2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Tesla Model 3
The Lexus ES edges it, 87.2 to 83.7, on tech & comfort, safety. The Tesla Model 3 is ahead on price and space & cargo. Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 3.9 and it flips.
2026 Lexus ES
The 2026 Lexus ES is sold in the U.S. as an electric and hybrid midsize sedan with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the ES 350e (19 inch W…
2026 Tesla Model 3
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is sold in the U.S. as an electric midsize sedan with 5 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model 3 Premium RWD, is …
2026 Lexus ES
Slight edgeThe Lexus ES edges it, 87.2 to 83.7, on tech & comfort, safety. The Tesla Model 3 is ahead on price and space & cargo. Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 3.9 and it flips.
| Category · weight | 2026 Lexus ESoverall 87.2 | 2026 Tesla Model 3overall 83.7 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 75.8 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 92.6 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 93.3 | 75.9 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 70.3 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancenot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 45 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 87.2 | 83.7 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Lexus ES: base trim ES 350e Premium FWD · Tesla Model 3: base trim Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 3.9 and the answer flips.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Lexus ES wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 30 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (40 points against 18 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 92).
Where the 2026 Tesla Model 3 answers
- It lists 3 standard driver-assist features against 2.
- It starts $11,805 lower ($36,990 against $48,795 base MSRP).
What they share
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
33 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $48,795 | $36,990 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Engine type (full description) | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (Front) | Electric Motor |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 221 hp | — |
| Torque | 198 lb-ft | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Transmission type | — | Single-Speed |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 5.4 in |
| Overall height | 61.4 in | 56.7 in |
| Overall length | 202 in | 186 in |
| Overall width | 75.6 in | 76.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 116 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 13.3 cu-ft | 24 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 38.3 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 37.8 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.9 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 40.7 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,652 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,608 lbs | 3,759 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,810 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut-type | — |
| Rear suspension type | Multilink | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | EPS | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 340 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 339 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 19 in | — |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Lexus Interface | — |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 36 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 60 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.5 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.9 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
99 features · differences first, then sharedSafety12 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic View Monitor | opt | — |
| 8 exterior cameras | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | std | — |
| Driver Monitor | opt | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Assist | opt | — |
| Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capable | — | std |
| Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | opt | — |
| Lane Change Assist | opt | — |
| Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 | std | — |
| Rear Pedestrian Detection | opt | — |
| Traffic Jam Assist | opt | — |
| Traffic-aware cruise control | — | std |
Infotainment25 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2 wireless phone chargers | — | std |
| 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display | std | — |
| 15.4" First-row touchscreen | — | std |
| 2 front 60W USB-C ports | std | — |
| 2 rear 15W USB-C ports in armrest | opt | — |
| 2 rear 60W USB-C ports | std | — |
| 3 USB-C ports | — | std |
| 7 Speaker audio system | — | std |
| Basic Vehicle Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first | — | std |
| Bluetooth® and USB smartphone connectivity | std | — |
| Drive Connect with Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant and Destination Assist w/ minimum 3-year-trial* | std | — |
| Grok voice assistant | — | std |
| Head-Up Display | opt | — |
| Integrated Streaming w/ Spotify® | std | — |
| Lexus app | std | — |
| Lexus Interface w/ 14.0-inch touchscreen display | std | — |
| Mark Levinson® 17-speaker, 1,800-watt PurePlay Surround Sound Audio System | std | — |
| Over-the-air software updates | — | std |
| Remote Connect* (minimum 3-year trial included) | std | — |
| Safety Connect* (5-year trial included) | std | — |
| Service Connect* (5-year trial included) | std | — |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month trial included) | std | — |
| Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility | std | — |
| Wireless phone charger | std | — |
