CARVSLABFeel the physics before you buy

Matchup

Tesla Model 3 vs Honda Accord

The 2026 Model 3 Premium RWD against the 2026 Accord Sport Hybrid, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.

Last checked Oct 1, 2026. Every figure links to its source.

Open this matchup in the 3D lab

2026 Tesla Model 32026 Honda Accord

The short answer

  • In the trims shown, the Accord costs $9,040 less: $35,090 against $44,130 for the Model 3, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedHonda
  • The Accord stops from 70 mph in 168 ft, 10 ft shorter than the Model 3 (178 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Model 3 costs about $851 a year less to run: $676/yr against $1,527/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
  • The Model 3 gets to 60 mph 1.8 s sooner: 4.6 s against 6.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver

At a glance

Model 3Accord
Starting price, this trim$44,130PublishedTesla$35,090PublishedHonda
PowertrainPermanent-magnet synchronous rear motor · Rear-wheel drive, single motor2.0 L Atkinson four + 161-hp generator + 181-hp traction motor (two-motor hybrid) · Front-wheel drive
0–60 mph, tested or claimed4.6 sTestedCar and Driver6.4 sTestedCar and Driver
Braking 70–0 mph, tested178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver168 ft (51.2 m)TestedCar and Driver
EPA combinedno data44 mpg (5.3 L/100 km)PublishedEPA
EPA efficiency137 MPGePublishedEPAno data
EPA range363 mi (584 km)PublishedEPAno data
Cargo behind the second row21.0 cu ft (595 L)TestedCar and Driver17.0 cu ft (481 L)TestedCar and Driver
Large suitcases, packed2Simulatedfrom Tesla2Simulatedfrom Honda
Seats5Published5PublishedHonda
Crash ratingsNHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/A/GNHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick

Acceleration

The Model 3 gets to 60 mph 1.8 s sooner: 4.6 s against 6.4 s.

Model 3Accord
Power286 hp (213 kW)PublishedCar and Driver204 hp (152 kW)PublishedHonda
Torque322 lb-ft (437 Nm)PublishedCar and Driver247 lb-ft (335 Nm)PublishedHonda
0–60 mph, tested or claimed4.6 sTestedCar and Driver6.4 sTestedCar and Driver
0–60 mph, our simulation4.8 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver6.6 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Passing, 50–70 mph2.4 sTestedCar and Driver5.1 sTestedCar and Driver
Quarter mile13.2 sTestedCar and Driver15.1 sTestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Shove

Braking and stopping distance

The Accord stops from 70 mph in 168 ft, 10 ft shorter than the Model 3 (178 ft).

Model 3Accord
Braking 70–0 mph, tested178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver168 ft (51.2 m)TestedCar and Driver
Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction367 ft (111.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver351 ft (107.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction281 ft (85.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver271 ft (82.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction170 ft (51.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver163 ft (49.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Watch it in The Stop

Rollover

NHTSA puts the Model 3’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 6.8% risk against 9.5% risk for the Accord.

Model 3Accord
NHTSA rollover rating5★ · 6.8% riskTestedNHTSA5★ · 9.5% riskTestedNHTSA
Sideways slide that trips it into a roll15 mph (24 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs13 mph (21 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Honda
Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height)1.62Simulated, estimated inputs1.41Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Honda
Watch it in The Tipping Point

Efficiency and running costs

At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Model 3 costs about $851 a year less to run: $676/yr against $1,527/yr.

Model 3Accord
EPA combinedno data44 mpg (5.3 L/100 km)PublishedEPA
EPA efficiency137 MPGePublishedEPAno data
EPA range363 mi (584 km)PublishedEPAno data
Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year$676/yrDerivedEPA$1,527/yrDerivedEPA
Steady 75 mph, our simulation24 kWh/100 mi (14.9 kWh/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Drag coefficient0.22PublishedCar and Driver0.32DerivedEPA
Watch it in The Invisible Wall

Grip, snow and maneuvering

No meaningful gap between the Model 3 and the Accord on what we can measure here.

Model 3Accord
Skidpad grip, tested0.84 gTestedCar and Driver0.85 gTestedCar and Driver
Cornering grip, our simulation0.84 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver0.85 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Pulling away on packed snow0.14 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver0.16 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Turning circle38.4 ft (11.7 m)PublishedJ.D. Power38.4 ft (11.7 m)PublishedHonda
Ground clearance5.4 in (14 cm)PublishedTesla5.3 in (13 cm)PublishedHonda
TiresMichelin Primacy All Season (T0) · 235/45R18TestedCar and DriverGoodyear Eagle Touring 235/40R19 all-season · 235/40R19TestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Grip Budget

Space, luggage and fit

Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +7.2 in of knee room in the Accord and +2.5 in in the Model 3.

Model 3Accord
Seats5Published5PublishedHonda
Large suitcases, packed2Simulatedfrom Tesla2Simulatedfrom Honda
Carry-ons in the space left3Simulatedfrom Tesla2Simulatedfrom Honda
Cargo behind the second row21.0 cu ft (595 L)TestedCar and Driver17.0 cu ft (481 L)TestedCar and Driver
Front trunk3.0 cu ft (85 L)TestedCar and Driverno data
Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver−1.8 in (-5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs−1.2 in (-3 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda
Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver+0.4 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+1.3 in (3 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda
Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver+3.3 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+4.5 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda
Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger−0.7 in (-2 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs−0.8 in (-2 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda
Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in+2.5 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs+7.2 in (18 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda
Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in−3.2 in head · −1.8 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs−3.4 in head · +2.9 in kneeSimulatedfrom Honda
Front head room, published40.3 in (102 cm)PublishedTesla37.5 in (95 cm)PublishedHonda
Rear head room, published37.8 in (96 cm)PublishedTesla37.2 in (94 cm)PublishedHonda
Rear leg room, published34.5 in (88 cm)PublishedTesla40.8 in (104 cm)PublishedHonda
Watch it in Live In It

Cabin noise

No meaningful gap between the Model 3 and the Accord on what we can measure here.

