Once kings of the entry-level electric vehicle market, if you can call it that, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have been subject to a lot of price increases in recent months. But even though Tesla hasn’t been as affordable as it once was, it’s always up for the luxury factor, and even its “cheap” cars have a lot to offer.
While not as flashy as the supermodel S and X, these two cars still pack a lot of technology and comfort at a much lower price point. But choosing between the two can be very difficult. Whether you want long range, performance, or an interior that feels like you paid double the price, the Model 3 and Model Y have it all.
But even though both cars are similar, there are some key differences that will make your job easier – the least of which is the price. So when it comes to Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y, which car is right for you?
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Specifications
| Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| price | From $46,990 | From 62,990 USD |
| includes | 358 miles | 330 miles |
| Shipping | 250 kW | 250 kW |
| maximum speed | 162 mph | 155 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Extra features | Autopilot, guard mode, application control, wireless charger, stained glass roof | Autopilot, guard mode, app control, wireless charger, foldable flat seats, tinted glass roof |
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Price
The Tesla Model 3 was the cheapest car in Tesla’s portfolio, and while the single-engine Cybertruck is now technically cheaper, the Model 3 remains an important part of Tesla’s portfolio.
The latest price hike means the RWD Tesla Model 3 now starts at $46,990. This is the base model that’s just bare bones compared to the other cars in the Tesla lineup. A long-range model can also be selected for $55,990, and a high-speed performance model for $62,990.
The Model Y is a bit more expensive as there is no “standard” model on sale in the US, instead Tesla jumps right into the Long Range Model, which will cost you $62,990. The Performance model costs $67,990.
So if you want a Tesla, but want to spend as little as possible, go with the Model 3. The RWD 3 model is $16,000 cheaper than the cheapest Model Y, while the long-range model is $7,000 less. This one has the added advantage of offering a significantly larger range.
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: design and interior
The Tesla Model 3 is a sedan, while the Model Y is a hatchback SUV. Naturally, that comes with some differences in the overall appearance of the car and what you get on the inside.
Being a sedan, the Model 3 has a more elegant and sporty look than the Model Y. It’s closer to the ground, and it has a flatter hood. However, this design comes with a few drawbacks, as you’ll only find 15 cubic feet of boot space.
The Model Y comes in at 36 cubic feet, due to the significantly larger SUV design. It’s two inches longer and wider than the Model 3, at seven inches in height. While you can squeeze five people into the Model 3, the Model Y’s larger design means they’ll be more comfortable on long trips.
You also have a third row option on the Model Y, which means you can get seven people there. The Model Y also has an optional tow hitch, which the Model 3 lacks, although it will cost you an extra $1,000
As for the rest of the design, there isn’t much to differentiate the two EVs. The dashboard is nearly identical, and you get the same glass roof, 15-inch touch control panel, wireless charger, cup holders, power-adjustable seats, and a “softer-leather” interior.
Previously, the Model Y came with some extra features, like heated rear seats and a steering wheel, but recently Tesla has updated the Model 3 to include both. Make the difference between the two cars smaller.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Power
The power you get with your Tesla Model 3 depends on which version of the car you buy. All of them are packed with two motors, but the Standard Plus only comes with rear-wheel drive. Long-range, performance models come with all-wheel drive, and this provides more oomph.
So the RWD 3 will go from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, and a top speed of 140 mph. Long range and performance managed to hit 60 mph in 4.2 and 3.1 seconds, each with top speeds of 145 mph and 162 mph.
The Y model is not very good in this respect. While all models have all-wheel drive and outperform the Standard Model 3, its acceleration and top speed are lower than the equivalent Model 3. Long Range runs it from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds, while Performance runs it in 3.5 seconds. Both models have a top speed of 135 mph and 155 mph.
The Model Y is only a millisecond slower than the Model 3, and you probably won’t get anywhere near that top speed on a public road. But for those who are obsessed with the highest numbers, or who want to take part in some drag racing, the Model 3 has the advantage.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Battery and Range
Again, the range you can expect depends on which car model you’re buying. And there is a very clear relationship with larger batteries which makes your car last longer.
If you choose the RWD 3 model, you can expect to get 272 miles of battery. The 2021 long-range and performance models offer a larger battery, and come with a range of 358 and 315 miles. This difference is something to consider, and it means choosing between range and driving power.
The Tesla Model Y can deliver 330 miles with the Long Range and 303 miles with the Performance Model. This difference in range will come down to the smaller battery, as well as the larger design of the Model Y. That’s the sacrifice you’ll have to make for space to put more things (and people) inside your car.
The Model 3 recharges faster, with Tesla claiming it can regain 175 miles of range in 15 minutes, while the Model Y can only get 162 miles in the same time. Although all types of cars can now enjoy the full power of Tesla’s V3 250kW Supercharging,
So if you want to increase range and improve recharge time, the Model 3 is the car of choice.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Autopilot and other technologies
In terms of special features, both cars have the standard Tesla range. This includes the basic autopilot, which comes with independent basic steering, acceleration and braking, lane assist, collision warnings, and blind spot alerts.
The “Full Self-Driving Package” is also available on both cars, either for a one-time purchase of $12,000, or accessed through Tesla’s $199 per month FSD subscription service. Both the Model 3 and Model Y included Tesla’s Full Self Driving 3.0 computer from day one. So you don’t have to pay an extra $1000 to upgrade your PC, which has happened to owners of some older Model S and Xs.
It’s worth reminding people that this isn’t fully Level 5 autonomous driving. Alternatively, this allows you to navigate highways, automatically change lanes, automatically stop the car, and the option to call, as well as recognize and stop the light.
Both cars also come with a guard mode that monitors the surrounding area when the vehicle is unattended, a UV and IR-protected glass roof, weather updates and mobile app support. Inside, they have the same 15-inch touchscreen control panel, wireless charging pad, and “advanced climate control”.
The latter is Tesla’s cool HVAC control system, which lets you control the airflow in the space by pulling the simulated airflow via a touchscreen — which you can see below.
However, the Y gets a few extra pieces, including a heated steering wheel, flat-folding rear seats, LED fog lights, and a “premium” audio system that includes 14 speakers, two subwoofers and one subwoofer.
All car models get free access to Tesla’s premium calling service, which offers live traffic visualizations, satellite view maps, streaming videos and music, a “Careoke” mode, and an Internet browser. Only the RWD 3 model has 30 days of free access, while all other models get it for one year. After your trial access expires, it will cost you $10 or $90 a year to maintain access – no matter what vehicle you have.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Predictions
Which Tesla you buy depends entirely on what you want to get from your car. The Model 3 wins easily in both range and performance, if you just look at the numbers. But you have to sacrifice interior space as a result.
The Model Y doesn’t lag far behind in range and power, although the advantage of owning one is that you can fit a lot of things inside. You can still keep a lot in the Model 3’s box, but you might want to consider its limitations before you try packing it with Ikea furniture — even with the back seats folded down.
The Y model comes with some extra luxuries. While you may not care about a heated steering wheel, it’s a more welcome feature on cold winter days. Once you have it, you will never want to lose it.
But the truth is that both cars are very similar. The difference in price between similar models is not significant, and frankly, both will look very similar to an untrained eye. When it comes down to it, it all just depends on what your car needs.
Families and others who can take advantage of the size of an SUV will want the Model Y. If you want a Tesla on the cheap, or want to increase the amount of range or power your car has, the Model 3 is for you. There’s no wrong answer, and you’ll get a very similar Tesla experience no matter which one you choose.
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