Leapmotor C10 vs Tesla Model Y
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Leapmotor C10 starts from $43,888 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $58,900. That makes the Leapmotor C10 the more affordable entry point by $15,012.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $48,277 and $64,790 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 8 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Leapmotor C10 and 8 in the Tesla Model Y.
Feature Showdown
The Leapmotor C10 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Leapmotor C10 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and V2L that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Leapmotor C10 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather.
Drivetrain
The Leapmotor C10 uses a Petrol producing 160kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 194kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 28.4kWh (Leapmotor C10) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model Y). DC fast charging peaks at 65kW (Leapmotor C10) vs 175kW (Tesla Model Y).
Space & Comfort
The Leapmotor C10 measures 4,739mm long on a 2,825mm wheelbase, 53mm shorter than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 546L in the Leapmotor C10 and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 308L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.1m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Leapmotor C10) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). The Leapmotor C10 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Leapmotor C10 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Leapmotor's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The Leapmotor C10 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y?
The Leapmotor C10 is the cheapest at $43,888 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model Y by $15,012.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Leapmotor C10 uses the least fuel at 0.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Leapmotor C10 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 194kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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