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Tesla Model 3 Impressions From a Model Y Owner

You don’t have to search long to find opinions from Model 3 owners on the new Model Y. This makes sense. Many Model 3 owners are looking at the Model Y for some extra space. That said, I havenโ€™t seen any Tesla Model 3 impressions from Model Y owners. This is a bit surprising as there certainly are some Model Y owners out there wondering if the extra cost is worth the legroom.

With my Model Y getting some deficiencies addressed I was given a Model 3 loaner. Hereโ€™s my take on Tesla’s best selling vehicle.

My Tesla Experience

Before picking up my Model 3 loaner I realized I had never actually been inside one, let alone driven one. Despite two of my neighbours owning Model 3’s and, optically, every 10th vehicle being one in Vancouver, Iโ€™ve surprisingly never been inside one. Iโ€™ve been in a few Model S’s over the years and test drove the Model Y just before picking mine up, but never have I sat in a Model 3. This made me all that much more curious on my Tesla Model 3 impressions. Was the Model Y worth the extra ~$15,000? Is it really that much bigger? Letโ€™s find out.

Apples and Slightly Bigger Apples

Tesla Model 3 Impressions From a Model Y Owner

After dropping off my Model Y I collected the key card to my loaner, a 2019 Model 3 Standard Range Plus with Full Self Driving. Waling around the car and I could really tell how much of a size difference there is compared to my Model Y. Then I got inside.

Tesla Model 3 Impressions – Interior

By far the biggest takeaway from my Model 3 impressions is just how crammed and low I felt to the ground compared to sitting in my Model Y. Now to be fair before my Model Y I drove an SUV. Before that, a truck. So that said, I am used to a little more height and legroom in my ride. This was one of the main reasons I went with the Model Y.

Still, given that optically the Model 3 and Model Y are similar, I was surprised by just how much difference there is room wise.

Tesla Model 3 Impressions From a Model Y Owner

The other area I really noticed the overall size difference is the storage space. I opened the frunk of the Model 3 to transfer a package from my Model Y and couldnโ€™t help but laugh at what was under the hood.

The small box that was in my Model Y frunk was not even close to fitting in the Model 3. The trunk was a similar surprise, but this shouldn’t be a shock. Overall, the Model Y boasts 68 cubic feet of cargo space versus just 15 cubic feet in the Model 3. That is a huge difference.

Tesla Model 3 Impressions – Exterior

Tesla Model 3 Impressions From a Model Y Owner

Although the Model 3 and Model Y are built off the same parts, the size difference is easy to see when parked side-by-side. For me, this became more evident parking in my stall at home. My Model Y is a tight squeeze. Having this Model 3 loaner felt flat out luxurious with the all the room I had getting in and out of my spot.

Difference in Quality

Another interesting thing about the Model 3 is, despite its identical interior to the Model Y, the 3 felt lower in quality. The door rattled when closing and the cabin felt creaky overall. I also noticed it had an older console lacking a wireless phone charger. That said, this is an older Model 3 and Tesla recently refreshed their lineup. Still, good to know for anyone considering an upgrade, things do get better.

Is the Model 3 a Better Ride?

Tesla Model 3 Impressions From a Model Y Owner

Aside from space and quality, everything else is largely the same. After a few minutes driving the Model 3, I almost forgot I was in a different vehicle. It has the same touchscreen interface, the same regenerative braking, and the same overall experience as driving a Model Y.

One thing I will say is, despite “Chill Mode” being hard configured, the Model 3 certainly feels sportier. It handles better and drives more like a car than my Model Y. The Model Y feels very heavy and drives link a tank, albeit a very fast one. The Model 3 drives like a car and, for those that are into that, possibly more fun to drive.

So What Are My Tesla Model 3 Impressions?

Although the Model 3 is super fun to drive, I have no regrets paying a little more for its bigger brother. The extra storage room is significant and, for me, riding a little higher with a little more room is well worth it. That said, those that are looking for a sportier car and don’t need the extra space, the Model 3 is an incredible car. I mean, it would have to be for every 10th car in town to be one.

Tesla Model 3 Impressions From a Model Y Owner

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