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.
2026 Tesla Model 3
Standard RWD
2026 Toyota Camry
LE FWD Hybrid
| $36,990 | MSRP (base, excl. dest.) | $29,000 |
| 4.1 mi/kWh | Efficiency | 51 MPG |
| $40,964 | 5-yr cost of ownership | $35,197 |
| $0.68 | Cost per mile | $0.59 |
Over five years, the Toyota Camry is the cheaper to own by about $5,767 on these modeled defaults (12,000 mi/yr). Every figure is an editable estimate — run the calculators with your own mileage, financing and local prices.
Run at 12,000 miles a year for five years, MotorCrunch's ownership model puts the Toyota Camry at $35,197 all-in against $40,964 for the Tesla Model 3 — a gap of $5,767, about $1,153 a year. That is real money, but not decisive on its own — a different mileage pattern or a strong deal on either car can narrow it.
The biggest line separating them is depreciation: roughly $24,092 for the Model 3 versus $16,872 for the Camry over five years. The Model 3 runs on electricity at 4.1 mi/kWh while the Camry averages 51 MPG, so the drivetrains argue hardest over energy — recheck that line against your local electricity and gas prices.
On sticker, the Model 3 starts about $7,990 higher. Since depreciation compounds off the price you actually pay, the pricier car usually loses more dollars too — the calculator below lets you test both at your own mileage before the sticker decides for you.
Key assumptions for this page
Modeled figures: values tagged modeled are MotorCrunch modeled estimates — outputs of our own transparent models, not published statistics or quotes. Computed with MotorCrunch's ownership-cost model: compounding depreciation, energy at national average prices, modeled insurance and maintenance baselines. Miles ÷ efficiency × national average energy price (last-known-good published price, see /data-sources). Computed with MotorCrunch's premium-factor model (the same model as the estimator widget) at a default driver profile, using this page's vehicle value. Full method: Methodology.
Data updated: 2026-07-17 — verify before purchase.
Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Toyota Camry
by $5,767 — Tesla Model 3: $40,964 · Toyota Camry: $35,197
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 | $24,092 | $16,872 |
| Energy / fuel | $2,488 | $4,000 |
| Insurance | $10,008 | $9,325 |
| Maintenance | $4,375 | $5,000 |
| 5-year total | $40,964 | $35,197 |
| Cost per mile | $0.68 | $0.59 |
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 | $40,134 | $33,863 | Camry |
| 12,000 mi· now | $40,964 | $35,197 | Camry |
| 15,000 mi | $41,586 | $36,197 | Camry |
| 20,000 mi | $42,622 | $37,863 | Camry |
| 30,000 mi | $44,695 | $41,197 | Camry |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation and maintenance use segment-typical modeled assumptions; insurance is a MotorCrunch modeled estimate for a typical driver profile based on each model's value — not an insurer 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 $8k 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.