Tesla Model 3

HIGHS Satisfyingly quick acceleration, quiet and comfortable cabin, priced attractively for its performance quotient. LOWS Real-world range falls short of estimates, relies too heavily on touchscreen for basic functions, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are MIA. VERDICT The Model 3 succeeds at delivering performance, style, and driving personality at a reasonable price. One of the first and most recognizable players in the segment, the Tesla Model 3 remains a textbook example of an electric compact sedan. Its core strengths are its quick acceleration, its long-range estimates, and its impressively fast charging times. It also recently received suspension and interior quality updates that keep this five-passenger EV at the top of its class. The Model 3 has a clean exterior and interior design that follows the brand's uncluttered approach. Like most Tesla models, however, hard buttons and controls are few. Traditional driver-centric instruments such as the speedometer are positioned on the single, center-mounted display, and even the gear selector is accessed via the display. Puzzlingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still absent. Compare the 2026 Tesla Model 3 with the top vehicles in this segment with our new compare tool. Tesla called an audible and resurrected the base Model 3 for 2026. The trim roster sees a mild adjustment in the process; the former Model 3 Long Range RWD and AWD trims are now known as Premium RWD and AWD. The Performance trim still tops the lineup. If this year's model is largely unchanged and you're comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it'll cost less than buying new. The rear-wheel-drive, single-motor Model 3 Premium delivers 363 miles of EPA-estimated range at an attractive price. If having AWD is a must, moving to the AWD variant requires a reasonable upcharge and reduces range slightly to 346 miles. All Model 3s come standard with heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, and Tesla's Autopilot driver-assist system. As with most EVs, the Model 3 gains speed swiftly, smoothly, and almost silently, with the electric motor—or motors—providing a strong punch. The Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity, which helps it change direction crisply and feel planted and stable. 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 Model 3 Performance includes a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, upgraded brakes, and a staggered set of wheels with grippier tires. In Comparison: The Model 3 Performance brings (relatively) cheap speed, with its 2.8-second time besting that of even the BMW i4 M50 , which retails for thousands more. 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. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency . 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 . First Row: The front row is characterized by a flat floor, minimalistic design cues, and a monolithic touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and there are some decent storage cubbies. Second Row: The rear seat isn’t as accommodating at the front. The seats are positioned low and are cramped; don't expect ad