Used 2021 Tesla Model 3

For 2021, Tesla has made some significant improvements to the Model 3, many of which can’t be replicated with a simple over-the-air update. As such, the 2021 Model 3 is worth holding out for.

Along with improvement to the styling, the Model 3 gets a better interior console with two wireless charging pads. The Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance trims all see an increase in range courtesy of a new heat pump climate control system that requires less power to operate. Each trim offers varying degrees of luxury and performance, but all come standard with Tesla’s Autopilot self-driving software.

Few competitors can match the Model 3’s range or advance self-driving technology, and none have access to the advanced Supercharging network Tesla has created for its customers. A Kia Niro or Hyundai Kona EV can almost go as far as the base Tesla Model 3, but neither are considered luxury models. The Audi e-tron Sportback and Polestar 2 certainly rival the Model 3’s luxury credentials, but can’t come close to the Long Range’s impressive range. However, the Ford Mustang Mach-E promises equally attractive styling, similar performance, and range, plus a competitive price.

Even in base form, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is no slouch, capable of sprinting to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 140 mph. If that’s not quick enough for your lead foot, move up to the Performance trim. With its all-wheel drive and more powerful battery pack, you’ll see 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. That’s motorcycle quick. Of course, unlike a motorcycle, the Model 3 can attain these speeds all while coddling its passengers in ultimate comfort.

In the curves, the Model 3 is remarkably poised. Not BMW 3-Series poised, but darn close to it. Thank the placement of the battery pack between the car’s front and rear axles, a design that lowers the Model 3’s center of gravity and helps improve stability while minimizing body roll. 

The real beauty of the Model 3’s electric design is that everything from steering effort to brake feel to throttle response can be adjusted to suit the driver. Once in motion, the Model 3’s interior is eerily quiet, helped this year by the addition of double-layered front door glass. Some tire noise is noticeable, but only because it isn’t drowned out by the sound of a conventional car’s motor and transmission.

If you’re a big fan of minimalist modern interiors, you’re going to love the 2021 Tesla Model 3’s cabin. If you’re a big fan of color, this isn’t the car for you. The Model 3’s interior options are black or white, with the only hint of color being a single slab of wood running the length of the dashboard. New this year is a revised console with two wireless charging pads and repositioned USB-C charging ports. There’s also a glovebox USB port for the Sentry Mode thumb drive, which can be locked to keep thieves from stealing it. Sentry mode is Tesla’s system that monitors your car when you’re not around, creating a video record of potential thieves, vandals, or hit-and-run drivers.

Almost every function gets controlled via a huge 15-inch center touchscreen, a tablet-like design that looks amazing but can be difficult to navigate, especially when the vehicle is in motion. Be it the climate control, radio, or charging information, it’s all handled through the touchscreen. The same goes for displays for speed, energy consumption, and miles covered. The interface is quick, even in cold weather, but does lack the ability to connect with your smartphone’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Rumor has it that Tesla is working on a system that can integrate Apple Music into its own operating system, but we’ll have to just wait and see.

As for interior room and comfort, the Model 3’s front-seat passengers should be more than pleased. The seats have good contours that hold a body snug and ample head and legroom. The rear seats, however, are not so generous, with limited legroom and low seat cushions that have taller passengers sitting with their knees higher than their hips.

Tesla’s 2021 Model 3 gets a few upgrades to its already handsome exterior design. Even without these changes, the Model 3 won’t easily be mistaken for another car, with sweeping lines, a low cowl, large windows, and the telltale grille-less front end.

This year, Tesla has replaced the Model 3’s chrome window trim with black moldings, bringing it in line with the Model Y’s more European look. Like all Tesla’s, the Model 3 features flush door handles. These are manual units that pop out when the far end is pushed in.

Both the 18-inch Aero and optional 19-inch Sport wheels feature new plastic caps for improved aerodynamics. We like the look either way. Go with the Performance trim, and the Model 3 gets a lowered suspension, a carbon-fiber spoiler, performance brakes, and 20-inch Uberturbine wheels.

