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Smart #5 vs Tesla Model 3
Selected trimRWDChange trim332 mi · 60 kWh · £37,990
At a glance
In this comparison, Smart #5 leads on family practicality and charging speed, while the Tesla Model 3 leads on motorway range, running costs and city driving.
Best value
Too close to call
Range & charging
Too close to call
Practicality
Too close to call
Which should you choose?
Choose the Smart #5 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
Choose the Tesla Model 3 if...
- 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
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Tesla Model 3 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Smart
6.4
Tesla
6.4
Too close to call
Motorway RangeTesla
Smart
2.7
Tesla
5.5
FamilySmart
Smart
9
Tesla
7.1
ChargingSmart
Smart
5
Tesla
2.3
Cost Per MileTesla
Smart
1.6
Tesla
8.8
City DrivingTesla
Smart
3.2
Tesla
4
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Tesla Model 3
RWD
- £1,810 cheaper
- 44 miles more WLTP range
- 52 litres more boot space
- 25 kW faster rapid charging
- 55 Wh/km more efficient
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Smart #5Pro | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £39,800 | £37,990 (better) |
| Official range | 288 miles | 332 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 630 L | 682 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 30 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 6.9 sec | 6.2 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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Smart #5
Tesla Model 3
Length
Smart #54,695mm-26mm
Tesla Model 34,721mm
Width
Smart #51,920mm-13mm
Tesla Model 31,933mm
Height
Smart #51,705mm
Tesla Model 31,440mm-265mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Smart #5Pro | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,695 mm | 4,721 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,920 mm (better) | 1,933 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,169 mm | 2,088 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,705 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Turning circle | Not available | 11.6 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 480 mm spare (better) | 467 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Smart #5Pro | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 630 L | 682 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1530 L | Not available |
| Frunk | 47 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,600 kg (better) | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Smart #5
- Boot space of 630 L is bigger than 90% of SUVs we track.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
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 |  Smart #5 Pro |  Tesla Model 3 RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.70m | 4.72m+26mm |
| Width | 1.92m | 1.93m+13mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.17m | 2.09m-81mm |
| Height | 1.71m | 1.44m-265mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.90m | Not available |
| Ground Clearance | 190mm | 137mm-53mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 630L | 682L* (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1530L | Not available |
| Frunk | 47L | Not available |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | Not available | 11.6m |
| Kerb Weight | 2,200kg | 1,772kg (better) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,600kg (better) | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 76kWh (better) | 60kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 288 mi | 332 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 150kW | 175kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £39,800 | £37,990 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | Saloon |
| Available | 2025+ | 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 | Smart #5Pro | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 288 miles | 332 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 202 miles | 229 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 30 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 150 kW | 175 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | Not available |
| Energy consumption | 185 Wh/km | 130 Wh/km (better) |
| Usable battery capacity | 76 kWh (better) | 57.5 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 800V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Smart #5Pro | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 6.9 sec | 6.2 sec (better) |
| Power | 250 kW (better) | 208 kW |
| Torque | 373 Nm (better) | 340 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Smart #5
Pro
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.
Smart #5
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
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 - Smart #5 Pro
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users84%
Safety Assist92%
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 | Smart #5Pro | Tesla Model 3RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | Not available | 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. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Smart #5
Pro
Owners love
- Exceptional interior space with comfortable rear legroom, reclining seats, and 630 litres of boot space
- Outstanding acceleration (3.8 seconds 0-62mph) and impressive 800V fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes at optimal conditions)
- Advanced infotainment with three screens, superb conversational voice control, and premium materials (Alcantara, vegan leather)
Watch out for
- High energy consumption significantly impacts real-world range compared to competitors despite 335-mile WLTP rating
- Design is polarizing and divisive; frequently compared unfavorably to the Nissan Cube with questionable styling details
- 335-mile WLTP range underwhelming for a 100kWh battery and not class-leading compared to rivals
Owner tips
- Test drive the rear-wheel drive base models which offer better steering feel, more dynamic handling, and additional frunk space compared to all-wheel drive variants
- Visit dealerships in person to confirm driver's seat comfort if over 6 feet tall and test voice assistant behavior to ensure it suits your driving style
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
Smart #5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Smart #5
No active listings.
Tesla Model 3
- £32,6462025Car360View
- £30,2992025Car360View
- £29,6992025Car360View
Frequently asked questions
Is the Smart #5 worth the extra £1,810 over the Tesla Model 3?
The Smart #5 costs £1,810 more than the Tesla Model 3. For that premium it adds 42 kW more power. The Tesla Model 3 is not just cheaper - it also offers 44 miles more WLTP range, 25 kW faster peak rapid charging and 52 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Tesla Model 3 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Smart #5 or the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is £1,810 cheaper to buy. The Tesla Model 3 is cheaper to charge, roughly £144 a year versus £200 for the Smart #5, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Tesla Model 3 comes out roughly £2,090 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Smart #5 and Tesla Model 3 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 202 miles for the Smart #5 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 27 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Smart #5 or the Tesla Model 3?
The two are within 13 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 480 mm of total clearance for the Smart #5 and about 467 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model 3.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Smart #5 or the Tesla Model 3?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 90% battery health for the Smart #5 and 92% for the Tesla Model 3. That gives the Tesla Model 3 a modest edge in retained real-world range. Both use LFP-type cells, which are happy charged to 100% every day. 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 Smart #5 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 Smart #5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Smart #5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Smart #5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Smart #5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Smart #5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Smart #5 and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .