Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry
Choosing between the Tesla Model 3 and the Toyota Camry is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, energy, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
Key assumptions for this page
Sources: Kelley Blue Book — figures are estimates last reviewed 2026; verify before purchase.
Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Toyota Camry
by $10,060 — Tesla Model 3: $46,598 · Toyota Camry: $36,538
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Toyota Camry
Lower energy cost
🏆 Tesla Model 3
Lower depreciation
🏆 Toyota Camry
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Toyota Camry
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Toyota Camry
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Tesla Model 3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $26,698 | $16,697 |
| Energy / fuel | $2,400 | $4,340 |
| Insurance | $13,125 | $10,500 |
| Maintenance | $4,375 | $5,000 |
| 5-year total | $46,598 | $36,538 |
| Cost per mile | $0.78 | $0.61 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Tesla Model 3 | Toyota Camry | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $45,798 | $35,091 | Camry |
| 12,000 mi· now | $46,598 | $36,538 | Camry |
| 15,000 mi | $47,198 | $37,623 | Camry |
| 20,000 mi | $48,198 | $39,431 | Camry |
| 30,000 mi | $50,198 | $43,048 | Camry |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance use segment-typical assumptions; insurance is modeled from each model's risk factor against a national average, not a quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Tesla Model 3 or the Toyota Camry cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, energy, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Model 3 depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (Model 3: 1.25×, Camry: 1.00×).
Does the price gap between the Model 3 and Camry matter long term?＋
The Model 3 costs about $12k more upfront, and since depreciation is a percentage of price, the costlier car usually loses more dollars too. One is electric and one is gas, so energy cost is where the gap really opens up over five years.