2025 Tesla Model 3 vs 2025 Tesla Model Y
Cars comparison: specs, VersusAnything Score, key differences and a clear recommendation.
2025 Tesla Model 3 and 2025 Tesla Model Y are two of the most cross-shopped cars right now, and the gap between them is narrower in some rows and wider in others than the marketing suggests. The refreshed 2025 Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling electric sedan, with up to 363 miles of EPA range on the Long Range RWD and Supercharger access. The 2025 'Juniper' Tesla Model Y is the world's best-selling EV, refreshed with a quieter cabin, new light bar and up to 357 miles of range.
Quick verdict
The scores are effectively level (58 to 55), so this comes down to fit. Tesla Model 3 is the better choice for EV buyers who want range and fast charging in a sedan; Tesla Model Y suits families who want an electric SUV with the biggest charging network.
VersusAnything Score
Scores are calculated from measurable specifications normalised within the cars category and weighted by the factors above. Text-only rows (such as chipset or operating system) are explained but not scored. How the score works.
Side-by-side overview
2025 Tesla Model 3
The refreshed 2025 Tesla Model 3 is the best-selling electric sedan, with up to 363 miles of EPA range on the Long Range RWD and Supercharger access.
Best for EV buyers who want range and fast charging in a sedan
2025 Tesla Model Y
The 2025 'Juniper' Tesla Model Y is the world's best-selling EV, refreshed with a quieter cabin, new light bar and up to 357 miles of range.
Best for families who want an electric SUV with the biggest charging network
Key differences
- Body style: Tesla Model 3 Midsize electric sedan vs Tesla Model Y Compact electric SUV — a preference, not a scored win
- Range per tank/charge: Tesla Model 3 363 miles EPA vs Tesla Model Y 357 miles EPA — a preference, not a scored win
- Cargo volume: Tesla Model 3 21 cu ft (front and rear) vs Tesla Model Y 29 cu ft (76 max) — a preference, not a scored win
- Horsepower: Tesla Model 3 286 hp vs Tesla Model Y 295 hp — Tesla Model Y is better here
- Base MSRP (USD, 2025): Tesla Model 3 $42,490 vs Tesla Model Y $44,990 — Tesla Model 3 is better here
Specification comparison table
| Specification | Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Body style | Midsize electric sedan | Compact electric SUV |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume | 21 cu ft (front and rear) | 29 cu ft (76 max) |
| Base powertrain | Single rear motor, 79 kWh battery (Long Range RWD) | Single rear motor, 79 kWh battery (Long Range RWD) |
| Horsepower | 286 hp | 295 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 s | 5.4 s |
| Combined economy | 132 MPG/MPGe | 125 MPG/MPGe |
| Range per tank/charge | 363 miles EPA | 357 miles EPA |
| Warranty | 4 yr/50k basic, 8 yr/120k battery | 4 yr/50k basic, 8 yr/120k battery |
| Base MSRP (USD, 2025) | $42,490 | $44,990 |
Practicality: Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y Score: Tesla Model 3 32 · Tesla Model Y 32
For body style, Tesla Model 3 uses Midsize electric sedan whereas Tesla Model Y goes with Compact electric SUV. This is a preference rather than a scored win: body style sets ride height, cargo flexibility and how easy the car is to park. Seats is identical at 5.
The two differ on cargo volume (21 cu ft (front and rear) against 29 cu ft (76 max)), and cargo volume decides whether the weekly shop and a pushchair fit.
Performance: Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y Score: Tesla Model 3 79 · Tesla Model Y 85
Base powertrain is identical at Single rear motor, 79 kWh battery (Long Range RWD). The horsepower row goes to Tesla Model Y: 295 hp against 286 hp. More horsepower helps with highway merging and towing.
On 0-60 mph, Tesla Model 3 keeps it to 4.9 s while Tesla Model Y lists 5.4 s. That 0.5 s edge counts since 0-60 time is the simplest measure of real-world acceleration.
Economy: Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y Score: Tesla Model 3 100 · Tesla Model Y 94
Tesla Model 3 offers 132 MPG/MPGe of combined economy while Tesla Model Y stops at 125 MPG/MPGe; the 7 MPG/MPGe gap matters because combined economy drives your yearly fuel or charging bill.
For range per tank/charge, Tesla Model 3 uses 363 miles EPA whereas Tesla Model Y goes with 357 miles EPA. This is a preference rather than a scored win: range decides how often you stop on a road trip.
Value: Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y Score: Tesla Model 3 12 · Tesla Model Y 0
On warranty the two match exactly (4 yr/50k basic, 8 yr/120k battery).
On base MSRP (USD, 2025), Tesla Model 3 keeps it to $42,490 while Tesla Model Y lists $44,990. That $2,500 edge counts since base MSRP is the fairest starting point; regional pricing and incentives vary.
Pros and cons
Tesla Model 3
Pros
- Up to 363 miles EPA range
- Supercharger network
- Minimalist cabin with over-the-air updates
- Better 0-60 mph (4.9 s)
- Better combined economy (132 MPG/MPGe)
- Better base MSRP (USD, 2025) ($42,490)
Cons
- Weaker horsepower (286 hp)
Tesla Model Y
Pros
- World's best-selling EV
- Up to 357 miles EPA range
- Huge 76 cu ft max cargo
- Better 0-60 mph (5.4 s)
- Better combined economy (125 MPG/MPGe)
- Better base MSRP (USD, 2025) ($44,990)
Cons
- Weaker horsepower (295 hp)
Which one should you buy?
Choose 2025 Tesla Model 3 for…
EV buyers who want range and fast charging in a sedan. It stands out for up to 363 miles epa range, supercharger network, minimalist cabin with over-the-air updates.
Choose 2025 Tesla Model Y for…
Families who want an electric SUV with the biggest charging network. It stands out for world's best-selling ev, up to 357 miles epa range, huge 76 cu ft max cargo.
Final verdict
With VersusAnything Scores of 58 and 55, neither car has a meaningful overall lead. Decide on the rows you will feel daily: Tesla Model 3 for EV buyers who want range and fast charging in a sedan, Tesla Model Y for families who want an electric SUV with the biggest charging network. The VersusAnything Score is a transparent starting point, not a command; weight the rows you care about and the right answer for you may differ.
Compare with another car
Frequently asked questions
Is Tesla Model 3 better than Tesla Model Y?
Not overall: they score 58 and 55 on our category weighting, which we treat as level. Tesla Model 3 is the better fit for EV buyers who want range and fast charging in a sedan, and Tesla Model Y for families who want an electric SUV with the biggest charging network.
What is the biggest difference between Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y?
The largest gap is body style: Tesla Model 3 lists Midsize electric sedan while Tesla Model Y lists Compact electric SUV. Body style sets ride height, cargo flexibility and how easy the car is to park.
Which is cheaper, Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y?
Tesla Model 3 is cheaper on base MSRP (USD, 2025): $42,490 against $44,990 for Tesla Model Y. Street prices vary by country and retailer, so check current offers.
Who should choose Tesla Model Y over Tesla Model 3?
Tesla Model Y is the better fit for families who want an electric SUV with the biggest charging network. Its strongest points are world's best-selling ev, up to 357 miles epa range, huge 76 cu ft max cargo.
Sources
- Tesla Model 3: Tesla official site (manufacturer)
- Tesla Model 3: EPA fueleconomy.gov (regulator)
- Tesla Model Y: Tesla official site (manufacturer)
- Tesla Model Y: EPA fueleconomy.gov (regulator)
Specifications last verified: 2026-10-01. Prices are launch or official list prices in US dollars unless stated. See our sources and data policy.