Tesla Model 3: Price, Specs, Range, Features & Review

Base MSRP :~ $36,990

The Tesla Model 3 is a midsize electric sedan built for drivers who want strong driving range, low energy costs, quick acceleration, simple home charging, and access to Tesla’s software and Supercharger ecosystem.

It suits commuters, first-time EV buyers, long-distance drivers, technology-focused shoppers, and buyers who want a smaller and more affordable alternative to the Tesla Model S. The current U.S. lineup covers several priorities, from a lower-priced rear-wheel-drive version to longer-range Premium variants and the significantly quicker Model 3 Performance.

9.0 / 10 — WheelPedia Rating
Every vehicle we review is scored on a 1–10 scale based on how well it delivers on performance, comfort, efficiency, value, and real-world usability. These ratings help show where it stands in its segment.

Key Highlights

Body Type: Midsize electric sedan
Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive
Current Versions: Rear-Wheel Drive, Premium Rear-Wheel Drive, Premium All-Wheel Drive, and Performance All-Wheel Drive
Best EPA-Estimated Range: Up to 363 miles
Performance Range: Approximately 309 miles
Fastest 0–60 MPH Time: 2.9 seconds
Maximum DC Charging Rate: Up to 250 kW on Premium and Performance versions
Cargo Capacity: 21 cu ft behind the rear seats plus a 3.1-cu-ft front trunk
Best For: Commuters, first-time EV buyers, high-mileage drivers, home-charging households, and buyers who want strong performance without luxury-sedan pricing

Specifications

Spec	Details
Brand	Tesla
Model	Model 3
Vehicle Type	Midsize electric sedan
Body Style	4-door fastback-style sedan
Production	2017–present
Fuel Type	Electricity
Seats	5
Drivetrain	RWD / dual-motor AWD
Transmission	Single-speed reduction gear
EPA Range	Approximately 309–363 miles, depending on version
Maximum DC Charging	Up to 250 kW on supported versions
Wheelbase	113.2 inches
Length	185.8 inches
Front Legroom	42.7 inches
Rear Legroom	34.5 inches
Rear Cargo Space	21 cu ft
Front Trunk	3.1 cu ft
Total Cargo With Five Passengers	24.1 cu ft

Expert Tip

For most buyers, the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is the strongest version to consider first. It delivers the longest rated range in the lineup, retains the more complete Premium cabin and charging package, and avoids the added weight and purchase cost of all-wheel drive. It is the smartest choice for buyers who regularly take longer trips but do not face severe winter conditions.

About the Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s smaller sedan and one of the most influential modern electric cars. It was designed to bring Tesla’s electric powertrain, touchscreen-based interface, software updates, and fast-charging access to a wider group of buyers than the more expensive Model S.

The Model 3 entered production in 2017 and received its most important redesign for the 2024 model year. That update revised the exterior, reduced road and wind noise, changed the suspension tuning, improved cabin materials, introduced a rear passenger screen on higher versions, and removed traditional steering-column stalks from many functions.

The Model 3 competes across several price categories. Lower versions rival mainstream electric sedans, while Premium AWD and Performance models overlap with cars such as the BMW i4, Polestar 2, and Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Price & Trims

Tesla changes prices more frequently than many traditional manufacturers. The figures below should be treated as current starting positions rather than permanent model-year MSRPs.

Version	Approximate Starting Price	Drivetrain	EPA Range	Best For
Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive	$36,990	RWD	About 321 miles	Lowest purchase price
Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive	Low-$40,000 range	RWD	About 363 miles	Maximum range
Model 3 Premium All-Wheel Drive	Upper-$40,000 range	Dual-motor AWD	About 346 miles	Range, speed, and traction
Model 3 Performance AWD	Mid-$50,000 range	Dual-motor AWD	About 309 miles	Maximum performance

Tesla’s live configurator currently lists the entry Rear-Wheel Drive model at $36,990 before destination, order fees, taxes, options, and other charges. Tesla pricing, incentives, inventory discounts, financing offers, and included equipment can change without following a conventional annual model-year schedule.

Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive

The base Rear-Wheel Drive version is the price-focused Model 3.

It retains the basic sedan shape, central touchscreen, navigation, phone-app integration, route planning, active-safety technology, and access to Tesla charging. However, it uses a simplified interior and equipment package compared with Premium models.

Depending on the current build specification, differences may include:

Simpler seat materials
Reduced audio-system output
No rear passenger display
Fewer heated or ventilated seat functions
Less ambient lighting
Simplified trim and console materials
Reduced maximum fast-charging rate
Fewer standard driver-assistance functions

This is the best version for buyers who mainly want an efficient new EV at the lowest possible entry price.

Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive

The Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is the range leader.

It combines a larger usable battery, rear-wheel drive, lower energy consumption than AWD models, and the more complete Premium equipment package. Its approximately 363-mile EPA rating makes it one of the strongest long-distance choices in its price class.

This version makes the most sense for:

Long commutes
Regular highway driving
Apartment dwellers who cannot charge every night
Buyers who want fewer road-trip charging stops
Drivers who do not need AWD

Model 3 Premium All-Wheel Drive

The Premium AWD adds a second electric motor for stronger traction and acceleration.

It gives up a modest amount of range compared with the Premium RWD but feels quicker during overtaking, highway merging, and low-grip launches.

This is the strongest all-around version for buyers living in areas with regular rain, snow, steep roads, or colder winters.

Model 3 Performance

The Performance is the quickest and most specialized Model 3.

It adds stronger motors, performance-oriented suspension tuning, larger wheels and brakes, sportier seats, track-focused settings, and more aggressive body details.

It is the right version for buyers who would otherwise consider a gasoline sport sedan or a more expensive electric performance car.

All prices exclude destination and order fees, taxes, registration, paint, wheels, interior options, software purchases, charging equipment, dealer or delivery adjustments, and regional incentives. Tesla may change pricing and equipment at any time.

Battery, Motors, Performance & Range

The Model 3 lineup uses single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations.

Tesla does not always publish battery capacity in the same way traditional manufacturers publish engine displacement or fuel-tank size. Buyers should therefore compare usable range, charging rate, efficiency, warranty, and real-world road-trip performance rather than relying only on estimated battery capacity.

Rear-Wheel Drive

Item	Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
Motor Layout	Single rear motor
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
EPA Range	About 321 miles
0–60 MPH	About 5.8 seconds
Maximum Charging	Lower than Premium versions
Best Use	Affordable commuting and everyday EV use

The entry RWD model is not fast by Tesla standards, but it is still responsive in city traffic. Electric torque arrives immediately, giving it a cleaner initial response than many similarly priced gasoline sedans.

Premium Rear-Wheel Drive

Item	Model 3 Premium RWD
Motor Layout	Single rear motor
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
EPA Range	About 363 miles
0–60 MPH	About 4.9 seconds
Maximum Charging	Up to approximately 250 kW
Best Use	Maximum range and long-distance efficiency

The Premium RWD gives the Model 3 its strongest efficiency case. It is quicker than the entry car while also offering the best rated range.

Premium All-Wheel Drive

Item	Model 3 Premium AWD
Motor Layout	Dual motor
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive
EPA Range	About 346 miles
0–60 MPH	About 4.2 seconds
Maximum Charging	Up to approximately 250 kW
Best Use	All-weather driving and strong acceleration

The AWD version gives drivers a more effortless feeling at highway speeds and better traction when road conditions are poor.

Model 3 Performance

Item	Model 3 Performance
Motor Layout	Dual motor
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive
EPA Range	About 309 miles
0–60 MPH	2.9 seconds
Top Speed	Performance-focused, market-dependent
Maximum Charging	Up to approximately 250 kW
Best Use	High-performance road driving

The Performance version is dramatically quicker than the other trims. Its acceleration is strong enough to compete with high-performance gasoline sedans and several more expensive electric cars.

Driving Experience

The Model 3 feels light and responsive compared with many electric SUVs.

The battery sits low in the floor, reducing body roll and helping the car feel stable through corners. The steering is quick, and the rear-wheel-drive layout gives lower versions a more natural handling balance than many front-wheel-drive-based electric cars.

The redesigned suspension introduced for the current generation made the Model 3 more comfortable and quieter than earlier versions. The ride is still controlled rather than soft, but the car now feels better suited to longer trips and rough urban roads.

Rear-Wheel-Drive Models

The RWD versions feel clean and predictable. They are easy to control in traffic and provide enough power for highway driving without the aggressive response of AWD variants.

The Premium RWD is the better road-trip car because it combines strong acceleration with the best range.

All-Wheel-Drive Models

The Premium AWD feels noticeably stronger during overtaking and high-speed merging.

Its second motor also improves traction in wet or snowy conditions, although winter tires remain important. AWD does not replace suitable tires when temperatures fall or roads become icy.

Performance Model

The Performance changes the car’s personality.

It accelerates much harder, uses more aggressive chassis settings, and feels more planted on smooth roads. Larger wheels and lower-profile tires reduce ride comfort and increase the risk of pothole damage.

The Performance is entertaining, but the Premium AWD is the better daily car for most drivers.

