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When it comes to electric vehicles, there are few EVs as prominent as the Tesla Model 3. Year after year, it has been the most popular choice for drivers looking to see what all the fuss around an EV is about. It certainly makes sense, as the Model 3 is a vehicle that has set the standard for range, usability, and an exemplary user experience.
The same applies to Toyota s Prius Prime, which has been the hybrid of choice for close to two decades. When looking at these industry leaders, which one comes out on top?
If you re in the market for an alternative fuel vehicle, there is a slew of options. As with any major purchase, it bears exploration and careful thought.
Whether you re in the market for an EV, hybrid, or something else, it helps to know what you re seeing. Let s take a closer look at the Tesla Model 3 and the Toyota Prius Prime to see which one is the best choice for your household.
2023 Prius Prime vs Tesla Model 3: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tesla Model 3 | Toyota Prius Prime | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 455 horsepower | 196 horsepower |
| Engine Type | Electric | Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Miles Per Gallon | 112 miles per gallon equivalent | 52 miles per gallon |
| Electric Range | 333 miles | 44 miles |
| Height | 56.8 inches | 56.3 miles |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 70.2 inches |
| Length | 184.8 inches | 181.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 inches | 108.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 15 cubic feet | 23.8 cubic feet |
| Front Headroom | 40.3 inches | 38 inches |
| Rear Headroom | 37.7 inches | 36.4 inches |
Both vehicles are strikingly close dimension-wise. The powertrain and drivetrain are where differences really start to arise.
Tesla Model 3 vs 2023 Prius Prime: What s the Difference?
Both vehicles occupy roughly the same niche, being crossover utility vehicles. But there are some distinct differences, as you might expect, between the two of them which merit some exploration.
Performance
The Model 3 has long been the perfect blend of affordability and performance for EVs, and the 2023 refresh is no different. Users get quite a bit of power on tap for a vehicle of this size, especially when coupled with the all-wheel drive transmission.
The operational range of the vehicle is, likewise, quite impressive, topping out well over 300 miles in testing. EPA estimations placed the range at around 333 miles, so seeing it stay within the same ballpark is great.
You won t be competing in any major racing events, but you ll have plenty of acceleration and power on tap for highway driving. The equivalent fuel efficiency is also exemplary, far surpassing any gasoline-powered car on the market.
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The Prius line of vehicles has been the top dog for fuel efficiency in hybrid vehicles, and the2023 Prius Primemodel is maintaining this standard. Users can expect stellar mileage, hovering around 50 miles per gallon in combined usage.
The electrical range is less than stellar, but the Prius Prime is a gasoline-powered vehicle first and foremost. Performance is somewhat lacking compared to the Model 3, with acceleration being more sluggish.
The difference in the drivetrain is also very prominent, being a cheaper front-wheel drive vehicle. If you re a daily driver, it ll suit your needs just fine, but be aware of its limitations.
Electronics
The electronics suite on board the Tesla Model 3 is something out of a science fiction story. You ll find a host of entertainment features on the central infotainment panel. Games, streaming services, music, you name it, it is there.
The central infotainment panel acts as the overall brain behind the whole operation on the Model 3, and is where you can expect to maintain functions like climate control and shifting. Tesla also provides a digital key for the Model 3 in the event that you find yourself locked out of the vehicle.
It would be nice to see more traditional controls for putting the vehicle into gear, but it is a unique experience nonetheless.
The Toyota Prius Prime has a fairly decent electronics suite on board. A central infotainment panel controls streaming media, navigation, and other standard features. You can expect to see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, on board but don t expect to play your favorite games while waiting at the gas station.
Toyota has packed quite a bit of extra functionality into the infotainment panel, including wireless internet access, among other features. Much like Tesla, the Prius also comes with its own digital key app. That said, there aren t any major complaints about the electronic functionality of the storiedhybrid vehicle.
Safety Features
The Tesla Model 3 comes with AutoPilot, the autonomous driving platform, for navigating on highways. While this isn t the best choice for constant driving, it does make for a smart safety feature. Also on board the Model 3 are standard features like automatic emergency braking.
Adaptive cruise control is present, which is further augmented by 360 degrees of coverage from sensors and cameras alike. There isn t a lane-keep assist, but there is a lane-departure warning system. Tesla does have one of the best safety suites on the market, and the 2023 revision maintains this standard.
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The Toyota Prius Prime is more readily featured when it comes to safety features. While it lacks the in-depth sensor and camera array you ll find on the Tesla Model 3, it makes up for it with some other features. For example, you ll find automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection as default.
The Prius also has automatic high beams, which is a handy feature for those nighttime country drives. Unlike the Model 3, the Prius does have a lane-keep assist in addition to lane-departure warning systems.
Warranty Information
The Tesla Model 3 s warranty coverage isn t exemplary, but is fairly robust for what is on offer. The limited warranty covers up to 50,000 miles, or four years. The powertrain warranty is far more generous at eight years, or 100,000 miles.
Sadly, there s no provision for corrosion protection, which is a common complaint against this particular EV. Complimentary scheduled maintenance isn t provided during the warranty window, either, which is an unfortunate omission.
Toyota swarranty for the 2023 Prius isn t the top in class, but it is decent. You have three years, or 36,000 miles, for the limited warranty coverage. The powertrain is covered for five years, or 60,000 miles. Hybrid components, like the electric drivetrain andmotor, are covered for eight years, or 100,000 miles.
Toyota does cover complimentary maintenance for the first two years, or 25,000 miles. That said, it is a solid offering for the warranty, and well worth considering when choosing between these two vehicles.
2023 Prius Prime vs Tesla Model 3: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Tesla Model 3 has been the most popular EV since its introduction.
- The Tesla Model 3 is more prone to corrosion in saltier climates thanks to the body materials.
- The Tesla Model 3 s AutoPilot system isn t intended for city driving use.
- The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime has less headroom compared to previous years, but better mileage.
- The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime has been the most popular hybrid vehicle for the past 20 years.
- The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is a plugin hybrid vehicle.
2023 Prius Prime vs Tesla Model 3: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
If you re in the market for an EV, it is hard to go wrong with the Tesla Model 3. It s been the gold standard in its price range and vehicular niche for a number of years, and that isn t going to change anytime soon. You get an exemplary range, plenty of power, and a bevy of other great features.
If you re in a city where EV charging infrastructure isn t widely available, the Prius Prime is a solid choice. It is certainly one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. You will be looking at routine maintenance on a regular basis, however, as it is not a true electric vehicle.
Whatever choice you make, be sure to drive before you buy it.