What’s the difference between the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y?
Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, formerly at the top of the entry-level EV market, have seen their prices rise dramatically in recent months. As a result, even Tesla’s “cheap” vehicles have a lot to offer, even if they aren’t quite as inexpensive as they used to be.
Even while these vehicles aren’t as glamorous as Tesla’s ultra-premium Model S and X, they nonetheless cram a lot of technology and comfort into a considerably lower price tag than their flashier counterparts. However, making a choice between the two is not always easy. The Model 3 and Model Y have it all: extended range, performance, and a luxurious cabin that makes you feel like you spent twice as much.
With that said, there are several important distinctions between the two vehicles—the most obvious of which is the price. Is the Tesla Model 3 better for you or is it better for you to buy the Tesla Model Y?
Comparison of the Tesla Model 3 with the Tesla Model Y in terms of features
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model 3 |
Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $46,990 | From $62,990 |
| Range | 358 miles | 330 miles |
| Charging | 250kW | 250kW |
| Top Speed | 162 mph | 155mph |
| 0-60mph | 3.1 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Extra features | Autopilot, Sentry mode, App control, wireless charger, tinted glass roof | Autopilot, Sentry mode, App control, wireless charger, flat folding seats, tinted glass roof |
The price difference between the Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model Y
Even if Tesla’s single-motor Cybertruck is now theoretically cheaper, the Tesla Model 3 is still a major element of the company’s lineup.
The RWD Tesla Model 3 now has a starting price of $46,990 with the recent price increase. Compared to other Tesla models, this is the bare-bones entry-level model. The Long Range variant is available for $54,990, while the Performance model is available for $61,990, making it the most expensive option.
Because there is no’standard’ Model Y available in the United States, the Model Y is more costly. Instead, the Long Range model, which will set you back $62,990, is where Tesla begins its lineup. The top-of-the-line Performance model costs $68,990.
So, if you want a Tesla but are on a tight budget, the Model 3 is the way to go. While the lowest Model Y is $16,000 more expensive, the RWD Model 3 is $16,000 less expensive, and the Long Range Model is $8,000 less expensive. In addition, this one has a greater range of motion.
Comparing the Tesla Model 3 to the Tesla Model Y in terms of exterior and interior design
This car is an SUV-hatchback hybrid crossover, whereas the Model 3 is Tesla’s mid-size sedan. As a result, the outside and inside of the vehicle will appear somewhat different.
A sedan body style gives the Model 3 a sleeker, sportier appearance than the Model Y’s. It’s lower to the ground and has a more streamlined hood, making it easier to get in and out of. However, this design has certain downsides, since the rear trunk capacity is just 15 cubic feet.
Due to its bigger SUV shape, the Model Y offers 36 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s seven inches higher and two inches broader than the Model 3. You can fit five people inside a Model 3, but the Model Y’s wider design means they’ll be far more comfortable on extended road trips.
The Model Y may accommodate up to seven passengers with the addition of a third row. There is an optional tow hitch for the Model Y that is not available on the Model 3, which costs an additional $1,000.
There isn’t much else to distinguish the two electric vehicles in terms of their overall look. Almost similar dashboard, 15-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, cupholders, power-adjustable seats and vegan-friendly “softer than leather” upholstery are all included in the new model’s package.
Since Tesla just added heated rear seats and a steering wheel to the Model 3, the previous Model Y had some additional amenities, such heated rear seats. Making the gap between the two vehicles even less.
Differences in power between Teslas 3 and 3S and Y
This is all dependent on the model you choose to buy for the Tesla Model 3. Standard Plus is the only one having all-wheel drive, while the others have two motors each. All-wheel drive is standard on the high-capacity and high-performance variants, so they have a little more oomph.
Model 3’s max speed is 140 miles per hour, making it the fastest production car ever. It takes 4.2 and 3.1 seconds to reach to 60mph, with a peak speed of 162mph for Long Range and Performance, respectively.
In this area, the Model Y falls short. Even though all variants feature all-wheel drive and outperform the base Model 3, its maximum speed and acceleration are also less than those of the Model 3. For 0-60 miles per hour, the Performance takes 3.5 seconds less time than the Long Range. There has a 135 mph and 155 mph maximum speed for each of the vehicles.