Range, Charging & Efficiency

Version	Approximate EPA Range
Rear-Wheel Drive	321 miles
Premium Rear-Wheel Drive	363 miles
Premium All-Wheel Drive	346 miles
Performance AWD	309 miles

Independent highway testing can produce lower figures than EPA estimates. Car and Driver recorded approximately 310 miles for a Premium Long Range RWD, 270 miles for the base RWD, and 260 miles for the Performance in its own highway range testing.

Those results do not mean the EPA ratings are incorrect. EPA testing uses a standardized mix of conditions, while sustained highway driving at higher speeds usually consumes more energy.

Supercharging

Premium and Performance Model 3 versions can accept up to approximately 250 kW under suitable conditions. The entry RWD version may have a lower maximum charging rate depending on its battery and current specification.

Charging speed depends on:

Battery state of charge
Battery temperature
Supercharger generation
Ambient temperature
Charger availability
Battery preconditioning
Vehicle software
Charging-station congestion
Battery age and condition

The fastest charging normally occurs when the battery is warm and at a low state of charge. Speed drops as the battery fills.

Home Charging

Home charging is the easiest and usually the least expensive way to own a Model 3.

A Level 2 charging setup can replace a normal day’s driving overnight. The exact charging rate depends on the vehicle version, circuit capacity, charger, and electrical installation.

Buyers should check:

Electrical-panel capacity
Available amperage
Cable route
Parking access
Installation permits
Utility off-peak pricing
Whether a mobile connector or Wall Connector must be purchased separately

Real-World Range

Actual range varies with:

Highway speed
Outside temperature
Cabin heating or air conditioning
Wheel and tire choice
Headwinds
Elevation changes
Passenger and cargo load
Tire pressure
Driving style
Battery age
Rain or snow
Charging habits

Larger wheels usually reduce range. Buyers focused on efficiency, ride quality, and tire cost should choose the smaller factory wheel option.

0–60 MPH Acceleration

Version	Approximate 0–60 MPH	Character
Rear-Wheel Drive	5.8 seconds	Adequate and smooth
Premium Rear-Wheel Drive	4.9 seconds	Quick for a single-motor sedan
Premium All-Wheel Drive	4.2 seconds	Strong everyday performance
Performance AWD	2.9 seconds	Sports-car-level acceleration

These are manufacturer-listed or current configuration figures rather than WheelPedia instrumented test results. Actual performance varies with battery charge, temperature, tires, road surface, vehicle load, and launch conditions.

The entry version is quick enough for normal commuting. The Premium RWD feels properly fast, while the Premium AWD provides more acceleration than most drivers need.

The Performance is in a different category. Its 2.9-second figure makes it one of the quickest sedans available near its price point.

Interior, Comfort & Technology

The Model 3 uses one of the most minimalist interiors in the car market.

Almost every major vehicle function is controlled through the central touchscreen. The cabin has no conventional instrument cluster directly ahead of the driver, and the current generation removes traditional stalks for indicators and drive selection in many configurations.

Common Interior Features

Depending on version, equipment may include:

Large central touchscreen
Navigation with charging-stop planning
Wireless smartphone charging
Bluetooth connectivity
Multiple USB-C ports
Heated front seats
Heated rear seats on Premium models
Ventilated front seats on Premium versions
Rear passenger display on Premium models
Premium audio system
Glass roof
Ambient lighting
Multi-zone climate control
Phone key
Sentry Mode
Dog Mode
Camp Mode
Over-the-air software updates

The entry Rear-Wheel Drive model uses a simpler equipment package. Buyers should confirm the exact included features because Tesla can change trim content without waiting for a traditional model-year update.

Front-Seat Comfort

The front seats are supportive and provide a wide adjustment range. The low dashboard and glass roof create an open view forward.

The absence of physical controls makes the cabin look clean, but it can require extra screen interaction for tasks that are simpler in cars with conventional buttons.

Rear-Seat Comfort

Rear legroom is listed at approximately 34.5 inches. That is usable for adults, but taller rear passengers may find knee room and the low seating position less comfortable on long trips.

The flat floor helps foot space, while the sloping roofline reduces the sense of openness compared with an electric crossover such as the Model Y.

Technology Experience

The Model 3’s strongest technology feature is integration.

Navigation can calculate charging stops, estimate battery level at arrival, precondition the battery before Supercharging, and update the route as conditions change.

The Tesla app can manage:

Locking and unlocking
Climate preconditioning
Charging limits
Charging status
Vehicle location
Service appointments
Software purchases
Sentry Mode viewing where supported

The downside is dependence on Tesla’s interface. Drivers who prefer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, physical climate controls, or a traditional gauge cluster may not like the setup.

