Tesla Model 3 practically invented the electric compact sedan category and it remains a highly appealing choice for EV shoppers. The recent “Highland” updates to the Model 3 addressed some of our biggest gripes with the car: Suspension improvements that smooth out the ride are appreciated, as are the nicer interior materials. Those updates helped it along to a spot on our 10Best list this year. However, the infotainment system still lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, and now even more physical controls have been jettisoned—the Model 3 has gone stalk-free, moving the turn-signal controls to the steering wheel and the gear selector to the display. It’s as quick as ever, though; the Performance model delivers particularly brutal acceleration, and even the slowest version, the rear-drive Long Range model, manages a 4.6-second run to 60 mph.
What’s New for 2025?
Tesla has dropped the Standard Range model, previously the least expensive Model 3, from the lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 starts at $44,130 and goes up to $56,630 depending on the trim and options.Rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor are standard, but a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup is available. We’d recommend either the rear- or all-wheel-drive Long Range models, which offer an estimated 363 and 346 miles of driving per charge, respectively. All Model 3s come standard with heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, and Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assist system.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
As with most EVs, the Model 3 gains speed swiftly, smoothly, and almost silently, with the electric motor providing a strong punch from a stop. And it’s quick—extremely so in some trims. Like all Teslas (and most other EVs), the Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity. This helps it change direction crisply and feel planted and stable in corners. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, with three different settings that adjust the level of effort. The ride is firm without being harsh, and the cabin is notably quieter than before in our testing. The new-for-2024 Performance trim ups the ante with a host of upgrades. This model is the only Model 3 that comes with a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers. The Performance model’s all-wheel-drive powertrain pumps out a combined 510 horsepower and Tesla has upgraded the brakes and installed a staggered set of wheels and tires
0–60-MPH Times
When we tested the rear-wheel-drive Long Range model, it got to 60 mph in a swift 4.6 seconds. The all-wheel-drive dual-motor Long Range model will likely be quicker still. The 2024 Performance trim has more power than the pre-facelift version and got to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds in our testing.
| Category | Model 3 Long Range RWD | Model 3 Performance AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | RWD, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan | AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan |
| Base Price / As Tested | $44,130 / $52,130 | $56,630 / $66,630 |
| Powertrain | Single Rear Motor | Dual Motor (Front & Rear) |
| Motor Type | Permanent-magnet synchronous AC | Front: Induction AC / Rear: PMS AC |
| Combined Power | 286 hp | 510 hp |
| Combined Torque | 322 lb-ft | 554 lb-ft |
| Battery Pack | 79.7 kWh lithium-ion | 79.7 kWh lithium-ion |
| Onboard Charger | 11.5 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate | 250 kW | 250 kW |
| Transmission | Direct-drive | Direct-drive |
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Three distinct Model 3 trims are offered, each with a different estimated driving range. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range model has an estimated range of 363 miles, while the all-wheel-drive Long Range model offers 346 miles of driving range. (If you opt for the extra-cost 19-inch wheels, the estimated range numbers are lower.) The Model 3 Performance sacrifices some of the range for more power, but its estimated range is still pretty good at 296 miles per charge. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 Long Range achieved a result of 310 miles and the Model 3 Performance achieved 260 miles.
| Specification | Model 3 Long Range RWD | Model 3 Performance AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension (F/R) | Multilink / Multilink | Multilink / Multilink |
| Brakes (F/R) | 12.6 in / 13.2 in vented discs | 14.0 in / 13.2 in vented discs |
| Tires | 235/45R-18 Michelin Primacy A/S | F: 235/35R-20, R: 275/30R-20 Pirelli P Zero |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 in | 113.2 in |
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | 72.8 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.7 in | 56.7 in |
| Passenger Volume (F/R) | 56 / 41 ft³ | 56 / 41 ft³ |
| Trunk Volume (F/R) | 3 / 21 ft³ | 3 / 21 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3817 lb | 4046 lb |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The various versions of the Model 3 are rated between 113 MPGe and 138 MPGe by the EPA. Our RWD Long Range test vehicle managed 128 MPGe on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test and the Performance model managed 91 MPGe. The Model 3 comes standard with aluminum wheels that are covered by plastic aerodynamic hubcaps. We wanted to know how much impact those hubcaps have on the car’s driving range, so we tested with and without them and were surprised to find that they helped more than expected. For more information about the Model 3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Tesla Model 3 has an interior unlike any other (non-Tesla) car on the market today. It’s shockingly simple inside, with nearly everything controlled by the monolithic touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. Buttons on the steering wheel control things like the exterior side-view mirrors, the position of the steering column, and even the turn signals—and we wish those controls were of the conventional design instead. The Tesla’s low, flat floor makes for a spacious and airy feel inside. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but the rear seats are positioned low and are cramped and uncomfortable; don’t expect adults to be able to spend long periods of time in them. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats is simple and expands the trunk space considerably, providing enough room for 15 carry-on suitcases. There are also generously sized bins and cubbies throughout the cabin.
| Specification | Model 3 Long Range RWD | Model 3 Performance AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Observed (C/D) | 121 MPGe | 91 MPGe |
| EPA (Comb/City/Hwy) | 137 / 145 / 128 MPGe | 112 / 117 / 107 MPGe |
| EPA Estimated Range | 363 mi | 303 mi |
| 75-mph Highway Range | 310 mi | 260 mi |
| DC Fast-Charge (10–90%) | N/A | 39 min @ 98 kW avg |
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Tesla’s overall warranty coverage is among the longest in the EV segment, but it’s disappointing that the coverage doesn’t include corrosion protection. The Long Range model includes an additional 20,000 miles of coverage for its battery and drive components.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
