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2021 Tesla Model 3 vs 2021 Toyota Camry

Side-by-side EPA, NHTSA, and recall data. Winners highlighted in green when one car clearly leads.

Quick read
  • 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.
Vehicle comparison: EPA fuel economy, NHTSA safety, recalls
 
Car 1
2021 Tesla Model 3
Car 2
2021 Toyota Camry

Engine & efficiency

CylindersElectric4
DisplacementElectric2.5L
DriveRear-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typeElectricityRegular Gasoline

EPA fuel economy

City MPG15028
Highway MPG13339
Combined MPG14232
Annual fuel cost (EPA)$550$2100
CO2 tailpipe0g/mi279g/mi

NHTSA safety ratings

Overall5/ 55/ 5
Frontal crash5/ 55/ 5
Side crash5/ 55/ 5
Rollover5/ 55/ 5
Stability controlStandardStandard

Recalls, complaints, investigations

Recalls (NHTSA)211
Complaints filed639150
Open investigations130
2021 Tesla Model 3 recalls
  1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
    Tesla, 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.
  2. AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
    Tesla, 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."
  3. SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS
    Tesla, 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.
  4. + 18 more on file at NHTSA.
2021 Toyota Camry recalls
  1. AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

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.

Real listings, four marketplaces

Shop real 2021 Tesla Model 3 listings

These links open a pre-filtered search on each marketplace. Compare prices and inventory in one tab each, then come back. The verdict above tells you what to ask the seller before you commit.

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Real listings, four marketplaces

Shop real 2021 Toyota Camry listings

These links open a pre-filtered search on each marketplace. Compare prices and inventory in one tab each, then come back. The verdict above tells you what to ask the seller before you commit.

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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