Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Which electric car is right for you? 

In the last decade Tesla has gone from a little-known maker of a weird electric sports car to making the best-selling electric SUV on the planet. It only sells two cars in the UK: the Model 3 and the Model Y.

But which of these cars should you buy? Well in this handy guide we’re going to highlight all of the key differences to help you decide.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: design

Under the skin these two cars are very similar, but you’d never tell by looking at them. Both cars have had a facelift in the past year giving them a fresh look.

The key difference is the bodystyles, because the Model 3 is a low-slung four-door saloon, while the Model Y is a taller and more practical SUV. Neither could be described as particularly exciting to look at, but they’re not offensive either.

The Tesla Model 3 has slim LED headlights and a minimalist front bumper, whereas the Model Y has a more Cybertruck-esque front end with its full-width light bar. The two cars do share a similar rear end design with the C-shaped taillights, but the Model Y has another light bar which projects onto the tailgate.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: interior and practicality

Step inside either of these cars and you’ll be greeted by the same 15.4-inch touchscreen and not much else. They’re both heavily reliant on this infotainment system as there is a total lack of buttons, but thankfully it’s pretty easy to use.

The software is intuitive, which is a good thing because neither car has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the graphics are clear and responsive. In terms of standard equipment, both cars get electric heated seats, a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control.

It’s in the back that the main differences between these cars become apparent. The Model 3 is pretty spacious in the rear seats, with plenty of leg and headroom, but the Model Y is palatial. If you carry people in the back a lot, especially gangly teenagers, the Model Y is the Tesla to go for.

It’s a similar story with the boot. The Tesla Model 3 has 594 litres of boot space, which is 187 litres more than a Polestar 2, and the Model Y has a whopping 854 litres of space. It’s worth noting that this measurement is up to the roof, but it’s still bigger than almost all alternatives under the parcel shelf as well.

If practicality is your main priority, the Model Y is the Tesla to buy. The Model 3 is still a spacious saloon car though.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: motors, range and driving

From behind the wheel, these two cars are very hard to tell apart. They’re pretty similar mechanically, and both are comfortable cruisers which are easy to drive in town.

There is currently a Performance version of the Model 3 which offers thrills to rival a BMW M3, and a hot version of the Model Y is on its way soon.

Both the entry-level Model 3 and Model Y get a rear-wheel drive single-motor setup. The Model 3 is lighter and more aerodynamic, which means it gets better range from the same battery. It’ll do 323 miles on a charge, versus 311 miles in the Model Y.

Then there’s the Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive. This version of the Model 3 can do a massive 436 miles on a charge, whereas the Model Y can do 387 miles. Long-Range All-Wheel Drive cars are more powerful, but do take a hit in terms of range. You get 390 miles in the Model 3 and 364 miles in the Model Y.

Both of these cars offer impressive range, but if you spend a lot of time covering mega miles in your electric car then the Tesla Model 3 Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive is the best.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: price

The Tesla Model 3 starts from £39,990, making it great value compared to some of the alternatives. A Polestar 2 is around £5,000 more expensive, while a BMW i4 is £10,000 dearer.

Being a larger, more practical car, it makes sense that the Tesla Model Y is more expensive. It starts from £44,990, making it a few grand cheaper than an Audi Q4 e-tron but around £8,000 more than a Skoda Kodiaq.

The price difference between these two cars is a bit bigger when you buy on PCP finance. We got quotes from Tesla on the Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive versions of both of these cars with a £10,000 deposit over 48 months with a mileage limit of 10,000 per year.

The Model 3 came out at £266 per month, while the Model Y was £398 per month. That works out at an extra £6,300 over the 48-month term.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y verdict: which is best for you?

If you’re looking for the best value car with the longest range, then the Tesla Model 3 is the car to go for. It’ll do well over 400 miles on a charge, offers all the same tech and features as the Model Y and isn’t a million miles away in terms of practicality, all while being £5,000 cheaper.

However, if you’ve got a growing family and need all the space you can get, the Model Y should be near the top of your electric SUV shortlist. It has a cavernous cabin and impressive range, and it undercuts some of the more premium cars in this class on price.

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