U-Drags! Tesla Model 3 Performance vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

• The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Tesla Model 3 Performance represent some of the best hi-po EVs you can buy.
• And you can buy them — neither carries a stratospheric starting price.
• So we decided to put these everyday EV heroes head-to-head in our latest U-Drag.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Tesla Model 3 Performance have been grabbing headlines because of their supercar speed without the super expensive prices. And while this pairing doesn't represent the most insane end of the EV spectrum, they are very much everyday EV performance heroes. So we had no choice other than to line them up on our U-Drags strip and see what happens, you know, for science.

The Ioniq 5 N brings genuine fun to the world of the EV crossover. The simulated shifts and fake soundtrack might feel gimmicky to some, but spend more than a few moments driving this thing hard and it comes alive. but it backs up the software with real performance credentials. The spiciest Ioniq 5 makes 601 horsepower (up to 641 hp when you use the N Grin Boost function) and has a track-ready suspension, big brakes, and very sticky summer-rated Pirelli P Zero HN Elect tires. The Tesla "only" makes 500 horsepower from its two electric motors, but counters by being smaller and lighter (4,051 pounds to the Hyundai's 4,854 pounds). It too brings a track-tuned suspension, all-wheel drive, bigger brakes than those on the standard Model 3, and the same sticky summer Pirellis. So who's going to take the checkered flag first? Watch our video to find out.