Tesla Model 3 vs. Model Y: What’s the Difference?
So you want to switch to electric, and you’re looking for a sleek, futuristic, yet affordable EV? There’s no other badge in the automotive industry that says technology and prestige as loudly as Tesla does.
The Model 3 and the Model Y are the company’s two most popular and affordable options, but they have some essential differences that you should know before buying. Let’s go over the similarities and differences to help ease your decision.
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y History
The Tesla Model 3 is a four-door sedan launched in 2017 as the second mass-market car from Tesla after the Model S. In 2020, Tesla introduced the Model Y, a five-door crossover that was essentially a larger version of the Model 3. Both come in Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range AWD, and Performance trims.
The Model Y is built on the same platform and shares many components with the Model 3, but it has a taller and more spacious cabin that can accommodate up to seven passengers with an optional third row of seats.
The Model Y, despite being pricier than the Model 3, has gained more popularity worldwide. In fact, according toJATO, the Tesla Model Y ranked third on the list of best-selling passenger cars in 2022.
There are manyreasons to buy a Tesla Model 3, but the same applies to the Model Y. Since the two cars share most of their pros and cons, the decision to choose one over the other boils down to your preference and how much interior space you need.
Which One Is Bigger?
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have similar dimensions, but the Model Y is slightly larger in every aspect. The Model Y is 7 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider, and 7 inches taller than the Model 3. It also has a slightly longer wheelbase and a higher ground clearance.
This difference in size translates to more interior space for the Model Y, especially for rear passengers and cargo. In its five-seat configuration, the Model Y has 5 inches of extra rear legroom compared to the Model 3. It also has more headroom, shoulder room, and hip room in both rows of seats.
The Model 3 is still comfortable for four people, but you might get complaints from taller companions who had to sit through a road trip in the back seat.
The main aesthetic and functional difference between the two is that the Model Y’s trunk has a powered lift gate rather than a sedan lid. Having a hatch connecting the trunk to the cabin gives the Model Y a significant advantage in cargo space. The Model Y’s hatchback design also makes loading and unloading bulky items easier than the Model 3’s sedan trunk.
The five-seater Model Y has a total cargo capacity of 72 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the Model 3’s trunk cannot house more than 20 cubic feet. Of course, if you don’t fold the rear seats, the Model Y’s trunk capacity will diminish to 30 cubic feet, although that’s still more than the Model 3.
Which One Has More Range?
One of the most important factors for electric car buyers is how far they can drive on a single charge—they usually pickthe longest-range EVsthat are within their budget. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have impressive range ratings that put them ahead of most rivals, but the more efficient Model 3 has a slight edge over the Model Y thanks to its lower weight and drag.
The Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive can travel up to 305 miles on a full battery. The Long Range trim can drive an impressive 374 miles, while the Performance trim can reach up to 340 miles on a full battery.
For the Tesla Model Y, the Rear-Wheel Drive can achieve up to 283 miles of range, while the Long Range AWD and Performance trims can go up to 331 and 319 miles, respectively. Your choice of wheels will affect these, as bigger wheels take more power to spin.
Both models can recharge at Tesla’s network of Superchargers, which can add up to 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes. They can also use other public charging stations or home chargers with adapters.
Which One Is Quicker?
Tesla cars are known for their exhilarating acceleration and good handling; the Model 3 and Model Y are no exception. Both models can put many sports cars to shame, even in their base trims, thanks to the instant torque delivery.
The Tesla Model 3 is the faster and more agile car of the two and one ofthe EVs an enthusiast would pickthanks to its lighter weight and lower center of gravity. The single-motor version can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Performance model is even quicker, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph. Note that this is only one-tenth of a second slower than the Ford GT, a renowned supercar.
The Tesla Model Y is just a little behind, though. The base trim model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with the Performance model cutting that to 3.5 seconds. The Performance trim increases the top speed from 135 mph to 150 mph.
Which One Has More Features?
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are packed with advanced features that make them stand out from other cars. Both models have a minimalist and futuristic interior, with a 15-inch touchscreen as the primary interface for navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and, of course, all thesecret Tesla Easter eggs.
Both models come with a standard set of features, including a glass roof, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and that fan favorite,Tesla Dog Mode.
There are, however, two areas where the Model 3 falls short. The Model Y’s hatch is a powered lift gate that automatically opens and closes with a press of the key fob. This, along with cooled front seats, is a standard feature that all Model Y trims have. The Model 3’s trunk is not motor powered, and it doesn’t come with cooled front seats. Even the top-tier Performance trim doesn’t get these upgrades.
Both models also come withTesla’s Autopilot system, a semi-autonomous driving feature that can steer, accelerate, brake, and center the car on highway lanes. For an extra fee, you can upgrade to theFull Self-Driving Capabilitypackage.
Which One Is Cheaper?
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are both relatively affordable compared to other luxury electric cars, but they are still not cheap. The Model 3 is cheaper than the bigger Model Y, starting at $40,240 for the base Rear-Wheel Drive trim and $53,240 for the Performance trim.
The Model Y starts at $47,740 for the base trim and $54,490 for the Performance model. The price gap between the two shrinks at higher trims, and it becomes negligible when choosing between the top versions. However, for those buyers not looking to spend much more than $40,000 on a new EV, the over $7,000 price difference between 3 and Y is important.
Tesla offers financing and leasing options for both the Model 3 and Y if you prefer monthly payments over upfront costs.
Your Needs and Budget Will Dictate Your Choice
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are excellent electric cars offering great range, performance, and features. The choice between them depends mainly on your personal preferences and needs.
The Model 3 is superior if you want a sporty and efficient sedan that can fit in tight spaces and zip through traffic. It has a longer range, faster acceleration, better handling, and a lower price than the Model Y. The fact that in base trim it’s considerably cheaper will also matter to some buyers.
The Model Y is ideal if you want a spacious and versatile crossover that can accommodate more passengers and cargo. It has a larger cabin, more headroom, legroom, trunk space, and an optional third row of seats, making it a better choice for road trips and larger families.
The same kind of reasoning applies when you’re choosing between the larger Tesla Model S and Model X.
Though Tesla’s Long Range and Performance electric sedans seem similar, there are important differences between them.
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