[Decision] 2026 Model 3 Premium AWD vs. Model Y Premium RWD

For me, the Model Y feels like a big/tanky hatchback car and not an SUV. You’d be surprised how little the Model Y AWD actually uses the AWD system. A set of winter tires on the RWD will make more of a difference than having AWD with stock all seasons. I like the higher seating position in the Y and that’s why I went with that over the Model 3.

Yeah, the idea is not to have a “do all” second vehicle. For those nasty days, our Jeep can do everything we need it to, and whatever I get can sit in the garage. It’s likely going to spend a decent amount of time in the garage and golf course parking lots. But, it’s really the speed and dynamics of the 3 that’s tripping me up.

>If you already had an SUV in the driveway, did you regret getting a second one (Model Y), or did you find the Model 3’s driving dynamics worth the trade-off in utility? Sounds like you should demo drive it. In my use case the 3 is beyond what I need. Juniper is more comfortable, but I know that I can change suspension on my pre-refresh model 3 if it's ride really bothers me enough to pay for it. I've found no advantage to SUVs when compared to crossovers. People overestimate the utility same as they do the NEED for AWD especially with modern finely computer controlled EV engines. The 3's rear seats fold down. I use either 3 or Y to haul 3 bikes inside, folding and regular to the beach. No issues. Again, sounds like you're just down to personal perference so demo drive. And in general, asking the internet for such opinions is a bad idea when spending this much money. It's your money, make decisions wisely for youself.

I appreciate the candid take. I did an overnight with the Model Y and really liked it. I agree the comfot and ride was great. I not really hung up on the RWD vs AWD piece, I had a 23 M3 RWD and never had a concern with it during the winter. I’m battling with the brand newness of the Juniper interior refresh and presumptive practicality vs. the increased acceleration l of the 3 and sportier feel overall.

Sometimes is just nice to hear others takes : )

I liked the updated Juniper better. Surprisingly camping in the MY has been useful a couple of times. I didn't plan on it.

For sure ask for a 24-48 hour demo drive. See how they fit your lifestyle. I tested all but the 3 during my purchase/upgrade journey. 3, 48-hour demo drives on the CT and Y 2, 24-hour demo drives on the X and S Narrowed down to the 26 Y. Traded in my 2013 S.

I have a 2021 LR M3. Love it. I have little kids, but they are out of car seats. The seats will drop down when i need more space than the spacious trunk so that's nice. I appreciate the AWD of the car. The seats are lower for sure, so you do kinda slide in. That being said, car seats are only temporary. So getting the kids in and out is only temporary. I've read enough that folks prefer the AWD over RWD. Being in Chicago, with the torque... AWD should be a must for you out of an EV. Either of them will be a great daily driver, over your jeep. They will ride better, no matter what anyone else here complains about. So for your use case, AWD and ride will be great no matter the choice, but if you get good snow tires, I can see the RWD being ok. Now for the fun part, we just purchased the Juniper- MYP. Still waiting on it. My wife wanted the S, or X for space. The M3 is more of a compact car, and the back seat feels it. The seats sit back, but room for legs is more minimal. I forgot to check the Y when we test drove a few times, but kids seemed happy. If you can afford it, go Y premium. If you're still stuck between AWD on the 3, or the RWD Juniper, I'd say go with the 3, if you like the space of the Y, and higher seats, I'd defer to someone that actually has used the RWD in bad weather. I like the roominess feel of the Y, and it is more of a hatchback than a SUV, which is nice for loading it up. They are sporty and i believe you can make it even sportier with buying the speed increase. on both the 3 and the Y (i have it, its great). You probably can do that on the RWD too, but i am not sure and havent looked it up. My wife wanted the MYP, because the interior was nicer than the premium. We didn't like the grey cloth look.

If winter driving is a consideration, the AWD is a must.

I'm 60 years old and like a higher seating position.

I've had a 2014 MS 85 and a 2024 MY LRAWD. Not exactly the same choice, but... Anyway, the seating height was a factor in switching. It's easier for us older folk to get in and out of the Y. The MS, though... It was as fast/quick as the 3, had adjustable air suspension, and no autopilot! No autopilot sounds like a drawback, but seriously, I could set the speed at 75 and it would just keep it there, curves, hills, other traffic, it just stayed at 75! I really miss that feature. And the MS had a hatch. We slept in it from time to time. When we got the Y, the hatch was also a factor. However, now that I've switched, I can say that the low-slung look and feel of the MS is more attractive to me. I hate Tesla's TACC. It's probably safer, but OMG it's frustrating. And autopilot... meh. Since it won't change lanes, it's practically useless. I'd pay to switch back to regular cruise control. The Y feels like an SUV on the sharp turns. But it doesn't sit high enough to get you to all the places a Jeep could. If you have ATV tires on the Jeep, the Y will have a better ride. But, you'll see a lot of Ys on the road that look just like yours. Ultimately, it's your preferences that matter. For me, it comes down to this: The car is transportation. It's way cheaper and easier than an ICE car for me. I'll never go back to ICE if I can help it. I now drive a really high-tech computer around that looks like a bunch of the other high-tech computers I see driving around. The change from a (then) 10 year-old MS to a new MY buys me time in-warranty, newer tech, and years of driving with little to no maintenance. You really can't go wrong with either of your options if you can live with your choice.