Tesla Model 3 vs the field
Every head-to-head WhichTrim has scored for the Model 3: 31 comparisons against 15 rivals across the 2023–2027 model years, each on price, fuel, safety, space, performance, tech and warranty from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data — the weights yours to change on any of them.
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By rival
15 rivals · verdicts at default weightsToyota CamryModel 3 leads 2–0
Honda Civiclevel 1–1
Hyundai Elantralevel 1–1
Nissan SentraModel 3 leads 2–1
Nissan Altimalevel 1–1
Hyundai Ioniq 6level 1–1
Kia K4Model 3 leads 2–1
Polestar 22 leads 1–0
BMW 3 SeriesModel 3 leads 1–0
Lexus ESlevel 1–1
Porsche TaycanModel 3 leads 1–0
Toyota Prius PrimeModel 3 leads 2–0
Toyota CrownModel 3 leads 2–0
Mazda Mazda3level 1–1
BMW 5 SeriesModel 3 leads 1–0
Clear win 6+ points · Edge 2–6 · Toss-up under 2. Open any pair for the scorecard, the biggest gaps in words and the sliders.
Where the Model 3 wins and loses
31 scored head-to-headsThe Model 3 leads on fuel & range in 29 of 29, warranty in 2 of 2; it trails on tech & comfort in 9 of 11, safety in 22 of 31, price in 7 of 11. Category scores are 0–100 from the data on each pair page; a lead here means the Model 3 scored higher in that category, whatever the weights.
| Category | Model 3 leads | Trails | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 4 of 11 | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel & range | 29 of 29 | 0 | 0 |
| Safety | 3 of 31 | 22 | 6 |
| Space & cargo | 10 of 24 | 0 | 14 |
| Tech & comfort | 2 of 11 | 9 | 0 |
| Warranty | 2 of 2 | 0 | 0 |
Common questions about the Tesla Model 3 head-to-heads
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the Tesla Model 3 or the Toyota Camry?
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 83.5 to 77.4, on fuel & range, warranty, space & cargo. The Toyota Camry is ahead on tech & comfort and price. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Tesla Model 3 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Tesla Model 3 vs 2026 Toyota Camry). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Tesla Model 3 or the Honda Civic?
The Honda Civic edges it, 83.9 to 78.7, on price, tech & comfort, safety. The Tesla Model 3 is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.4 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Honda Civic comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Honda Civic vs 2026 Tesla Model 3). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Tesla Model 3 or the Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra wins clearly, 81 to 72.9, on price, tech & comfort, safety. The Tesla Model 3 is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Hyundai Elantra comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Tesla Model 3 vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Tesla Model 3 or the Nissan Sentra?
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 100 to 71.1, on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Tesla Model 3 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2027 Tesla Model 3 vs 2027 Nissan Sentra). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Tesla Model 3 or the Nissan Altima?
The Nissan Altima wins clearly, 82.7 to 74, on safety, tech & comfort, price. The Tesla Model 3 is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.9 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Nissan Altima comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Tesla Model 3). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Where does the Tesla Model 3 win and lose against its rivals?
The Model 3 leads on fuel & range in 29 of 29, warranty in 2 of 2; it trails on tech & comfort in 9 of 11, safety in 22 of 31, price in 7 of 11. Every count comes from the category scores on the pair pages linked above, which use EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press-kit data.
How does WhichTrim decide which vehicle wins?
Each of seven categories — price, fuel and range, safety, space and cargo, performance, tech and comfort, warranty — is scored 0–100 from the data on the page. Relative measures give 100 to the better vehicle and a proportional share to the other; NHTSA stars and the Safety Signal use their own scales. The overall score is the weighted mean at the default weights (price 4, safety 4, fuel 3, tech 3, space 2, performance 2, warranty 2). A margin of 6 points or more is a clear win, 2 to 6 an edge, under 2 a toss-up. Every pair page has sliders to set your own weights.