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Renault Megane (2022-2024) vs Tesla Model 3
Selected trimRWDChange trim332 mi · 60 kWh · £37,990
At a glance
In this comparison, Renault Megane leads on family practicality, charging speed and city driving, while the Tesla Model 3 leads on value for money, motorway range and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Renault Megane (2022-2024) if...
- you have a family - it has the best combination of boot space, safety, and rear legroom
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
Choose the Tesla Model 3 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.8p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Renault Megane leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueTesla
Renault
5.9
Tesla
6.4
Motorway RangeTesla
Renault
3.9
Tesla
5.5
FamilyRenault
Renault
8.9
Tesla
7.1
ChargingRenault
Renault
6.3
Tesla
2.3
Cost Per MileTesla
Renault
3.9
Tesla
8.8
City DrivingRenault
Renault
7.8
Tesla
4
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Renault Megane
Equilibre EV60 optimum charge
- £1,995 cheaper
- 1.2 m tighter turning circle
- 900 kg more towing capacity
Tesla Model 3
RWD
- 52 miles more WLTP range
- 242 litres more boot space
- 45 kW faster rapid charging
- 48 kW more power
- 1.3s quicker 0-62 mph
- 31 Wh/km more efficient
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Renault MeganeEquilibre EV60 optimum charge | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £35,995 (better) | £37,990 |
| Official range | 280 miles | 332 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 440 L | 682 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 32 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 7.5 sec | 6.2 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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Renault Megane
Tesla Model 3
Length
Renault Megane4,200mm-521mm
Tesla Model 34,721mm
Width
Renault Megane1,768mm-165mm
Tesla Model 31,933mm
Height
Renault Megane1,505mm
Tesla Model 31,440mm-65mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Renault MeganeEquilibre EV60 optimum charge | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,200 mm | 4,721 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,768 mm (better) | 1,933 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,017 mm (better) | 2,088 mm |
| Height | 1,505 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.4 m (better) | 11.6 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 632 mm spare (better) | 467 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Renault MeganeEquilibre EV60 optimum charge | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 440 L | 682 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1332 L | Not available |
| Frunk | 0 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 900 kg (better) | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Renault Megane
- 280 mile WLTP range, longer than 90% of hatchback EVs we track.
- Peak DC charging of 130 kW, faster than 90% of hatchback EVs in our catalogue.
- Boot space of 440 L is bigger than 90% of hatchback EVs we track.
Tesla Model 3
- 2nd-largest boot among saloon EVs in our catalogue at 682 L.
- At 4,721 mm, shorter than 90% of saloon EVs in our UK catalogue.
- Uses 130 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 100% of saloon EVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Renault Megane Equilibre EV60 optimum charge |  Tesla Model 3 RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.20m | 4.72m+521mm |
| Width | 1.77m | 1.93m+165mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.02m | 2.09m+71mm |
| Height | 1.50m | 1.44m-65mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.69m | Not available |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 137mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 440L | 682L* (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1332L | Not available |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.4m (better) | 11.6m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,636kg (better) | 1,772kg |
| Towing Capacity | 900kg (better) | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 60kWh | 60kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 280 mi | 332 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 130kW | 175kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £35,995 (better) | £37,990 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Saloon |
| Available | 2022–2024 | 2024+ |
* Tesla Model 3: Tesla publishes 682 L as total cargo volume (boot + frunk, measured to roof) — not directly comparable to standard VDA figures used by other brands.
