Car Buyer's Guide

Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Corolla

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

Verdict

The Model 3 is 51% more powerful, while the Model 3 has a 21% bigger boot. Weigh that against the equipment each side gives you in the table below.

The Model 3 Performance AWD (RM232,000) sits above every Corolla variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.

What the Model 3 has over the Corolla

Blind Spot Info SystemAutonomous Braking SystemLane-keeping AssistCollision WarningSunroofNavigation

What the Corolla has over the Model 3

Airbag Disable FunctionChild Safety LockFront FoglampsWing Mirror Turn IndicatorsTiptronicPaddle ShiftParking Sensor FrontParking Sensor Rear

Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.

The Model 3 is 309 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the Model 3: 594 litres against 470.

Price & overview
PriceRM149,000RM144,800✓
Body typeSedanSedan
SegmentCompact ExecutiveC-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM280RM279✓
Monthly instalment (est.)RM1,520/moRM1,480/mo✓
Insurance / year (est.)RM4,122RM4,078✓
Fuel or electricity / year (est.)RM1,040—
Energy cost / 100 km (est.)RM5.20—
5-year running costs (est.)RM27,209—
Charging (estimated)
AC charge 0–100% (est.)5.7 hours—
DC charge 10–80% (est.)25 min—
Powertrain
Engine Tech400V architecture16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing
Capacity—1,798 cc
Horsepower—137 hp at 6,400 rpm
Torque—172 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Cylinder Arrangement—Inline 4
FuelElectricPetrol
Bore × Stroke—80.5 mm × 88.3 mm
Compression Ratio—10
Number of Motors1—
Motor Horsepower279 hp—
Motor Torque420 Nm—
Battery Capacity62.5 kWh—
EV Range534 km—
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW—
Charging Rate (DC)170 kW—
V2LYes—
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticCVT Automatic
Transmission NameSingle-ratio Transmission7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT
Transmission ManufacturerTeslaAisin
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6.2 seconds—
Top Speed201 km/h—
Dimensions
Length4,720 mm4,630 mm
Width2,089 mm1,780 mm
Height1,441 mm1,435 mm
Wheelbase—2,700 mm
Weight—1,365 kg
Fuel Tank—50 litres
Doors44
Seats55
Boot Space594 litres✓470 litres
Front Tyre255/45R18225/45R17
Rear Tyre255/45R18225/45R17
Spare Tyre—Full-size 17" Alloy
Factory TyresBridgestone Turanza T005 EVDunlop SP Sport Maxx 050
Wiper Blade (Driver)26 inch—
Wiper Blade (Passenger)19 inch—
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Thailand (CBU)
Front SuspensionDouble WishbonesMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkDouble Wishbone
Front Wheels18" Prismata Alloy17" Alloy
Rear Wheels18" Prismata Alloy17" Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP—5 stars
ANCAP—5 stars
ASEAN NCAP—5 stars
Safety
Airbags7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee)7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Airbag Disable Function—✓
Child Safety Lock—Manual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓—
ISOFIXAvailable on Two Outer Rear Passenger SeatsAvailable on two outer rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes—
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionNo
Collision Warning✓—
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsAdaptive LED Projectors with Auto High BeamBi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam
TaillampsLED CombinationLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Front Foglamps—✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators—✓
Cabin
Front SeatsPower Adjustable Front Seats8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-Folding60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air FilterDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear VentsRear Vents
SunroofPanoramic Glass Roof—
Power Sockets1 Front, 4 Front USB-C1 Front
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Audio16" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 Speakers9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch
Engine StartKeyless (Depress Brake to Start)Keyless Push Button Start
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go
Tiptronic—✓
Paddle Shift—✓
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot OperationPowered BootRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front—2 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear—4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYesYes, With 360 Degree Camera
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓—
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesDual Wireless Qi Chargers, Powershare V2L via Tesla Outlet Adapter (RM350, sold separately) on cars built from October 2026—
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer80,000 kmUnlimited✓
Warranty Manufacturer4 years5 years✓
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance)—

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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.

Our reviews & guides

Model 3 vs Corolla FAQ

How long does charging take?

The Model 3's 62.5 kWh battery takes about 5.7 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 25 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 170 kW peak.

Which has the better warranty?

The Corolla carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty against 4 years for the Model 3. Model 3: 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance).

More comparisons

Buying one of these? Sell your old car, get paid in 24 hours