Matchup
Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y
The 2026 Model 3 Premium RWD against the 2026 Model Y Premium AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Sep 30, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the Model 3 costs $7,500 less: $44,130 against $51,630 for the Model Y, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedTesla
- The Model 3 is rated 137 MPGe by the EPA, 14 MPGe better than the Model Y (123 MPGe). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- Our packing test fits 5 large suitcases in the Model Y and 2 in the Model 3. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- The Model 3 goes 36 mi farther on a charge by the EPA’s count: 363 mi against 327 mi. PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
Who each one suits
The Model 3 costs $7,500 less in these trims, is rated 14 MPGe better and goes 36 mi farther on a charge.
The Model Y is the practical one: 5 large suitcases against 2, 8.0 cu ft more cargo, more head room front and rear, and low beams that reach 109 ft farther. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and rates Good where the Model 3 rates Acceptable in the moderate overlap test.
At a glance
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $44,130PublishedTesla | $51,630PublishedTesla |
| Powertrain | Permanent-magnet synchronous rear motor · Rear-wheel drive, single motor | Permanent-magnet rear + induction front motor · Dual motor AWD |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 4.6 sTestedCar and Driver | 3.9 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver | 174 ft (53.0 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA efficiency | 137 MPGePublishedEPA | 123 MPGePublishedEPA |
| EPA range | 363 mi (584 km)PublishedEPA | 327 mi (526 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 21.0 cu ft (595 L)TestedCar and Driver | 29.0 cu ft (821 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Large suitcases, packed | 2Simulatedfrom Tesla | 5Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Seats | 5Published | 5PublishedEdmunds |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/A/G | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The Model Y gets to 60 mph 0.7 s sooner: 3.9 s against 4.6 s.
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 286 hp (213 kW)PublishedCar and Driver | 397 hp (296 kW)PublishedCar and Driver |
| Torque | 322 lb-ft (437 Nm)PublishedCar and Driver | 389 lb-ft (527 Nm)PublishedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 4.6 sTestedCar and Driver | 3.9 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 4.8 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 3.9 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 2.4 sTestedCar and Driver | 1.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 13.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 12.3 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The Model Y stops from 70 mph in 174 ft, 4 ft shorter than the Model 3 (178 ft).
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver | 174 ft (53.0 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 367 ft (111.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 360 ft (109.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 281 ft (85.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 277 ft (84.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 170 ft (51.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 167 ft (50.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
NHTSA puts the Model 3’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 6.8% risk against 8.6% risk for the Model Y.
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 5★ · 6.8% riskTestedNHTSA | 5★ · 8.6% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 15 mph (24 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 13 mph (21 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.62Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.40Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
The Model 3 is rated 137 MPGe by the EPA, 14 MPGe better than the Model Y (123 MPGe).
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA efficiency | 137 MPGePublishedEPA | 123 MPGePublishedEPA |
| EPA range | 363 mi (584 km)PublishedEPA | 327 mi (526 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $676/yrDerivedEPA | $753/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 24 kWh/100 mi (14.9 kWh/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 29 kWh/100 mi (18.3 kWh/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.22PublishedCar and Driver | 0.22PublishedEVSpecs |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
On packed snow the Model Y can pull away at 0.26 g, against 0.14 g for the Model 3.
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.84 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.88 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.84 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.88 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.14 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 38.4 ft (11.7 m)PublishedJ.D. Power | 39.7 ft (12.1 m)Estimate |
| Ground clearance | 5.4 in (14 cm)PublishedTesla | 6.6 in (17 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Tires | Michelin Primacy All Season (T0) · 235/45R18TestedCar and Driver | Hankook iON evo AS SUV all-season · 255/45R19TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
Our packing test fits 5 large suitcases in the Model Y and 2 in the Model 3.
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5Published | 5PublishedEdmunds |
| Large suitcases, packed | 2Simulatedfrom Tesla | 5Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 3Simulatedfrom Tesla | 3Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Cargo behind the second row | 21.0 cu ft (595 L)TestedCar and Driver | 29.0 cu ft (821 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Cargo, seats folded | no data | 71.0 cu ft (2,010 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Front trunk | 3.0 cu ft (85 L)TestedCar and Driver | 4.0 cu ft (113 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Towing | no data | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedEdmunds |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | −1.8 in (-5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +1.7 in (4 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +0.4 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.9 in (10 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +3.3 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +6.8 in (17 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | −0.7 in (-2 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.2 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +4.4 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −3.2 in head · −1.8 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | −0.4 in head · +0.1 in kneeSimulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Front head room, published | 40.3 in (102 cm)PublishedTesla | 41.0 in (104 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Rear head room, published | 37.8 in (96 cm)PublishedTesla | 39.4 in (100 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Rear leg room, published | 34.5 in (88 cm)PublishedTesla | 40.5 in (103 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the Model 3 and the Model Y on what we can measure here.
