The Tesla Model 3 is several years old but remains one of the best all-round EVs you can buy.
However, if you're not a fan of Tesla's swoopy styling – or its CEO's forays into social media and politics – there are loads of talented alternatives you can pick instead.
We've listed 10 of our favourite Tesla Model 3 rivals below. If you're ready to ditch the petrol pump, find a great deal on a used electric car at Motorpoint.
Polestar 2
Better than a Model 3 for: easy parking
Polestar might not be the most familiar name but, since splitting with Volvo a few years ago, the EV maker has made a big impression. The Polestar 2 is currently the brand's most popular model and competes directly with Tesla's small saloon. In the metal, the Polestar is almost as tall and chunky as an SUV, with lots of passenger and cargo space to make daily driving easy. If you live in a tight urban area, you might appreciate the Polestar's slightly smaller dimensions, which make it easier to slot into tight spots than the Model 3.
Shop used Polestar 2 cars for sale or read our Polestar 2 review
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Better than a Model 3 for: modern styling
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 defies categorisation. Look at it from far away and you'd think it was just another family hatchback but, as you get closer, you notice that the overall footprint and bulk is closer to a proper SUV. That deceptive styling offers a hint to the ace up the Ioniq 5's sleeve – its massive interior, enabled by not having to design the car around an engine. Not only will your passengers be pleased with the amount of room on offer, they'll also enjoy the Ioniq 5's smooth and comfortable driving experience, and its clean, modern styling.
Want Tesla-smashing performance? The 650hp Ioniq 5 N is one of the best hot hatches around, electric or otherwise. And there's also the Hyundai Ioniq 6 if you want something more streamlined and closer to the Model 3's shape.
Shop used Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars for sale or read our Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
BMW i4
Better than a Model 3 for: premium materials
The Model 3's stripped back cabin is one of its big selling points – there's little besides a huge central touchscreen that controls almost all key car functions. While the Tesla's quality is more impressive than you might expect, BMW still has the upper hand in terms of luxurious materials and how they're all put together.
We also prefer the BMW's infotainment system over the Tesla's – the latest BMW iDrive system has sharp graphics and is easy to read. Plus, unlike the American car, the BMW includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a physical rotary control, so it's easier to adjust settings while driving. This is all before you get into the i4's extremely accomplished performance and handling.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E
Better than a Model 3 for: ride and handling
The Ford Mustang Mach-E was among the first wave of competitors launched by older brands to compete with the Model 3. Traditionalists may dislike the fact it borrows the name of Ford's iconic Mustang muscle car but, thankfully, the Mach-E has also borrowed that car's sporty handling and well-judged ride quality. As a result, the Mach-E is an easy and fun car to drive, with solid, predictable handling, a keen front end and lots of performance when you floor it thanks to its beefy electric motors.
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Kia EV6
Better than a Model 3 for: desirability
Peel away the concept-car bodywork and the Kia EV6 is essentially the same car as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 above. That's no bad thing because it gets the same grippy, composed handling and soft, forgiving ride quality, along with a similarly vast interior. It also has the company's latest battery and motor technology, giving it a long driving range and rapid performance when you accelerate. Kia's 800V architecture enables ultra-fast charging if you can find a plug that's powerful enough.
Shop used Kia EV6 cars for sale or read our Kia EV6 review
Tesla Model Y
Better than a Model 3 for: practicality
Just because the Model 3 isn't the one for you doesn't mean you need to write off the brand altogether. The Tesla Model Y uses the same battery packs and motors as the Model 3 but fits them to a slightly enlarged, more SUV-shaped body. That means you get a touch more headroom, a little more cargo space and sit a bit higher in the Model Y. Beyond that, the ownership experience is mostly the same as the Model 3 – you get a long range backed up by Tesla's convenient charging network, and the company's latest driver-assistance tech.
Shop used Tesla Model Y cars for sale or read our Tesla Model Y review
Volkswagen ID.7
Better than a Model 3 for: passenger space
The ID.7 is one of Volkswagen's more expensive electric cars, but it's undoubtedly the best. It's comfortable and fast, and feels perfectly set up long distance driving and cross-country bumpy roads. The infotainment system is much better than earlier ID cars, while even the least expensive model promises 380 miles to a charge. Up to 433 miles if you go for the Pro S version, which almost exactly matches the rangiest Model 3.
But, because the ID.7 is a larger car than the Model 3, it offers limousine-like passenger space. Your knees need never come anywhere near the seatbacks in front, while the reclined angle of the seats improves comfort on long journeys. The boot is much bigger than the Model 3's as well, and there's an ID.7 Tourer if you need even more space – one of the few electric estate cars available.
Search used Volkswagen electric cars for sale or read our Volkswagen ID.7 review
Renault Megane E-Tech
Better than a Model 3 for: infotainment
Tesla's infotainment is absolutely crammed full of features – you even need to use it to open the glovebox – but that means that it can be difficult to find the menu or setting you're looking for at first glance. The Tesla's do-it-all screen has some enjoyable novelties, such as the whoopie cushion screen with laughably juvenile fart noises, which you don't get in the Renault Megane E-Tech. But, for day-to-day usability, the Megane is one of the best. Its infotainment system uses Google Automotive software with built-in Google Maps for up-to-date traffic info and EV route planning with local charger info. The screen responds with the immediacy of a whipcrack, and its graphics are sharper than a Japanese chef's knife.
Shop used Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale or read our Renault Megane E-Tech review
MG4 XPower
Better than a Model 3 for: performance
At less than 4.3 metres long, the MG4 XPower is quite a bit shorter than a Model 3, so you'll need to sacrifice a little passenger and cargo space if you choose this over the Tesla. Despite its family hatchback dimensions, the XPower weighs in with four-wheel drive and a frankly ridiculous 429hp, all available at a starting price that undercuts even the cheapest Model 3. Of course, if you double your budget, you can choose the faster Model 3 Performance, but nothing is faster than the MG4 XPower for less money.
Shop used MG4 cars for sale or read our MG4 review
Audi A5 e-Hybrid
Better than the Model 3 if: you're struggling to let go of the petrol pump
Switching to a fully electric car can feel like a jump into the unknown, and there's a lot to consider around charging at home and on the move, for example. If you want to experience EV driving and charging with the backup of a familiar petrol engine, the Audi A5 e-Hybrid is a top choice. Its 68-mile electric range puts it close to the longest-range PHEVs, meaning you could enjoy smooth and swift electric driving for the majority of journeys. Charging at home lets you enjoy an EV's cheap running costs, and the A5 is one of few PHEVs that can rock up to a public fast charger. It has a Tesla-like shape, albeit with a more versatile boot opening, as well as impressive performance and a supremely fancy interior.
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Great-value electric cars
Motorpoint has a wide choice of nearly new and used electric cars, all with thousands off their brand-new list price. Learn more about living with an EV with our guide to charging at home and our EV glossary.