Dimensions & Practicality

Dimension	Measurement
Length	185.8 inches
Wheelbase	113.2 inches
Front Headroom	40.3 inches
Rear Headroom	37.8 inches
Front Legroom	42.7 inches
Rear Legroom	34.5 inches
Passenger Volume	Approximately 97 cu ft
Rear Cargo Space	21 cu ft
Front Trunk	3.1 cu ft
Total Cargo With Five Passengers	24.1 cu ft

The Model 3 is compact enough for city use but large enough to function as a primary household car. Its 185.8-inch length places it near conventional midsize sedans.

The 21-cubic-foot rear cargo figure includes the trunk and deep underfloor storage area. The rear seatbacks fold for longer cargo, while the front trunk is useful for charging cables, small bags, or items buyers want separated from the main trunk.

The Model 3 remains less practical than a Model Y for:

Tall cargo
Large dogs
Frequent child-seat access
Easier entry and exit
Bulky outdoor equipment
Buyers who prefer a higher seating position

It is more efficient and usually better to drive than the Model Y, but the crossover remains the more flexible family vehicle.

Safety Features & Ratings

The Model 3 includes Tesla’s Collision Avoidance Assist and a camera-based driver-assistance package.

Common safety and assistance features include:

Automatic emergency braking
Forward collision warning
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane-departure avoidance
Lane-centering assistance
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic high beams
Surround-view camera display
Parking assistance
Driver monitoring
Speed-limit display
Traffic-sign recognition
Autopilot functions where included
Optional Full Self-Driving capability

Despite its name, Full Self-Driving requires active driver supervision. It does not turn the Model 3 into an autonomous vehicle, and the driver remains responsible for the car at all times.

IIHS Ratings

The 2026 Model 3 received Good ratings in the driver-side and passenger-side small-overlap front tests. The updated side test also received a Good overall rating. The updated moderate-overlap front test received an Acceptable rating, with a Marginal chest-injury measure for the rear passenger contributing to the lower score.

IIHS also rated the Model 3’s standard vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front-crash-prevention systems Good for 2025–26 models. The headlights received an Acceptable rating, while the seat-belt reminder system was rated Marginal.

The 2025 Model 3 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Safety disclaimer: For official crash-test ratings and safety evaluations, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites.

Reliability & Ownership

The Model 3 requires less routine powertrain maintenance than a gasoline sedan.

Tesla states that its vehicles do not need traditional oil changes, fuel-system maintenance, spark-plug replacement, or emissions checks. Regenerative braking can also reduce normal brake-pad wear.

That does not make the Model 3 maintenance-free.

Ownership Costs to Consider

Tire replacement
Wheel alignment
Cabin air filters
Windshield washer fluid
Brake-fluid checks
Air-conditioning service
Suspension wear
Glass and body repairs
Insurance
Home-charger installation
Out-of-warranty touchscreen or camera repairs

Tires can wear quickly because the Model 3 is heavy and delivers immediate torque. Performance versions and larger wheels increase replacement cost.

Warranty

Warranty	Coverage
Basic Vehicle	4 years / 50,000 miles
Supplemental Restraint System	5 years / 60,000 miles
Model 3 RWD Battery and Drive Unit	8 years / 100,000 miles
Premium RWD, Premium AWD and Performance Battery and Drive Unit	8 years / 120,000 miles
Battery Capacity Guarantee	Minimum 70% retention during warranty
Body Rust Perforation	12 years / unlimited miles

Tesla’s current warranty terms provide eight years or 100,000 miles of battery and drive-unit coverage for the Model 3 RWD. Premium RWD, Premium AWD, and Performance versions receive eight years or 120,000 miles. Both include a minimum 70% battery-capacity retention guarantee during the warranty period.

The basic vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, while the restraint-system warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles.

Used Model 3 Buying Checks

A used buyer should inspect:

Displayed battery range
Charging speed
Battery and drive-unit warranty balance
Uneven tire wear
Wheel damage
Suspension noise
Steering alignment
Heat-pump and climate operation
Touchscreen response
Camera clarity
Charge-port operation
Glass-roof damage
Water leaks
Underbody or battery-pack damage
Previous collision repairs
Open recalls
Included software and whether it stays with the vehicle

Cars purchased directly from Tesla receive the remainder of the original basic warranty, followed by an additional one year or 10,000 miles of pre-owned coverage. The remaining battery and drive-unit warranty also continues.

Recalls

Recall coverage can differ by model year, production date, hardware, and software version. Some Tesla recalls can be fixed through software updates, while others require physical service.