| Cellular data, Wi-Fi, ultra-wide band and Bluetooth connectivity | std | std |
Convenience4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-free power open on approach | — | std |
| HomeLink® garage door opener | std | — |
| Power trunk w/ kick sensor | std | — |
| SmartAccess | std | — |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-zone climate control with interior air filters, smog sensor and automatic recirculation mode | std | — |
| Multi-zone climate control w/ rear-seat controller | opt | — |
| Particulate and odor filter; First-row touchscreen adjust air vents | — | std |
Seating15 differ · 16 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power-adjustable driver seat w/ memory and 4-way lumbar adjustment | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable driver seat w/ memory and 2-way lumbar adjustment | std | — |
| First-row heated and ventilated seats | std | — |
| Lexus Memory System for driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel | std | — |
| Second-row heated seats | opt | — |
| 10-way power-adjustable driver seat w/ memory and 4-way lumbar adjustment | std | — |
| 2-way power-adjustable driver's side rear passenger seat and 4-way power-adjustable rear passenger seat w/ ottoman and massage function | opt | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat w/ memory | std | — |
| Driver's seat power cushion extender | opt | — |
| First-row power recline | — | std |
| Five-seat interior | — | std |
| Front seat radiant knee heater | std | — |
| Second-row manual-folding seats | — | std |
| Vegan leather with textile inserts | — | std |
| First-row heated seats | std | std |
Interior8 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column | std | — |
| Active noise control | std | — |
| Center console with extended storage | — | std |
| Manual-adjust heated steering wheel | — | std |
| Perforated NuLuxe® interior trim | std | — |
| Perforated semi-aniline leather interior trim | std | — |
| Thematic ambient lighting | std | — |
| Thematic ambient lighting w/ bamboo layering trim | std | — |
| Heated steering wheel | std | std |
Exterior20 differ · 20 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power Moonroof | std | — |
| Heated power-folding outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse | std | — |
| 19-inch alloy wheels | std | — |
| 21-inch alloy wheels | opt | — |
| Acoustic front and side window glass | std | — |
| Auto Easy Door Closer (soft close) | std | — |
| Cornering lamps | std | — |
| Digital latch electronic door handles | std | — |
| Headlamp washer | opt | — |
| Heated power-folding outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse | std | — |
| Heated power-folding outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse | std | — |
| LED headlamps and daytime running lights | std | — |
| LED headlamps w/ auto leveling and daytime running lights | std | — |
| LED headlights; Auto and adaptive high beams | — | std |
| LED taillamps | std | — |
| Manual-folding side-view mirrors | — | std |
| Panoramic glass roof | — | std |
| Rain-sensing windshield wipers | std | — |
| Rear camera washer | std | — |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | opt | — |
Powertrain8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| AC dual-voltage charging cable supporting Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) input | std | — |
| Battery & Drive Unit Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 mi, whichever comes first | — | std |
| Braking regen paddle shifters | std | — |
| CCS to NACS (J1772 to J3400) AC plug adapter | std | — |
| CCS1 to NACS (J1772 combo to J3400) DC plug adapter | std | — |
| Drive Mode Select (ECO, Normal, Sport, Custom) | std | — |
| Drive Modes: Chill, Standard | — | std |
| Supercharging Max 225 kW; Pay Per Use | — | std |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Passive shock absorbers | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPLexus ES
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Tesla Model 3
Top recalls
- high Seats 25V410000 · 48 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $48,795 (base trim) | $36,990 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $48,795 – $60,195 8 trims | $36,990 – $54,990 4 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV, HEV | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | ES 350e (19 inch Wheels) | Model 3 Standard RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 127 | 139 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $600 | $550 |
| EV range | 307 mi | 321 mi |
| Basic warranty | — | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Lexus ES or the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
The Lexus ES edges it, 87.2 to 83.7, on tech & comfort, safety. The Tesla Model 3 is ahead on price and space & cargo. Raise the space & cargo weight from 2 to 3.9 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Lexus ES scores 87.2 and the 2026 Tesla Model 3 83.7. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Lexus ES or the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 starts lower — $36,990 against $48,795, a gap of $11,805 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Lexus ES or the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
2026 Lexus ES: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Tesla Model 3: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 1 recall. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Lexus ES and the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
Where the 2026 Lexus ES wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 30 filed with NHTSA), lists more comfort and tech equipment (40 points against 18 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 92). Where the 2026 Tesla Model 3 answers: it lists 3 standard driver-assist features against 2 and starts $11,805 lower ($36,990 against $48,795 base MSRP). What they share: 5 seats.