Model 3 vs Model Y for daily family life (toddler + stroller + dog) — is the Model 3 enough?

We have a model Y and 2 kids. I would not want to miss the space and I'd say it's also easier to get in and out since it's a bit higher/taller. I love it as a family car, especially if you go on hols, there is just so much space. I have not had a model 3. I guess you'd be fine, but model Y is much more spacious for stroller, shopping, suitcases etc.

I’ve had both. Go for the Y

Previous car was a Mini Cooper, so I sort of faced the same choice 3 or Y, and went Y. The stuff that was a challenge to fit in the Mini isn't a challenge in the Y for the most part. Also remember in both cars you get a useable Frunk

Definitely get the Y. The 3 is fairly small IMO, similar to a Civic/Corolla.

Without doubt: Model Y Not even a debate

My household has both. Model 3 is great for a single person/daily commute. The model Y is mine. I use it for driving my child to activities and it’s the only one the dog travels in as well. For a family car, you want the y.

100 percent Y

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The Model Y is going to give you the practicality you have with the Golf but with even more space. The only reason to go Model 3 is if you are a GTI driver who really enjoys the better driving dynamics of the Model 3. However, I think the Model Y is good enough in this regard that the bigger size is worth the sacrifice in handling. I bet you can fit all of your vacation gear in a Model Y without a roofbox. A roofbox will significantly impact your roadtrip because you’ll need to stop and charge more often/longer.

I know everyone is saying the Y for a family and I 100% agree (as someone with 2 kids) but also the DOG! I would put the dog on the back seat with a kid in a 3

Get the Y. The 3 is smallll.

The Model Y is a better family car in every metric, and it doesn’t cost much more. The new Model Y has upgraded suspension, so you’re not sacrificing much when it comes to the driving experience either. It’s the obvious choice in my opinion.

Y

The concensus is in, go with the Y. We have both and it's so much easier loading the Y when traveling

Y, it does everything.

Think of the model 3 as an excellent sports car that can haul small family stuff. Think of the model Y as an excellent family car that can do sports stuff. Which one do you NEED more? That will answer your question.

Same here. The Y is the way to go.

I am curious to know why you are thinking about the 3 at all? To me the 3 wouldn’t even be a consideration for a second. Is there something you like better about the 3 that makes you want to consider it? Just price?

No, it is not. Get the Y.

Get a Model Y. The car fits the family perfectly. The higher roof makes a big difference, so you won’t have to worry about hitting your toddler’s head (or your own) when getting them in and out of your VW Golf. Because that’s what I experienced.

Dog = Y

I was in the same place and picked model 3, more due to financial reasons. Now I wish I waited more and saved for a Y, will do the switch anyway.

I just switched from a 3 to a y. Get the y!! It would be much easier with children & large dog. It would be an exercise in frustration trying to load fam & all their stuff into a 3.

[Late to the party but here’s my post from two years ago I keep referencing every time a post about family comes up. I recommend the Y; “Luggage for 1 week trip with 3 kids under 5 | 4.5hr one way”](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModelY/s/gIXr9Bsq9w)

Model YYYYY NOT

We regret every day going for getting the 3 over the Y. Not only for space, but just for ease of ingress and egress. Our parents and grandparents have a real tough time getting in and out of the 3. If you have the money, i think the y is a much better size

Model Y all day for family. Not even a question.

No, 3 is too small for a family car. Trunk access is awkward.

Hatch door trunk is more convenient for loading bulkier items, so I'd say MY. It is also more spacious overall so you have more to work with. It's basically a small SUV whereas the M3 is a sedan. One time with 3 passengers, I was able to fit two 20x20x20 boxes, 2 large suitcases, 2 carry-on suitcases and a few little bags all inside the car. People standing nearby were amazed at what they just witnessed...lol.

Sports car? That’s a stretch.

Y. It’s more comfortable overall. If you’ve never driven a 3, it feels like you’re sitting on the floor lol. But if you want to know if it works for you, you can borrow one from Tesla or rent one for a week.

M3P is a popular track car

Y for sure

Had a 2023 Model Y that got rear-ended and totaled after 5 months. I recently started a new job that required a longer commute, so we decided to get the 2024 Model 3 Highland (that was just released) since I was primarily using it as a daily driver/solo-commute car. My wife and I also have a 70 lb dog and a toddler. While the model 3 is the most efficient and provides a fun driving experience, we ended up missing the older Model Y on day 1. Driving with the family is significantly more spacious and comfortable in the Y. Trunk in the Model 3 frequently feels very tight with a stroller. Our weekly costco runs become a game of tetris. It is also easier to transfer the toddler in the car seat in the Y compared to the 3. If the car-seat is on the passenger side and rear-facing, there will be a limit to how far back the passenger seat can scoot back and recline. I'm 6'1" and also find sitting in the model 3 longer than 20 minutes a bit cramped compared to the Y. 100% Model Y for family use. We do regret going for the 3 as a replacement, and still plan to get the Y in a year or two when we need to replace my wife's car.

