Tesla Model Y vs BYD Atto 3 Comparison

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y
VS

BYD Atto 3
BYD Atto 3

This is Tesla Model Y Vs BYD Atto 3 comparison for 2024. Electric cars and SUVs are here for the indefinite future. Buying electric doesn’t mean you are a die hard environmentalist and apart from the relative novelty value, the battery powered vehicle arguably fits more into your lifestyle than a petrol or diesel power car. Electric vehicles currently represent the leading edge in tech in and are cheaper to run, charge up and reliable. And with that, the BYD Atto 3 is the mainstream model for the brand known for making batteries. It is not the 3rd generation but just a model name. Likewise the Model Y is not Tesla’s 25th model but their 2nd SUV style model. So how do they compare?

Tesla Model Y Vs BYD Atto 3 exterior comparison: The BYD Atto 3 design is clearly influenced by the land mark Tesla. As a result the Atto 3 has some similarities to the Model Y especially in the front end. However the main difference is that BYD have made it more a hatch back in silhouette based on their prior models. In the end both are not traditionally good looking and the Atto3 looking like an anonymous high rise hatch rather the traditional SUV. It neither looks cheap or expensive on the road which is what BYD have done well. The Model Y is clearly the larger model and the Atto 3 smaller but there is relatively plenty of space in both. We can’t really say much more as the Model Y is quite a common model in 2024.

Tesla Model Y Vs BYD Atto 3 interior comparison: The Model Y is the bigger the SUV for sure but the space in the Atto 3 is pretty good too for the size. Both have contrasting interior design and materials although the Atto 3 is noticeably less premium than the Model Y. The BYD interior is not about minimalism but about a home country’s design team’s dreams of a future and fitness or a gym as they often promote… We’ve been to many Gyms and point out this as a market smokescreen. Lots of flashy lights and screens that errs on the side of trying too hard. The design reflects the country of origin with the familiar ‘cut and paste’ can be seen throughout. Mind you the guitar like strings on the door pockets is a bit random. The Model Y has the better interior as it just looks original and feels like a nicer place to be in but a bit more ambient interior lighting would be nice.

Tesla Model Y Vs BYD Atto 3 engine and technology comparison: BYD makes batteries and they are very good at it. In fact the Model Y probably has BYD battery tech as well. However making a complete electric vehicle is not easy and is more that just a good battery. The motor and software that runs the car is important as well and BYD has yet to prove its self in the short and long term. Since you also have to service the BYD at fixed intervals also indicates that they don’t have complete confidence in their car either. The layout also indicates that BYD used an off the self body rather than designing a purely electric vehicle which is a compromise. In comparison the Tesla does not have fixed servicing, relying on software to indicate when it needs a service. Although based on the Model 3 the tech is electric from the ground up and shows. The Model Y also has the optional Autonomous driving option and decent Autopilot system as standard.

Tesla Model Y Vs BYD Atto 3 drive report and Street Cred : No question the Tesla brand is regarded highly and all their models have the same halo effect. BYD has yet to make a mark in public minds.

The conclusion and winner of the Tesla Model Y Vs BYD Atto 3 comparison is a draw. The reason is due purely to pricing. Ignoring size, performance, brand and support the Atto 3 is worth $17,000 less than the Tesla and that’s basically it. That said it not exactly cheap to buy at around 50K on the road.

Tesla Model Y BYD Atto 3
Engines
Single Motor RWD
Standard Range
Power 220 Kw Torque xxx Nm
(Not given)
Dual Motor AWD
Long Range
Power 378 Kw Combined
(Not given)
Long Range Performance
Power 393 Kw Combined
(Not given)
Single Motor FWD
Power 150 Kw Torque 310 Nm
Weight
From Approx Kerb weight 1909 kg
Towing capacity up to xxxx kg
From Approx Kerb weight 1680Kg
Towing capacity up to xxxx kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Single motor
Battery size 67 kWh
Claimed range 455 Km (WLTP)
Dual motor
Battery size 81 kWh
Claimed range 533 Km (WLTP)
Single motor
Battery size 50 kWh
Claimed range 345 Km (WLTP)
Battery size 60 kWh
Claimed range 420 Km (WLTP)
Other specifications
1 Speed
Overall height/width 1624/1974
Overall length/wheelbase 4750/2890
4WD system: RWD or AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
1 Speed Auto
Overall height/width 1615/1875
Overall length/wheelbase 4450/2720
4WD system: None
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 168 mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 138mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Single electric motor
0-100kph 6.9 Secs
Dual electric motor
0-100kph 5 Secs
Dual electric motor (Performance)
0-100kph 3.7 Secs
Single electric motor
0-100kph 7.3 Secs
Pricing
2024 $65,400 – 92,020 AUD 2024 $48,011 – 51,011 AUD
*Specs change due to model grade and configuration. Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!