Tesla has been the automotive world’s most disruptive force this century. Most car startups fail. However, Tesla has become a global sales phenomenon. The brand delivered more than 1.8 million vehicles globally in 2023 and achieved more than four percent of the U.S. market share. The stock market currently values Tesla (as of this writing) higher than Toyota, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Ford and General Motors—combined.
Remarkably, Tesla’s success hasn’t come with new products per se. The brand’s S-3-X-Y lineup has remained static for a while. The Cybertruck is the first new and distinctive Tesla to debut this decade; fans still wait for bated breath for the new roadster and $25,000 Model 2. And Teslas can be challenging to tell apart.
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One could argue that the Model X crossover, Model 3 sedan, and Model Y crossover are — at least aesthetically when there aren’t shared platforms and componentry — riffs on Tesla’s initial modern EV, the Model S sedan. Tesla offers the cars in mostly the same few color options. The interiors are unadorned and minimalist, with most functions relegated to a large touchscreen. It’s easy for just about anyone to spot a Tesla. But it can be hard for even a seasoned car person to ascertain which one at first glance.
Despite the similarities, there are also crucial differences between Teslas, which can range from spartan entry-level EVs to high-performance electric supercars.
PURCHASE COST
Model 3 — Starts at $38,990 and tops out at $54,990 across four trim levels: Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive, Performance All-Wheel Drive
Model Y — Starts at $44,990 and tops out at $51,490 across three trim levels: Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive, Performance All-Wheel Drive
Model S — Starts at $72,990 and tops out at $87,990 across two trim levels: All-Wheel Drive and Plaid
Model X — Starts at $77,990 and tops out at $92,990 across two trim levels: All-Wheel Drive and Plaid
Cybertruck — Starts at $60,990 and tops out at $99,990 across two trim levels: Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive and Cyberbeast.
RANGE
Model 3 — 272 miles (Rear-Wheel Drive) to 363 miles (Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive)
Model Y — 279 miles (Performance All-Wheel Drive) to 320 miles (Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive)
Model S — 359 miles (Plaid) to 402 miles (All-Wheel Drive)
Model X — 326 miles (Plaid) to 335 miles (All-Wheel Drive)
Cybertruck — 250 miles (Rear-Wheel Drive) to 340 miles (All-Wheel Drive)
PERFORMANCE
Model 3 — Fastest 0-60 mph acceleration: 2.9 seconds. Top Speed: 163 mph. (Performance All-Wheel Drive)
Model Y — Fastest 0-60 mph acceleration: 3.5 seconds. Top Speed: 155 mph (Performance All-Wheel Drive)
Model S — Fastest 0-60 mph acceleration: 1.99 seconds. Top Speed: 200 mph (Plaid)
Model X — Fastest 0-60 mph acceleration: 2.5 seconds. Top Speed: 149 mph (Plaid)
Cybertruck — Fastest 0-60 mph acceleration: 2.6 seconds. Top Speed: 130 mph (Cyberbeast)
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Model 3 — Length (187 in), Width (73 in), Height (57 in)
Model Y — Length (187 in), Width (76 in), Height (64 in)
Model S — Length (198 in), Width (78 in), Height (56 in)
Model X — Length (198 in), Width (79 in), Height (66 in)
Cybertruck — Length (224 in), Width (80 in), Height (69 in)
Photo by:
InsideEVs
Tesla Cybertruck Founders Edition
CARGO SPACE
Model 3 — Maximum of 24.1 cubic feet (trunk and frunk)
Model Y — Maximum of 76.2 cubic feet (second-row seats folded and frunk)
Model S — Maximum of 64.6 cubic feet (second-row seats folded and frunk)
Model X — Maximum of 92.3 cubic feet (third-row seats folded, second-row seats in max cargo position and frunk)
Cybertruck — Maximum of 102.9 cubic feet (front trunk and two passengers)
MAJOR DIFFERENCES
— Versions of the Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Model X are eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit. Model S and Cybertruck vehicles are not
— Model X and Model Y crossovers can offer three rows of seating. Other Teslas do not.
— The Model 3 and Model Y have 15-inch touchscreen displays. The Model S and Model X use a 17-inch one. The Cybetruck has the largest display at 18.5 inches.
— Model S and Model X Teslas feature a black bar across the rear. Other Teslas do not.
— Model S and Model X offer the steering “yoke.” Other Teslas use a wheel.
— The Tesla Model X uses rear vertically opening “Falcon Wing” doors. Other Teslas have conventional rear doors.
— The Model X features seven cameras, while other Teslas use eight
— The Cybertruck does not yet offer access to Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” software (though it is coming with a TBA software update).
BASIC SIMILARITIES
— All Teslas that are painted (Cybertruck excluded) are offered in Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Deep Blue Metallic, Solid Black and Ultra Red. The Model S and Model X offer an additional Lunar Silver option
— All Tesla models have a charge port on the left side of the car (driver’s side) behind the rear door.
— All Tesla models offer some variation of a panoramic glass roof
— No Tesla model offers Apple Carplay or Android Auto compatibility
— No Tesla offers free lifetime Supercharging, though Tesla periodically offers limited free Supercharging as a buyer and trade-in incentive.