Lol what? No it isn't.

I guess it depends on the area and track, but in California they are popular, also in Autocross events

You definitely want a Y. -mom who has driven both

You will max out your space on every trip. Filling the 3 is very easy, and you will find yourself wanting more space. I got the 3, and now I upgraded to the Y, and I must say the space feels doubled. The frunk fits a carry on, and the rear hatch allows you to add in taller items. ex. A cooler in my 3 would take up almost the whole trunk, where as the Y, I can add things on top of my cooler. Do it right and get the Y.

The M3 has beautiful classic lines, it's really a great looking car. But...with kids and gear,.and a dog, get the Y.

I wonder if you asked this question in the tesla model 3 subreddit that it would not look completely different? Of course, for a family, a model Y is better. That is a silly question.

Get the Y. Better for a family.

We have a 2021 Model Y and I cannot wait until we are pregnant with our second so my wife will finally let us get a new vehicle. I have no clue how everyone on here loves the Model Y with a newborn. It barely fits a full size stroller. If you have one with a bassinet and a seat it is just not happening. We have a whole collection of strollers and wagons now for different scenarios. We only used our Uppababy Vista for one week and it has been collecting dust ever since while we wait to get a van or maybe an SUV. People will claim their Vista fits but when it does you have zero room for groceries or a pet. For the Baby Trend Expedition wagon you have to remove the wheels and angle it perfectly just to get it in. The back of the Model Y slopes down like a sedan so you cannot sit anything high unless it is pushed against the second row. A flat back vehicle lets you lay a stroller on its side and still have a ton of room left over. And I also had the stiff ride and I find the seats to be the most uncomfortable seats ever.

Same. The 3 is great but the boot (trunk) space will be tight with a pram/shopping etc.

Had both. A Model Y would better suit your needs. A Model 3 would work but the letterbox like trunk can be more challenging than the steeply sloped Model Y trunk for what you describe.

Price, range and the test drive was really enjoyable. But after all the feedback I will go for the model y.

You can make it work with the 3 but it’ll be a hassle. Y is zero compromise for this.

Why don’t you rent a model three for a couple days or if Tesla is still doing it getting an extended test drive.

It doesn't depend on anything, they're not popular track cars. Show me some source. Any source. Can they be driven on the track? Sure, a minivan could. Do people who drive on the track regularly seek out a Tesla as their track vehicle? Absolutely not.

Have you test drove the Y?

Have M3 and MY. Model Y is the answer.

I’d like *not* to be the lone person who says “3”. Mostly because the correct tool for the job. Without question. Period. Full stop.

I have a 3, wish i had bought the Y instead. My 3yo is still rear facing, having the taller height would’ve been much better for our backs when buckling her in. I can fit a double stroller in the 3, so i think the trunk size is decent and there’s also the frunk.

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Good move. Although you might fit now, your kid will have friends and carpools in the future. Plus dog in rear is nice to do if need be.

Coming to Australia soon! yay!

We have both and prefer the Y when driving with friends or family. It’s much roomier.

Yes, I liked both, but the model 3 was more fun. But yeah, I guess it‘s not suitable for my usecase and the Model y is also nice.

Is it really that hard to believe, Have you driven a M3P ? [https://driving.ca/tesla/model-s/auto-news/news/all-tesla-racing-series-approved-by-the-fia](https://driving.ca/tesla/model-s/auto-news/news/all-tesla-racing-series-approved-by-the-fia)

Quite extensively, yes. Have you ever driven a car on the actual track? Do you even understand what people want in a track car? Batteries that last 40 minutes and lack the thermal management to handle track abuse are not at the top of the list. And that link is a perfect example. They got approval 7 years ago to run it. Go ahead and google results. You won't find them... because it never happened.

Model Y. Thank me later when your kid and their friends want to have a movie night and camp style sleep over in the car.

Update: Thanks everyone for the input — it helped a lot. We ordered a Model Y Standard. With the current 0% financing offer in Austria, it was simply the best overall package for us. After driving both versions, we didn’t feel the AWD/Premium was worth the price difference for how we use the car. Appreciate all the perspectives!

Model Y, it’s a much more comfortable experience.