Volkswagen e-Golf vs. Tesla Model 3
When we compare the Volkswagen e-Golf to the Tesla Model 3, the Volkswagen e-Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen e-Golf versus the Tesla Model 3, the Volkswagen e-Golf is a better car than the Tesla Model 3.
Volkswagen e-Golf vs. Tesla Model 3 Pricing
A used 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf ranges from $19,044 to $26,897 while a used 2019 Tesla Model 3 is priced between $30,699 to $45,499.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Volkswagen e-Golf’s base engine makes 134 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 283 horsepower. The e-Golf is rated to deliver an average of 126 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 125 miles. The Model 3 is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 220 miles. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the e-Golf is 3.7 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Model 3 is 10 hours (240V).
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are electric compact cars, the Volkswagen e-Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Tesla Model 3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$19,044 - $26,897
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
58.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$30,699 - $45,499
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.2%
Volkswagen e-Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen e-Golf Rankings
Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
12 out of / 25Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 25Summary Review
The VW e-Golf was a four-door compact hatchback. The electric version was a derivative of VW's legendary Golf which has been a staple car for commuters worldwide for decades.
Summary 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.
Pros and Cons
- It’s got all the practical design elements of a traditional Golf
- Fun to drive
- Limited used car availability
- Officially canceled (December 2020)
- Early models had less than 100 miles range
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
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Volkswagen e-Golf Trim Levels
SE, SEL Premium
Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Mid Range, Performance, Standard Range, Standard Range Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
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):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
134 hp
Torque:
214 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
283 hp
Torque:
317 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.078 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
MPGe:
126 / 111 / 119
Range (city/hwy):
125 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
35.8 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
3.7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
MPGe:
127 / 124 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
220 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.3 cubic feet
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:
15 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3459 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
168.1 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3624 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum
Tire Size:
235/45R18
