Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Corolla
Verdict
At RM147,600 versus RM144,800, the Tesla Model 3 is only RM2,800 dearer than the Toyota Corolla, but the two ask very different things of a Malaysian buyer. The Tesla is the quicker, roomier and more EV-focused choice, with a 62.5 kWh battery, 534 km range, 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time and a 594-litre boot. The Corolla keeps to a 1.8-litre petrol engine, CVT, 50-litre tank and 5-year warranty. Road tax is almost identical: RM280 against RM279.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you can charge at home or work and want EV range, stronger boot space and a stated 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if you want a familiar petrol sedan with a CVT, 50-litre fuel tank, 5-year warranty and ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating.
Key differences
- Price: Tesla Model 3 RM147,600; Toyota Corolla RM144,800
- Powertrain: Tesla Model 3 electric motor; Toyota Corolla 1,798 cc petrol engine
- Transmission and drive: Tesla Model 3 single-ratio automatic with rear-wheel drive; Toyota Corolla CVT automatic with front-wheel drive
- Size: Tesla Model 3 4,720 mm long and 2,089 mm wide; Toyota Corolla 4,630 mm long and 1,780 mm wide
- Boot space: Tesla Model 3 594 litres; Toyota Corolla 470 litres
- Warranty and road tax: Tesla Model 3 4 years and RM280 a year; Toyota Corolla 5 years and RM279 a year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 147,600 | RM 144,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Engine | Electric | 1,798 cc |
| Power | — | 137 hp |
| Torque | — | 172 Nm |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 6.2 s | — |
| Top speed | 201 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 62.5 kWh | — |
| EV range | 534 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,720 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 2,089 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,441 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | — | 2,700 mm |
| Boot space | 594 L✓ | 470 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 50 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5★ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 4 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 280 | RM 279✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Model 3
- 534 km EV range from a 62.5 kWh battery
- 594-litre boot is larger than the Corolla’s
- Auto emergency braking is fitted
- Warranty is 4 years versus the Corolla’s 5 years
- Wider body at 2,089 mm may feel bulkier in tight parking
- No ASEAN NCAP rating is listed
Corolla
- 5-year warranty
- ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating
- 50-litre fuel tank suits petrol users without charging access
- 470-litre boot is smaller than the Tesla’s
- No auto emergency braking is listed
- No 0-100 km/h or top speed figure is stated
Model 3 vs Corolla FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Toyota Corolla better?
The Tesla Model 3 is better if you can charge and want EV range, boot space and stated acceleration. The Toyota Corolla is better if you prefer petrol, a longer 5-year warranty and an ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model 3 costs RM147,600, while the Toyota Corolla costs RM144,800. That makes the Tesla RM2,800 more expensive.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Tesla Model 3 has the bigger boot at 594 litres. The Toyota Corolla has 470 litres, so the Tesla gives you 124 litres more luggage space.