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Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023) vs Tesla Model Y
Selected trimLong Range Dual Motor · 2019-23Change trim374 mi · 75 kWh · Not available
Selected trimRWDChange trim314 mi · Not available · £41,990
At a glance
In this comparison, Tesla Model 3 leads on motorway range, running costs and city driving, while the Tesla Model Y leads on value for money, family practicality and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023) if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Tesla Model Y if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Tesla Model Y leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueModel Y
Model 3
0
Model Y
6.5
Motorway RangeModel 3
Model 3
7.2
Model Y
5.8
FamilyModel Y
Model 3
5.8
Model Y
7.8
ChargingModel Y
Model 3
5.6
Model Y
7
Cost Per MileModel 3
Model 3
9.4
Model Y
7.7
City DrivingModel 3
Model 3
3.9
Model Y
3
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
- 60 miles more WLTP range
- 75 kW faster rapid charging
- 2.5s quicker 0-62 mph
- 0.5 m tighter turning circle
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Not available | £41,990 |
| Official range | 374 miles (better) | 314 miles |
| Boot space | 561 L | 854 L (better) |
| 0-62 mph | 4.4 sec (better) | 6.9 sec |
Size Comparison
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Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model Y
Length
Tesla Model 34,695mm-99mm
Tesla Model Y4,794mm
Width
Tesla Model 31,850mm-131mm
Tesla Model Y1,981mm
Height
Tesla Model 31,445mm-176mm
Tesla Model Y1,621mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,695 mm | 4,794 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,850 mm (better) | 1,981 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,088 mm (better) | 2,129 mm |
| Height | 1,445 mm | 1,621 mm |
| Turning circle | 11.6 m (better) | 12.1 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 550 mm spare (better) | 419 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 561 L | 854 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | Not available | 2118 L |
| Frunk | 88 L | 117 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | Not available | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Tesla Model 3
- A 88 L frunk, one of 12 of 233 UK EVs in our catalogue with a front boot of 88 L or more.
- At 4,695 mm, shorter than 90% of saloon EVs in our UK catalogue.
- Boot space of 561 L is bigger than 85% of saloon EVs we track.
Tesla Model Y
- 3rd-largest boot among SUVs in our catalogue at 854 L.
- A 117 L frunk, one of 6 of 233 UK EVs in our catalogue with a front boot of 117 L or more.
- Uses 138 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 100% of SUVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor |  Tesla Model Y RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.70m | 4.79m+99mm |
| Width | 1.85m | 1.98m+131mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.09m | 2.13m+41mm |
| Height | 1.45m | 1.62m+176mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.88m | Not available |
| Ground Clearance | 140mm | 162mm+22mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 561L* | 854L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | Not available | 2118L |
| Frunk | 88L | 117L (better) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 11.6m (better) | 12.1m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,830kg (better) | 1,906kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 75kWh | Not available |
| Range (WLTP) | 374 mi (better) | 314 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 250kW (better) | 175kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | Not available | £41,990 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Saloon | SUV |
| Available | 2019–2023 | 2025+ |
* Tesla Model 3: Tesla quotes 561 L behind the rear seats, measured to the roof including the under-floor well (649 L with the 88 L front trunk). Not directly comparable to VDA figures used by other brands.
* Tesla Model 3: Manufacturer does not publish battery capacity; figure verified from multiple independent sources. Pack size and chemistry changed during production.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 374 miles (better) | 314 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 312 miles (better) | 251 miles |
| Max rapid charge rate | 250 kW (better) | 175 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | Not available |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 138 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 75 kWh | Not available |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 4.4 sec (better) | 6.9 sec |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 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.
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Tesla Model Y
RWD
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 | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £14,840 | £38,121 |
| Average used price | £18,820 | £40,783 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 122 listings (better) | 7 listings |
| Recent used-price trend | Up 111.3% over ~6 months | Down 9.2% 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 - Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor
Tested 2019
Adult Occupant96%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users74%
Safety Assist94%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Tesla Model Y RWD
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant91%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users86%
Safety Assist92%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 193,121 km (better) | 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 firm ride comfort. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
Owners love
- Exceptional acceleration and instant torque delivery create an engaging, fun driving experience comparable to sports cars
- Excellent efficiency and low running costs—approximately 1.5-2.2p per mile on home charging versus £16-18p per mile for petrol equivalents
- Minimal maintenance required with no oil changes, long-lasting brake pads due to regenerative braking, and strong battery longevity (minimal degradation over 100k+ miles)
Watch out for
- Suspension is firm and transmits road imperfections harshly, particularly uncomfortable over UK potholes and rough roads; worsens with larger wheel sizes
- Build quality inconsistencies including panel gaps, door/boot misalignment, soft paint prone to stone chips, and varying quality between individual cars
- Autopilot system has documented reliability issues including phantom braking, unreliable high-beam assist, and occasionally dangerous steering corrections
Owner tips
- Prioritize Chinese-built models from 2021 onwards (VIN starting LRW, 71 plates) over US-made Fremont cars for noticeably superior build quality and features like heat pumps
- Use 18-inch wheels with softer sidewall tires for better ride comfort on UK roads; avoid 20-inch Performance wheels which bend easily and worsen harshness
Tesla Model Y
RWD
Owners love
- Spacious interior with generous cargo capacity makes it practical for families, easily accommodating five passengers plus luggage
- Low running costs versus petrol and diesel, especially with home charging
- Outstanding Supercharger network makes long-distance travel effortless and enables trip planning comparable to petrol cars
Watch out for
- Depreciation concerns affect both purchase values and PCP lease terms as rapid model iterations reduce resale viability
- Autopilot struggles reliably with small roads, parked cars, junctions, and speed limit changes despite heavy marketing
- Harsh suspension ride remains problematic for some owners, though newer generation improvements are noticeable
Owner tips
- Consider a nearly new or pre-facelift car over new to limit depreciation
- Choose LFP battery models if available to avoid strict battery charging discipline and benefit from greater longevity
Buying options
Get a quote
Tesla Model 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model Y
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Tesla Model 3
- £48,4952020EVHEROView
- £31,9952021EVHEROView
- £20,8872022Car360View
Tesla Model Y
- £38,1212025Car360View
- £43,4442025Castle EVView
Frequently asked questions
What are the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 312 miles for the Tesla Model 3 and 251 miles for the Tesla Model Y - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Tesla Model 3 goes roughly 61 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Tesla Model 3 or the Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model 3 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 131 mm narrower than the Tesla Model Y. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 550 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model 3 and about 419 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model 3 also turns in a 0.5 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Tesla Model 3 or the Tesla Model Y?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 85% battery health for the Tesla Model 3 and 90% for the Tesla Model Y. That gives the Tesla Model Y a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Tesla Model Y's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Tesla Model 3'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 Tesla Model 3 comparisons
More Tesla Model Y 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 Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y rank among the best family EVsWhere the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y rank among long-range EVsWhere the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y rank among the best city EVsWhere the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y 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.
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 .