Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota bZ4X
Two electric cars 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.
Tesla Model 3
From $54,900
Sedan
Electric
Electric Motor
208kW
—
5★ ANCAP
682L
Toyota bZ4X
From $55,990
SUV
Electric
Electric
165kW
—
5★ ANCAP
452L
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Price Breakdown
The Tesla Model 3 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota bZ4X opens at $55,990. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
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 $61,589 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 Tesla Model 3 and Toyota bZ4X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Tesla Model 3 and 88% for the Toyota bZ4X.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model 3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota bZ4X.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Tesla Model 3 and 7 in the Toyota bZ4X.
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.
How long to charge
71.4kWh 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 (11kW AC, 150kW 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 Toyota bZ4X gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The Tesla Model 3 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota bZ4X. The Toyota bZ4X counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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 Toyota bZ4X offers synthetic 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 Toyota bZ4X responds with a Electric making 165kW and 266Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 165kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model 3) vs 74.7kWh (Toyota bZ4X). DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Tesla Model 3) vs 150kW (Toyota bZ4X).
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model 3 measures 4,720mm long on a 2,875mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the Toyota bZ4X at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 682L in the Tesla Model 3 and 452L in the Toyota bZ4X, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 230L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model 3 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m 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 11.2m 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 (Tesla Model 3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota bZ4X). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota bZ4X if: You or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 7 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Toyota bZ4X?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota bZ4X by $1,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Toyota bZ4X has the most range at 591km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Tesla Model 3 and Toyota bZ4X 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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