EV True Cost

Tesla Model 3 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: cost to own in Virginia

Electricity & gas updated · Virginia averages (estimates)

Over five years in Virginia, the 2026 Tesla Model 3 costs about $42,289 to own versus $44,575 for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 — a gap of roughly $2,300 in the Tesla Model 3's favor. The biggest swing is depreciation ($24,219 vs $25,945); on energy, the Model 3 is rated 25 kWh/100mi against the Ioniq 5's 31. Both use Virginia's average electricity rate here — open either model's Virginia page for the full calculator and your utility's time-of-use plan.

Over 5 years in Virginia, the Tesla Model 3 costs about $2,300 less to own.

Tesla Model 3

$42,300

5-yr cost to own · $8,460/yr

Hyundai Ioniq 5

$44,600

5-yr cost to own · $8,920/yr

5-year cost breakdown

5-year cost Tesla Model 3 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Depreciation (5 yr) $24,219 $25,945
Energy (5 yr) $3,375 $4,185
Insurance (5 yr) $11,150 $11,150
Maintenance (5 yr) $3,000 $2,750
Registration (5 yr) $545 $545
Incentives − $0 − $0
5-year total cost to own $42,289 $44,575

Frequently asked questions

Is the Model 3 or the Ioniq 5 cheaper to own in Virginia?
Over five years the Tesla Model 3 is cheaper — about $42,289 versus $44,575 for the Ioniq 5, a difference of roughly $2,300 once depreciation, energy, insurance, maintenance, and fees are counted.
Which is more efficient, the Model 3 or the Ioniq 5?
The Model 3 is rated 25 kWh/100mi and the Ioniq 5 31 kWh/100mi (lower is better), so annual charging runs about $675 vs $837 at Virginia rates.
How accurate is this Model 3 vs Ioniq 5 comparison?
Electricity prices come from EIA data refreshed monthly; depreciation, insurance, and incentives are estimates you can edit on each model's state page. Treat it as a ballpark for comparison, not a quote.

Model 3 vs Ioniq 5 in other states

Other comparisons in Virginia