The Model 3 is a compact sedan with better efficiency and lower cost starting at $38,990, while the Model Y is a larger SUV with more cargo space (76 cu ft vs 28 cu ft), higher seating capacity, and starts at $43,990. Choose based on whether you prioritize affordability and performance or need more space and versatility.
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
American electric sedan emphasizing performance, range, and affordable EV access
Mid-size electric SUV with spacious interior and optional seven-seat configuration
Starting Price. Cargo Space. EPA Range (Standard). 0-60 Acceleration (Long Range). Seating Capacity. Efficiency (EPA Combined). Turning Radius
Choose the Model 3 if you prioritize efficiency, performance, lower cost, and easier maneuverability in urban environments—it's the better daily driver for single occupants or couples. Choose the Model Y if you need SUV versatility, more cargo capacity, optional third-row seating for families, and don't mind spending an extra $5,000 for significantly more interior space.
Tesla Model 3: 3.1 seconds | Tesla Model Y: 3.5 seconds
Tesla Model 3: 5 | Tesla Model Y: 7 (optional)
Tesla Model 3: $38,630 | Tesla Model Y: $43,990
Tesla Model 3: 341 miles | Tesla Model Y: 330 miles
Tesla Model 3: 0.97g | Tesla Model Y: 0.95g
Tesla Model 3: 28 cu ft | Tesla Model Y: 76 cu ft
Tesla Model 3: Sedan | Tesla Model Y: SUV/Crossover
Tesla Model 3: 140 MPGe | Tesla Model Y: 134 MPGe
Tesla Model 3: $66,731 | Tesla Model Y: $75,450
Tesla Model 3: Minimalist design | Tesla Model Y: Complete refresh with premium touches
Tesla Model 3: 5.5 inches | Tesla Model Y: 8.6 inches
Tesla Model 3: 0.219 | Tesla Model Y: 0.260
Tesla Model 3: Configurable | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 321 mi | Tesla Model Y: 357
Tesla Model 3: Standard | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Tech-Forward, Minimalist | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Budget-Friendly | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: $38,000 | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 1,844 | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Rear-Wheel Drive | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 12.1 | Tesla Model Y: 10.0
Tesla Model 3: 24.1 | Tesla Model Y: 33.1
Tesla Model 3: $38,990 | Tesla Model Y: $43,990
Tesla Model 3: 272 miles | Tesla Model Y: 260 miles
Tesla Model 3: 5.1 seconds | Tesla Model Y: 5.9 seconds
Tesla Model 3: 20.8 cu ft | Tesla Model Y: 76.0 cu ft
Tesla Model 3: 2,248 lbs | Tesla Model Y: 3,500 lbs
Tesla Model 3: 132 MPGe | Tesla Model Y: 120 MPGe
Tesla Model 3: 5 passengers | Tesla Model Y: 7 passengers
Tesla Model 3: 3.1 seconds (RWD) | Tesla Model Y: 3.5 seconds
Tesla Model 3: 358 miles | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 27 min | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 50,000+ | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 28 cu ft | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 35.4 inches | Tesla Model Y: 41.4 inches
Tesla Model 3: 4 yr/50k mi | Tesla Model Y: 8 years/120,000 miles
Tesla Model 3: 358 miles | Tesla Model Y: 330 miles
Tesla Model 3: 60 kWh | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 28.3 cu ft | Tesla Model Y: 28.0 cu ft
Tesla Model 3: 3,552 lbs | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 8 years/120,000 miles | Tesla Model Y: 8 years / 120,000 miles
Tesla Model 3: RWD 55 kWh / Performance 75D kWh | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 15-inch portrait touchscreen, no physical controls | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Hard plastic, minimalist design, no leather standard | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 4,245 lbs | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 5.8 seconds | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: $43,990 | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 60 kWh (usable) | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 15.4 inches (portrait) | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 50,000+ Superchargers | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 27 minutes (Supercharger) | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: Premium vegan leather, aluminum accents, minimalist design | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 26 kWh/100mi (Model 3 RWD) | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 358 miles (RWD) | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 96.9 cu ft (rear legroom 37.2 in) | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 8 years / 120,000 miles | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 5.1 seconds | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 75 kWh | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 15-inch vertical | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 5 years / 60,000 miles | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 3,582 lbs | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: 28 cubic feet | Tesla Model Y: 76 cubic feet
