The Model 3 and the Model Y are the two most affordable Teslas in the Rentalcars Dubai fleet, and the difference between them is not only body style. A sedan against a crossover, 283 hp against 299, 250 AED a day against 350. Below we go through what actually differs between them and who suits which model. If you are curious about electric car rental in general rather than Tesla specifically, we cover the broader rules in a separate guide.
Models and prices
| Model | Body | Power | Seats | Per day, AED | Per week, AED | Per month, AED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 2024 | sedan | 283 hp | 5 | 250 | 1,500 | 5,000 |
| Tesla Model Y 2024 | crossover | 299 hp | 5 | 350 | 2,100 | 7,000 |
| Tesla Model X 2023 | SUV | 670 hp | 6 | 700 | 4,060 | 13,300 |
The Model X is in the table for context, it is a different league altogether, six seats, falcon doors and almost double the power of the Model Y, at 700 AED a day. The main comparison here is between the Model 3 and the Model Y, which sit closer together in price and in purpose. The fleet also has the Cybertruck, from AED 1,800 a day, but it is a pickup for a different purpose.
Sedan versus crossover
The Model 3, 283 hp, 5 seats, 250 AED a day, is a low sedan: a seating position closer to the road, sharper in corners, easier to fit under height-restricted mall parking barriers. The Model Y, 299 hp, 5 seats, 350 AED a day, shares the same platform but wears a crossover body: a higher driving position, more headroom in the back, and a bigger boot thanks to the hatchback tailgate. Seat count is identical on both, the real difference is body shape, how much luggage fits, and how high off the road you sit.
Power and price
The power gap is small, 283 against 299 hp, and the extra 16 hp on the Model Y is not the reason anyone picks it. The price gap is the bigger story: 100 AED a day, 600 AED a week, 2,000 AED a month, meaning the Model Y costs about 40 percent more than the Model 3 at almost any rental length. That premium buys the body style and the boot space, not extra performance.
Range
The exact rated range on a full charge differs between the Model 3 and the Model Y and shifts with software updates and the specific car's configuration, so it is worth confirming the current figure when you book rather than relying on numbers from general reviews. For driving around Dubai and to the neighbouring emirates, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, both models have plenty of range on a single charge, and range only becomes a real question for longer runs like a same-day round trip to Al Ain or Ras Al Khaimah.
Who should pick which
The Model 3 suits a solo traveller or a couple who want an efficient, easy to place EV for the city: work trips, malls, the beach, short airport runs. It is the most affordable Tesla in the fleet and a sensible pick if the electric car itself is the point, not a status purchase. The Model Y works better for a family with children or anyone who needs boot space, a stroller, a week's luggage for two or three, sports gear. The higher seating position front and back is also more comfortable for passengers who find getting into a low sedan harder.
How an EV differs from a petrol rental
You feel the difference the moment you pull away: torque is instant from a standstill, acceleration is smooth with no gear shifts, and the cabin stays quiet even at speed on Sheikh Zayed Road. Both models are controlled through the Tesla app on your phone, with climate and navigation built into a single screen. For anyone driving an EV for the first time, whether it is the Model 3 or the Model Y, the shift in driving feel is usually more noticeable than the difference between the two models themselves.
Charging in Dubai
Dubai has a solid network of Tesla Superchargers and city DEWA EV Green Charger stations, at malls, hotel car parks and along the main highways. For city driving and short trips between emirates you will not need to charge often, for longer runs it is worth planning the route in advance and checking a current station map rather than assuming you will find a charger anywhere out in the desert or far along the highway.
Three quick scenarios
- A solo traveller or a couple, city, beach, airport, price matters most: the Model 3 at 250 AED a day.
- A family with children, a stroller and luggage, a week-long trip: the Model Y at 350 AED a day, the extra 100 AED pays for itself in boot space.
- A group of up to 6 or you want more power: the Model X at 700 AED a day, a different class, but still a Tesla.
What is included
Standard fleet terms apply: no deposit, minimum driver age 21, minimum 1 year of driving experience, minimum rental 1 day. Insurance is included, full zero-excess cover is available as a paid add-on. The included mileage is 250 km a day. Delivery and collection anywhere in Dubai are free on rentals of 7 days or more, on shorter rentals delivery and collection together cost AED 210. Payment works the same way for electric cars, cash, card or bank transfer, full prepayment with no deposit block. The full-tank fuel policy does not apply to EVs, ask us about the charge level at handover and return when you book.
