an 82kWh battery pack and has a range between 209 and 275 miles.

Pros

1. Competitive price
2. Comfortable, roomy cabin
3. Decent enough range, fast charging

Cons

1. No performance trim
2. Not the most impressive look
3. No frunk, not the best cargo space either

Related: 10 Solid Alternatives To The Tesla Model Y

9 Chevrolet Bolt EV: The Cheapest EV Worth Having

Starting Price: $26,500

If you want a compact EV that will not destroy your bank account, then the Chevrolet Bolt EV is the best option for you. With a price starting from $26,500 and its eligibility for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, the 2023 Bolt is one of the cheapest options you will get. It is true, the Bolt is not as powerful or efficient as the Model 3, as it is only powered by a single motor that delivers a total of 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A 65 kWh provides a range of up to 259 miles on a full charge, which is not a lot under Model 3's base 272 miles.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Specifications

Also, with the Bolt, you can add another 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging, so it really makes no sense to pay an extra $16,000 just to get another 13 miles of range. The 2023 Bolt can also carry around a lot more stuff, as its cargo space can be increased to 57 cubic feet with the seats folded. According to The Car Connection, the Chevy Bolt is a "great gateway to the EV world," although it doesn't look as cool as some rivals.

Pros

1. Very cheap EV
2. Decent exterior look
3. Good-enough range for the price

Cons

1. Needs faster charging speeds
2. Misses Super Cruise
3. Not the best interior materials

8 Nissan Leaf: Half The Price Of The Model 3

Starting Price: $28,040

Another very cheap alternative to the Tesla Model 3 is the 2023 Nissan Leaf – an EV with one of the longest history on the market. It is a little bit more expensive than the Chevy Bolt, with prices ranging from $28,040 for the base trim to $36,040 for the SV model. The Leaf is also eligible for $7500 of federal tax credit which could very easily take the final price in the low $20,000 range. The 2023 Leaf can either be had with a 110-kW electric motor that delivers 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, or a 160-kW electric motor that produces 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.

2023 Nissan Leaf Specifications

Range varies from 149 to 212 miles - well under Model 3's range, but the Leaf comes with a Quick Charge Port that allows you to recharge the battery to 80-percent in about 60 minutes. And you also pay half the price. The Leaf offers a little bit more cargo space: 23.6 cubic feet behind its rear seats and up to 30 cubic feet with these seats folded.

Pros

1. Very cheap
2. Offers lots of standard features
3. Decent interior room

Cons

1. Very poor range
2. Very low charging speed
3. Technology is outdated

Related: The Real Reason Why Teslas Hold Their Value So Well

7 Volvo XC40 Recharge: The Safe Choice

Starting Price: $53,550

For the price of the Model 3 Performance, you can get the Volvo XC40 Recharge. For $53,550 you will get a compact SUV, with more interior room, a way better-looking exterior design, and a lot safer. The XC40 Recharge comes with twin electric motors and all-wheel drive system that together deliver a combined 402 horsepower. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and offers a range of 223 miles.

2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Specifications

This is less than Model 3 Performance's 315 miles, but the XC40 Recharge is offered with a rapid DC charger that takes your battery from 10- to 80-percent charge in just 37 minutes. The interior is spacious and looks a lot more luxurious than the one in the Model 3, while cargo room can go up to 57.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Pros

1. Decent performance figures
2. Lots of tech features
3. Loaded with safety features

Cons

1. Not very engaging to drive
2. Limited range
3. Expensive

6 BMW i4

Starting Price: $52,000

The BMW i4 is a prime example of how a luxurious, compact electric sedan should look. In fact, we're sure BMW built it just to teach Tesla a lesson. The i4 is significantly more expensive, with the base trim priced at $52,000 and the more powerful i4 M50 at $68,700. Power ranges from 335 to 536 horsepower, while range for the i4 goes from 270 to 300 miles. The i4 has a cargo space of 10 cubic feet behind the rear seats, but it can be expanded to 45.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

There is no doubt that when it comes to design, both exterior and interior, the i4 takes the win, and many believe it also drives a lot better. According to Car Magazine, the i4 "has better steering feel than the Model 3, keeping you more in touch with what’s going on."

Related: Why You Should Stay Away From The Tesla Model 3 In 2023

5 Volkswagen ID.7

Starting Price: $55,000

Set to go on sale in 2024, the ID.7 is one of the few electric sedans that will become a serious threat for the Model 3. It has a sleek exterior look, plenty of interior space, and it comes equipped with all the latest, coolest tech features. The 2024 ID.7 will be offered in multiple trims, but the company didn't reveal specs for all of them. We do know that the entry level model will be powered by a single-motor rear-wheel drive system that produces 282 horsepower and around 402 pound-feet of torque. In this configuration, the ID.7 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, which means the higher trims will be more powerful, faster.

