2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD vs 2024 Tesla Model Y RWD
Side-by-side fuel economy ratings, standardized trip fuel requirements, and operating expense comparisons based on official EPA test certifications.
Tesla Model 3 is more fuel efficient: 132 MPGe combined versus 120 MPGe for the Tesla Model Y (+10% efficiency advantage).
Certified EPA Spec Comparison
15,000 mi / year baseline| Specification | Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy | 132 MPGe | 120 MPGe |
| City / Highway Ratings | 140 / 125 MPGe | 128 / 112 MPGe |
| Fuel / Energy Consumed per 100 Miles | 25.5 kWh / 100 mi | 28.1 kWh / 100 mi |
| Estimated Cost Per Mile (EPA Baseline) | $0.04 / mi | $0.04 / mi |
| Annual Fuel Cost Estimate (15k mi) | $550 | $650 |
| Monthly Fuel Budget (15k mi/yr) | $46 / mo | $54 / mo |
| Tailpipe CO2 Emissions | 0 g / mi | 0 g / mi |
| Annual Carbon Output (15k mi) | 0.00 metric tons | 0.00 metric tons |
| Powertrain Fuel Type | EV | EV |
| EPA Source Test ID | #47909 | #48476 |
Standard Distance Fuel Requirements & Trip Costs
Estimated fuel or energy required and trip costs across standardized distances at official EPA baseline rates.
| Distance | Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model Y | Trip Cost Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 miles (Regional trip) | 25.5 kWh ($3.67) | 28.1 kWh ($4.33) | $0.67 savings (Tesla Model 3) |
| 250 miles (Weekend getaway) | 63.8 kWh ($9.17) | 70.2 kWh ($10.83) | $1.67 savings (Tesla Model 3) |
| 500 miles (Full-day interstate) | 127.7 kWh ($18.33) | 140.4 kWh ($21.67) | $3.33 savings (Tesla Model 3) |
| 1,000 miles (Multi-state road trip) | 255.3 kWh ($36.67) | 280.8 kWh ($43.33) | $6.67 savings (Tesla Model 3) |
Powertrain & Fuel Efficiency Analysis
Both the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y are fully electric vehicles. The Tesla Model 3 (132 MPGe) is 10% more energy efficient than the Tesla Model Y (120 MPGe), consuming fewer kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. Because both vehicles charge using electric power, this efficiency edge directly translates to lower electricity costs and faster range recovery during charging.
Compounding Cost Over Time
Projected cumulative fuel expenditure difference across 1, 3, 5, and 10 years of ownership (15,000 miles/yr).
Fuel cost differences compound significantly over standard ownership cycles. At 15,000 miles driven annually, choosing the Tesla Model 3 over the Tesla Model Y saves approximately $300 after 3 years, $500 after 5 years, and $1,000 over a 10-year lifespan. This multi-thousand dollar operating difference can meaningfully offset upfront vehicle purchase price differentials.
Refueling Logistics & Operating Profiles
Both the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y recharge via standard J1772 and NACS fast-charging networks. Because the Tesla Model 3 consumes fewer kilowatt-hours per 100 miles than the Tesla Model Y, it extracts more driving distance from each charging session and minimizes time spent at commercial DC fast charging plazas during interstate road trips.
Carbon Footprint & Environmental Impact
Both the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y produce virtually identical tailpipe emissions at approximately 0.00 metric tons of CO2 annually per 15,000 miles driven (0 g/mi).
Full Vehicle Specifications & Planning Tools
Explore complete certified EPA details, custom fuel calculators, and road trip tools for each model:
Frequently asked questions
The Tesla Model 3 is more fuel efficient, rated at 132 MPGe combined versus 120 MPGe for the Tesla Model Y—a 10% efficiency advantage in certified EPA testing.
Based on EPA methodology assuming 15,000 miles driven annually, choosing the Tesla Model 3 saves approximately $300 over 3 years and $500 over 5 years compared to the Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model 3 consumes approximately 25.5 kWh per 100 miles, while the Tesla Model Y consumes approximately 28.1 kWh per 100 miles.
Both vehicles produce identical tailpipe emissions of 0 grams of CO2 per mile.
Yes. A vehicle with higher MPGe consumes fewer kilowatt-hours per mile, which means it requires less charging time to recover a given amount of driving range when plugged into a Level 2 or DC fast charger.
Not necessarily. Fuel expense is only one component of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Vehicle purchase price, financing interest, insurance premiums, maintenance schedules, and residual resale depreciation all influence long-term ownership costs.