Volkswagen Polo vs Tesla Model Y

What's the difference?

VS
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$58,900 - $89,400

2026 price

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo
2026 Tesla Model Y
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.0L

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
5.4L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

6
Dislikes
  • Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
  • Some turbo/DCT lag
  • Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads

  • Ride might be too firm for some
  • Compromised vision from driver's seat
  • Lack of Apple CarPlay a turn-off
2026 Volkswagen Polo Summary

The Volkswagen Polo is about to turn 30 in Australia but, by 1996, it was already 21-years and three generations old in Europe.

As the least-expensive jumping-on point for the brand here today (RIP VW Up!), the Polo has deftly juggled affordability with the premium pricing that its German engineering demands.

But, at nine-years old, and in an era of newer, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) and often cheaper alternatives from China and elsewhere, is the ageing Polo as convincing?

We test the mid-spec CityLife to find out.

View full pricing & specs
2026 Tesla Model Y Summary

This is the new Tesla Model Y L, of course, but before we even start I need to ask you a very important question.

How often, honestly, do you use all seven seats in your seven-seater? Or if you only have five seats, how often is there a human in every single one?

Rarely, if ever?

Yep, me too. So stick around, because this is, by far, the best family SUV seating layout. And one where there’ll finally be no fighting over who gets stuck with the dodgy seat.

And as a result, the six-seat Tesla Model Y L might just be among the best all-electric SUV offerings around.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2026 Tesla Model Y

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