If you're considering switching to an electric car, looking at the 2023 Tesla Model 3 and the 2023 Tesla Model Y is a logical step. Texas-based Tesla Motors—a company that has not only introduced revolutionary vehicles but has also revolutionized the way automakers sell vehicles—has led the way into the battery-electric age. In a relatively short time, the Model 3 and Model Y have made their way onto the car industry's bestseller list. They are also why Tesla is now the most-purchased luxury brand in the United States.
The comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y is, in family terms, a face-off between fraternal twins. The two electric-vehicle (EV) models are mechanically similar and have similar basic looks inside and out. But at the same time, they are different enough that it wouldn't be right to call them identical twins. The Model 3 is, after all, a sedan, while the Model Y is a crossover SUV. Since Americans favor crossovers these days, you can easily guess which of the two is more popular.
The Tesla Model 3 debuted for the 2017 model year and has maintained its basic styling since then. A spinoff of the Model 3 designed to capitalize on Americans' fondness for crossovers, the Tesla Model Y entered the American market as a 2020 model. It claims crossover status with a much taller roofline and longer overall length than its sibling, plus the availability of a third row of seats. Like the Model 3, the Model Y has mostly stayed the same during its four model years.
Competitors to the Tesla Model 3 include the BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV. Of those, only the i4 is a luxury-brand offering. On the other hand, the battery-electric crossover market has attracted more entrants from both mass-market and luxury brands. Among the logical luxury-brand models to cross-shop are the Audi Q4 E-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Jaguar I-Pace, Genesis Electrified GV70, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Rivian R1S. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Nissan Ariya are mass-market brand offerings with similar capabilities.
While the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are similar, they also demonstrate marked differences. So, if you're open to having either a sedan or a crossover in your driveway, this detailed comparison of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 and the 2023 Tesla Model Y will help you decide.
2022 Tesla Model 3
For 2023, the Tesla Model 3 offers consumers the choice of three sub-models: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Long Range (LR), and Performance. The RWD trim is the least expensive choice. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it offers 272 miles of range on a charge. Tesla says it will scoot from zero-to-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Like the other 2023 Tesla Model 3 trims, the automaker fits the RWD variant with the famed Tesla Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system. The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $43,630, including the destination and order fees.
Not surprisingly, the Model 3 LR ($53,130) has the longest range—358 miles, according to the EPA. (This trim was unavailable for purchase on the Tesla Motors website as this article was published.) The Performance trim features dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and its EPA range estimate is 315 miles on a full charge. According to Tesla's stopwatch, it lives up to its name with a sizzling zero-to-60-mph time of 3.1 seconds. The Performance trim's starting MSRP with the added fees is $54,630. The Model 3 qualifies its buyers for a $7,500 federal tax credit if they meet the income qualifications.
Like the Model 3, the 2023 Tesla Model Y comes in three trims: All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Long Range (LR), and Performance. Compared to the Model 3, the base 2023 Tesla Model Y—the AWD trim—has a significantly higher suggested retail price. Its MSRP is $51,630, including the $1,390 destination and $250 order fees. Its EPA range estimate is 279 miles.
The mid-level LR trim ($54,630) has a larger battery capacity to deliver an EPA-estimated 330 miles of range. The pricier Model Y Performance trim has a quicker zero-to-60-mph time of 3.5 seconds, a 303-mile range, and a suggested retail price of $58,630 with fees. The Tesla Model Y qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit subject to restrictions on the overall purchase price and buyer's income.
Advantage: Tesla Model 3
2022 Tesla Model Y
Neither the Tesla Model 3 nor the Tesla Model Y are officially ranked in the JD Power 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. They are ineligible for awards because Tesla Motors does not allow JD Power access to owner information in the 15 U.S. states where the law requires the automaker's permission.
Both Tesla models took part in the JD Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days. However, neither the Model 3 nor the Model Y are eligible for a JD Power award due to the automaker not providing access to owner information in 15 states.
The Tesla Model 3 ranks second in the Premium Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) segment of the JD Power 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, which examines satisfaction among EV owners.
