Comparison: Should You Prefer a Tesla Model 3 or a Model Y?

Between the Model 3 sedan and the Model Y SUV, which Tesla model should you choose? Here is our opinion on the matter. Ultimately, it all comes down to one thing: the interior space you need.

Presented in 2016 and launched in our market in 2019, the Model 3 marked Tesla’s big step toward profitability. Before that, the Californian manufacturer was only selling two large, premium models since 2012 (the limousine Model S and the large SUV Model X). This innovative compact family sedan (similar in size to the BMW i4 and others like Polestar 2) finally allowed the brand to reach a much broader customer base.

The Tesla Model 3 is booming, accompanied by a Model Y

In France, it is actually a real hit and currently the best-selling electric car on the market, ahead of the small Renault Zoe. It starts at €43,800 in its base version, which, considering its generous standard equipment and its large-capacity battery, represents an extremely competitive price on the market. Remember that until June 30, 2022, electric vehicles under €45,000 still qualify for a €6,000 eco bonus (reduced to €5,000 after this date).

Unveiled in 2019 and available in our market since early last year, the Model Y shares the same technical base as the Model 3 sedan (including its dashboard and interior universe) but is classified as a family SUV. Slightly larger and taller than the latter, it commands an additional €4,000 compared to the Model 3 with equivalent motorization and equipment.

Not currently available with the entry-level small motorization of the Model 3, it does require an extra €59,990 for its Long Range version, compared to €55,990 for the Model 3 Long Range. Besides this higher price, it also claims a lower range with 564 km versus 626 km for its sedan sister. And slightly lower performance, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 5.0 seconds compared to 4.4 seconds for the Model 3 Long Range. On paper, there’s no reason to prefer the Model Y over the Model 3.

The famous advantages of the SUV

In real life, two additional parameters should be taken into account. Certainly, the Model 3 sedan already boasts a spacious interior with rear seats offering remarkable habitability.

And even without a true hatchback, its large opening trunk provides a generous volume of 425 liters (+50 liters at the front), which can be expanded to 1,500 liters by folding down the rear seats. Enough to fit a stroller and plenty of luggage, but the sedan cannot compete with the Model Y on this front: besides even more spacious rear seats, the latter features a real hatchback trunk with a huge volume (854 liters +117 liters at the front).

Another less rational factor to consider is the vehicle’s appearance and the well-known appeal of the “SUV” silhouette among customers (which, to be honest, escapes us completely!).

In terms of performance, the Model Y is strong

In hand, the Model Y already offers high-level performance and excellent driving sensations thanks to surprisingly agile handling given its mass and a finely tuned power distribution between its two motors.

At this level, it far outperforms the Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQC, and Jaguar F-Pace, these premium electric SUVs already surpassed in technical terms. For now, it also leads the models of the new generation (Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq iV..), which are more affordable at entry-level but at least as expensive with similar motorization and not as spacious.

Optional 20-inch wheels at €2,100 on our test model, which reduce maximum range, impair ride comfort, and eliminate the €2,000 eco bonus (reserved for models priced between €45,000 and €60,000), seem very dispensable though.

Range: Slight advantage to the Model 3

Despite a more than decent range (over 300 kilometers even in winter with a lot of highway driving) and excellent road performance of the Model Y, the Model 3 maintains a slight edge thanks to its more efficient aerodynamics, slightly lower weight, and lower center of gravity.

And the formidable Model 3 Performance, equally impressive in a straight line (0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds!) and exhilarating in corners thanks to a powertrain tuned for sporty efficiency, is priced exactly the same as the Model Y Long Range (€59,990).

Comfortable and equally practical as the Long Range, this Model 3 Performance also offers a maximum range similar to the Model Y (547 km), despite its large 20-inch wheels as standard.

The Model Y is also available in Performance version (with slightly less staggering acceleration than the Model 3 Performance), but it costs €66,990 and does not include the €2,000 eco bonus.

Conclusion: the Tesla Model Y for its spaciousness

That’s why it’s hard to recommend the Model Y over the Model 3, unless you really need the enormous interior and trunk capacity.

But our hunch is that the strong popularity of SUVs will likely win out, motivating many customers to pay more to drive a “higher-up” vehicle. No wonder Tesla expects the Model Y to quickly become its best-selling model worldwide, surpassing the Model 3.

Elon Musk, the flamboyant CEO of Tesla, even predicts that his new SUV could become the best-selling car in the world by 2023, or even 2022 at the earliest. We’ll see next year if this prediction comes true.

Ultimately, the Model 3 retains the advantage in price, range, and driving pleasure. That’s why we only recommend choosing the Model Y if you really need maximum cargo volume. We emphasize that the sedan already allows for excellent travel conditions even with a family…