2025 Kia K4 vs 2025 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 84.7 to 64.1, on fuel & range. The Kia K4 is ahead on safety.
2025 Kia K4
The 2025 Kia K4 is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the K4, is EPA-rated at 34 mpg combined.…
2025 Tesla Model 3
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 is sold in the U.S. as an electric midsize sedan with 4 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model 3 Long Range RWD, …
2025 Tesla Model 3
Clear winThe Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 84.7 to 64.1, on fuel & range. The Kia K4 is ahead on safety.
| Category · weight | 2025 Kia K4overall 64.1 | 2025 Tesla Model 3overall 84.7 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 27.1 | 100 | |||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 91.8 | 73.2 | |||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Performancenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Overall | 64.1 | 84.7 | |||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 2 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Tesla Model 3
Kia K4: base trim LX FWD · Tesla Model 3: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available). Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Tesla Model 3 wins
- It is rated 137 combined against 34 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,400 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,950).
Where the 2025 Kia K4 answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (47 against 124 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 85).
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
44 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $21,990 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | — |
| Cylinder count | 4 | — |
| Engine displacement | 1,999 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0L I-4, Multi Point Injection (MPI), Atkinson | — |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 147 hp | — |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 30 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 34 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 40 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 5.149:1 | — |
| Transmission type | Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | — |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Overall height | 55.9 in | — |
| Overall length | 185 in | — |
| Overall width | 72.8 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 14.6 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 98.7 cu-ft | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 37.3 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.3 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 38 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 2,956 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 2,932 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 3,924 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson strut | — |
| Rear suspension type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Column Mounted-Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 17.6 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 381 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | epb | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 356 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | — |
| Wheel material | steel | — |
| Wheel width | 6.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 205/55R16 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 12.4 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 92 | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.5 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 54.7 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
95 features · differences first, then sharedSafety26 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA), Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction-Turning | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go, steering remote control | std | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA), Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction-Turning | std | — |
| Dual front advanced airbags | std | — |
| Dual front seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Parking guidelines | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | std | — |
| Dual rear seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | — |
| Child Anchor (ISO FIX) | std | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | — |
| Front and rear 3-point seat belts | std | — |
| Front and rear seat-belt pretensioners and load limiter | std | — |
| Front seatbelt buckle sensor | std | — |
| Front seatbelt Driver's reminder | std | — |
| Haptic Steering Wheel warning | std | — |
| Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors | std | — |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | std | — |
| Rear Child Safety Door Locks | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | std | — |
| Immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) High line | std | — |
Infotainment7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch Touch screen, ccNC Lite Radio, SXM and HD Radio | std | — |
| Audio and Bluetooth Hands-free with Steering remote control | std | — |
| 4 speakers | std | — |
| Audio and Bluetooth Hands-free with Steering remote control | std | — |
| CarPlay/Android Auto Wired and Wireless | std | — |
| USB-C charger Front (2 ports, front center console) | std | — |
| USB-C charger Rear (2 ports, rear center console) | std | — |
Convenience9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key with Remote/Push-button Start Smart Trunk | std | — |
| Auto door lock system with Speed Sensing/Shift Lever Auto Lock, and Impact Sensing Unlock | std | — |
| Front and rear power windows | std | — |
| Inside Handle Override All Doors | std | — |
| Power outlet (x1) | std | — |
| Remote Trunk Lid Release Cable operated | std | — |
| Two-turn driver door unlock | std | — |
| Central door lock switch | std | — |
| Power driver window with auto-up/down | std | — |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner Manual | std | — |
| PTC Heater | std | — |
Seating4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bench fixed seatback folding | std | — |
| Cloth seat trim | std | — |
| Driver's seat Height Adjustable - Pumping type | std | — |
| Passenger side Height Adjustable - Pumping type | std | — |
Interior18 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 4-inch TFT Cluster | std | — |
| C/Pad interior trim with Technical Embossing | std | — |
| Deluxe SynTex Inside Door Armrest | std | — |
| Floor console Armrest with SynTex material | std | — |
| Front/Rear Door Center Plastic Trim | std | — |
| Front/Rear Door Upper Plastic Trim | std | — |
| Glove Box with Damper | std | — |
| LED Map and Room Lamp | std | — |
| Luggage Lamp | std | — |
| Metal Paint Inside Door Handle | std | — |
| Parking Brake Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Soft PVC Transmission Gear Shift Knob | std | — |
| Sunvisor Vanity mirror with cover and Driver's Ticket Holder | std | — |
| Two-spoke design, Polyurethane Steering Wheel | std | — |
| Inside Rear-view Mirror Day and Night | std | — |
| Manual tilt and telescopic steering column | std | — |
| Trip Computer | std | — |
| Front/Rear Inside Door Map Pocket and Bottle Holder | std | — |
Exterior22 differ · 22 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 16-inch steel wheels (Dark Gray cover) | std | — |
| Black Belt-line molding | std | — |
| Black bumper | std | — |
| Black Radiator Grille with Metal Paint trim | std | — |
| Black Side Sill | std | — |
| Black Side Window Trim | std | — |
| Bulb type High Mounted Stop Lamp | std | — |
| Conventional Wiper Blade type | std | — |
| Escort headlights | std | — |
| Heated Back-lite | std | — |
| K4 emblem (left side of trunk) | std | — |
| LED Amber Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | — |
| LED and Bulb type Rear Combination Lamps | std | — |
| LED Multi-Focus Reflector (MFR) Headlights | std | — |
| Outside Mirror with Black Mirror Arm and Body Color Mirror Cap | std | — |
| Outside Rear-view Mirror Electric adjustable and Heated | std | — |
| Trunk Lid Trim Inner cover with inside handle | std | — |
| UV Cut Glass and Solar Glass Windshield with Backlite, Front and Rear door | std | — |
| Auto Light Control System | std | — |
| Single Muffler Hidden type | std | — |
| Temporary spare tire | std | — |
| Low Washer Fluid Warning | std | — |
Powertrain3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | — |
| 2.0L Multi Port Injection (MPI) engine | std | — |
| Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Column Mounted-Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | std | — |
| Front McPherson strut with Coil spring | std | — |
| Rear Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) | std | — |
| Shock Absorber Type Gas | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia K4
Top recalls
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 25V548000 · 30 vehicles
- minor Electrical System 26V046000 · 42,677 vehicles
Tesla Model 3
Top recalls
- high Electrical System 25V690000 · 12,963 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V002000 · 239,382 vehicles
- minor Tires 24V935000 · 696,281 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia K4LX FWD | Tesla Model 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $21,990 (base trim) | — |
| Price range across trims | $21,990 – $28,090 5 trims | — |
| Powertrains | GAS | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | K4 | Model 3 Long Range RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 34 | 137 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,950 | $550 |
| EV range | — | 363 mi |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Kia K4 or the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 84.7 to 64.1, on fuel & range. The Kia K4 is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Tesla Model 3 scores 84.7 and the 2025 Kia K4 64.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Kia K4 or the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
2025 Kia K4: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. 2025 Tesla Model 3: no NHTSA rating yet, grade B, 3 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Kia K4 and the 2025 Tesla Model 3?
Where the 2025 Tesla Model 3 wins: it is rated 137 combined against 34 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,400 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,950). Where the 2025 Kia K4 answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (47 against 124 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 85).