Which Tesla model should you choose?

Which Tesla model is the best?

Tesla has dominated the world of electric cars thanks to their industry-leading range capabilities and advanced technology. However, the world of all things Tesla can be a daunting one for those looking at their first electric car lease.

Tesla boasts a small but mighty range that includes the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y. All four have devilishly good looks and the fact that the model names are an anagram for the word ‘S3XY’ tells you exactly what Elon Musk thinks of the designs.

However, Tesla decided that the Model S and Model X would no longer be produced in RWD in the UK. So, in this blog we’ll only be talking about the Model 3 and Y.

Tesla constantly updates their models, rather than simply releasing new cars year on year, so you can be forgiven for not always keeping up with the latest updates.

Unlike other car manufacturers, Tesla have only ever produced electric vehicles. Such has been Tesla's stranglehold on the world of electric cars, they have forced other manufacturers to up their game.

Tesla have often been unrivalled, but in recent years we have seen the likes of the BMW i4, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Jaguar I-Pace come to the fore in what is now a very competitive market.

Whether you're interested in personal car leasing or a Tesla business lease, there is a lot to choose from. To help you in your hunt for the best Tesla lease deals, we’ve taken a deep dive into each model and picked out some key features that could help you on your search.

Tesla Model 3

If you’re searching for a Tesla but don’t want something too big, the Model 3 is a great option - it’s the smallest model in their range.

Recently updated, there are now just two variants of the Tesla Model 3 to choose from: the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and the Long Range – an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) dual motor version.

You can enjoy a claimed range of up to 344 miles in the RWD version, but if you opt for the Long Range model, you can expect up to 421 miles of range.

Depending on the variant, you can still get a very competitive 0-60mph times of just 4.2 seconds in the Long Range AWD, thanks to the dual-action all-wheel drive motors. This acceleration time increases to 5.8 seconds in the RWD edition.

In terms of charging, when using one of the global Tesla superchargers, you could add up to 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes, perfect if you’re ever in a rush.

At first glance, the Tesla Model 3 exudes Tesla's signature sleekness and modernity. The compact saloon boasts a minimalist exterior characterised by clean lines and a low profile.

Model 3 drivers benefit from the lowered suspension that allows for improved traction and better handling. And the AWD system sends power to both the rear and the front of the car, allowing greater control and traction in different weather conditions. 

Inside the cabins, Tesla maintains its minimalist approach, emphasising functionality and spaciousness. Both the Tesla Model 3 and Y have a similar interior layout, anchored by a large touchscreen display that controls various vehicle functionalities.

The Model 3 has a long list of safety features, including an Autopilot system that Tesla believe is twice as good as the average human driver. Under your active supervision, this safety feature allows the Tesla Model 3 to steer, accelerate and brake automatically.

If you’re looking for a Tesla Model 3 on business contract hire, the impressive mile range and Supercharge times will be invaluable. By its nature, the Model 3 is designed to be a more affordable route into the Tesla range.

The Model 3 can start from around £39,000 for the Rear-Wheel Drive model and rises up to at least £49,000 for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant.

Car leasing is a great way to get behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3 at an affordable monthly price. Browse our best Tesla Model 3 lease deals or business contract hire offers to find an arrangement that works for you.

Tesla Model Y

The Model Y is another example of Tesla reacting well to the developing market of electric vehicles. Like the Model 3, it is deigned to be a more affordable route into economical driving.

The Tesla Model Y takes a lot of inspiration from the Model 3 and shares roughly 75 per cent of the same components.  

If you’d like to get behind the wheel of a Tesla Model Y, you have three trim levels to choose from: the Rear-Wheel Drive, the All-Wheel Drive Long Range, and the All-Wheel Drive Performance.

With a claimed range of up to 331 miles, the Tesla Model Y Long Range has been designed to get you exactly where you need to be without any issues. You still get an impressive 319 miles on the Performance edition and 283 miles on the RWD.

If you think the Model 3 is a little too small for you but you also don’t want a gigantic car, the Model Y could be one to think about. It is Tesla’s answer to a small SUV, and they’ve designed the Model Y to be functional, but also offer the same levels of performance that you get from a Model 3. 

The Tesla Model Y embodies a slightly bulkier silhouette with a higher ground clearance and a more commanding presence on the road.

Featuring five seats and 854 litres of storage for all the gear that they bring along, you can even fold the rear seats down flat if you’re carrying more cargo than you are passengers increasing boot space to 2,158 litres. 

There’s plenty of head and leg room in both the rear and the front. Technology is plentiful too, so your passengers won’t get bored on those long drives.

Fitted with lots of active safety features, such as Forward Collision Warning, Active Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure, you can have peace of mind knowing the Tesla Model Y can help reduce impact and stop accidents from happening altogether.

Prices for the Tesla Model Y start from £44,990 for the entry-level trim and rise to £59,990 for the top of the range Performance edition.

If you’re looking for a more affordable driving experience, leasing a Tesla Model Y through Carparison allows you to spread that cost with fixed monthly payments and flexible terms. Browse our best Tesla Model Y lease deals or business contract hire offers to find an agreement that works for you.

Which is better: the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y?

Choosing between the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 ultimately comes down to personal preferences. If you value a sleek saloon design with a longer range, the Tesla Model 3 might be your perfect match. But if you need more space and versatility, but no compromise on performance, then the Tesla Model Y is probably the ideal choice.