Comparison: Ground clearance Tesla Model 3 vs. competitors 2025
In the electric chariot wars, ground clearance is more than a mere number; it's a statement. It whispers to us how well our beloved metal beast will handle the urban jungle's potholes or the call of the wild gravel paths. Enter the Tesla Model 3, a vehicle gossiped about in every tech-savvy corner and environmentally conscious nook. As it sits—quite literally—in the Tesla line-up, it's clear that the Model 3 isn't just trying to float above the competition with its technological prowess but also with its physical elevation above the ground. The current front-runner, the Model 3, rolls in with a ground clearance that, while not quite mountain-goat-esque, suggests an understanding of the common man's road troubles. But how does it stack against its kin and rivals, you ask? Let the tales of clearance commence!
Tesla Model 3 - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?
A dig into the archives of the Tesla Model 3's evolution reveals a tale of slight fluctuation, where the ground has come a smidgen closer over time. The first-generation Model 3, marking its territory from 2019 to 2023, stood proud with a ground clearance of 140 mm—a figure that's not exactly towering but strikes a balance between sportiness and practicality. However, in a move that might ruffle the feathers of those requiring every millimeter of clearance they can muster, its 1st Generation (1. Facelift), 2023-onwards, edition saw this figure subtly lowered to 138 mm. This could be Tesla's nod to aerodynamics or a sleeker profile, but for the ground clearance purists, it's a detail that resonates.
Tesla Model 3 generations
(Ground clearance)
Tesla Model 3 generations| Generation year | Ground clearance |
|---|
| Model 3, Model year 2019 (1.Generation) | 140 mm |
| Model 3, Model year 2023 (Model 3 1. Generation (1. Facelift)) | 138 mm |
The difference in Ground clearance between first generation (1.Generation) from 2019 and last generation (Model 3 1. Generation (1. Facelift)) from 2023 is 0.2cm mm.
The ground clearance of the current generation of Model 3 is 138 mm.
The ground clearance compared to other Tesla models
Comparing the Model 3 to its Tesla brethren reveals a fascinating hierarchy of elevation. The Model 3, with its mentioned clearances, finds itself playing the role of the slightly more urban-ready sibling when parked next to the esteemed Model S, which elevates itself to 160 mm above the ground. And let's not even talk about the Model Y and X, sitting at 167 mm and a sky-scraping 223 mm, respectively—these two make the Model 3 look positively down-to-earth. The Tesla Cybertruck, meanwhile, is in a class of its own, daring to defy the norms with a jaw-dropping 433 mm, a height that could make a Range Rover blush. Clearly, within the Tesla family, the Model 3 is the accessible, city-dwelling relative, leaving the mountaineering accolades to its kin.
Tesla Model 3 vs other current cars by Tesla
(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: Model 3 vs. other models by Tesla| Variant name | Ground clearance |
|---|
| Model 3 | 138 mm |
| Model S | 160 mm |
| Model Y | 167 mm |
| Model X | 223 mm |
| Cybertruck | 433 mm |
How does the ground clearance of the Tesla Model 3 compare to it's nearest competitors?
Now, how does our electric protagonist fare against the motley crew of rivals? Face to face with the Infiniti EX and its 149 mm clearance, the Model 3 doesn't shy away, although it admittedly looks up slightly to the Infiniti. The battle gets intense with the likes of BMW's i3, sharing the Model 3's 140 mm clearance line for line, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, which towers at 154 mm. Venture further, and you'll find the BMW iX laughing down from a lofty 203 mm altitude, with the Volvo EX90 soaring even higher at 212 mm. Yet, when pitted against those who dare to trek the urban sprawl at lesser heights, like the Porsche Taycan and its scant 133 mm, or the Lotus Eletre strutting at 187 mm, the Model 3 demonstrates that it's no slouch in the ground clearance game. It may not be the tallest glass in the skyscraper, but it walks (or rolls) with a swagger that demands respect on the varied battlefields of asphalt and beyond.
Tesla Model 3 vs. similar cars
(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: Tesla Model 3 vs. similar cars| Car model | Ground clearance |
|---|
| ZEEKR 001 2024 | 174 mm |
| ARI Motors 902 2023 | 170 mm |
| Sono Motors Sion 2021 | 165 mm |
| Tesla Model S 2021 | 160 mm |
| ARI Motors 452/802 2019 | 150 mm |
| Fiat Topolino 2023 | 150 mm |
| Citroen Ami 2024 | 150 mm |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 2022 | 141 mm |
| Leapmotor T03 2024 | 140 mm |
| Tesla Model 3 2023 | 138 mm |
| NIO ET5 2023 | 135 mm |
| GWM ORA 03 2024 | 135 mm |
| ARI Motors Soleno 2024 | 135 mm |
| ARI Motors Bruni 2024 | 130 mm |
| BMW i4 2021 | 125 mm |
| GWM ORA 07 2024 | 105 mm |
Similar cars