If you want to go faster than the Model 3 on public roads, you’ll have to drive on the Model Y, which is a mere 0.001 seconds slower than the Model 3. However, the Model 3 is the better choice for people who are more concerned with performance figures or who want to participate in drag racing.
Model 3 versus Model Y: Battery and range comparison
This time around, the possible range is entirely based on the specific type of automobile you choose as your buy. Larger batteries also have a clear effect on how long your automobile will survive.
You can expect to get 272 miles out of the 52kWh battery in a RWD Model 3. There is an 82kWh battery in the Long Range and Performance variants of the 2021 model year, which have a range of 358 and 315 miles. There is a trade-off between range and driving force, and it is worth thinking about.
The Long Range variant of the Tesla Model Y features a 72kWh battery, while the Performance model has a 303-mile range. The smaller battery and bigger architecture of the Model Y are to blame for the disparity in range. That’s the trade-off you have to make if you want to have more space in your vehicle to store things (and people).
When it comes to charging, Tesla claims the Model 3 can go 175 miles in 15 minutes, compared to the Model Y’s 162 miles. Tesla’s V3 250kW Supercharging network is now available to all models of the company’s vehicles.
There is no better vehicle than the Model 3 in terms of both range and recharging time.
Tesla Model 3 versus Tesla Model Y: Autopilot and other technology
Both vehicles are equipped with the basic set of Tesla options. There’s a basic version of Autopilot that comes with basic automated steering and accelerating and braking; lane assist; a collision warning; and blind-spot alerts and warnings.
On top of that, Tesla’s $199 a month “Full Self-Driving package” is also available on both vehicles and may be purchased for a one-time price of $12,000. Tesla’s Full Self Driving Computer 3.0 was pre-installed on both the Model 3 and the Model Y. This means that the $1,000 fee that some owners of older Model S and Model X Teslas have had to pay to have their computers updated is unnecessary.
It’s a good idea to warn folks that this isn’t a fully autonomous vehicle at the level of Level 5. A summon option is also available, as well as light and stop sign recognition. This allows you to drive on highways with ease.
In addition, both vehicles have a sentry mode that keeps an eye on the surrounding area while the vehicle is unattended, as well as a UV and infrared-blocking glass roof, wireless software upgrades, and mobile app compatibility. A 15-inch touchscreen controller, a wireless charging pad, and “advancement in temperature management” are all standard features in the interiors.
To change the direction of airflow, you simply drag a simulated air flow across a touchscreen, as seen in the video below.
It does have some additional features, though, like a heated steering wheel and flat-folding back seats, LED fog lights as well as a “luxury” audio system with 14 speakers, two amps and a subwoofer.
Tesla’s premium connection package, which includes live traffic visualisations, satellite-view maps, film and music streaming, a ‘Careoke’ mode, and an internet browser, is available to all vehicle models for no additional fee. Only the Standard Range and Model 3 receive a year’s worth of free access, while the rest of the lineup gets a year’s worth.
Comparison of the Tesla Model 3 with the Tesla Model Y: Prognosis
What you want to get out of your Tesla has everything to do with the model you choose to purchase from Tesla. If you’re merely looking at the stats, the Tesla Model 3 has an easy victory in terms of both range and performance. However, this results in a reduction in internal space.
Both range and power of the Model Y are not far behind, but the advantage of having one is that you can put a lot of things in. Even with the rear seats folded down, the Model 3’s trunk can still accommodate a lot, but you should be aware of its limits before trying to stuff it with Ikea furniture.
With the Model Y, you’ll get some nicer extras. Even if you don’t care about a heated steering wheel, you’ll like it when the weather becomes chilly. Once you’ve had them, you’ll never want to give them up again.
Nevertheless, the two vehicles are remarkably similar in many respects. There isn’t much of a price difference between models of similar quality, and the untrained eye will see very little difference between the two. In the end, it all boils down to what you want to use your vehicle for.
The Model Y will be sought after by families and those who can benefit from the size of an SUV. The Model 3 is an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget but still want to get the most out of your car’s range and power. It doesn’t matter which one of the following choices you choose; you’ll get a comparable Tesla experience anyway.