Toyota’s introduction of the fifth-generation Prius hybrid altered consumer perceptions about the economic vehicle. Initially, the high MPG rating was the primary motivation for purchasing the Prius. However, current sales figures show that the new style modification has made the Prius incredibly appealing and desired. Tesla also revamped its entry-level model, the 2024 Model 3, with a new external style, an improved interior, and upgraded batteries and electric motors.
The 2024 Toyota Prius has a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder combustion engine that pairs with a series parallel hybrid powertrain. The Prius comes standard with an 83 kW AC motor on the front axle for front-wheel drive variants. The optional AWD variant adds a second 30kW motor to the rear axle. The Prius’s lithium-ion battery pack holds 4.08 kWh of electric energy. Both Prius models employ an ECVT to transfer power to the wheels.
The 2024 Tesla 3 basic variant has a 57.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted beneath the car’s floor. The Model 3’s rear axle features a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The Long Range variant of the Model 3 features a bigger 82 kWh battery pack and an induction motor on the front axle. The Tesla’s basic and long-range versions feature a single-speed direct drive gearbox.
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Base Powertrain Comparison
| Make | Toyota | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Prius | Model 3 |
| Engine/Motor | 2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid | Single Motor + 57.5 kWh / Dual Motor + 82 kWh Lithium Ion Battery Pack |
| Horsepower | 194-196 HP | 279 – 450 HP |
| Torque | 139 LB-FT | 330 – 471 LB-FT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | Single-motor RWD / dual-motor AWD |
| Transmission | ECVT | 1-Speed Direct Drive |
The FWD Prius is rated at 194 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive variant increases performance by 196 horsepower while maintaining torque output. The standard Tesla Model 3 has 257 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, while the Model 3 Long Range has 394 hp and 377 lb-ft.
The Toyota Prius has enough power to keep up with interstate traffic and enough performance to be suitable for daily driving in the city. Although the ride quality is likewise passable, at high RPMs, the combustion engine’s noise levels can infiltrate the interior. The Tesla Model 3 has a respectable driving range and is simple to operate. It’s also a huge plus to have access to the Tesla Supercharger network.
Fuel Efficiency
The hybrid drivetrain of the 2024 Toyota Prius is rated an astounding 57 MPG combined by the EPA. Prius mileage ratings are 57 mpg in urban areas and 56 mpg on freeways. The EPA has not yet assigned an efficiency rating to the new Tesla Model 3. But according to Tesla, the Long Range Model 3 can travel up to 340 miles on a single charge, but the regular Model 3 can only travel up to 270 miles.
Technology And Interior Design
The inside of the 2024 Prius has been totally revamped, and it is the first to have the driver’s gauge cluster placed in front of the driver as opposed to in the middle of the dashboard. The Prius’s cabin has plenty of space, although the sloping roof compromises rear headroom. It is challenging to enter and exit the back seats because of the tiny openings in the rear doors; you have to be careful. Although the narrow back glass also interferes with rear view, the rear view camera makes it simpler to navigate in confined situations.
Similar to previous models, the Tesla Model 3’s enormous central touchscreen controlled every aspect of the car. It could have been simpler to control the car’s numerous features if there had been no physical buttons or switches. The largest problem is the strange-to-use turn signal buttons positioned on the steering wheel, even if the gear selection is incorporated into the touchscreen. But the cabin is roomy, with lots of head and legroom in the front and back.
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Technology Comparison: Tesla Model 3 vs. Toyota Prius
An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on the 2024 Prius from Toyota, with a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen available as an option on higher model levels. A six-speaker sound system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard, and higher trim levels come with a wireless charging pad.
The Tesla Model 3 comes with a 15.4-inch touchscreen that has navigation as standard, but neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto are available. An 8-inch touchscreen with integrated music, video streaming, and gaming services is available for rear passengers, along with two wireless charging pads, a nine-speaker sound system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and two back USB connections. The Long Range variant features an upgraded superior sound system with 17 speakers.
The new Toyota Prius has a smaller cargo capacity compared to the model it replaces. However, the standard capacity of the current Prius is rated at 23.8 cu-ft, and 50.4 cu-ft with the rear seats laid down. The new Tesla Model 3 boasts a 19.8 cu-ft of standard cargo capacity, which is smaller than the Prius. The rear seats can be laid down to increase the capacity. However, being a modern EV, the Model 3 also has a 3.1 cu-ft front trunk.
Dependability and Safety
The NHTSA has not assigned a safety rating to the 2024 Toyota Prius. Nonetheless, the new Prius receives a ‘Acceptable’ overall rating and a Top Safety Pick Plus from the IIHS (2024). The safety and crashworthiness of the upcoming 2024 Tesla Model 3 have not yet been assessed by the NHTSA or the IIHS.
Comparison of Reliability
There have been two documented customer complaints regarding the Prius, despite the NHTSA not having any records of recalls or investigations pertaining to the 2024 Prius and Model 3. A standard 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty, a 5 year/60,000 mile drivetrain warranty, a 5 year corrosion guarantee, and a 2 year roadside assistance warranty are all provided by Toyota. The hybrid system’s high-voltage battery has a 10-year or 150,000-mile warranty. But Tesla offers a drivetrain warranty, roadside assistance, and a baseline warranty that lasts four years or fifty thousand miles. The lithium-ion battery pack of the electric vehicle is warranted for up to 8 years or 120,000 miles, and the corrosion guarantee is valid for a maximum of 12 years.
Warranty
| Vehicle | Toyota Prius | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Battery Warranty | 10 Years / 150,000 Miles | 8 Years / 120,000 Miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Trim Pricing Comparison
| 2024 Toyota Prius | Tesla Model 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim | Price | Trim | Price |
| LE | $27,950-29,350 | Base | $39,990 |
| XLE | $31,395-32,795 | Long Range | $47,740 |
| Limited | $34,965-36,365 | ||