Tesla Model 3 vs Honda Accord
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Tesla Model 3 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Honda Accord opens at $54,250. That makes the Honda Accord the more affordable entry point by $650.
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 $60,390 and $59,675 respectively.
The Tesla Model 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Honda Accord, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 170kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 170kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model 3 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen, while the Honda Accord gets a 12.3-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments.
The Honda Accord counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Bose audio that the Tesla Model 3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Tesla Model 3 gets vegan leather upholstery while the Honda Accord offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Tesla Model 3 uses a Electric Motor producing 208kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Honda Accord responds with a Hybrid making 135kW and 335Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model 3 measures 4,720mm long on a 2,875mm wheelbase, 255mm shorter than the Honda Accord at 4,975mm (2,830mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 682L in the Tesla Model 3 and 570L in the Honda Accord, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 112L advantage.
For towing, the Honda Accord leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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: 5 years (Tesla Model 3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda Accord). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda Accord).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda Accord if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model 3 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, Tesla Model 3 and Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord is the cheapest at $54,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $650.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda Accord uses the least fuel at 4.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Tesla Model 3 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 3 has the largest boot at 682L.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model 3 makes the most power at 208kW. The Tesla Model 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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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