Should i upgrade from Model 3 to Model Y

Safety is at the core of our design and engineering decisions. In 2021, we began our transition to Tesla Vision by removing radar from Model 3 and Model Y, followed by Model S and Model X in 2022. Today, in most regions around the globe, these vehicles now rely on Tesla Vision, our camera-based Autopilot system.

Since launch, we have continued to make incremental improvements in both feature parity and safety. Compared to radar-equipped vehicles, Model 3 and Model Y with Tesla Vision have either maintained or improved their active safety ratings in the US and Europe, and perform better in pedestrian automatic emergency braking (AEB) intervention.

Today, we are taking the next step in Tesla Vision by removing ultrasonic sensors (USS) from Model 3 and Model Y. We will continue this rollout with Model 3 and Model Y, globally, over the next few months, followed by Model S and Model X in 2023.

Along with the removal of USS, we have simultaneously launched our vision-based occupancy network – currently used in Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta – to replace the inputs generated by USS. With today’s software, this approach gives Autopilot high-definition spatial positioning, longer range visibility and ability to identify and differentiate between objects. As with many Tesla features, our occupancy network will continue to improve rapidly over time.

For a short period of time during this transition, Tesla Vision vehicles that are not equipped with USS will be delivered with some features temporarily limited or inactive, including:

If you're in the market for an electric car, there's a good chance you're eyeing the Tesla Model 3 and/or Model Y. If you're not considering either of these cars, there are many folks that would encourage you to put both on your list, as they're two of the most popular EVs on the market today, and arguably, for good reason. How can you decide between these two compelling Tesla models?

How about a detailed Model 3 versus Model Y buyer's guide? Seeing these cars side by side should certainly help you decide which may be best for you.

For folks whose EV purchase comes down to their budget, the decision between these two Tesla cars may be simple. The Model 3 is much less expensive than the Model Y, mostly because the Model 3 is available in the Standard Range Plus configuration. The Model 3 SR+ carries a starting price of around $40,000. It's a single motor rear-wheel-drive vehicle with 262 miles of EPA-estimated range.

The Model Y was briefly available in Standard Range form, and it seems there are plans for a cheaper model to return in the future. However, for now, the least expensive version is the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Long Range, which starts at around $54,000. It's much roomier than the Model 3, and it has 100 additional miles of EPA range (326 miles). Aside from a few key details, the Model 3 and Model Y are essentially the same car. So, the real question here is whether the Model Y is worth the extra $14,000.

As with any of these comparisons, the final decision comes down to your budget and priorities. If you need a relatively inexpensive, sporty, and capable EV, the Model 3 is a solid option. If you need a more family-friendly vehicle with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, as well as an optional child-sized third row, the Model Y is the better option.

Check out Cleanerwatt's in-depth side-by-side comparison of the Model 3 and Model Y. Then, let us know which you'd choose, and why? In addition, do you think the Model Y is worth an extra $14,000?

It's all thanks to the fact Tesla offers the feeling of luxury, no matter which of its cars you buy. For Model 3 and Model Y owners, it means an upscale driving atmosphere that doesn't have a six-figure price tag. Granted neither car is as flashy as the Model S or Model X, but you still get a lot of the same features for your money.

Deciding between the two can be a little difficult, though, and whether you want long range, performance, or a luxury-feeling interior, the Model 3 and Model Y have it all. But as similar as both cars are, there are some key differences that will make your job easier — least of all the price. So when it's a case of Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y, which car is right for you?

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Specs

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Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model YHeader Cell - Column 0Tesla Model 3Tesla Model YPriceFrom $46,990From $65,990Range358 miles330 milesCharging250kW250kWTop Speed162 mph155mph0-60mph3.1 seconds3.5 secondsExtra featuresAutopilot, Sentry mode, App control, wireless charger, tinted glass roofAutopilot, Sentry mode, App control, wireless charger, flat folding seats, tinted glass roofTax credit?RWD only, after Jan 1 2023After Jan 1 2023

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Price

The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest car in Tesla’s portfolio, despite all the price increase. It did look like the single-motor Cybertruck might have usurped its position, but with news the electric truck will be more expensive than originally promised the title of "cheapest Tesla" falls back to the RWD Model 3.

The latest price hike means the RWD Tesla Model 3 now starts at $46,990. That's the entry-level model that's pretty bare bones compared to other cars in the Tesla line-up. A high-speed Performance model starts at $62,990, and while a Long Range model used to be available for $57,990 Tesla has suspended orders until an unspecified point in2023.

The Model Y is a little bit more expensive as there's no ‘standard’ model on sale in the U.S. right now. Tesla jumps right in at the Long Range model, which will cost you $65,990. The Performance model costs $69,990. 

It is worth mentioning that the changes to the federal EV tax credit mean some Teslas will become eligible from January 1 2023. The credit will be capped on price, with a $55k limit for cars and $80K limit for trucks and SUVs. This means the standard RWD Model 3 and both Model Ys should enable you to claim up to $7,500 on your taxes.

Both cars currently enjoy a $3,750 discount, with Tesla offering a price cut for anyone that takes delivery within the month of December.

But right now, if you want a Tesla, but want to spend as little as possible, go for the Model 3. The RWD Model 3 $19,000 cheaper than the cheapest Model Y, while the Long Range Model is $8,000 less. That one has the added bonus of offering noticeably more range.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Design and interior

The Tesla Model 3 is a sedan, while the Model Y is a hatchback SUV. Naturally that comes with a few differences in the overall look of the car and what you get on the inside.