2023 Volkswagen ID.7 Specifications

The ID.7 is probably one of the few electric sedans that will have more range than the Tesla Model 3. The electric sedan is available in two battery configurations. There's a 77.0 kWh battery that delivers 382 miles of range and a much more potent 86.0 kWh battery with up to 435 miles - both ratings as per the WLTP cycle. There are no details on the prices just yet, but rumors suggest it will start from about $55,000 - which is more than the Model 3, but you get a lot more for the money.

Pros

1. Very good range
2. Decent interior space
3. Best Volkswagen design is a long time

Cons

1. No details on higher trims
2. Kind of expensive

4 Hyundai Ioniq 6

Starting Price: $41,600

Priced almost identical to the Ioniq 5, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is another great alternative for the Model 3. It has an interesting exterior design that will set it apart from any other EV on the market, with a drag coefficient of 2.1 - making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on the market. The interior is also sleek and modern, with decent enough space for the rear passengers.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Specifications

It delivers anywhere between 149 and 320 horsepower, but most importantly, in its best configuration, it offers a range of up to 361 miles. However, in all the other configurations the Ioniq 6 offers a decent 270 to 316 miles range. It also has impressive charging speeds and needs only 18 minutes to recharge back to 80 percent when using a 350-kW charger. The 2024 Ioniq 6 is offered in three trims with prices ranging from $41,600 to $56,100.

Pros

1. Good range, very fast charging capabilities
2. Comfortable interior, decent room
3. Very good ride

Cons

1. Small cargo capacity
2. Gets expensive with better trims
3. The sloping roofline limits rear headroom

Related: 10 Alternatives To The Tesla Model X

3 Volvo EX30

Starting Price: $34,950

Although in a completely different segment than the Model 3, the new Volvo EX30 is a great alternative to Tesla's sedan. It can be had with either one or two electric motors, with power ranging from 268 to 422 horsepower, while a 64-kWh battery pack that ensures a range of 275 miles. Of course, while the range may not impress you, the most powerful EX30 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds - which makes it almost just as fast as the Model 3 Performance.

2023 Volvo EX30 Specifications

It also benefits from fast-charging capabilities and needs only 26 minutes to go back to 80 percent. The compact SUV will also benefit from all the latest safety features technologies, including the new generation of Park Pilot Assist feature. The cabin will feature a very minimalist, yet elegant design, with most of the materials made from sustainable materials. And, the best part, in comparison to the Model 3, the EX30 is significantly cheaper with a starting price of $34,950.

Pros

1. Fastest Volvo ever
2. Lots of safety features
3. Impressive tech features

Cons

1. Cross Country model will arrive later
2. Could be crowded on the inside

2 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Starting Price: $30,000

While both the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV will be discontinued at the end of 2023, Chevrolet will replace the two models with two new electric SUVs. The first one - the Equinox EV - will go on sale later in 2023 at a starting price of about $30,000 for the 1LT trim. There will be four more trims to choose from - 2LT, 2RS, 3LT, and 3RS - and prices will go to as much as $44,000.

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Range

Customers will get to choose between both FWD and AWD configurations, and while final specs are yet to be announced, we do know there will be models that will deliver up to 290 horsepower. The Equinox EV will also be a very fast electric vehicle, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of just 3.5 seconds. A 65-kWh battery pack offers a total range of up to 300 miles - based on the trim, and all models will be able to add up to 70 miles in just 10 minutes of charging.

Pros

1. Sporty exterior look
2. Affordable electric SUV
3. Available Super Cruise hands-free driving

Cons

1. Too soon to tell

Related: Comparison: Volvo EX30 vs Tesla Model Y

1 Mercedes EQE Sedan

Starting Price: $74,900

A lot more expensive than the Model 3, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is the better choice in so many ways. Except for the AMG model - which plays in a completely different league - the EQE comes in three trims with power ranging from 288 to 402 horsepower. The EQE's range is not very great, and it only goes up to 305 miles, but you can recharge back to 80 percent in only 31 minutes. Of course, while not as efficient as the Model 3, the EQE is superior in every other way.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE Specifications

It looks better on the outside, and the interior is defined by that luxury level you would expect from a Mercedes car. One of the best features is that huge Mercedes Hyperscreen, a trio of displays that runs the length of the dash and makes the interior look so futuristic. There are also lots of other tech and safety features that make the EQE both fun and safe to drive. Customers get to choose between three models: EQE 350+, EQE 350 4Matic, EQE 500 4Matic with prices ranging from $74,900 to $91,500.

Pros

1. Elegant exterior look
2. Classy cabin, with plenty of technology
3. Decent performance

Cons

1. Competition can be faster
2. Limited cargo space
3. Not the best range