2021 Tesla Model 3 vs 2021 Tesla Model Y
Side-by-side EPA, NHTSA, and recall data. Winners highlighted in green when one car clearly leads.
- Best EPA combined MPG goes to the 2021 Tesla Model 3 at 142 MPG.
- Best highway MPG goes to the 2021 Tesla Model 3 at 133 MPG.
Car 1 2021 Tesla Model 3 | Car 2 2021 Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
Engine & efficiency | ||
| Cylinders | Electric | Electric |
| Displacement | Electric | Electric |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel type | Electricity | Electricity |
EPA fuel economy | ||
| City MPG | 150 | 140 |
| Highway MPG | 133 | 119 |
| Combined MPG | 142 | 129 |
| Annual fuel cost (EPA) | $550 | $600 |
| CO2 tailpipe | 0g/mi | 0g/mi |
NHTSA safety ratings | ||
| Overall | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Frontal crash | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Side crash | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Rollover | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Stability control | Standard | Standard |
Recalls, complaints, investigations | ||
| Recalls (NHTSA) | 21 | 22 |
| Complaints filed | 639 | 1018 |
| Open investigations | 13 | 14 |
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARETesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAINTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERSTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
- + 18 more on file at NHTSA.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARETesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
- SUSPENSIONTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
- SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERSTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
- + 19 more on file at NHTSA.
Sources: US DOT NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov) for safety ratings, recalls, and complaints. US EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov for engine, fuel economy, and emissions data. Both are free public datasets, updated by the federal agencies that own them.
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Shop real 2021 Tesla Model Y listings
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Outbound links may pay MotorJudge a commission via affiliate networks. Prices, availability, and dealer policies live on each marketplace. We do not control their inventory.
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