Volkswagen e-Golf vs. Tesla Model 3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen e-Golf 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 Volkswagen e-Golf and the Tesla Model 3.
When comparing the Volkswagen e-Golf's and the Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, 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 areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen e-Golf's and the Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf ranges from $14,000 to $22,997 while a used 2019 Tesla Model 3 is priced between $21,509 to $33,416.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen e-Golf loses 47.2 percent of its value and the Tesla Model 3 loses 46.7 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model 3 retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen e-Golf.
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. This gives the Tesla Model 3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen e-Golf. 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: 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: The Tesla Model 3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$32,205
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$29,990 - $36,620
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$40,475
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$36,500 - $44,450
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,209
Price Range:
$14,000 - $22,997
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$16,993
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$15,854 - $18,209
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
46
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,503
# Good or Great Deals:
8
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,354
Price Range:
$21,509 - $33,416
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$23,729
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$20,103 - $27,354
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
663
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
61,452
# Good or Great Deals:
345
Volkswagen e-Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen e-Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
6.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
3.5 - 9.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model 3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
1.2 - 5.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
432.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
218.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
4.3 - 432.6
Volkswagen e-Golf Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
22 out of / 26Tesla 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 / 15Summary 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
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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
134 hp
Torque:
214 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
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:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Atlantic Blue Metallic
Gray
Indium Gray Metallic / Urano Gray
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Not available
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
