2025 Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 is the most affordable new Tesla and one of the company’s best sellers. It’s easy to see why. The Model 3 has quite a low starting price and even qualifies for a federal tax cut. And being able to travel for more than 300 miles between charges is still noteworthy at this present state of battery technology. On the subject of charging, Tesla also has its own extensive network of fast Superchargers.

Since launching in 2017, the Model 3 has won many fans. Our owner reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a large majority recommending the car to others.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric cars, including the Tesla Model 3.

Maximum range increases to 363 miles, from 341. Tesla has also discontinued the Standard Range version, previously the cheapest Model 3.

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 starts at $42,490.

We recommend the Long Range models, with the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version having the best range of the lineup.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 in SE trim with rear-wheel drive comes close in terms of range and begins a little below the Model 3 price-wise. The BMW i4 and Polestar 2 both start much higher. The Model 3 is also eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.

Before buying a new Model 3 electric car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Tesla Model 3 resale values are higher than the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The popular Model 3 Long Range version with all-wheel drive employs a 394-horsepower dual-motor setup. Tesla estimates a standstill-to-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. That kind of acceleration was once reserved for pricey performance cars, but quick and smooth acceleration is one of Tesla’s calling cards. Electric or not, we love having this kind of performance in a practical car we can drive every day. We should add, however, that a 320-horsepower Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long Range all-wheel-drive variant is only about a tenth of a second slower.

The floor-mounted battery contributes to a low center of gravity, bringing benefits in stability. The Model 3 changes direction quickly and calmly through a set of fast corners. The suspension is taut yet still comfortable. One aspect we really like is the ability to fine-tune functions such as steering, braking, and accelerator responses to be sporty or more relaxed, according to each driver’s taste.

The base rear-wheel-drive model is a little tamer, but still enjoyable. It has a single electric motor with 286 horsepower and a fleet 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. The Model 3 Performance, meanwhile, generates a fierce 510 horsepower. It comes standard with an adaptive suspension, sport front seats, stronger brakes, staggered-width tires, and a Track driving mode. Tesla says it will hit 60 mph in a breathtaking 2.9 seconds.

A huge touchscreen enables car makers to keep switches and knobs to a minimum — perhaps too much of a minimum in the Model 3. The dashboard is more or less a bare space on which the considerably sized 15.4-inch display is attached. Even the direction of the air vents is operated through this screen.

Even so, textiles and multi-colored ambient lighting give the Model 3 a modern and upscale vibe. The all-glass roof makes the cabin feel open and airy. We also appreciate the Model 3’s excellent outward vision.

Heated and cooled front seats are standard, and comfortable enough for hours at a time. With 35.2 inches of legroom (only half an inch more than the Ioniq 6), rear seat space is adequate for kids and average-sized adults. Rear passengers will appreciate the 8-inch screen in the back with streaming and gaming in addition to climate controls.

The trunk has an area of 21 cubic feet, substantially more than the dome-shaped Ioniq 6 with its 11.2 cubic feet. The 3’s rear seats also split and fold for extra versatility. And there’s an extra 3.1 cubic feet of space under the hood.

The Model 3 sedan has a sleek and aerodynamic appearance that’s undeniably Tesla. Unfortunately, earlier versions of the Model 3 have suffered from build quality problems. Some of our owner reviews have reported issues like paint runs, misaligned panel gaps, and even doors not working reliably — uncommon faults in most modern cars. Tesla claims improved fit and finish for the Model 3 since last year’s update, but we still recommend taking a good, in-person look before buying.

Up to 363 miles of range
Other car companies are catching up, but Tesla still impresses in terms of distance covered by a single battery charge. Factor in the Tesla Supercharger network and the Model 3 will handle road trips just as easily as city jaunts.

Partial self-driving tech
The standard Autopilot system bundles increasingly common features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Autopilot adds Navigate on Autopilot, automatic lane changing, automated parking, and Smart Summon. Full Self-Driving Capability is one of the more advanced systems available, adding Autosteer on city streets, plus automatic stop-and-go at traffic lights and stop signs.

15.4-inch touchscreen
Just about every function is controlled through this huge touchscreen. It has superb graphics and a user-friendly interface. Tesla also allows users to stream Netflix and Hulu, a pleasant way to pass the time while recharging. Yet despite such contemporary tech, there’s no way to integrate Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which are standard in most rivals. It may not be a deal-breaker, but we wish Tesla would reconsider.

Rear screen
An 8-inch infotainment screen for the back-seat passengers comes standard in the Tesla Model 3. Passengers can use it for streaming, gaming, climate control, or even sliding the front passenger seat forward for extra legroom.

Sentry Mode
A parked Tesla still has an active 360-degree camera system and will send alerts to an owner’s phone. The optional Live Camera function provides the ability to check the car’s surroundings, sound the horn, flash the headlights, and even enable talking through the car’s speaker.

Two trunks
The Tesla Model 3 is a practical car with generous cargo space in the trunk and under the hood. It’s one of many factors that make the Model 3 a sensible daily driver.

The maximum range of a Model 3 is 363 miles, achieved by the Long Range RWD (rear-wheel drive) version with a single electric motor. Add a second motor for all-wheel drive, and range is still a highly respectable 346 miles. The Performance version can run for 303 miles. To compare, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a maximum range of 342 miles with rear-wheel drive, and its dual-motor/all-wheel-drive powertrain achieves up to 316 miles.

The well-established Tesla Supercharger network of fast charging stations goes a long way to easing range anxiety. Tesla claims a Supercharger can provide up to 175 miles of range in about 15 minutes. The Ioniq 6 enjoys similarly impressive charging times, thanks to its DC high-current capability. A home charger provides the Model 3 with a full replenishment in eight to 12 hours.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Tesla’s basic new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is a common arrangement among luxury cars. The batteries and drive units have warranties of eight years or 120,000 miles.

We’re compelled to acknowledge some problems with long wait times and high costs at Tesla service centers. Based on what we’ve read and what we hear from owners, experiences with reliability and maintenance costs of Tesla models have been a mixed bag, depending on location. If you live in an area with many Teslas on the road but not many service centers, you could encounter headaches when your Model 3 needs attention.

Safety Ratings

The Tesla Model 3 has taken top scores of Good in the main crash tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned a maximum five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).