The Tesla Model 3 marked a turning point for electric vehicles upon its release in 2017, but the Model Y quickly ascended, becoming a global bestseller by early 2024. Here, we delve into a personal experience of transitioning from a Model 3 to a Model Y, offering a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which Tesla might be the better fit for your needs.
In 2022, just a year into my Model 3 ownership, an accident prompted a vehicle change. A driver ran a red light, leading to a collision. The Model 3 performed admirably, with its emergency braking system and video evidence capture proving invaluable. Thankfully, everyone involved was safe, but the Model 3 was unfortunately totaled.
Facing the need for a new car, the Model Y became the natural successor. Initially, the Model Y was my preferred Tesla, but early production models didn’t quite meet expectations in terms of build quality during my initial test drive. This led me to choose the well-established Model 3.
Explore detailed specifications: Model 3 versus Model Y
With Model Y delivery times stretching several months, I encountered a dilemma. Tesla advised that new vehicles frequently become available due to various reasons, such as customers missing the pickup window for pre-configured orders. For about a week, I regularly contacted Tesla, inquiring about Model Y inventory updates. During one of these calls, I discovered a Model Y Performance available in Stockton, California, a few hours away. Having a temporary car, an old BMW, I was able to travel to Stockton and trade it in for my new Model Y.
The Model Y proved to be a significant upgrade, offering several advantages for my household.
The most noticeable improvement was the expanded cargo capacity. The Model Y transforms the Model 3’s concept into a much more versatile vehicle. While only marginally longer and wider than the Model 3, the Model Y stands taller, offering significantly more cargo space. Specifically, the five-seat Model Y boasts 34.3 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the Model 3’s 22.9 cubic feet. This difference is less pronounced in the seven-seat Model Y configuration.
This enhanced cargo space allowed me to easily transport a folded e-bike and a full-size road bike in the Model Y’s rear, even with additional luggage fitting comfortably in the under-floor compartments and the front trunk, or “frunk.”
Another key upgrade was the ride height and overall comfort. Perhaps age plays a factor, but the lower seating position in sedans had started causing back discomfort. Despite sharing the same seats as the Model 3, the Model Y’s seats are positioned higher, resulting in a more upright posture. This simple change dramatically increased driving comfort, extending my comfortable driving time from an hour to three hours or more without back pain. The trade-off is a feeling of sitting “on” rather than “in” the car, but it’s a worthwhile compromise for the added comfort.
Furthermore, the Model Y’s upgraded Ryzen infotainment chip noticeably enhanced the touchscreen responsiveness and navigation speed. The performance jump from a Long Range Model 3 to a Model Y Performance is also palpable. While the Model Y’s larger cabin does lead to slightly increased road noise compared to the Model 3, it remains a minor issue.
These family-oriented features – spaciousness, higher ride height, and user-friendliness – likely contribute to the Model Y’s popularity and top-selling status within Tesla’s lineup. If you’re considering a new Tesla, experiencing both the Model 3 and Model Y firsthand is highly recommended to determine which model best suits your lifestyle and requirements.