Model 3Accord
Cabin sound at 70 mph67 dBATestedCar and Driverno data
Watch it in The Quiet Test

Visibility

From the driver’s seat the Model 3’s hood hides the first 13 ft of road; the Accord’s hides 21 ft.

Model 3Accord
Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver13 ft (3.9 m)Simulated21 ft (6.4 m)Simulated
Ground visible within 33 ft ahead62%Simulated42%Simulated
Watch it in Can You See Me?

Headlights and night stopping

On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Accord and still stop inside the lit road is 69 mph; in the Model 3 it’s 53 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).

Model 3Accord
IIHS headlight ratingAcceptableTestedIIHSGoodTestedIIHS
Low beams, straight road (right edge)223 ft (68.0 m)TestedIIHS313 ft (95.3 m)TestedIIHS
Fastest you can stop inside the low beams53 mph (86 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS69 mph (110 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS
High beams, straight road (right edge)492 ft (150.1 m)TestedIIHS548 ft (167.0 m)TestedIIHS
Watch it in After Dark

Crash safety

In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Accord rates Good and the Model 3 Acceptable.

Model 3Accord
NHTSA overall5★TestedNHTSA5★TestedNHTSA
IIHS small overlap frontGoodTestedIIHSGoodTestedIIHS
IIHS moderate overlap front (updated)AcceptableTestedIIHSGoodTestedIIHS
IIHS side (updated)GoodTestedIIHSGoodTestedIIHS
IIHS awardno data2026 Top Safety PickPublishedIIHS
Curb weight3,817 lb (1,731 kg)TestedCar and Driver3,462 lb (1,570 kg)TestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Impact

Where each one wins

Tesla Model 3

  • At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Model 3 costs about $851 a year less to run: $676/yr against $1,527/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
  • The Model 3 gets to 60 mph 1.8 s sooner: 4.6 s against 6.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • From the driver’s seat the Model 3’s hood hides the first 13 ft of road; the Accord’s hides 21 ft. Simulated
  • NHTSA puts the Model 3’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 6.8% risk against 9.5% risk for the Accord. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
  • The Model 3 makes 82 hp more: 286 hp against 204 hp. PublishedCar and DriverPublishedHonda
  • Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 2.4 s in the Model 3 and 5.1 s in the Accord. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • The Model 3 has 4.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 21.0 cu ft against 17.0 cu ft. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • Drivers see 62% of the ground within 33 ft of the Model 3’s nose and 42% in the Accord. Simulated
  • It takes a 15 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the Model 3; the Accord goes over at 13 mph. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Honda

Honda Accord

  • In the trims shown, the Accord costs $9,040 less: $35,090 against $44,130 for the Model 3, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedHonda
  • The Accord stops from 70 mph in 168 ft, 10 ft shorter than the Model 3 (178 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +7.2 in of knee room in the Accord and +2.5 in in the Model 3. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Honda
  • On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Accord and still stop inside the lit road is 69 mph; in the Model 3 it’s 53 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
  • IIHS measured the Accord’s low beams lighting the road 90 ft farther on a straightaway: 313 ft against 223 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
  • IIHS rates the Accord’s headlights Good and the Model 3’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
  • In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Accord rates Good and the Model 3 Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS

Weigh them by what matters to you in the lab’s verdict

Other trims

Keep comparing

Sources

  1. Tesla: Model 3: US prices with destination and order fees, curb mass (2026-09)
  2. American Honda: 2026 Accord trims and starting MSRP (excludes $1,295 destination) (2026-10)
  3. Car and Driver: Tested: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (now Premium RWD) (2024-10)
  4. Car and Driver: 2025 Honda Accord vs. 2025 Toyota Camry compared (instrumented test of a 2024 Accord Sport Hybrid) (2024-12)
  5. US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD ratings (2026-09)
  6. US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Honda Accord 1.5 L turbo (id 50070) and Accord Hybrid Sport/Touring (id 50056) ratings (2026-10)
  7. Tesla: Model 3 Owner’s Manual (2024+ Highland): dimensions, subsystems, wheels and tires (2026-09)
  8. Honda News (American Honda): 2026 Honda Accord Specifications & Features (2025-12)
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Tesla Model 3 4-door BEV RWD (VehicleId 22553) (2026-09)
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid 4-door HEV FWD (VehicleId 22062) (2026-10)
  11. Honda News (American Honda): 2023 Honda Accord press kit (two-motor hybrid, battery location, CVT Step-Shift) (2022-11)
  12. Car and Driver: 2023 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid long-term test: 40,000-mile verdict (75-mph highway test) (2024-12)
  13. US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Accord coastdown target coefficients) (2026-01)
  14. J.D. Power: 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD specifications (2026-09)
  15. IIHS: 2026 Tesla Model 3 ratings (applies to 2025–27 models) (2026-09)
  16. IIHS: 2026 Honda Accord ratings (crash tests apply to 2023–26 models) (2026-10)
  17. IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)

Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.