According to Kia of Brandon, buying a 2019 Cadenza sedan is more advantageous than opting for the fully electric Tesla Model 3 – and the dealer even went as far as to (try and) point out why.
Before we get into the intricacies of this comparison, we should note that these two don’t exactly go head to head, with the Model 3 being slightly smaller. Also, while the Tesla is a battery electric, the Kia dealer will argue that the Candeza offers better range on a full tank of gas.
Let’s be honest: this is not exactly an apples to apples comparison. We are not Tesla fanboys, but we think hardly anyone will cross-shop between the two. Thus, putting the Cadenza against the most popular electric cars of the moment is, in all likelihood, an attempt to promote the Korean sedan by exploiting the Tesla’s massive media coverage.
Anyhow, this is what Kia of Brandon has to say about the Model 3:
“First introduced in 2017, the Model 3 brings electrification to mainstream. Range anxiety, subpar cargo capacity, and limited features keep it at bay from competitors. Instead consider the 2019 Kia Cadenza, with an array of standard features, ample interior space and an 18.5 gallon tank to keep you on the road for longer.”
That’s not to say that the 2019 Cadenza is without its own merits, as it is larger and, with a starting MSRP of $33,100, it’s cheaper to purchase than the entry-level $35,000 Model 3. The Kia also has more horsepower (as you can see in the graph below), better bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty, and you can drive it for 426 miles (685 km) on a full gas tank.
As for standard features, the 2019 Cadenza again comes out on top, with its hands free trunk release, quilted leather interior, power sunroof, surround view camera and more. Of course, comparing the two is definitely not as easy as breaking out the specs sheet, because again, the two belong to different segments, and only one of the two powertrains has a long-term future.
Taking a swipe at a rival, whether real or imaginary, to promote one’s own product is anything but new in marketing. And while we highly doubt any Model 3 customer will cancel their order for a Cadenza, we think the aim of the Kia dealer was taking advantage of the Tesla’s popularity to increase their own exposure. Which, from the looks of it, seems to have worked after all, even though conquest sales will be scarcer than hen’s teeth.