Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the RM49,000 gap is substantial: the Model 3 costs RM149,000 and travels a claimed 534 km from its 62.5-kWh battery, against the Model Y’s RM198,000, 466 km and 60-kWh pack. The SUV answers with 854 litres of boot space versus 594 litres, five doors, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time. Choose the Model 3 for range and price; pay for the Model Y only if its extra space and cabin kit will be used often.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if lower upfront cost and its 534-km claimed range matter more than SUV cargo space.
Pick the Tesla Model Y if you need its 854-litre boot, five-door body and heated and ventilated seating.
Key differences
- Price: Tesla Model 3 RM149,000; Tesla Model Y RM198,000.
- EV range and battery: Tesla Model 3 534 km and 62.5 kWh; Tesla Model Y 466 km and 60 kWh.
- Performance: Tesla Model 3 279 hp and 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds; Tesla Model Y 295 hp and 5.9 seconds.
- Boot space: Tesla Model 3 594 litres; Tesla Model Y 854 litres.
- Dimensions: Tesla Model 3 is 4,720 mm long and 1,441 mm tall; Tesla Model Y is 4,790 mm long and 1,624 mm tall.
- DC charging: Tesla Model 3 170 kW; Tesla Model Y 175 kW.
Model 3
- RM49,000 less to buy.
- Longer 534-km claimed range.
- Smaller 4,720-mm sedan body.
- 594-litre boot trails the Model Y’s 854 litres.
- Front seats are not listed with heating or ventilation, and rear seats are not listed as heated.
- Slower 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time than the Model Y’s 5.9 seconds.
Model Y
- 854-litre boot and five doors.
- Heated and ventilated front seats plus heated rear seats.
- Quicker 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time and 175-kW DC charging.
- RM49,000 more expensive than the Model 3.
- 466-km claimed range is 68 km shorter.
- Its 4,790-mm length and 2,129-mm width are greater than the Model 3’s 4,720 mm and 2,089 mm.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM149,000✓ | RM198,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM280✓ | RM305 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 279 hp | 295 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 420 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 62.5 kWh✓ | 60 kWh |
| EV Range | 534 km✓ | 466 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 170 kW | 175 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Single-ratio Transmission | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Tesla | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.2 seconds | 5.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,720 mm | 4,790 mm |
| Width | 2,089 mm | 2,129 mm |
| Height | 1,441 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Wheelbase | — | 2,891 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,921 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 594 litres | 854 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R18 | 255/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R18 | 255/45R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 EV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Prismata Alloy | 19" Crossflow Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Prismata Alloy | 19" Crossflow Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with LED Lighter |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated & Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-Folding, Heated |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents with Rear Screen |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 Speakers | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 9 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Dual Wireless Qi Chargers | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 80,000 km | 80,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Model 3 & Model Y for sale
Model 3 vs Model Y FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y better?
The Model 3 is the better buy for claimed range and price, delivering 534 km for RM149,000. The Model Y is better for carrying luggage and passengers, with an 854-litre boot, five doors and more seat comfort features.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model Y costs RM198,000, which is RM49,000 more than the RM149,000 Tesla Model 3.
Which Tesla has more boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has 854 litres of boot space, 260 litres more than the Tesla Model 3’s 594 litres.
