2025 · Midsize Sedan
Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry
Long Range RWD vs LE Hybrid FWD - specs, true cost of ownership and safety, side by side.
Lower 5-year cost
Camry
saves ~$8,435
Lower price
Camry
$13,790 less upfront
More cargo
Model 3
+5.9 cu ft
Fewer recalls
Camry
1 vs 3 (NHTSA)
Verdict
The Camry hybrid is so efficient that the Model 3's electricity advantage shrinks to a few hundred dollars a year. With a ~$13,800 lower MSRP, the Camry wins the 5-year cost race comfortably. The Model 3 is the pick for performance and tech, not for savings.
Pick the Model 3 if
- • cheapest cost-per-mile in the class with home charging
- • minimalist tech lovers
Pick the Camry if
- • high-mileage commuters (51 MPG)
- • family sedan duty
Specs side by side
| Spec | Tesla Model 3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42,490 | $28,700better |
| MPG / MPGe combined | 132better | 51 |
| Horsepower | 286 hpbetter | 225 hp |
| Cargo space | 21 cu ftbetter | 15.1 cu ft |
| NHTSA overall rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
Cost of ownership - for your driving
Adjust the numbers to your life. They're saved on this device and applied to every comparison on the site.
With your driving, the Toyota Camry saves about $8,435 over 5 years.
Tesla Model 3
$38,095 over 5 years
Fuel $3,000 · Insurance $11,750 · Maintenance $2,100 · Depreciation $21,245
Toyota Camry
$29,660 over 5 years
Fuel $4,706 · Insurance $9,500 · Maintenance $3,400 · Depreciation $12,054
Insurance, maintenance and depreciation are class averages - see how we calculate. Your quotes may differ.
Who each car is for
Tesla Model 3
Good fit
- ✓ Cheapest cost-per-mile in the class with home charging
- ✓ Minimalist tech lovers
- ✓ Quick yet efficient commuting
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Drivers who want physical buttons
- ✗ Frequent rural long-trippers without charging planning
Toyota Camry
Good fit
- ✓ High-mileage commuters (51 MPG)
- ✓ Family sedan duty
- ✓ Long ownership - hybrid battery warranty is 10yr/150k
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Towing
- ✗ Drivers who dislike CVT-style power delivery
Risks, recalls & what to check
Recall and complaint data is pulled from official NHTSA records for the 2025 model year.
Tesla Model 3
3 recalls · 101 NHTSA complaints filed
- TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated...
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image...
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:FUSES, RELAYS, CONTACTS, AND SHUNTS: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power.
Before you buy
- • Almost all controls live in the touchscreen - test it before committing
- • Insurance and out-of-warranty repairs cost more than a Camry/Accord
- • Resale values have been volatile due to Tesla's own price cuts
Toyota Camry
1 recall · 126 NHTSA complaints filed
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown...
Before you buy
- • 2025 is the first year of the new generation - early-build cars carry more recall risk than a proven design
- • Hybrid battery replacement out of warranty is expensive, though rare before 150k miles
Questions to ask the dealer
Tesla Model 3
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 Model 3 - can you show written proof the recall work has been completed on this VIN?
- Can you provide a battery health report and confirm exactly when the battery warranty started?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
Toyota Camry
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2025 Camry - can you show written proof the recall work has been completed on this VIN?
- How much of the hybrid battery warranty (10 years / 150k miles) remains from the original in-service date?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
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