Subaru WRX STI vs Tesla Model 3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Tesla Model 3
Overview
| Spec | Subaru WRX STISTI | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | STI | Sedan (electric DD) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 1-speed direct drive |
| Engine type | gas | electric |
| Model year | 2021 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Subaru WRX STISTI | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $37,245 | $36,990 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $19,595 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $26,298 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $42,881 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 25 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru WRX STISTI | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG (best) | — |
| City MPG | 16 MPG (best) | — |
| Highway MPG | 22 MPG (best) | — |
| Combined MPGe | — | 139 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | — | 321 mi (best) |
| 240V charge time | — | 12.1 hr (best) |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | Subaru WRX STISTI | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 310 hp (best) | — |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft (best) | — |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | — |
| Cylinders | flat 4 | — |
Size & capability
| Spec | Subaru WRX STISTI | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 12 cu ft | 24.1 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,450 lbs (best) | 3,759 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 4.9 in | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 113.2 in (best) |
| Length | 180.9 in | 185.8 in (best) |
| Width | 70.7 in | 72.8 in (best) |
| Height | 58.1 in (best) | 56.7 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Subaru WRX STISTI | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Subaru WRX STI | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | STI $37,245 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Sedan (electric DD) $36,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP | Premium $42,490 MSRP |
| 3 | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP | Premium $47,490 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Performance $54,990 MSRP |
Live inventory
Tesla Model 325 for sale
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Subaru WRX STI vs Tesla Model 3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2021 Subaru WRX STI or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2021 Subaru WRX STI vs 2026 Tesla Model 3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2021 Subaru WRX STI or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Tesla Model 3 starts lower at $36,990. Live Tesla Model 3 listings start at $19,595.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2021 Subaru WRX STI or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2026 Tesla Model 3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (36,990).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2021 Subaru WRX STI or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (18).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2021 Subaru WRX STI or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2026 Tesla Model 3 leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (363).
- Which has better horsepower: 2021 Subaru WRX STI or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2026 Tesla Model 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (510).