It’s time to finally accept the reality that the Tesla Model 3 is an affordable vehicle. Yes, I understand that when most drivers hear the word “Tesla,” their minds are stuck in 2012, when the signature Model S started at more than $90,000, but the electric vehicle landscape has been very different for 10 years. after.
Entry-level Teslas are on the more affordable end, and with the base Model 3 starting under $40,000 MSRP with a tax credit starting in May 2023, it’s hard to deny that a less expensive Tesla Model 3 is an excellent choice for those drivers who have the means to keep a load conveniently. More savings can be found with the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Long Range models, which are eligible for a $7,500 tax credit. If you need a little more convincing, here are three vehicles that make the Tesla Model 3 look affordable by comparison.
The Toyota Crown is slightly larger and not fully electric
The Toyota Crown took the automotive world by surprise when a US launch was announced for this model that is normally only available overseas. The Crown offers intense styling and a dramatic styling change for Toyota, a typically conservative management company. The Crown offers solid technology with a large touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and fantastic fuel economy for the base hybrid model, achieving an estimated 42 mpg city and 41 mpg hwy.
Despite the Toyota Crown’s larger size, it’s hard to ignore that the Crown remains a traditional fuel-guzzling hybrid vehicle. While the fuel economy numbers are solid, regular oil changes and other internal combustion engine maintenance expenses will add up over time. Combine that with the fact that the Toyota Crown starts at $39,950 MSRP, according to Toyota, and you’re paying thousands more for a Toyota than a Tesla, which has far more tech features and lower maintenance costs.
The Nissan Maxima has a higher MSRP than the Tesla Model 3
Yes, the Nissan Maxima has a more expensive starting MSRP than the Tesla Model 3 after tax incentives. The base Nissan Maxima starts at $38,340 MSRP and comes with a standard list of solid safety features and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. With this V6 engine comes fuel economy numbers below 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, according to Nissan.
While this V6 produces 300 hp, which is slightly better than the 283 hp offered by the standard Tesla Model 3, the Model 3 offers more torque and isn’t stuck with a clunky CVT transmission like the Maxima. The Nissan Maxima offers a luxury car interior space, but the technological offering leaves a lot to be desired. With a small standard 8-inch touchscreen found in the Nissan Maxima, the Tesla Model 3 performs and impresses on every level for a cheaper price and lower cost of ownership.
The Subaru Legacy Touring XT is a surprise entry
Subaru’s lineup is full of solid SUV offerings, including the long-awaited facelifted Crosstrek. If you visit a Subaru dealership today, you might miss the Subaru Legacy, a sedan built on the Outback platform. An anemic 182-hp engine is standard, with a 260-hp turbo four-cylinder available on the Touring XT model. All-wheel drive is standard, but that’s where the good news ends.
The Subaru Legacy Touring XT offers a good amount of cabin space, and leather is standard on the Touring XT model, but the tech offerings found in the Legacy are still far below those in the Model 3. Even worse it’s fuel economy with the turbocharged four-cylinder model getting about 27 mpg combined. For anemic power, a small number of tech features, and a price (around $38,000) higher than the base Model 3, it’s hard to calculate how much you’re getting with a Subaru Legacy XT over a Tesla Model 3.
