Tesla offers two all-electric sports sedan models: the Model 3 and the Model S. What are their differences? Find out in this 2022 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2022 Model S head-to-head comparison. 

2022 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2022 Model S: What are the differences?

In this 2022 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2022 Tesla Model S comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes horsepower output, acceleration, top speed, driving range, charging, efficiency, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Model 3 vs. Model S: Horsepower output, acceleration, and top speed

Buyers of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 have a choice of a single-motor rear-wheel drive system for the Base trim or a dual-motor all-wheel drive system for the Long Range and Performance trims: Here are the specs for the electric motor output, 0-60 mph acceleration time, and top speed for each of the Model 3 trims:

• Base trim: 283 hp, 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, and a top speed of 140 mph
• Long Range trim: 449 hp, 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 145 mph
• Performance trim: 480 hp, 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 162 mph

In comparison, the 2022 Model S offers a choice of a dual-motor all-wheel drive system for the Base trim or a tri-motor all-wheel drive system for the Model S Plaid trim. Here are the specs for the electric motor ouput, 0-60 mph acceleration time, and top speed for each of the Model S trims:

• Base trim: 670 hp, 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph
• Plaid trim: 1,020 hp, 0-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds, and a top speed of 200 mph

While the Model S boasts better performance specs than the Model 3, with its smaller size, the Model 3 is more maneuverable. It has a turning radius of 19.4 feet, compared to 20.2 feet for the Model S. 

Model 3 vs. Model S: Driving range and charging

What has a higher driving range: the 2022 Model 3 or 2022 Model S? Here is the estimated driving range for each Model 3 trim. For each trim, the variance in the range is due to the wheel options that you can select:

• Base trim: 267-272 miles
• Long Range trim: 334-358 miles
• Performance trim: 315 miles

Here is the estimated driving range for each Model S trim:

• Base trim: 377-405 miles
• Plaid trim: 348-396 miles

Both Tesla electric vehicles have fast-charging capabilities. Tesla offers a vast system of fast-charging stations with the Supercharger network. 

Model 3 vs. Model S: Efficiency

The Model 3 has the advantage for efficiency. It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 150 city/133 highway MPGe, compared to 124 city/115 MPGe for the Model S.

Model 3 vs. Model S: Passenger and cargo space

Despite the Model S being a bigger car than the Model 3, the two electric cars provide a similar amount of legroom:

• Model 3: 42.7 inches of front legroom/35.2 inches of rear legroom
• Model S: 42.4 inches of front legroom/35.5 inches of rear legroom

However, the Model S provides considerably more storage space than the Model 3. It has a cargo capacity of 25.0 cu-ft (19.8 cu-ft for the Model 3) with the seats up and 64.6 cu-ft (22.9 cu-ft for the Model 3) with the seats folded down. 

Model 3 vs. Model S: Interior features and technologies

The Model S has the advantage for interior features and technologies. Unlike the Model 3, it offers a HEPA air filtration system. Also, the Model S has a larger center touchscreen (17.0 vs. 15.0 inches) and offers more speakers for its sound system (22 vs. 13).

Model 3 vs. Model S: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, the Model 3 has the backing of a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Model S has a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year/unlimited-mile powertrain warranty.

However, the Model 3 is more reliable than the Model S. It earned a Consumer Reports predicted reliability rating of 3/5, compared to 1/5 for the Model S

Model 3 vs. Model S: Price

Which Tesla electric vehicle costs more: the 2022 Model 3 or the 2022 Model S? The starting prices for the 2022 Model 3 are $46,990 for the Base trim, $55,990 for the Long Range trim, and $62,990 for the Performance trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Model S are $94,490 for the Base trim and $130,490 for the Plaid trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the rising inflation costs.

2022 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2022 Tesla Model S: Which Tesla electric car is better?

In this 2022 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2022 Tesla Model S comparison, each Tesla electric vehicle has different advantages. For the 2022 Model 3, advantages include maneuverability, efficiency, reliability, and a lower price. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Model S include horsepower output, acceleration, top speed, driving range, cargo space, interior features and technologies, and an unlimited-mile powertrain warranty.