Mark Ruffalo Swaps Tesla for Kia: “Not Well-Made Cars”
In a surprising turn of events, Mark Ruffalo, the actor beloved for his role as Bruce Banner in The Avengers, has publicly distanced himself from Tesla. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ruffalo didn’t hold back his disappointment, claiming that Tesla vehicles simply aren’t built to a high standard.
The critique came as Ruffalo shared an article regarding a preliminary investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is currently scrutinizing potential safety flaws in Tesla’s lineup.
The New Favorite: Kia Takes the Lead
For Ruffalo, the alternative was clear. After spending time with a KIA electric vehicle, the actor expressed a stark difference in quality and feel. According to his posts, the Korean automaker has successfully bridged the gap between budget-friendly roots and high-end performance.
“Having tucked into a KIA EV now and having driven a Tesla, I have to say the Kia is hands down a better car and feels luxury compared to a Tesla,” Ruffalo stated.
Safety Concerns and the NHTSA Probe
The catalyst for Ruffalo’s latest comments was a troubling report involving nearly 1.2 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The NHTSA investigation was sparked by over 150 complaints alleging that a front suspension component could detach, potentially leading to a dangerous loss of vehicle directional control.
While no crashes or injuries have been officially linked to this specific failure yet, the probe highlights the growing scrutiny over Tesla’s manufacturing consistency.
A Relationship Soured: From Support to Conflict
Mark Ruffalo wasn’t always a Tesla critic. In fact, he was an early adopter and vocal supporter. His history with the brand includes:
- n
- 2012: Placing a deposit for the Model S early in its production cycle.
- 2014: Publicly opposing New York State’s attempt to ban Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales model.
n
n
So, what changed? The friction appears to be less about the cars and more about the man behind the brand. Ruffalo’s relationship with CEO Elon Musk has deteriorated significantly since 2022, particularly following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. The tension peaked during the 2024 election cycle, with Ruffalo campaigning for Kamala Harris while Musk provided massive financial backing to Donald Trump.
Whether it’s a matter of build quality or political misalignment, it’s clear that the “Hulk” has found a new home in the EV market, leaving Tesla in the rearview mirror.