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Tesla Model Y ranks third among Premium BEVs in the 2023 EVX Ownership Study.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Tesla Model 3
2022 Tesla Model 3
Tesla does not publish horsepower and torque ratings for its models. The base 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD trim employs a single electric motor reliably estimated to deliver 271 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of peak torque. Tesla says it will accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mid-level LR AWD trim uses front and rear electric motors that produce an estimated 425 hp and 475 pound-feet of torque. Tesla says it will accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The EPA estimates range on a full charge at 358 versus 272 for the RWD trim.
The Model 3 Performance also uses front and rear electric motors to produce AWD. Their combined horsepower is estimated to be 455, along with an estimated 487 pound-feet of torque. The car is extremely quick—zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 3.1 seconds—but the range drops to 315 miles.
The Model 3 RWD trim gets an EPA mileage rating of 132 MPGe. The LR AWD trim is EPA-rated at 131 MPGe. In the Performance trim, MPGe drops to 113.
All three currently available 2023 Tesla Model Y variants use dual-motor AWD systems. The crossover employs a less powerful motor on the front axles, while a more potent electric motor drives the rear wheels. The base AWD Model Y will accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in a Tesla-estimated 5.0 seconds.
In the mid-level LR trim, horsepower estimates reach 425 with 475 pound-feet of torque. Tesla quotes a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.8 seconds. The Performance trim uses front and rear electric motors with a combined 455 hp and peak torque of 487 pound-feet. It is one super-hot crossover with a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 3.5 seconds.
The EPA estimates the range for the base model at 279 miles. The quoted range is 303 miles for the Performance model, and the LR trim has an EPA rating of 330 miles. The base Tesla Model Y AWD trim gets a 123-MPGe rating from the EPA. The LR trim has an EPA rating of 122 MPGe, and the Performance trim gets a 111-MPGe rating from the Agency.
Advantage: Tesla Model 3
2022 Tesla Model Y
Tesla has become famous (and perhaps, at times, infamous) for its Autopilot advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard on the 2023 Tesla Model 3, Autopilot enables the car to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane. But that's just the beginning. Tesla Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability introduce additional features, including automatic lane-change and navigation on Autopilot from on-ramp to off-ramp on highways.
The Model 3 also offers optional automatic one-touch parallel and perpendicular parking and the ability to summon the car from your garage or a parking spot to where you are. Tesla equips the Model 3 with the most common ADAS features, e.g., automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, as standard.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2023 Tesla Model 3, but the very similar 2022 Model 3 received the highest-possible 5-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2023 Model 3 its highest rating of Top Safety Pick+ for the 2022 calendar year.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y's standard ADAS package essentially replicates those in the Model 3. The standard Tesla Autopilot system provides adaptive cruise control functions and steers the vehicle within its lane. The optionally available Enhanced Autopilot system has automatic lane-change ability, automatic parking assist, on-ramp to off-ramp self-driving, and the ability to summon your car from its parked location.
Full Self-Driving—available on both Model 3 and Model Y—adds traffic light and stop sign recognition and control. Tesla says the system will add the ability to auto-steer on city streets in a further iteration. Currently, Full Self-Driving is a $15,000 option on the Model 3 and the Model Y.
At the time of writing, the NHTSA has yet to rate the crashworthiness of the 2023 Tesla Model Y. However, the 2022 Model Y—structurally identical to the 2023 model—earned the top overall rating of 5 stars. The 2023 Tesla Model Y received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2023 calendar year.
According to JD Power research, Tesla drivers like the advanced driver-assistance features on their vehicles. Tesla scores highest on the Innovation Index in the JD Power 2022 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study. JD Power included Tesla in the industry calculation for the first time., but the brand does not qualify for an award because Tesla owner survey responses only represent customers living in 35 states (the automaker restricts access to customer data in the other 15 states).
Advantage: Tesla Model 3
2022 Tesla Model 3
Tesla goes its own way in many areas. Nowhere is that more telling than infotainment and technology. Tesla led the charge to giant in-car digital displays when it installed a 15-inch screen in the Model 3 when they introduced the car. That screen performs a vast array of functions, from telling you the vehicle's speed to providing a way to open the glove box. In fact, in the Model 3, Tesla replaces nearly every standard knob and control you'll find in a conventional vehicle with a function in the display.