NHTSA lists recall information by model year and recommends checking the vehicle identification number for exact applicability.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

Strong range across most versions
Premium RWD offers up to approximately 363 miles
Entry price is competitive for a new EV
Excellent energy efficiency
Quick acceleration even in non-Performance versions
Broad Supercharger access
Useful route and charging integration
Strong cargo space for a sedan
Comfortable and quieter than the earlier Model 3
Frequent software updates
Low routine powertrain maintenance
Performance version is exceptionally quick

What We Don’t Like

Most functions depend on the touchscreen
No conventional driver instrument cluster
Turn-signal and drive-control setup may frustrate some drivers
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Entry version loses several Premium features
Rear seat is less comfortable than the exterior size suggests
Larger wheels reduce range and ride comfort
Insurance and collision repairs can be expensive
Tesla changes pricing and standard equipment frequently
Full Self-Driving branding can create unrealistic expectations
Service-center access varies by location

Should You Buy the Tesla Model 3?

You should buy the Tesla Model 3 if you want an efficient electric sedan with long range, fast public charging, low routine maintenance, and strong everyday performance.

The Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is the best choice for most long-distance drivers. It gives you the highest range and a more complete cabin without the cost and energy use of AWD.

The Premium All-Wheel Drive is the better pick for buyers who face difficult weather or want stronger acceleration.

The Rear-Wheel Drive is the value choice. It makes sense when purchase price matters more than luxury features.

The Performance should be treated as a specialist model. It is worth buying for speed and handling, not because it is the most sensible Model 3.

Consider the Hyundai Ioniq 6 if ride comfort, physical controls, and ultra-fast charging matter more.

Consider the Tesla Model Y if cargo access, family use, and a higher seating position matter more than sedan efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Tesla Model 3 cost?

Tesla currently lists the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive from $36,990 before destination, order fees, taxes, options, and other charges. Other versions cost more, and Tesla can change pricing frequently.

What is the Tesla Model 3 range?

Current Model 3 range estimates run from approximately 309 miles for the Performance to around 363 miles for the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive.

Which Tesla Model 3 has the longest range?

The Premium Rear-Wheel Drive has the longest estimated range at approximately 363 miles.

Is the Tesla Model 3 all-wheel drive?

Some versions are. The Premium AWD and Performance use dual-motor all-wheel drive. The entry and Premium RWD versions are rear-wheel drive.

How fast is the Tesla Model 3?

The entry RWD takes about 5.8 seconds from 0–60 mph. Premium RWD takes about 4.9 seconds, Premium AWD about 4.2 seconds, and the Performance approximately 2.9 seconds.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla Model 3?

Charging time depends on battery level, temperature, charger output, and version. Premium and Performance models can charge at up to approximately 250 kW at a compatible Supercharger under suitable conditions.

Can the Tesla Model 3 charge at home?

Yes. Most owners use a Level 2 home charger to replenish normal daily driving overnight.

Does the Tesla Model 3 have Apple CarPlay?

No. The Model 3 uses Tesla’s own infotainment, navigation, voice, music, and phone-integration system rather than Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

How much cargo space does the Model 3 have?

Tesla lists 21 cubic feet behind the second row and a 3.1-cubic-foot front trunk, giving it 24.1 cubic feet of total cargo capacity with five passengers.

Is the Tesla Model 3 safe?

The 2026 Model 3 received Good ratings in the IIHS small-overlap front and updated side tests. It received an Acceptable rating in the updated moderate-overlap front test.

Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable?

The electric drivetrain has fewer routine service items than a gasoline car, but ownership can still involve tire, suspension, electronic, glass, body, climate-system, and charging-related costs.

What is the Model 3 battery warranty?

The Model 3 RWD receives eight years or 100,000 miles. Premium RWD, Premium AWD, and Performance versions receive eight years or 120,000 miles, with a minimum 70% battery-capacity retention guarantee.

Does Full Self-Driving make the Model 3 autonomous?

No. Full Self-Driving requires active driver supervision. The driver must remain attentive and responsible for the vehicle.

Is a used Tesla Model 3 worth buying?

A used Model 3 can be a good purchase when battery health, charging performance, tires, suspension, climate control, cameras, service history, accident repairs, and warranty coverage have been checked carefully.

Summary

The Tesla Model 3 remains one of the most complete electric sedans for buyers who value range, efficiency, charging access, and performance.

Its strongest version for most long-distance buyers is the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive. It combines approximately 363 miles of rated range with a better-equipped interior and strong acceleration.

For buyers comfortable with Tesla’s interface and able to charge at home, the Model 3 remains a strong daily EV with low energy use, useful cargo space, and road-trip capability that many similarly priced electric cars still struggle to match.