Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| Model 3 | Camry | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tesla | Toyota |
| Starting price | $38,630 | $29,300 |
| Monthly payment | $449 | $341 |
| Fuel type | Electricity | Hybrid |
| Fuel economy | 26.4 kWh/100 mi | 46.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | — | 172 g/mi–204 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The rear-view camera on Model 3 vehicles from the 2019-2020 model years can fail because repeated opening and closing of the trunk damages the coaxial cable feeding the camera, potentially causing a black screen or complete failure. This increases the risk of backing collisions. The issue was addressed in a December 2021 recall that covered 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles, with a free remedy; out-of-warranty harness repair is estimated to cost a few hundred dollars but no independent cost estimate is available.
Certain 2021-2022 Model 3 vehicles with Autopilot, and some 2020 models, may experience phantom braking where the car slams on its brakes at highway speed with no visible obstacle, which can cause rear-end collisions and erode driver confidence. This was investigated by NHTSA in February 2022 after numerous complaints. Tesla addressed it with free over-the-air software updates, so no owner-paid repair is typically needed.
Front upper control arm ball-joint wear can cause creaking or clunking sounds over bumps and while steering on Model 3 vehicles from 2019-2023, especially earlier builds. This can lead to uneven tire wear and, in severe cases, loss of suspension integrity. Out-of-warranty replacement typically costs between $400 and $900 per side including parts and labor.
Tesla Model 3 vehicles from 2019-2023 can experience premature failure of the 12V auxiliary battery, often within 2-4 years, leading to warnings like '12V battery needs service' and potentially leaving the vehicle inoperable. The battery may fail while parked, causing a sudden inability to unlock or start the car. Replacement at a service center typically costs between $250 and $450 including parts and labor.
In December 2023, Tesla recalled over 2 million US vehicles including the Model 3 from 2019-2023 because NHTSA found that Autopilot's controls may not sufficiently prevent driver misuse, increasing crash risk. The remedy was a free over-the-air software update to add more prominent alerts and checks. No owner out-of-pocket cost is associated with this recall.
Yes, the 2019-2020 Camry 2.5L and 3.5L non-hybrid models with Denso low-pressure fuel pumps can hesitate, idle rough, crank long, set a check-engine light, and then stall without restarting. The Denso pump impeller can deform and stop pumping fuel, which can cause sudden loss of power steering and brake assist; Toyota recalled these pumps under 20V-012 and 20V-345. Dealers replace the pump free under recall, and independent out-of-pocket repair typically runs $350-$700.
Yes, 2019-2021 Camrys with Entune 3.0/4.0 can have the center screen go black, freeze, reboot, drop Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and lose the backup camera and HVAC display. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0043-20 for head-unit firmware updates, and a dealer software update is usually free; if the hardware has failed, head-unit replacement runs roughly $1,000-$2,000 at dealer rates. The main consequences are driver distraction, rear-camera loss, and losing screen-integrated climate controls while driving.
The 2019 Camry, with some 2020 examples, can clunk or jolt on 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts, thud on downshifts, and delay engagement from Park or Neutral; this applies to the direct-shift 8-speed automatic behind 2.5L and 3.5L engines. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0108-19 for these shift-quality issues, and the reflash typically costs $100-$300; severe cases with torque-converter damage may need a $3,000-$6,000 transmission replacement. The issue degrades drivability but usually does not cause a no-drive failure.
Yes, 2019-2020 Camrys can have water pool in the front or rear footwells because of cowl and cabin-air-intake sealing or HVAC drain routing. Inspection cues include damp carpets, fogged windows, and musty odor after rain or washing; prolonged leaks can corrode connectors and modules under the dash or seats. Sealing or drain repair typically costs $200-$700, while replacing a water-damaged body or BCM module can exceed $1,200.
Yes, 2019-2022 Camry Hybrids, especially 2021-2022 models, can have the pump click off before the tank is full, the gauge drop from full within a few miles, and a pessimistic distance-to-empty reading. Toyota issued EVAP and fuel-gauge calibration field actions and service updates; independent diagnosis and repair of the EVAP pressure sensor or vent valve usually runs $250-$400. The issue reduces usable range and makes fuel level unreliable, but it does not cause stalling.
Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Camry suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Model 3 starts at $38,630; Camry starts at $29,300. The difference is $9,330, making Camry about 24% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: Model 3 — $449; Camry — $341. The difference is $108 per month, with Camry lower.
The models use different powertrains: Model 3 — Electricity; Camry — Hybrid. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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