Updated December 8, 2021
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This is the most important page of information that you will find about this vehicle. At Electric Car Rankings we don’t just review a car ourselves and put our own spin and opinion on it; instead we take every review, preview, first look, etc. pull the important data points from those informative “views” and place them into our own algorithm to come up with the most unbiased scoring system available anywhere.
We aren’t beholden to any car company, dealership or advertiser. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you. If you are looking for a completely unbiased score and ranking of a vehicle then welcome to your new home. We’d love to have you as part of our family.
The Model 3 is an electric fastback mid-size four-door sedan developed by Tesla.[7] The base Model 3 delivers an EPA-rated all-electric range of 272 miles (438 km) and the Long Range version delivers 358 miles (576 km).[8] According to Tesla, the Model 3 carries full self-driving hardware, with periodic software updates adding functionality.[9][10][11]
Limited production of the Model 3 began in mid-2017, with the first production vehicle rolling off the assembly line on July 7, 2017.[12][13][14] The official launch and delivery of the first 30 cars took place on July 28.[15] In October 2021, Hertz car rental ordered 100,000 full-price Model 3 cars for its rental fleet.[16][17]
The Model 3 was marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models by Tesla. Since early 2020, the Model 3 is the best-selling electric car in world history,[18] and, in June 2021, became the first electric car to pass the 1 million global sales milestone.[19] The Model 3 has been the world’s top selling plug-in electric car (PEV) for three years running, from 2018 to 2020.[20][21][22] It has also been the best-selling PEV in the United States for three consecutive years, 2018 to 2020,[23][24][25] the top selling PEV in Europe in 2019,[26] and the best-selling PEV in China in 2020.[27]
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page — Tesla Model 3
- Price: Starts at $45,009 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi E-Tron, Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 5
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE: 87
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Kelley Blue Book: 4.2 / 5
USNews: 8.8 / 10
Edmunds: 8.4 / 10
J.D. Power: No Rating
Car and Driver: 8.5 / 10
Motortrend: 8.8 / 10
TopGear: 8 / 10
WhatCar: 5 / 5
CarWow: 9 / 10
What the critics have to say…
In the world of pure electric cars, the closest rival to the Model 3 is the Polestar 2, although you might also find yourself considering the Hyundai Ioniq 5 hatchback, or possibly higher-riding options, such the Audi Q4 E-tron. However, officially at least, the Model 3 can manage a greater distance between charges than any of those alternatives and it can charge up really quickly, too, at one of the abundant Tesla Superchargers dotted around the country.
WhatCar?
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Precise steering and a sporty suspension help this vehicle handle like a sports sedan. It’s fun to drive, but while its ride is comfortable, it may be a bit firmer than some luxury car shoppers would want. The regenerative brakes operate smoothly, which is not a given among EVs.
USNews
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
Is the Tesla Model 3 Reliable?
As of this writing, Tesla’s electric vehicles have not been scored for predicted reliability.
Tesla Model 3 Warranty
Tesla covers the Model 3 with a four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty. The standard battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the long-range battery gets an eight-year/120,000-mile warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Tesla Model 3 has an interior unlike any other car on the market today. It’s shockingly simple inside, with nearly everything controlled by the monolithic touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. 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 cramped and uncomfortable; don’t expect adults to be able to spend time in them.
Car and Driver
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
The Model 3’s controversial interior design looks modern and cutting-edge. The driving position is highly adjustable and feels great, and the cabin is surprisingly roomy thanks to its minimalistic approach and all-glass roof. Forward visibility is also fantastic thanks to the low hoodline (due to the lack of an engine).
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
The Model 3 features a massive 15-inch touchscreen that works as the vehicle’s command center. Everything from your climate control adjustments and media to your speedometer and trip computer is housed in that display. Tesla’s infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates, allowing the Model 3 to receive new features and software fixes without needing to go to a dealer.
Motortrend
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
With 15 cubic feet of space, the Model 3’s trunk is decently sized for the class. Add in the split-folding rear seats, and it becomes possible to carry large or bulky items, such as a bicycle. Tesla also uses the space where an engine would go as a kind of front trunk, or frunk. The lithium-ion battery pack is located under the floor and doesn’t impede on cargo space.
USNews
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
The entry-level Model 3 is surprisingly impressive and has improved in build quality over the early-production long-range model cars. Total cost ultimately depends on your appetite for unlocking the full Autopilot features (and future potential features), but showing some restraint could put you into a genuinely luxurious Model 3 for about what a fully loaded Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia Niro EV costs.
Edmunds
IS THE TESLA MODEL 3 A GOOD VEHICLE?
Yes, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is a good car. It has one of the longest driving ranges of any vehicle in the luxury hybrid and electric car class, which should soothe range anxiety concerns. The rest of its performance is similarly impressive, with deft handling and lightning-quick acceleration. Inside, this sedan sports a minimalist cabin design and a solid amount of cargo space. Rear-seat room is snug, however, and the large touch screen can be hard to use while driving.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE TESLA MODEL 3?
While the Model 3 is a great sedan, there are plenty of great electric cars worth considering. The Tesla Model S is significantly more expensive, but it’s also the only EV on the market to have a longer driving range, with more than 520 miles in some trims. There’s also the all-new Polestar 2, which is roomier than the Model 3 and has a more user-friendly infotainment system.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
The Tesla Model 3 has a very long driving range, wonderful cabin, top-notch safety score, and affordable price. Some drivers may find the touch screen to be distracting, and passengers may find the back seats cramped, but this vehicle doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses.
