Get a $2,000 Tesla Trade-In Allowance: We Compare Lucid Air vs. Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model Y
Without a doubt, Tesla helped accelerate the auto industry’s transition to EVs. The Model S, Model 3, and Model Y were pioneers when they debuted last decade.
However, consumers are increasingly looking for newer, better alternatives in 2025. If you’re currently in a Tesla and want to upgrade — might we suggest the top-rated Lucid Air?
Through March 31, 2025, Lucid is offering an additional $2,000 Tesla Trade-In Allowance on Lucid Air, resulting in leases as low as:
$455 per month for Lucid Air Pure
$557 per month for Lucid Air Touring
$929 per month for Lucid Air Grand Touring
Read on to see how Lucid Air compares to Tesla’s three most popular vehicles.
Lucid Air Grand Touring vs. Tesla Model S
Lucid Air is a luxury sports sedan with greater range, efficiency, and comfort than its direct rival, the Tesla Model S. (Fun fact: Peter Rawlinson, who led development of Lucid Air, was Chief Engineer for the Model S, and he applied the lessons learned from his previous project to create a better car.)
Lucid Air comes in four trims: Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, and Sapphire. We will compare Lucid Air Grand Touring ($110,900 MSRP) against the Model S ($79,990 MSRP). Despite the higher sticker price, Lucid Air Grand Touring costs about $200 per month less to lease than the cheapest Model S.
In terms of exterior dimensions, both sedans measure similarly. Thanks to clever engineering, however, Lucid managed to package significantly more rear seat room, a much larger front trunk, and longer range (512 miles versus 410 miles) compared to the Model S.
Unlike the austere interior of the Tesla, Lucid Air offers an inviting, almost mid-century vibe inside. Choose between a PurLuxe leather alternative or an Extended Leather option, with nearly every surface wrapped in Nappa Leather or Alcantara, together with beautiful metal and open-pore wood pieces. An available Glass Canopy provides an expansive view out, while the seats heat, ventilate, and massage.
Lucid Air does devote less of its interior real estate to screens. Unlike Tesla, there’s no option to play video games on the touchscreen, and Lucid’s DreamDrive Pro is strictly a hands-on-the-wheel driver assistance system — though the company has promised updates to this feature in the near future. These are all minor trade-offs we’ll happily make because Lucid Air is such a dream to drive.
| Lucid Air Grand Touring | Tesla Model S AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $110,900 | $79,900 |
| Range (EPA) | 512 miles | 410 miles |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 3.0 seconds | 3.1 seconds |
| Est. Lease* |
$984/month** $929/month with Tesla Trade-in Allowance** |
$1,245/month |
*Assumes $0 down for 36 months and 10,000 miles/year, before taxes and government fees, with acquisition fee rolled into monthly payment.
**Includes On-Site, Conquest, and Referral Credits .
Lucid Air Touring vs. Tesla Model Y
On the surface, these two vehicles do not compete.
Lucid Air is a luxury sports sedan that’s longer, lower, and wider than the Tesla crossover SUV. However, consumers may very well cross-shop these EVs because the sheer roominess of Lucid Air makes it a feasible SUV alternative.
Lucid Air is one of the most commodious sedans available. It has more combined front and rear legroom than the Model Y, and its rear doors open to 90 degrees. Both of these attributes make it surprisingly practical for families.
While the Model Y offers more absolute cargo volume, Lucid Air’s 26.1 cubic feet (with all seats in place) is comparable to some crossover SUVs. Cargo volume aside, Lucid Air handily beats Model Y in most other areas, with longer range, quicker acceleration, and superior ride and handling from its expertly-tuned chassis.
If you currently own a Model Y, a Lucid Air is worth your consideration and may suit your needs while standing out from the sea of SUVs.
Here’s how the all-wheel drive Lucid Air Touring trim ($78,900 MSRP) compares against the Model Y Launch Series ($59,990), the only Model Y currently available to order. Despite a higher retail price, the luxurious Lucid Air Touring is currently about $200 per month less to lease than Tesla’s crossover SUV.
| Lucid Air Touring | Tesla Model Y Launch Series | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $78,900 | $59,990 |
| Range (EPA) | 406 miles | 327 miles |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 3.4 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Lease* |
$613/month** $557/month with Tesla Trade-in Allowance** |
$814/month |
*Assumes $0 down for 36 months and 10,000 miles/year, before taxes and government fees, with acquisition fee rolled into monthly payment.
**Includes On-Site, Conquest, and Referral Credits .
Lucid Air Pure vs. Tesla Model 3
2025 Lucid Air Pure interior
2025 Tesla Model 3 interior
While both are electric sedans with Silicon Valley roots, Lucid Air is a literal class above the Tesla Model 3.
By every measure imaginable, Lucid Air outshines the Model 3: acceleration, range, interior space, noise levels, cargo volume, and even efficiency. In terms of driving dynamics, Lucid Air offers a higher level of overall comfort and refinement, while still delivering on that classic sports sedan feel.
As you would expect for a vehicle in a higher segment, the most affordable Lucid Air Pure ($69,900 MSRP) commands a higher retail price than the base Tesla Model 3 ($42,490 MSRP). The Lucid is more expensive to lease than the Tesla — but not by as much as the difference in retail price would suggest.
The Lucid Air Pure lease presents an excellent value and a unique opportunity to experience one of the best vehicles on sale today.
| Lucid Air Pure | Tesla Model 3 RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $69,900 | $42,490 |
| Range (EPA) | 420 miles | 363 miles |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 4.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Lease* |
$510/month** $455/month with Tesla Trade-in Allowance** |
$397/month |
*Assumes $0 down for 36 months and 10,000 miles/year, before taxes and fees, with acquisition fee rolled into monthly payment.
**Includes On-Site, Conquest, Referral Credits, and Studio Select Credits .
Sponsored Post: Leasehackr may receive compensation for offer(s) shown on this page. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. All incentives and lease rates described are valid through March 31, 2025 on approved credit.