Tesla has a bit of a head start on the competition. Regardless of opinions about panel gaps and its CEO, it’s clear that Tesla made electric cars cool, aiming to make them affordable enough for mass production. While its cheapest cars aren’t exactly budget-friendly, Tesla largely achieved that goal. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are currently its most affordable cars, offering the recognizable Tesla design, good battery and charging tech, and a focus on high-tech infotainment systems.
But which of these two cars is actually better for you? We put them head-to-head to find out.
Tesla uses a consistent design language across all its models, so the Model 3 and Model Y look quite similar. The Model Y essentially looks like a larger version of the Model 3. The Model 3 is a sedan with a closed trunk and a low ride height compared to other EVs, especially larger crossovers. Its exterior is minimalistic, featuring slanted headlights and a curved roofline.
On the other hand, the Model Y stretches these proportions and features a much larger, open trunk, which is great for those needing more storage space. Tesla has announced a redesign for the Model 3 that gives it a more aerodynamic front and less bulky headlights. A similar refresh for the Model Y is expected, but it hasn’t been announced yet and is likely at least a year away.
Ultimately, picking a winner in terms of design is a matter of personal preference.
When it comes to interiors, both cars are very similar too. The Model Y offers more storage space — 34.3 cubic feet compared to the Model 3’s 22.9 cubic feet. However, if you opt for a seven-seat Model Y, the storage space drops to 17 cubic feet.
The Model Y can also come with a third row of seats, unlike the Model 3. This third row is cramped and likely only suitable for children on longer trips, but it can be handy for larger families.
At the front, both cars feature a large tablet-style infotainment display. The infotainment experience is the same in both cars, including Tesla’s well-designed system that displays camera feeds, mapping information, and more. Unfortunately, neither car supports Android Auto or CarPlay.
Given the added interior space and optional third row, the Model Y wins in this category.
Performance-wise, the two cars are quite similar. The base Model 3 is rear-wheel drive, but there are two all-wheel drive variants: the Model 3 Long Range and Model 3 Performance. The base Model 3 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the Model 3 Performance can do it in an impressive 3.1 seconds.
The Model Y, on the other hand, is all-wheel drive by default and offers three drivetrain options: the standard Model Y, Model Y Long Range, and Model Y Performance. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 to 5 seconds.
Though the Model Y has all-wheel drive by default, the Model 3 is overall faster, making it the winner here.
In terms of range and charging, the differences are minimal. The standard Model 3 has a range of 272 miles, while the Model 3 Long Range goes up to 333 miles. The standard Model Y has a range of 279 miles, while the Model Y Long Range reaches 330 miles.
Both cars can charge at 250 kilowatts, allowing them to gain 200 miles of charge in about 15 minutes, which is quite fast.
The ranges are close enough to result in a tie in this category.
Electric cars are still relatively pricey, but the Model 3 and Model Y are among the more affordable high-quality options available. The Model 3 starts at $40,240 for the base model, with the Model 3 Performance priced at $53,240. The Model Y is more expensive, starting at $47,740 for the base model and going up to $54,490 for the Performance model.
Simply put, the Model 3 is the cheaper option.
It might seem like the Model 3 wins by a technicality because of its lower price, but that’s important for many buyers. When price isn’t a factor, the cars are very similar. The Model 3 can perform slightly better, but the main choice comes down to whether you need the “bigger, more expensive” Model Y or the “smaller, cheaper” Model 3.
If you have a family and need more space, the Model Y is probably the better choice. If you want to save some money and don’t need a larger vehicle, the Model 3 will serve you well.