A new power-operated trunk allows the owner to set the opening height as well as operate it from the fob. The Model 3’s trunk isn’t terribly large and certainly can’t compete with the more versatile space provided by the Ford Mach-E’s massive hatchback.

SMART SUMMON
Smart Summon allows you to literally summon your Model 3 via a smartphone app. Simply alert the vehicle to your location, and it will navigate its way to you. The system requires the Model 3 be within sight, and if it collides with something or someone, the blame rests squarely on you.

HEAT PUMP
Rather than using electric wires to create a heating system, Tesla employs an ingenious heat pump that works similar to how a freezer operates, but in reverse. Instead of trapping cold air inside the unit while expelling heat from coils on the outside, the refrigerant is reversed, sending hot air into the cabin.

Tesla is continually updating its vehicle’s features, and the 2021 Model 3 is no exception. For now, the standard equipment list for the rear-drive Standard Range Plus includes the Partial Premium interior with a 12-way power front seat, heated front seats, upgraded audio, and a 30-day trial for Tesla’s in-car telematics (live streaming music, navigation with traffic, and over-the-air updates).

Other standard amenities include dual-zone air conditioning, a power-operated trunk lid, Bluetooth, dual smartphone charging pads, four USB ports, heated power-folding side mirrors, panoramic fixed glass roof, 18-inch wheels, white paint, and Tesla’s Autopilot self-driving software.

If you want your Tesla in any color other than white, be prepared to pay extra. Same goes for upgrades to the wheels. Move up to the Long Range or Performance trims, and you get all-wheel drive, but there’s a “secret menu” that allows the Performance trim to be rear-drive only. These trims also feature a full Premium interior with heated rear seats, 14-speaker premium audio, floormats, and one year of free Premium Connectivity. LED fog lights are also standard, while the Performance trim alone gets a lowered sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, a Track driving mode, aluminum alloy pedals, and a carbon-fiber spoiler.

For an additional $10,000, Tesla will add Full Self-Driving Capability. Like Cadillac’s Super Cruise, the Autopilot system can navigate from highway to off-ramp with no driver input. The package includes Smart Summons, automatic lane changing, plus parallel and perpendicular parking. Later in the year, the upgrade will include Autosteer on city streets, with the ability to recognize traffic lights, signs, and other vehicles.

Note: Tesla Model 3s now use in-cabin cameras to monitor whether drivers are paying attention to the road when Autopilot is active. The change also applies to Teslas already purchased, with over-the-air updates occurring in May.

Because it has no motor under the hood, the 2021 Tesla Model 3’s front lid is affectionately known as a “frunk,” which stands for front trunk. There is a small storage space up front, as well as storage for the newly-installed heat pump. The Standard Range Plus has its electric motor between the rear wheels, whereas the Long Range and Performance models have an additional motor up front. Electricity is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack just below the passenger floor. A 54-kWh battery is standard on Standard Range Plus, while all others use a 75-kWh battery.

According to Tesla, you can use the supplied charger and 110-volt home current to get three miles of range per hour charged. Much better (and more realistic) is a mobile connector at 240 volts, which will get you up to 30 miles per hour charged. Best of all? Tesla superchargers, which are dotted across the U.S. and will get you up to 200 miles of charge in 15 minutes.

Standard Range Plus
54-kWh battery pack w/AC induction electric motor
340 horsepower (estimate)
330 lb-ft of torque (estimate)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 148/132 MPGe (RWD)
Range per charge: 263 miles

Long Range
75-kWh battery pack w/ dual AC electric motors
447 horsepower (estimate)
376 lb-ft of torque (estimate)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 141/127 MPGe (AWD)
Range per charge: 353 miles

Performance
75-kWh battery pack w/ dual AC electric motors
580 horsepower (estimate)
481 lb-ft of torque (estimate)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 118/107 MPGe (AWD)
Range per charge: 315 miles