Overview
The Tesla Model 3 stands out as a top-tier electric vehicle, offering an impressive blend of range, advanced technology, and thrilling performance, all at a reasonable price point. With up to 341 miles of range and a starting price below $40,000, the Model 3 delivers exceptional value. Beyond its impressive range and affordability, this electric vehicle provides an engaging driving experience and access to a vast network of over 50,000 Tesla Superchargers worldwide. Additionally, it boasts cutting-edge technology features such as a backseat screen, Autopilot functionality, and the option for Full Self-Driving Capability. While occasional challenges may arise during servicing, the Model 3 remains a compelling choice for electric car enthusiasts, contributing to its status as one of America’s top-selling EVs.
What’s New for 2024?
In 2024, the U.S. welcomed a refreshed iteration of the Model 3 from Tesla. This updated version showcases exterior styling enhancements aimed at improving aerodynamics, purportedly boosting the car’s range by approximately 10%. Interior upgrades include an 8-inch screen for rear-seat passengers, ventilated front seats, ambient interior lighting, a 17-speaker audio system, and an expanded rear trunk space. Tesla asserts that it has also made improvements to the fit and finish of the body, addressing some of the build-quality concerns raised by our readers regarding earlier Model 3 iterations. Notably, Tesla has opted to lower the governed top speed of the Model 3, with both trims now capped at 125 mph compared to the previous 145 mph for the Long Range model. Additionally, the Performance trim has been discontinued, albeit possibly temporarily. While the Model 3 remains far from dull to drive, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the potential return of a sportier variant in the future.
2024 Tesla Model 3 Models and Pricing
Starting at $38,990, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 offers a compelling option for electric sedan enthusiasts, particularly with its single-motor model featuring rear-wheel drive. For those opting for the more popular dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Long Range model, prices begin at $45,990. Regarded by many as one of the best bargains in its segment, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range competes favorably with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE, offering superior range (341 miles compared to 316 miles) and slightly quicker acceleration (0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds versus 4.3 seconds). However, the Hyundai stands out with its superior warranty coverage. Notably, the new Model 3 iteration is no longer eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, as the Performance model, which previously qualified for the credit, has been discontinued in this year’s refresh.
| 2024 Tesla Model 3 | MSRP |
| Model 3 | $38,990 |
| Model 3 Long Range | $45,990 |
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Similar to many electric vehicles (EVs), the Model 3 accelerates swiftly, seamlessly, and nearly silently, thanks to its electric motor delivering a robust surge from a standstill. Notably rapid, particularly in certain trims, the Model 3 embodies the characteristic Tesla acceleration. Positioned atop its battery, located beneath the floor, the Model 3 enjoys a low center of gravity, facilitating agile handling and a grounded feel when navigating corners. Its steering, precise and well-balanced, offers three distinct settings to tailor steering effort to personal preference. While the ride strikes a firm balance without feeling overly harsh, the absence of a gas-powered engine accentuates road noise within the cabin, especially as the tires encounter pavement irregularities.
Range and Charging
The Tesla Model 3 in its popular Long Range configuration achieves an impressive estimated maximum range of up to 341 miles on a single charge, while the base single-motor model offers an estimated range of 272 miles. In comparison, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 exceeds the Model 3’s maximum range, but solely with rear-wheel drive (RWD), boasting a range of 361 miles for the RWD model and 316 miles for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. To alleviate range anxiety, Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network offers rapid charging capabilities, providing up to 175 miles of range in approximately 15 minutes. Additionally, a wall connector charger enables convenient at-home charging, delivering a full charge in 8-12 hours. Similarly, the Ioniq 6 features impressive charging times, facilitated by its DC fast charging capability, ensuring efficient replenishment of battery power.
Lean Interior
The Tesla Model 3’s significant touchscreen minimizes the need for physical switches and knobs, though some shoppers find this minimalist approach excessive. The dashboard essentially serves as a canvas for the sizable 15.4-inch touchscreen, which even controls the direction of the air vents.
With the 2024 update, the Model 3 swaps out wood trim for textile materials, lending a more modern and upscale feel, complemented by a new color ambient lighting system. The cabin feels spacious and airy thanks to the all-glass roof, while standard heated and cooled front seats ensure comfort during extended drives.
Rear-seat passengers benefit from 35.2 inches of legroom, slightly more than the Ioniq 6, along with a new 8-inch screen offering streaming and gaming capabilities, in addition to climate controls.
Tesla boasts a larger trunk volume compared to its predecessor, providing ample cargo space that can be further expanded with the split-folding rear seats. Additionally, there’s a 3.1 cubic-foot storage area under the hood, offering significantly more cargo room than the Ioniq 6’s smaller trunk.
While the Model 3 allows users to stream Netflix and Hulu, a convenient feature during recharging, it lacks integration for smartphones like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a drawback considering their widespread adoption by other manufacturers. Despite this omission, the Model 3’s advanced infotainment system remains impressive, though some may hope for future integration of smartphone compatibility.
Sleek Exterior
The Tesla Model 3 exhibits Tesla’s distinctive and aerodynamic design language, evident in its sleek exterior profile.
For the 2024 model year, updates include refreshed front and rear fascias, redesigned headlights and taillights, updated wheel designs, and the introduction of two new paint options. However, previous iterations of the Model 3 have faced criticism for build-quality issues.
Consumer reviews have highlighted concerns such as paint imperfections, misaligned panel gaps, and occasional door malfunctions, issues uncommon among vehicles from mainstream automakers.
While Tesla claims to have addressed these concerns with the updated Model 3, we advise potential buyers to thoroughly inspect the vehicle in person before making a purchase decision.
Battery And Efficiency
The Tesla Model 3’s dual-motor Long Range version is equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, while the single-motor model with shorter range utilizes a 57.5 kWh battery. Despite the variance in battery capacity, both variants demonstrate remarkable efficiency, resulting in low fuel costs. Recent EPA estimates indicate that the efficiency ratings of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 are closely comparable, underscoring their efficient utilization of electrons.
4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty
Tesla offers a standard new-car warranty for the Model 3, covering four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, a typical duration for luxury vehicles. The battery warranty for the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive extends up to eight years or 100,000 miles, while the Long Range version enjoys coverage for eight years or 120,000 miles. However, it’s worth noting that Tesla’s service centers have faced criticism for long wait times and high costs. Reports from owners indicate varying experiences with reliability and maintenance expenses, which may depend on location. Areas with a high concentration of Teslas but limited service centers might encounter challenges when requiring maintenance for the Model 3.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has bestowed the Tesla Model 3 with the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded it the highest possible rating of five stars overall.
Specifications
| Fuel Economy | N/A |
| Estimated EV Range | 272 Miles |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years or 50000 miles |
| 0-60 | 5.8 Seconds |
| Horsepower | N/A |
| Max Seating | 5 |
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 3862 lbs. |
| Front Head Room | 40.3 inches |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 inches |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 5.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 inches |
| Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 23.0 cu.ft. |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet |
| Wheel Base | 113.2 inches |
| Width with mirrors | 82.2 inches |
Mechanical
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| 1 speed | Available |
| Hill Start Assist | Available |
| Parking Assist System | Available |
Performance
| Engine | AC Electric Motor |
| Estimated Electric Range | 272 miles |
| Battery Capacity | 50.40 kwh |
| Charge Time (240V) | N/A |
| 0 to 60 | 5.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 mph |
Technology
- Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- Cruise Control
- Hands Free Phone
- Navigation System
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Push-Button Engine Start
- Touch Screen Monitor
- USB Port
- Voice Recognition System