Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 5-year cost to own (Australia)
Over 5 years in Australia (12,000 km/yr), as of July 9, 2026, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid stays the cheaper car to own — about $42,750 vs $68,099 for the Tesla Model 3 RWD, a $25,349 difference over 5 years.
Novated lease (FBT exemption): for a salary-packaged EV the federal FBT exemption can cut the cost substantially — it depends on your income and tax, so it is not in the totals above. Source: ATO.
Cheaper to own over 5 years · AustraliaToyota Corolla Hybrid · $42,750 total · $25,349 less than the Tesla Model 3 RWD
Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Tesla Model 3 RWD | Hybrid · Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $32,391 (48%) | $13,486 (32%) |
| Charging / fuel | $4,095 (6%) | $3,912 (9%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$491) | — |
| Maintenance | $4,752 (7%) | $5,502 (13%) |
| Insurance | $12,725 (19%) | $10,000 (23%) |
| Financing interest | $9,761 (14%) | $5,475 (13%) |
| Registration & fees | $4,375 (6%) | $4,375 (10%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $68,099 | $42,750 |
When does the Tesla Model 3 RWD win?
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid wins decisively here — $25,349 cheaper over 5 years; at typical assumptions this isn't a close call.
No realistic annual distance flips this verdict — the Toyota Corolla Hybrid stays the cheaper car at every distance we model.
What decides the Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid verdict
The single biggest mover is depreciation: $32,391 on the Tesla Model 3 RWD against $13,486 on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, an $18,905 gap in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid's favor — the largest slice of the $25,349 verdict. On the Tesla Model 3 RWD, depreciation alone is 48% of its $68,099 total; on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid it is 32% of $42,750.
- Financing interest: Tesla Model 3 RWD $9,761, Toyota Corolla Hybrid $5,475 — $4,286 more in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid's favor.
- Insurance: Tesla Model 3 RWD $12,725, Toyota Corolla Hybrid $10,000 — $2,725 more in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid's favor.
- Maintenance: Tesla Model 3 RWD $4,752, Toyota Corolla Hybrid $5,502 — $750 the other way, to the Tesla Model 3 RWD.
The Tesla Model 3 RWD gets $750 back on maintenance, but against a $25,349 verdict that is loose change. The Tesla Model 3 RWD starts $22,790 behind the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at the dealer, and ownership widens it — the 5-year gap grows to $25,349. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is ahead by $8,808 after the first year and more than doubles that lead — $25,349 by year 5.
Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid, side by side
Tesla Model 3 RWD
- 5-yr total cost
- $68,099
- Cost / month
- $1,135
- Cost / km
- $1.14
- Starting price
- $54,900
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 14 kWh/100km
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- 5-yr total cost
- $42,750
- Cost / month
- $713
- Cost / km
- $0.71
- Starting price
- $32,110
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Efficiency
- 4 L/100km
- Australia electricity
- 33.00c/kWh AER
- Petrol (Australia)
- $1.63/L AIP