smart #3 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.
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Price Breakdown
The smart #3 starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $8,000.
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 $63,690 and $72,490 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 smart #3 and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the smart #3 and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.
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 smart #3 and 8 in the Tesla Model Y.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The smart #3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 9.2-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and Beats audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the smart #3 gets leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather.
Drivetrain
The smart #3 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 255kW 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 255kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model Y). DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #3) vs 175kW (Tesla Model Y).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 392mm 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 370L in the smart #3 and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 484L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m to 12.1m
Based on 11.5m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3) vs 5 years (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #3 and Tesla Model Y?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model Y by $8,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model Y has the most range at 466km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model Y accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #3 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 smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 255kW. The smart #3 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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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