Lexus RX 350 vs. Tesla Model 3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus RX 350 and Tesla Model 3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Lexus RX 350 and the Tesla Model 3.
In comparing the Lexus RX 350's and the Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, the Lexus RX 350 has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lexus RX 350's and the Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 is a better car than the Lexus RX 350.
Pricing: A used 2025 Lexus RX 350 ranges from $50,178 to $62,847 while a used 2025 Tesla Model 3 is priced between $34,489 to $42,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus RX 350 loses 38.9 percent of its value and the Tesla Model 3 loses 57 percent of its value. This means the Lexus RX 350 retains 18.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model 3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus RX 350’s base engine makes 275 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 425 horsepower. The RX 350 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 516 miles. The Model 3 is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 363 miles.This gives the Tesla Model 3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Lexus RX 350 the advantage in maximum range. The RX 350 uses premium unleaded, and the Model 3 uses electricity.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Tesla Model 3 has higher safety ratings than the Lexus RX 350, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.38 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
52529 - 67035
Starting MSRP:
48975
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
75104
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
48975 - 136200
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
42490
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
53363
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
42490 - 64800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
56207
Price Range:
50178 - 62847
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
82207
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
50580 - 145833
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38037
Price Range:
34489 - 42997
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
49176
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
38037 - 60314
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
19058
Depreciation %:
0.38914453
Resale Value $:
29917
Residual Value %:
0.61085547
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.49798776
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.38914453 - 0.60966222
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
24507
Depreciation %:
0.57676273
Resale Value $:
17983
Residual Value %:
0.42323727
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57677703
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57676273 - 0.68367001
Lexus RX 350 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.4 / 10
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus RX 350
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
16.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
13.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
9.7 - 16.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.335
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model 3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6058349948310648
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
1.4 - 15.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
167.42938742975846
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.4 - 167.4
Lexus RX 350 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 27Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
21 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 64Ranking
24 out of / 27Ranking
27 out of / 27Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
34 out of / 68Ranking
34 out of / 68Ranking
36 out of / 68Ranking
41 out of / 68Ranking
41 out of / 68Ranking
65 out of / 68Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 30Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Lexus RX 350 Trim Levels
Base, F SPORT Design, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Premium, Premium+
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.38 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
317 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
425 hp
Torque:
475 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.105 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 516 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
127 / 127 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
363 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
82 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
11.7 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
46.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Cargo Space:
24.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 lbs
Width:
75.6 inches
Height:
67.3 inches
Length:
192.5 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4030 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
185.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Caviar
Blue
Nightfall Mica
Gray
Cloudburst Gray
Green
Nori Green Pearl
Red
Matador Red Mica
Silver
Iridium
White
Eminent White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Green
Not available
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Black Cascade Trim
Brown
Palamino w/ Black Cascade Trim
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
White
Black and White