Lucid Gravity 60·Tesla Model 3 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Tesla Model 3 about $53,911 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $53,911 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Lucid Gravity counters with more cargo room (21.3 vs 16.6 cu ft) and more power (560 vs 271 hp).
Go with the Tesla Model 3 for the better long-term value; consider the Lucid Gravity if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Lucid Gravity vs. Tesla Model 3
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Lucid Gravity versus 2026 Tesla Model 3.
Metric
Lucid Gravity
Tesla Model 3
MotiveGrid Score
60
79
Cost of Ownership
31
76
Powertrain
59
71
Driver Assistance
38
30
Livability
59
57
Safety
80
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$102,800
$48,889
Depreciation (5-yr)
$55,051
$23,045
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$4,412
$3,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$24,445
$12,590
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,900
$1,125
Tires (5-yr)
$2,450
$1,875
Financing (5-yr)
$12,022
$5,565
Registration (5-yr)
$2,520
$1,655
Starting Price
$79,900
$36,990
Horsepower
560 hp
271 hp
Electric range
337 mi
321 mi
Cargo volume
21.3 cu ft
16.6 cu ft
Seating
7
5
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
Electric
2026$79,900
MSRP
$79,900
Mo · 5yr
$1,713
$102,800 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
Electric
2026$36,990
MSRP
$36,990
Mo · 5yr
$815
$48,889 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Tesla Model 3 scores higher overall.
Lucid Gravity
0
/ 100
Tesla Model 3
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Gravity
31
Model 3
76
Winner: Model 3
$53,911 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Gravity
59
Model 3
71
Winner: Model 3
+12 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Gravity
38
Model 3
30
Winner: Gravity
+8 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Gravity
59
Model 3
57
Winner: Gravity
+2 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Tesla Model 3 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $53,911 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Lucid Gravity still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.
Daily commuter
Tesla Model 3
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Tesla Model 3
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Model 3
Stronger safety
Highway driver
Lucid Gravity
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Tesla Model 3
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Charging mix
Lucid Gravity
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,713
$102,800 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,713/mo
Tesla Model 3
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$815
$48,889 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$815/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Tesla Model 3 comes out about $53,911 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.