Tesla Model 3 vs. Audi e-tron
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and Audi e-tron 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 Tesla Model 3 and the Audi e-tron.
In comparing the Tesla Model 3's and the Audi e-tron's specifications and ratings, 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 resale value. The Audi e-tron has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model 3's and the Audi e-tron's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2023 Tesla Model 3 ranges from $25,605 to $41,197 while a used 2023 Audi e-tron is priced between $43,997 to $66,701.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model 3 loses 46.7 percent of its value and the Audi e-tron loses 65.1 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model 3 retains 18.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi e-tron.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model 3’s base engine makes 271 horsepower, and the Audi e-tron base engine makes 402 horsepower. The Model 3 is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 272 miles. The e-tron is rated to deliver an average of 78 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 226 miles. This gives the Tesla Model 3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi e-tron. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Model 3 is 10.4 hours (240V), while the charge time for the e-tron is 10 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison: The Audi e-tron, a electric SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Tesla Model 3, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Tesla Model 3 and the Audi e-tron have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$40,240
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$46,880
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$40,240 - $52,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$70,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$57,286
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$37,499 - $71,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,092
Price Range:
$25,605 - $41,197
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$42,526
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$31,092 - $51,416
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
639
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
24,765
# Good or Great Deals:
327
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,818
Price Range:
$43,997 - $66,701
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$49,986
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$40,767 - $58,276
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
19
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
19,516
# Good or Great Deals:
6
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$47,261
Depreciation %:
66.8%
Resale Value $:
$23,539
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
66.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
62.6% - 66.8%
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Audi e-tron Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi e-tron
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:
293.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
25.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
2.2 - 293.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 592.6
Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 15Audi e-tron Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
7 out of / 44Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 27Ranking
21 out of / 44Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
26 out of / 44Ranking
29 out of / 44Ranking
30 out of / 44Ranking
34 out of / 44Ranking
36 out of / 44Ranking
37 out of / 44Summary Review
The Tesla Model 3 is widely regarded as the best electric sedan in the world. The Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in the US market by a wide margin. This compact/midsize sedan offers a thrilling driving experience and advanced technology.
Summary Review
The Audi e-tron is a roomy two-row crossover. Like all Audis, this EV is upscale and offers the satisfying driving experience that European premium vehicle owners expect.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent range
- AWD available
- Attractive styling
- Amazing performance with Performance trim
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Pricier than its reputation (mid-$50Ks is the typical price point)
- No spare tire on any trim
- Interior design and materials don’t match premium pricing
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 4,000-pound towing capacity
- Lower than segment average range
- Priced above many similar offerings
- Low volume availability
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Base, Long Range, Performance
Audi e-tron Trim Levels
quattro Chronos, quattro Premium, quattro Premium Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 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:
5 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:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
271 hp
Torque:
310 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
402 hp
Torque:
490 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
127 / 126 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
272 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10.4 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
MPGe:
78 / 79 / 79
Range (city/hwy):
226 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
95 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Air Suspension:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
56.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3862 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5765 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
65.5 inches
Length:
193 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R20
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Galaxy Blue Metallic / Navarra Blue Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic / Typhoon Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
White
Not available
Beige
Pearl Beige w/ Agate Gray Stitching
Brown
Okapi Brown
