Mark

Says Kia Beats Tesla: A Billionaire’s Blunt Take on EVs and Elon Musk

Cuban Prefers Simplicity Over Luxury

Billionaire entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban recently shared candid views on electric vehicles and his rocky relationship with Elon Musk. In a surprising admission, Cuban said he prefers driving his electric Kia EV6 over his Tesla Model S Plaid—despite the Tesla’s higher price tag and prestige.

According to Cuban, the Kia simply offers a better driving experience for his needs. He cited the vehicle’s comfortable ride, reliable range, and no-nonsense design as key reasons he chooses it over his Tesla.

“The Kia just works for me,” he said. “It doesn’t try to be too fancy.”

Practicality Over Performance

Cuban’s comments speak volumes about a shift in EV expectations. While Tesla has often marketed itself on cutting-edge tech and premium aesthetics, Cuban finds that Kia’s more grounded approach delivers where it matters—especially in real-world scenarios like cold weather driving.

The investor noted that his Kia EV6 performs better in colder climates, maintaining battery efficiency and ride comfort. By contrast, he found that Tesla’s range dropped significantly in freezing conditions, impacting reliability and convenience.

This perspective underlines a growing concern among EV owners: while Tesla continues to lead in autonomous driving and tech integration, some users feel that functionality in daily life isn’t always prioritized.

Still Owns a Tesla, But Musk’s Not His Favorite

Despite his preference for the Kia, Cuban hasn’t sold his Tesla. He still respects what the company has accomplished and acknowledges that Elon Musk has played a monumental role in revolutionizing the auto industry.

However, Cuban didn’t hold back when describing Musk personally.

“He’s thin-skinned,” Cuban remarked, referencing previous spats and Twitter battles with the Tesla CEO.

Cuban confessed he occasionally goes out of his way to provoke Musk, saying he finds it easy to get under Musk’s skin. Their rivalry is well-documented, marked by public jabs and disagreement on issues ranging from tech to politics.

Praise with a Side of Criticism

Interestingly, Cuban’s criticism of Musk doesn’t diminish his admiration for the CEO’s business achievements. He credits Musk for his groundbreaking work at SpaceX, Tesla, and Starlink, acknowledging that few entrepreneurs have had such a broad and lasting impact on multiple industries.

Still, Cuban stands firm in his stance that calling out public figures is necessary—especially when they wield as much influence as Musk.

“Not a lot of people are going to stand up to him. I don’t care—I will,” he said.

Cuban’s EV Choice Reflects a Changing Market

Mark Cuban’s preference for the Kia EV6 over the Tesla Model S Plaid reflects a broader shift in how electric vehicles are being evaluated. Consumers are no longer solely chasing performance metrics or sleek design; they’re looking for reliability, practicality, and value.

As more players enter the EV market with compelling offerings at different price points, brands like Kia are gaining ground with vehicles that offer strong features without the Tesla price tag—or its controversies.

Conclusion: Billionaires, Just Like Us?

While Cuban’s wealth allows him to own multiple luxury vehicles, his public endorsement of a more affordable, practical option sends a powerful message to the market. In an industry often dominated by hype and high expectations, sometimes the best car is simply the one that works.