Tesla Model 3: 5 passengers | Tesla Model Y: 7 passengers (with 3rd row)
Tesla Model 3: 3.1 seconds | Tesla Model Y: 4.8 seconds
Tesla Model 3: 272 miles | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: $38,990 | Tesla Model Y: $52,990
Tesla Model 3: 15.4 inches | Tesla Model Y: 17-inch touchscreen
Tesla Model 3: 25 minutes | Tesla Model Y: 10 minutes
Tesla Model 3: 8 years / 100k miles | Tesla Model Y: N/A
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: Standard
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: $52,990
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 330 miles
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 3.5 seconds
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 27 minutes
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 76 cubic feet
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 8 years/120,000 miles
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 15 inches
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 50,000+ Superchargers
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 3.1 sec
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 4,416 lbs
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: $43,990
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 3.5 sec
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 187 in
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 28.3 cu ft
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 8 years
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 5,521 lbs
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 2.9 seconds
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 5 seats
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 50,000+ exclusive stations
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 75 kWh (Standard), 82 kWh (Long-Range)
Tesla Model 3: N/A | Tesla Model Y: 3.8 mi/kWh
How to choose between Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y. Contains 112 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y.
Which Tesla is more affordable and better for daily commuting?
The Model 3 is $5,000 cheaper with a starting price of $38,990 and offers superior efficiency (132 MPGe vs 120 MPGe) and better acceleration (4.2 vs 4.8 seconds to 60 mph). Its smaller turning radius of 34.8 feet also makes it easier to navigate urban environments. Choose the Model 3 if you commute alone or with one passenger.
Which Tesla has more cargo space and is better for families?
The Model Y offers 76 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Model 3's 28 cubic feet—a 173% difference. The Model Y also provides optional third-row seating for up to 7 passengers and 41.4 inches of rear legroom compared to the Model 3's 35.4 inches. For families needing versatility, the Model Y is the clear choice.
How do the driving ranges compare between these models?
The Model 3 achieves slightly better range with 272 miles on the standard battery versus the Model Y's 260 miles. However, both models offer Long Range variants exceeding 300+ miles of EPA-estimated range. The Model 3's superior efficiency comes from its lighter weight and more aerodynamic sedan design.
Yes, but the Model Y is significantly better equipped for towing with a 3,500-pound capacity versus the Model 3's 2,248 pounds. If you plan regular towing of trailers or boats, the Model Y is the better option. The Model 3 is suitable only for light towing applications.
What's the price difference and is it worth the upgrade to Model Y?
The Model Y costs $5,000 more ($43,990 vs $38,990). Whether it's worth it depends on your needs: spend the extra $5,000 only if you need the 173% increase in cargo space, optional third-row seating, or higher towing capacity. For single/couple commuters, the Model 3's efficiency and lower cost make better financial sense.
How to Choose Between Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y
Starting Price: Tesla Model 3 has $38,990, while Tesla Model Y has $43,990.
Cargo Space: Tesla Model 3 has 28 cubic feet, while Tesla Model Y has 76 cubic feet.
EPA Range (Standard): Tesla Model 3 has 272 miles, while Tesla Model Y has 260 miles.
Consider: 0-60 Acceleration (Long Range)
0-60 Acceleration (Long Range): Tesla Model 3 has 4.2 seconds, while Tesla Model Y has 4.8 seconds.
Seating Capacity: Tesla Model 3 has 5 passengers, while Tesla Model Y has Up to 7 passengers (with optional 3rd row).
Efficiency (EPA Combined): Tesla Model 3 has 132 MPGe, while Tesla Model Y has 120 MPGe.
Turning Radius: Tesla Model 3 has 34.8 feet, while Tesla Model Y has 39.4 feet.