Being a sedan means the Model 3 has a much sleeker and sportier profile than the Model Y. It’s closer to the ground, and has a much flatter hood. However, that design comes with some drawbacks, as you’ll only find 15 cubic feet of rear trunk space. 

The Model Y comes with 36 cubic feet, on account of the noticeably larger SUV design. It’s two inches longer and wider than the Model 3, as a whopping seven inches taller. While you can squeeze five people into a Model 3, the Model Y’s spacious iterior means they’re going to be a lot more comfortable on long drives.

You also have the option for a third row in the Model Y, which means you can get seven people in there. The Model Y also has an optional tow hitch, which the Model 3 lacks, though it will cost you an extra $1,000

As for the rest of the design, there isn’t much more to differentiate the two EVs. The dash is nearly identical, and you'll get the same glass roof, 15-inch touchscreen control panel, wireless charger, cup holders, power-adjustable seats and vegan-friendly “softer than leather” interior.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Power

The power you get with the Tesla Model 3 all depends on which version of the car you purchase. All of them pack in two motors, but the cheapest model only comes with rear-wheel drive. Long Range and Performance models come with all wheel drive, and that offers a little bit more oomph.

So the RWD Model 3 will go from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 140mph. Long Range and Performance manage to get to 60mph in a respective 4.2 and 3.1 seconds, and each have top speeds of 145mph and 162mph.

The Model Y isn’t quite as good in this respect. While both models have all wheel drive and beat the standard Model 3, its acceleration and top speed are lower than the equivalent Model 3. Long Range manages 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, while the Performance manages it in 3.5 seconds. Both models have a respective 135mph and 155 mph top speed.

The Model Y is only a fraction of a second slower than Model 3, and chances are you won’t even get close to that top speed on a public road. But for those obsessed with the highest numbers, or who want to take part in some drag racing, the Model 3 has the edge.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Battery and range

Once again the range you can expect is all dependent on which model of car you purchase. And there’s a very obvious correlation with bigger batteries making your car last longer.

If you pick up a RWD Model 3, you can expect to get 272 miles out of the battery. The 2021 Long Range and Performance models offer a larger battery, and come with a respective 358 and 315 miles of range. That difference is something to consider, and it means choosing between range and driving power.

The Tesla Model Y can offer 330 miles with the Long Range model and 303 miles out of the Performance model. That difference in range will be down to the smaller battery, as well as the Model Y’s larger design. That’s the sacrifice you have to make for having room to put more stuff (and people) inside your car.

The Model 3 recharges faster, with Tesla claiming it can regain 175 miles of range in 15 minutes, while the Model Y can only get 162 miles in the same time. Though all variants of the cars can now enjoy the full force of Tesla's V3 250kW Supercharging network

So if you want to maximize range and optimize recharge time, the Model 3 is the car to pick.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Autopilot and other tech 

In terms of special features, both cars have the standard Tesla suite. That includes basic Autopilot, that comes with basic autonomous steering, acceleration and braking, lane assist, collision warnings and blind-spot alarms. 

The “Full Self-Driving package” is also available on both for cars, either as a one time purchase of $15,000, or it can be accessed with Tesla's $199 a month FSD subscription service. Both the Model 3 and Model Y included Tesla's Full Self Driving Computer 3.0 from day one. So you shouldn't have to pay an additional $1,000 to have your computer upgraded, which has happened to owners of some older Model S and Model Xs.

It's worth reminding people that this isn’t complete Level 5 autonomous driving. Instead this lets you navigate on freeways, change lanes automatically, automatically park, a summon option, as well as light and stop sign recognition.

If Full Self Driving is too pricey for you, there's always the Enhanced Autopilot option. Costing $6,000, this version of Autopilot comes with Navigate on Autopilot (for highways), auto-lane change, Autopark, Summon and Smart Summon. However it's not likely to get upgrades as readily as FSD, and isn't eligible to take part in the FSD beta. The feature suite on both cars is identical.

Both cars also come with a sentry mode that monitors the surrounding area when the car is unattended, a glass roof shielded from UV and infra-red light, over the air updates and mobile app support. Inside they have the same 15-inch touchscreen control panel, a wireless charging pad, and “advanced climate control”. 

That last one is Tesla's fancy HVAC control system, which lets you control what air flows where by dragging simulated air flow across a touchscreen — which you can see below.

All car models get complimentary access to Tesla’s Standard Connectivity, which offers simple navigation, for eight years.

If you want data-heavy features, such as live traffic visualizations, satellite-view maps, video and music streaming, you'll need to subscribe to Premium Connectivity. That will cost $10, or $99 a year, a month — no matter which car you have. Neither car supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Tesla Model 3 vs Tesla Model Y: Outlook 

Which Tesla you buy is completely dependent on what you want to get out of your car. The Model 3 easily wins on both range and performance, if you’re only looking at the numbers. But you have to sacrifice interior space as a result.

The Model Y isn’t far behind in terms of both range and power, though the benefit of owning one is that you can fit a lot more stuff inside. You can still hold a lot in the Model 3’s trunk, but you might want to be mindful of its limitations before you try and fill it with Ikea furniture — even with the back seats folded down.

But the reality is that both cars are very similar. The price difference between comparable models isn’t huge, and honestly, both are  going to look very similar to the untrained eye. When it comes down to it, it all just depends on what you need your car for.

Families and other people who can take advantage of the size of an SUV will want the Model Y. If you want a Tesla on the cheap, or you want to maximize the amount of range or power your car has, then the Model 3 is for you. There’s no wrong answer, and you’ll get a pretty similar Tesla experience regardless of choice.

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