Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas): 5-year cost to own in the U.S.

Q: Is the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years?

The Honda Accord LX (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $39,655 vs $54,654 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $14,999 difference over 5 years.

Q: How much more does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD cost to buy than the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD starts at $42,490 — $14,490 more than the Honda Accord LX (gas) ($28,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $14,999 in favor of the Honda Accord LX (gas).

Q: Which costs less per mile — the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Honda Accord LX (gas): $0.66 vs $0.91 per mile all-in ($661 vs $911 per month).

By the EVCostIQ research desk · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years (U.S. average, 12,000 mi/yr), the Honda Accord LX (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $39,655 vs $54,654 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $14,999 difference over 5 years. The expired federal $7,500 EV credit is not applied to either total.

Cheaper to own over 5 yearsHonda Accord LX (gas) · $39,655 total · $14,999 less than the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD

Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas) — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (USD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost component	Electric · Tesla Model 3 Premium	Gas · Honda Accord LX
Depreciation (estimated)	$24,644 (45%)	$10,640 (27%)
Charging / fuel	$4,173 (8%)	$7,213 (18%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$501)	—
Maintenance	$3,660 (7%)	$5,100 (13%)
Insurance	$13,750 (25%)	$11,000 (28%)
Financing interest	$7,427 (14%)	$4,702 (12%)
Registration & fees	$1,000 (2%)	$1,000 (3%)
Total cost of ownership	$54,654	$39,655

The charging-loss row is the ~10–15% of electricity lost to AC charging that you pay for but never reaches the battery — we include it; most calculators don't.

When does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD win?

Even at 30,000+ mi/yr or a 15-year hold, the Honda Accord LX (gas) stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).

Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas), side by side

Electric

Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD

5-yr total cost: $54,654
Cost / month: $911
Cost / mile: $0.91
MSRP: $42,490
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 25 kWh/100mi

Gas Lower 5-yr cost

Honda Accord LX (gas)

5-yr total cost: $39,655
Cost / month: $661
Cost / mile: $0.66
MSRP: $28,000
Powertrain: Gas
Efficiency: 32 mpg

Electricity (US avg): 18.8¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (US avg): $3.85/gal AAA

Change the miles, your state & either car

Full cost breakdowns

Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs Honda Accord LX (gas) by state

Local electricity and gas flip the math. States where the result differs from the U.S. average:

FAQ

Is the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas) cheaper to own over 5 years?

The Honda Accord LX (gas) stays the cheaper car to own — about $39,655 vs $54,654 for the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD, a $14,999 difference over 5 years.

When does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD become cheaper than the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

How much more does the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD cost to buy than the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD starts at $42,490 — $14,490 more than the Honda Accord LX (gas) ($28,000). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $14,999 in favor of the Honda Accord LX (gas).

Which costs less per mile — the Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD or the Honda Accord LX (gas)?

The Honda Accord LX (gas): $0.66 vs $0.91 per mile all-in ($661 vs $911 per month).