2021 Tesla Model 3 vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The Tesla Model 3 is premium but not luxury, and it fits into the electric vehicle market as a tweener.

The closest rival for the Model 3 Performance may be the new Polestar 2, although the Polestar impresses as more of a niche performance car in the way it looks up close.

With prices stretching toward $70,000, nudges base-price territory for the Jaguar I-Pace, which has a luxury-grade interior and superb performance but an interface that’s clumsier.

The Tesla Model Y costs more than the Model 3 but is based on the same underpinnings, offering more height, cargo space, and general versatility without the loss of much range.

The Nissan Leaf Plus and Chevrolet Bolt EV represent far more affordable alternatives that will deliver more than 200 miles of real-world range—but both are thrifty-feeling hatchbacks rather than sedans.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, like the Model Y, is a crossover, but its performance and technology focus—with over-the-air updates—makes it a solid Tesla alternative.