* Tesla Model 3: Not published by Tesla; verified from multiple independent sources.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Renault MeganeEquilibre EV60 optimum charge | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 280 miles | 332 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 193 miles | 229 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 32 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 130 kW | 175 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 22 kW | Not available |
| Energy consumption | 161 Wh/km | 130 Wh/km (better) |
| Usable battery capacity | 60 kWh (better) | 57.5 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Renault MeganeEquilibre EV60 optimum charge | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 7.5 sec | 6.2 sec (better) |
| Power | 160 kW | 208 kW (better) |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 340 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | Not available | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Renault Megane
Equilibre EV60 optimum charge
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Tesla Model 3
RWD
8.5/10
average across 6 reviews
- Auto Express4.5/5
- Electrifying.com9/10
- DrivingElectric4.5/5
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Renault MeganeEquilibre EV60 optimum charge | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £13,699 | £26,699 |
| Average used price | £15,361 | £30,299 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 2 listings | 91 listings (better) |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 9.8% over ~6 months | Up 45.5% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Renault Megane Equilibre EV60 optimum charge
Tested 2022
Adult Occupant85%
Child Occupant88%
Vulnerable Road Users65%
Safety Assist79%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Tesla Model 3 RWD
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant90%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users89%
Safety Assist87%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Renault MeganeEquilibre EV60 optimum charge | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag infotainment & software, seat comfort & space. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Renault Megane
Equilibre EV60 optimum charge
Owners love
- Google-integrated infotainment system with Android Automotive is intuitive, reliable, and praised as class-leading by multiple owners
- Excellent build quality with high-quality interior materials comparable to premium brands, though some note Renault's historical reputation concerns
- Impressive real-world range of 170-250 miles depending on conditions, with liquid-cooled battery performing better in cold weather than air-cooled alternatives
Watch out for
- Range estimate display (GOM) is overly conservative and inaccurate, especially early in ownership, requiring owners to monitor miles/kWh instead
- Significant winter range penalty of 40-50%, dropping from 250 miles in summer to 170-215 miles, with battery heating consuming noticeable energy
- Limited rear legroom unsuitable for taller passengers, exacerbated by manual seat adjustments on UK models near £40k price point
Owner tips
- Specify 18-inch wheels instead of 20-inch for noticeably better ride comfort, lower replacement costs, and improved winter traction
- Reset the trip computer (hold 3-5 seconds on steering wheel selector) to recalibrate range estimates, and monitor efficiency in miles/kWh rather than relying on GOM predictions
Tesla Model 3
RWD
Owners love
- Excellent driving dynamics with responsive steering, handling, and smooth one-pedal regenerative braking
- Superior touchscreen interface that is intuitive, responsive, and readable in sunlight
- Growing Supercharger network offers reliable charging infrastructure with competitive pricing
Watch out for
- Removal of physical stalks for wipers and turn signals creates safety concerns and requires constant touchscreen interaction while driving
- Automatic windshield wipers frequently malfunction in light rain and drizzle due to camera-based Tesla Vision system
- Unreliable indicator stalk (on older models with stalks) frequently malfunctions or doesn't respond consistently
Owner tips
- Test drive the specific model configuration before ordering to experience controls, door handles, and touchscreen usability in real driving conditions
- Use home charging with EV-specific energy tariffs to maximize cost savings; home charging is significantly cheaper than public chargers
Buying options
Get a quote
Renault Megane
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Renault Megane
- £16,5952022Drive GreenView
- £15,5952023Drive GreenView
Tesla Model 3
- £32,6462025Car360View
- £30,2992025Car360View
- £29,6992025Car360View
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 worth the extra £1,995 over the Renault Megane?
The Tesla Model 3 costs £1,995 more than the Renault Megane. For that premium it adds 52 miles more WLTP range, 45 kW faster peak rapid charging and 242 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Renault Megane comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Renault Megane or the Tesla Model 3?
The Renault Megane is £1,995 cheaper to buy. The Tesla Model 3 is cheaper to charge, roughly £144 a year versus £176 for the Renault Megane, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Renault Megane comes out roughly £1,835 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Renault Megane and Tesla Model 3 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 193 miles for the Renault Megane and 229 miles for the Tesla Model 3 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Tesla Model 3 goes roughly 36 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Renault Megane or the Tesla Model 3?
The Renault Megane is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 165 mm narrower than the Tesla Model 3. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 632 mm of total clearance for the Renault Megane and about 467 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model 3. The Renault Megane also turns in a 1.2 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Renault Megane or the Tesla Model 3?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Renault Megane and 92% for the Tesla Model 3. That gives the Tesla Model 3 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Tesla Model 3's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Renault Megane's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Renault Megane comparisons
More Tesla Model 3 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Renault Megane and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Renault Megane and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Renault Megane and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Renault Megane and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Renault Megane and Tesla Model 3 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Renault Megane and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .