Tesla Model 3 vs Honda Accord: running cost
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheaper of the two to run, at $550/year in electricity versus $1,950 for the Honda Accord (EPA estimate). That's about $1,400 a year, or $7,000 over five years, on fuel alone. Per mile it's 4¢ vs 11¢. Full side-by-side below.
Source: EPA / DOE FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data. Data as of June 2026.
Tesla Model 3 vs Honda Accord side by side
| Metric | Tesla Model 3 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric (EV) | Gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Efficiency | 137 MPGe | 32 MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $550 | $1,950 |
| Cost to drive 1,000 mi | $43 | $106 |
| Cost per mile | 4¢ | 11¢ |
| 5-year fuel (EPA) | $2,750 | $9,750 |
| Tailpipe CO2 | 0 g/mi | 276 g/mi |
| Est. 5-year cost to own | $31,200 | $35,750 |
What the numbers mean
The fuel/energy figures above are EPA data and are directly comparable. The Tesla Model 3's lower running cost adds up to roughly $7,000 over five years — money that can offset a higher purchase price. Whether that makes it the better buy depends on what each costs up front, how many miles you drive, and your local fuel and electricity prices. Model your own scenario with the EV-vs-gas calculator or the cost-to-own calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 or the Honda Accord cheaper to run?
On EPA estimated annual fuel cost, the Tesla Model 3 is cheaper to run at $550/yr versus $1,950 for the Honda Accord — a saving of about $1,400 a year, or $7,000 over five years on fuel alone.
Tesla Model 3 vs Honda Accord: which has lower running cost per mile?
The Tesla Model 3 costs about 4¢ per mile to fuel/charge at June 2026 prices, versus 11¢ for the Honda Accord. Cost per mile is driven by efficiency and the price of gasoline vs electricity.
Does the cheaper-to-run model also cost less to own?
OwnRate's 5-year cost-to-own estimate is $31,200 for the Tesla Model 3 and $35,750 for the Honda Accord. Note these include illustrative depreciation, insurance and maintenance assumptions, not just fuel — so the cheapest to fuel isn't always the cheapest to own. See the methodology.
Tesla Model 3 vs Honda Accord: which is better for the environment?
The electric option has zero tailpipe CO2, though upstream electricity generation still has emissions that vary by grid. Lower fuel use generally means lower emissions.
Keep exploring
Last updated: 2026-06-20