Volvo ES90 vs Tesla Model 3
Two electric Sedans 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 Volvo ES90 starts from $88,880 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $54,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $33,980.
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 $97,768 and $60,390 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
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
107kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 300kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 300kW 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 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 Volvo ES90 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 9-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 15.4-inch display.
The Volvo ES90 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model 3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo ES90 gets nordico fabric upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Volvo ES90 and 2-zone in the Tesla Model 3.
Drivetrain
The Volvo ES90 uses a Electric producing 245kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 208kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Volvo ES90 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 208kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 92kWh (Volvo ES90) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model 3). DC fast charging peaks at 300kW (Volvo ES90) vs 170kW (Tesla Model 3).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo ES90 measures 5,000mm long on a 3,102mm wheelbase, 280mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm (2,875mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo ES90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 424L in the Volvo ES90 and 682L in the Tesla Model 3, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 258L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo ES90 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 / 999,999km (Volvo ES90) vs 5 years (Tesla Model 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo ES90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volvo ES90 and Tesla Model 3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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, Volvo ES90 and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo ES90 by $33,980.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo ES90 has the most range at 554km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo ES90 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 300kW.
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 Volvo ES90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo ES90 makes the most power at 245kW. 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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