When it comes to infotainment, throw out everything you thought was normal and prepare for a different reality. The 2023 Tesla Model 3 has standard Bluetooth and USB connectivity, but if you expect SiriusXM (SXM) satellite radio or even AM radio, you won't find it. Smartphone lovers (aren't we all?) also won't find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. But you will find Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and several arcade-like games, with the caveat that you can only use them when the vehicle is parked. This array allows vehicle occupants to pass the time during their lengthy stops at Tesla Superchargers or other charging stations.
Tesla includes standard connectivity for eight years at no cost. Premium connectivity is complimentary for 30 days, then available as a subscription. High data-usage functions might require premium connectivity. Navigation is part of the Model 3's standard connectivity and is free for eight years. But other functions, like live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, video streaming, "Caraoke," music streaming, and the internet browser, require premium connectivity. That's free for the first month and then available as a subscription.
The premium audio system in the Model 3 Performance trim has 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and two amplifiers. You must stream music and podcasts via Bluetooth. The Model 3 has a USB-A port in the glove box and 128 gigabytes of portable storage.
Like its sibling, the 2023 Tesla Model Y has a 15-inch touchscreen mounted centrally on the dash. And not much else. The substantial display is necessary to deliver a lot of information because the Model Y lacks a traditional instrument panel. And as in the Model 3, most interior controls are on the touchscreen.
The Tesla Model Y offers standard connectivity for eight years and premium connectivity in a complimentary 30-day trial. The SUV includes navigation, natural voice recognition, and wireless device charging. The infotainment system is a virtual clone of that in the Model 3, which means no AM radio, SXM, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. But it also means yes to Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and plenty of games. All Model Ys have the same premium audio system as the Model 3 Performance trim.
Advantage: Tesla Model Y
2022 Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model 3 re-invented the auto interior. A conventional vehicle offers occupants an instrument panel in front of the driver, a central infotainment display screen, and an array of buttons and knobs that control heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and the audio system. The center console holds a shift lever, a pair of cupholders, and a bin whose top doubles as an armrest. The Model 3 eliminates the instrument panel, the array of knobs and buttons, and the console-mounted shift lever. Instead, its gear selector is a stalk sticking out of the right side of the steering column. Occupants access everything else through the centrally mounted 15-inch digital display. It might initially seem confusing overkill, but one soon gets used to it.
This new paradigm allows the dash to make a streamlined sweep across the front of the light, airy, and expansive cabin. The floor of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 is flat, and the front bucket seats are well-bolstered and comfortable. The rear seats are not as pleasant, but their backs fold down, allowing access to the substantial 19.8-cubic-foot trunk. Because of this, the Model 3 offers station wagon-like cargo-carrying ability.
From the front seats to the windshield, the 2023 Tesla Model Y has an interior nearly identical to the Model 3. A central display screen containing basic readouts like speed, infotainment, and most common controls dominates the area. The Model Y's front seats are also very much like those in the Model 3. They're comfortable, supportive, and covered in vegan faux leather. The center console offers a deep storage bin with two front and two rear USB charging ports. Under the center armrest, the Model Y has tiered storage and a folding privacy shield to cover phones on the wireless charger. The heavily tinted panoramic roof gives the already expansive interior an extra measure of space and openness.
Though Tesla configures many Model Ys as 5-passenger vehicles, the crossover offers a third-row option to accommodate seven. Each rear seat folds flat independently, enabling versatile combinations of seats and cargo space. The Model Y has 30.2 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row in the 5-passenger versions and 26.6 cubic feet in the 7-passenger models. With seats folded, maximum cargo space is 72.1 cubic feet in the 5-passenger and 67.9 cubic feet in the 7-seat version. The Model Y also has a front trunk ("frunk") that will hold an additional 4.1 cubic feet of cargo.
Advantage: Tesla Model Y
To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on April 14, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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