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 67 dBATestedCar and Driver | 66 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the Model Y’s hood hides the first 11 ft of road; the Model 3’s hides 13 ft.
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 13 ft (3.9 m)Simulated | 11 ft (3.2 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 62%Simulated | 65%Simulated, estimated inputs |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Model Y and still stop inside the lit road is 70 mph; in the Model 3 it’s 53 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | AcceptableTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 223 ft (68.0 m)TestedIIHS | 332 ft (101.1 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 53 mph (86 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 492 ft (150.1 m)TestedIIHS | 442 ft (134.7 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Model Y rates Good and the Model 3 Acceptable.
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | AcceptableTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,817 lb (1,731 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,421 lb (2,005 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Tesla Model 3
- In the trims shown, the Model 3 costs $7,500 less: $44,130 against $51,630 for the Model Y, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedTesla
- The Model 3 is rated 137 MPGe by the EPA, 14 MPGe better than the Model Y (123 MPGe). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- The Model 3 goes 36 mi farther on a charge by the EPA’s count: 363 mi against 327 mi. PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- NHTSA puts the Model 3’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 6.8% risk against 8.6% risk for the Model Y. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
- It takes a 15 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the Model 3; the Model Y goes over at 13 mph. Simulated, estimated inputs
Tesla Model Y
- Our packing test fits 5 large suitcases in the Model Y and 2 in the Model 3. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- The Model Y has 8.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 29.0 cu ft against 21.0 cu ft. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.7 in between head and headliner in the Model Y and −1.8 in in the Model 3. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Edmunds
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Model Y and still stop inside the lit road is 70 mph; in the Model 3 it’s 53 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- The Model Y gets to 60 mph 0.7 s sooner: 3.9 s against 4.6 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The Model Y makes 111 hp more: 397 hp against 286 hp. PublishedCar and DriverPublishedCar and Driver
- The Model Y stops from 70 mph in 174 ft, 4 ft shorter than the Model 3 (178 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- IIHS measured the Model Y’s low beams lighting the road 109 ft farther on a straightaway: 332 ft against 223 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- On packed snow the Model Y can pull away at 0.26 g, against 0.14 g for the Model 3. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +2.2 in of head room in the Model Y and −0.7 in in the Model 3. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Edmunds
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 1.7 s in the Model Y and 2.4 s in the Model 3. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +4.4 in of knee room in the Model Y and +2.5 in in the Model 3. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Edmunds
- From the driver’s seat the Model Y’s hood hides the first 11 ft of road; the Model 3’s hides 13 ft. SimulatedSimulated, estimated inputs
- IIHS rates the Model Y’s headlights Good and the Model 3’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Model Y rates Good and the Model 3 Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The Model Y rides higher: 6.6 in of ground clearance against 5.4 in. PublishedTeslaPublishedEdmunds
- The Model Y held 0.88 g on the skidpad against 0.84 g for the Model 3. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Other trims
Keep comparing
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- All the Tesla Model Y figures
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Sources
- Tesla: Model 3: US prices with destination and order fees, curb mass (2026-09)
- Tesla: Model Y design studio: US prices, destination and order fee (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD ratings (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Tesla Model Y ratings (2026-09)
- Tesla: Model 3 Owner’s Manual (2024+ Highland): dimensions, subsystems, wheels and tires (2026-09)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Tesla Model Y review and instrumented tests (Premium RWD, Long Range AWD) (2026-09)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (now Premium RWD) (2024-10)
- Edmunds: 2026 Tesla Model Y trims and specifications (Tesla data) (2026-07)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Tesla Model 3 4-door BEV RWD (VehicleId 22553) (2026-09)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Tesla Model Y SUV AWD (VehicleId 22140) (2026-09)
- EV Specifications: 2026 Tesla Model Y North America trim comparison (Tesla data) (2025-10)
- J.D. Power: 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD specifications (2026-09)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (2025-08)
- IIHS: 2026 Tesla Model 3 ratings (applies to 2025–27 models) (2026-09)
- IIHS: 2026 Tesla Model Y ratings (applies to 2026–27 models) (2026-09)
- IIHS: Two additional models garner Top Safety Pick+ awards (Sep 3, 2026) (2026-09)
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.