2021 head-to-head · Midsize Car
2021 Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid vs Tesla Model 3
MPG, range and what each one really costs you to fuel, from official EPA ratings and recalculated with your own gas and electricity prices.
AWD · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 7-speed dual-clutch · 68 MPGe + 29 MPG
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is the cheaper one to run. Driving 15,000 miles a year with 18¢/kWh electricity and $3.95/gal premium gas, it costs about $640 a year to fuel (142 MPGe), versus $1,598 for the 2021 Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid (68 MPGe + 29 MPG). That's roughly $959 a year, or about $4,793 over five years.
Your numbers
Change these to match your driving and local prices. Every figure and chart on this page updates.
Fuel cost over 10 years
- Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid
- Tesla Model 3
Side by side
| Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid | Tesla Model 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| $1,598 | Your annual fuel cost | $640 |
| 68 MPGe + 29 MPG | Combined efficiency | 142 MPGe |
| 64 MPGe / 26 MPG | City | 150 MPGe |
| 74 MPGe / 34 MPG | Highway | 133 MPGe |
| 46 kWh | Electricity use (kWh/100 mi) | 23.7 kWh |
| 440 mi | Driving range | 263 mi |
| 24 mi | All-electric range | — |
| 95 cu ft | Passenger volume | 97 cu ft |
| 25 cu ft | Cargo volume | 15 cu ft |
| 139 g/mi | Tailpipe CO₂ (g/mi) | 0 g/mi |
| 9/10 | EPA fuel economy score | 10/10 |
| 10/10 | EPA greenhouse gas score | 10/10 |
| 2.4 hrs | Charge time at 240V | 7.8 hrs |
| Plug-in hybrid | Powertrain | Electric |
| Premium gas + electricity | Fuel | Electricity |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Engine / motor | Electric motor (198 kW) |
| 7-speed dual-clutch | Transmission | Single-speed |
| AWD | Drivetrain | RWD |
✓ marks the better value. EPA scores run 1–10 (10 is best). Volumes come from the EPA interior volume index and aren't published for every body style.
Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid vs Tesla Model 3 across model years
- Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid
- Tesla Model 3
Annual fuel cost of the most efficient configuration of each model year, at your prices. Click a point to open that year.
How they differ
The Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid goes farther between stops: about 440 miles on a full tank and charge, compared with 263 miles for the Tesla Model 3.
Per EPA interior volume figures, the Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid has more cargo space (25 vs. 15 cu ft).
Among 54 2021 midsize cars, the Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid ranks 22nd and the Tesla Model 3 1st for lowest fuel cost.
Because the Tesla Model 3 is fully electric, it has no tailpipe emissions and its running cost depends almost entirely on your electricity rate. Cheap overnight home charging widens its advantage over the Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid; relying on DC fast chargers can erase it.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the 2021 Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid or the 2021 Tesla Model 3?
Measured by cost to drive, the Tesla Model 3. The Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid is rated 68 MPGe + 29 MPG combined and the Tesla Model 3 142 MPGe (EPA, most efficient configuration of each).
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid vs. the Tesla Model 3 per year?
At 15,000 miles a year with 18¢/kWh electricity and $3.95/gal premium gas, about $1,598 for the Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid and $640 for the Tesla Model 3.
Which has more range?
The Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid: about 440 miles versus 263 miles.
Which has more cargo space?
The Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid, with 25 cu ft of luggage volume versus 15 cu ft (EPA interior volume index).
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