Verdict
At RM149,000, the Tesla Model 3 undercuts the RM221,800 Camry by RM72,800 while bringing 279 hp, 420 Nm and a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time. Its 62.5-kWh battery is rated for 534 km, and annual road tax is RM280 versus RM867. The Camry counters with a longer 4,920-mm body, 360-degree camera, head-up display and more accommodating front-seat adjustment. For a Malaysian buyer able to charge an EV, the Tesla’s price, pace and 594-litre boot are hard to ignore; the Toyota suits those who prioritise its cabin aids and petrol operation.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you can charge at home or work and want to save RM72,800 for quicker 6.2-second performance, a 534-km EV range and a larger 594-litre boot.
Pick the Toyota Camry if you want a petrol sedan with a 360-degree camera, head-up display, front parking sensors and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Key differences
- Price: Tesla Model 3 RM149,000; Toyota Camry RM221,800.
- 0-100 km/h: Tesla Model 3 6.2 seconds; Toyota Camry 8.9 seconds.
- Annual road tax: Tesla Model 3 RM280; Toyota Camry RM867.
- Boot space: Tesla Model 3 594 litres; Toyota Camry 524 litres.
- Length: Tesla Model 3 4,720 mm; Toyota Camry 4,920 mm.
- Warranty: Tesla Model 3 four years/80,000 km; Toyota Camry five years/unlimited mileage.
Model 3
- RM72,800 cheaper to buy.
- 279 hp and 420 Nm; 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
- 62.5-kWh battery, 534-km range and 594-litre boot.
- No front or rear parking sensors, where the Camry has four at each end.
- No 360-degree camera or head-up display.
- Four-year/80,000-km vehicle warranty is shorter than the Camry’s five-year unlimited-mileage cover.
Camry
- 360-degree camera, head-up display and front/rear parking sensors.
- Driver memory seat and four-way passenger ottoman.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Costs RM72,800 more than the Model 3.
- Its 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time trails the Tesla’s 6.2 seconds.
- 524-litre boot is 70 litres smaller, and annual road tax is RM587 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM149,000✓ | RM221,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM280✓ | RM867 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with dual variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 201 hp at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | — | 246 Nm at 4,200 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 87.5 mm × 103.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 279 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 420 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 62.5 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 534 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 170 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Single-ratio Transmission | Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Tesla | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.2 seconds✓ | 8.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 210 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,720 mm | 4,920 mm |
| Width | 2,089 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,441 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | — | 2,825 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,565 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 594 litres✓ | 524 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R18 | Space Saver |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 18" Prismata Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Prismata Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| 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 Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| 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 for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Power Adjustable 4-way Ottoman Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | Fixed Rear Seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Manual Rear Sun Shades |
| Audio | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 Speakers | 12.3" Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 9-speaker JBL Sound System |
| 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 Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Dual Wireless Qi Chargers | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 80,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 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 & Camry for sale
Model 3 vs Camry FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Toyota Camry better?
The Tesla Model 3 is the better buy if EV charging suits your routine: it costs RM72,800 less, reaches 100 km/h 2.7 seconds sooner and has a 70-litre larger boot. Choose the Camry for its 360-degree camera, head-up display and unlimited-mileage warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 costs RM149,000 and the Toyota Camry costs RM221,800, so the Camry is RM72,800 more expensive.
How do their driving ranges and refuelling systems differ?
The Model 3 uses a 62.5-kWh battery with a claimed 534-km EV range, plus 11-kW AC and 170-kW DC charging. The Camry uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine and carries 60 litres of fuel.
