This post will compare various aspects of a 2019 Toyota Prius Prime to a Tesla Model 3 in California. It assumes the buyer has a credit score of 870 and can get financing for 72 months (6 years) at 4.6%.
Plus Sedan 4D
TL;DR:
- The total purchase price including interest for the Tesla is $16,875 more than for the Prius.
- For insurance, the Tesla will cost about $50 to $100 more per month than the Prius.
- The Tesla can only go 220 miles before needing to be recharged whereas the Prius can go 640 miles on one full battery and small 11.4-gallon tank of gas.
| Prius (Plug-in Hybrid) | Telsa (EV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | Plus Hatchback 4D | Standard Range Plus Sedan 4D |
| Color | Gray | Gray |
| Equipment | Standard | Standard |
| Condition | Excellent | Excellent |
| Mileage | 17,000 | 17,000 |
| KBB Private Party Value | $32,153 | $45,416 |
| Tax (11%) | $3536 | $4995 |
| Out-the-door Price | $35,689 | $50,411 |
| Down Payment | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Financing Monthly Payment | $408.97 | $643.34 |
| Total Loan Interest | $3,756 | $5,909 |
| Total Cost with Interest | $39,445 | $56,320 |
| Monthly Insurance (Full Coverage, $1K Deductible) | Mercury: $146 21st Century: $155 | Mercury: $280 21st Century: $209 |
| Must change oil, belt, and filter | Yes | No |
| Must check smog | Yes (after 8 years) | No |
| Tire Size (larger tires cost more) | 15″ | 18″ |
| Driving Range (Gas + Electricity) | 640 miles | 0 miles |
| Driving Range (Electricity Only) | 25 miles | 220 miles |
| Cost to drive 25 miles | $0.81 (electric only) | $0.83 |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 133 MPGe (electric + gas) 54 MPG (gas only) | 131 MPGe (electric) |