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Cupra Born vs Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023)
Selected trimLong Range Dual Motor · 2019-23Change trim374 mi · 75 kWh · Not available
At a glance
In this comparison, Cupra Born leads on value for money, family practicality and charging speed, while the Tesla Model 3 leads on motorway range.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Cupra Born if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
Choose the Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023) if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Cupra Born leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueCupra
Cupra
5.6
Tesla
0
Motorway RangeTesla
Cupra
6.3
Tesla
7.2
FamilyCupra
Cupra
8.1
Tesla
5.8
ChargingCupra
Cupra
6.7
Tesla
5.6
Cost Per Mile
Cupra
9.6
Tesla
9.4
Too close to call
City DrivingCupra
Cupra
7.7
Tesla
3.9
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
- 73 miles more WLTP range
- 176 litres more boot space
- 145 kW faster rapid charging
- 3.6s quicker 0-62 mph
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Cupra BornV1 58kWh | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £35,995 | Not available |
| Official range | 301 miles | 374 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 385 L | 561 L (better) |
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec | 4.4 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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Cupra Born
Tesla Model 3
Length
Cupra Born4,324mm-371mm
Tesla Model 34,695mm
Width
Cupra Born1,809mm-41mm
Tesla Model 31,850mm
Height
Cupra Born1,540mm
Tesla Model 31,445mm-95mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Cupra BornV1 58kWh | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,324 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,809 mm (better) | 1,850 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,070 mm (better) | 2,088 mm |
| Height | 1,540 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.2 m (better) | 11.6 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 591 mm spare (better) | 550 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Cupra BornV1 58kWh | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 385 L | 561 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1267 L | Not available |
| Frunk | Not available | 88 L |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Cupra Born
- 301 mile WLTP range, longer than 95% of hatchback EVs we track.
- Peak DC charging of 105 kW, faster than 85% of hatchback EVs in our catalogue.
- At 4,324 mm, longer than 85% of hatchback EVs we track.
Tesla Model 3
- A 88 L frunk, one of 13 of 233 UK EVs in our catalogue with a front boot of 88 L or more.
- At 4,695 mm, shorter than 90% of saloon EVs in our UK catalogue.
- Boot space of 561 L is bigger than 85% of saloon EVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Cupra Born V1 58kWh |  Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.32m | 4.70m+371mm |
| Width | 1.81m | 1.85m+41mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.07m | 2.09m+18mm |
| Height | 1.54m | 1.45m-95mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.77m | 2.88m+109mm |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 140mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 385L | 561L* (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1267L | Not available |
| Frunk | Not available | 88L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.2m (better) | 11.6m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,899kg | 1,830kg (better) |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 58kWh | 75kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 301 mi | 374 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 105kW | 250kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £35,995 | Not available |
| Price after EV grant | £34,495 (-£1,500) | Not available |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Saloon |
| Available | 2026+ | 2019–2023 |
* Cupra Born: Heat pump: an option, not standard.
* Cupra Born: Manufacturer lists no trailer towing capacity.
* Tesla Model 3: Tesla quotes 561 L behind the rear seats, measured to the roof including the under-floor well (649 L with the 88 L front trunk). Not directly comparable to VDA figures used by other brands.
* Tesla Model 3: Manufacturer does not publish battery capacity; figure verified from multiple independent sources. Pack size and chemistry changed during production.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Cupra BornV1 58kWh | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 301 miles | 374 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 250 miles | 312 miles (better) |
| Max rapid charge rate | 105 kW | 250 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Usable battery capacity | 58 kWh | 75 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Cupra BornV1 58kWh | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8 sec | 4.4 sec (better) |
| Power | 140 kW | Not available |
| Torque | 310 Nm | Not available |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Cupra Born
V1 58kWh
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Cupra BornV1 58kWh | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £14,295 | £14,840 |
| Average used price | £14,295 | £18,820 |
| Recent used-price trend | Broadly flat | Up 111.3% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Cupra Born V1 58kWh
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant89%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users76%
Safety Assist76%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor
Tested 2019
Adult Occupant96%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users74%
Safety Assist94%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Cupra BornV1 58kWh | Tesla Model 3Long Range Dual Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 193,121 km (better) |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Cupra Born
V1 58kWh
Owners love
- Owners rate the handling, rear-wheel-drive steering feel and comfortable, supportive seats
- Good real-world efficiency, with owners reporting around 4 miles per kWh and 220-320 miles depending on battery
- The 326PS VZ fixed the early cars' lack of punch, with much stronger mid-range acceleration
Watch out for
- Wide A-pillars create a large blind spot at junctions and roundabouts
- The brake pedal feels long and vague at low speed, and regeneration cannot be adjusted much
- The Born is heavy, so the VZ feels less quick than its power suggests and is expensive new
Owner tips
- Check whether a car has the optional heat pump if you do a lot of winter driving
- The 2022-2024 77 kWh car has four seats; later 79 kWh cars seat five
Tesla Model 3
Long Range Dual Motor
Owners love
- Exceptional acceleration and instant torque delivery create an engaging, fun driving experience comparable to sports cars
- Excellent efficiency and low running costs—approximately 1.5-2.2p per mile on home charging versus £16-18p per mile for petrol equivalents
- Minimal maintenance required with no oil changes, long-lasting brake pads due to regenerative braking, and strong battery longevity (minimal degradation over 100k+ miles)
Watch out for
- Suspension is firm and transmits road imperfections harshly, particularly uncomfortable over UK potholes and rough roads; worsens with larger wheel sizes
- Build quality inconsistencies including panel gaps, door/boot misalignment, soft paint prone to stone chips, and varying quality between individual cars
- Autopilot system has documented reliability issues including phantom braking, unreliable high-beam assist, and occasionally dangerous steering corrections
Owner tips
- Prioritize Chinese-built models from 2021 onwards (VIN starting LRW, 71 plates) over US-made Fremont cars for noticeably superior build quality and features like heat pumps
- Use 18-inch wheels with softer sidewall tires for better ride comfort on UK roads; avoid 20-inch Performance wheels which bend easily and worsen harshness
Buying options
Get a quote
Cupra Born
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model 3
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Cupra Born
No active listings.
Tesla Model 3
- £31,9952021EVHEROView
- £48,4952020EVHEROView
- £21,4892021Car360View
Frequently asked questions
What are the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 250 miles for the Cupra Born and 312 miles for the Tesla Model 3 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Tesla Model 3 goes roughly 62 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Cupra Born or the Tesla Model 3?
The Cupra Born is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 41 mm narrower than the Tesla Model 3. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 591 mm of total clearance for the Cupra Born and about 550 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model 3. The Cupra Born also turns in a 1.4 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Cupra Born or the Tesla Model 3?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Cupra Born and 85% for the Tesla Model 3. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Cupra Born comparisons
More Tesla Model 3 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3 rank among long-range EVsWhere the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used CUPRA Born (2022 on): Which Battery, the Battery Recall, Range & What to Check
A used CUPRA Born buyer’s guide: 58, 59, 77 or 79 kWh and e-Boost explained, the four-seat 77 kWh car, the 2026 battery recall, warranty left, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023): Which Version, Range, Warranty & What to Check
A used Tesla Model 3 buyer’s guide: Standard Range Plus vs RWD vs Long Range vs Performance, LFP or lithium-ion, heat pump by year, warranty left, recalls, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .