Tesla’s Model 3 is faster with a longer average battery range than the Model Y SUV, but the Model Y is more luxurious. See an in-depth comparison here.

Written by Jason Tushinski

Reviewed by Jessica Barrett

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

The price
Design and interior
Power and performance
Range and battery
Tech on Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y
Protect your Tesla Model 3 or Y with Jerry

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If you find yourself in a Tesla dealership desperately trying to decide between a Model 3 and a Model Y, here’s some information to help you pick the best Tesla for you. Starting at $46,990, the Model 3 is sportier, faster, offers more range, and is cheaper. You’ll get more cargo and seating space—and a bit more luxury—with a Model Y, but it starts at $62,990 and isn’t as fast as Elon Musk’s other ”cheaper” automotive offspring.

Tesla’s are known as the cream of the crop when it comes to electric vehicles. And while there are only four models to choose from, it’s not necessarily an easy choice!

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The price

The

Model 3

and

Model Y

are two “cheaper” Tesla options compared to the sexy

Model S

and the fetching

Model X

. Both the 3 and the Y cost a fair bit of scratch, with the Model 3 starting at $46,990 and the Model Y starting at $62,990.

Here’s how the various trims break down in terms of pricing:

Model 3	Model Y
Standard Range Plus (RWD) $46,990	N/A
Long Range (AWD) $54,990	Long Range (AWD) $62,990
Performance (AWD) $61,990	Performance (AWD) $67,990

MORE:

Everything you need to know about the Tesla self-driving car

Design and interior

Both the Model 3 and Model Y are smooth-moving EVs, but their exterior design differs as the 3 is a sedan and the Y a hatchback SUV. Despite the price discrepancy, the interiors of both models are similar.

MORE:

What is a hatchback?

Model 3 design and interior

The Model 3 sedan is more aerodynamic, lower to the ground, and looks more like a typical sports car. It seats 5 people comfortably but offers just 15 cubic feet of rear trunk space.

Model Y design and interior

The Model Y hatchback is 2 inches longer and 7 inches taller than the Model 3, offering 36 cubic feet of trunk space. The cabin interior is roomier and more comfortable for adult passengers. The Model Y offers an optional third row, bumping the capacity to 7 people, and you can add a tow hitch for $1,000.

MORE:

Tesla Model Y towing capacity

Tesla Model 3 vs Y design similarities

While there are some differences, both the Model 3 and Model Y share a fair bit of design and interior features:

Same dash design with a 15-inch touchscreen

Glass roof

Access to wireless charging

Power-adjustable seats with softer-than-leather upholstery (that’s vegan-friendly).

Power and performance

The speed of both the Model 3 and Model Y can blow your toupee clean off—but the Model 3 will do it slightly faster than the Y (but not by much). Both the 3 and Y feature Tesla’s dual motor design.

Model	Top speed	0–60 (secs)
Model 3 Standard Range Plus	140 mph	5.8
Model 3 Long Range	145 mph	4.2
Model 3 Performance	162 mph	3.1
Model Y Long Range	135 mph	4.8
Model Y Performance	155 mph	3.5

Range and battery

With both the Model 3 and Model Y, the range depends on how big a battery the vehicle is carrying. Except for the Model 3’s Standard Range Plus, the Model 3 offers a bigger battery and more range than the Model Y. Both vehicles can use Tesla’s V3 250 kW Supercharging Network and one 15-minute charging boost can add up to 162 miles of range.

Model	Battery size	Range
Model 3 Standard Range Plus	52 kWh	272 miles
Model 3 Long Range	82 kWh	358 miles
Model 3 Performance	82 kWh	315 miles
Model Y Long Range	72 kWh	330 miles
Model Y Performance	72 kWh	303 miles

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Tech on Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y

Even if they’re the “cheaper” Teslas, both the 3 and Y offer plenty of technology to keep the biggest EV enthusiasts tickled absolutely fuschia. And they share a lot of the same high-tech toys, with a few differences.

Tech specs unique to the Model 3

Model 3 drivers with a Model 3 Standard Range Plus get just 30 days free of Tesla’s premium connectivity service. This offers:

Live traffic visualizations

Satellite view maps

Music and video streaming

“Careoke” mode

An internet browser

Tech specs unique to Model Y

To start, Model Y drivers get Tesla’s premium connectivity service free for one year. The Model Y also includes:

Heated steering wheel

Flat-fold seats

LED fog lamps

Premium sound system with 14 speakers, two amplifiers, and one subwoofer

Tech specs common to Model 3 and Y

Both the Model 3 and Model Y share a lot of tech goodies—so no matter which Tesla you end up with, odds are you’ll be enamored either way. Here’s what they share in common:

Autopilot

Offers basic autonomous steering (can steer itself so long as there are clear lane markings), accelerating, and braking

Lane-keep assist

Collision warning

Blindspot monitoring

Full Self-Driving Pack

If the basic autopilot isn’t good enough for you, you can buy Tesla’s Full Self Driving Pack with a $199-per-month subscription or $12,000 to buy it outright. Note that this is NOT complete autonomous driving—a driver must be present in case an emergency arises

Here’s a rundown:

Compatible with Tesla’s 2019 or later—otherwise, you’ll have to upgrade your full self-driving computer to 3.0 via the Tesla app

Changes lanes by itself

Summon your car from its parking spot to you (like the Batmobile!)

Auto parallel parking with one tap

Other tech features

Sentry mode—monitors the surrounding area of your Tesla when its unattended and you’re worried about hoodlums

Glass roof with anti-UV and infrared light coatings

Over-the-air updates

Mobile app support

Advanced climate control

15-inch touchscreen