Tesla Model 3 review

Is the Tesla Model 3 a good car?

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric cars around. It’s practical, high-tech, and boasts great performance and range for a competitive price. The all-electric saloon’s facelift only sweetened the deal, improving build quality and refinement, giving it a slightly snazzier look, and boosting the already excellent range up to around 400 miles in some versions. 

It’s big enough to work as a family car and is a relaxed place in which to spend time. Access to the Tesla Supercharger network and the car's excellent navigation system that also works to precondition the battery ahead of charging stops all help when tackling long journeys. It's fast too, even in its most basic rear-wheel drive form, while the all-wheel drive Model 3 Long Range and Performance models will show plenty of sports cars a clean set to heels away from the traffic lights. As long as you’re not intimidated by the cutting-edge technology or the minimalist interior, the Tesla Model 3 is a great option.

Tesla Model 3: model range, specs and rivals

Sitting in the Tesla range below the Tesla Model X large SUV, the Tesla Model S saloon and the Tesla Model Y mid-size SUV, the Tesla Model 3 is the smallest, most affordable model to date from the pioneering electric carmaker. The compact all-electric saloon first went on sale in the UK in 2019, winning the title of Auto Express Car of The Year that same year, and has gone on to become one of the best-selling EVs in the world. 

Used - available now

2023 Tesla

Model 3

10,832 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £23,800

View Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

11,728 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,000

View Model 3

2021 Tesla

Model 3

12,895 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,997

View Model 3

2021 Tesla

Model 3

13,000 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £19,999

View Model 3

To keep the Model 3 in fighting shape, Tesla gave its entry-level car a mid-life facelift, but the improvements weren’t isolated to a new bumper and a fresh set of headlights. The Model 3 added even more tech, improved build quality and refinement, as well as increased the range. The base Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 can now cover up to 318 miles on a single charge (up from 305 miles in the pre-facelift model), while the Dual-Motor Model 3 Long Range boasts a 390-mile range (up from 374 miles). For long-distance drivers, there's an ultra-efficient Long Range Rear-Wheel drive model boasting a 436-mile range to challenge the likes of the revised Polestar 2.

The Model 3 Performance disappeared for a bit when the lineup was updated, but it has since been reinstated. It’s much more than simply the programmers turning up the wick on a standard model, because not only are there model-specific forged 20-inch wheels shod with Michelin rubber, but the Performance gets adaptive suspension (a first for the Model 3), thicker anti-roll bars, unique suspension bushes, a customisable Track mode, plus a sub-3-second 0-60mph time. 

The Model 3’s understated styling hides a sophisticated electric drivetrain and an ultra-modern, incredibly minimalist interior. That cabin is dominated by a huge, super-slick 15.4-inch touchscreen that’s used to control virtually all of the car’s features and systems. Some may not appreciate Tesla’s decision to remove the indicator stalks, replacing them with buttons on the steering wheel which can be problematic to operate in certain situations, as we discovered for ourselves on test.

Equipment is generous on every Model 3, with standard kit including 18-inch alloy wheels, 12-way electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a glass roof, wireless charging pads for two smartphones, ambient lighting, a basic version of Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system, that massive central display and a smaller touchscreen for back-seat passengers to control the rear cabin temperature, or stream videos and music. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto though, so you best get used to Tesla’s own infotainment system.

How much does the Tesla Model 3 cost?

Prices for the Tesla Model 3 start from just under £40,000 for the standard rear-wheel drive version, rising to a touch under £45,000 for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. Adding four-wheel drive increases the price to a little under £50,000, while the most potent Performance model can be had for around £60,000. Alternatively, you can lease a Model 3 or buy a used version, all on Auto Express.

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Performance is not something the Model 3 is in short supply of, with the entry-level rear-wheel drive version having a healthy 245bhp electric motor and a very swift 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds. Our preferred Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version manages the same sprint in a hot-hatch baiting 4.9 seconds. However, the Model 3 isn’t all that fun in the bends as it is in a straight line, with the BMW i4 being far more entertaining on twisty B roads. Refinement has been improved with better aerodynamics and increased sound insulation, making the Model 3 one of the quietest EVs in the class.  Read more about the Tesla Model 3’s electric motors, performance and drive…

Efficiency continues to be a strong point of the Model 3 range, and the inclusion of a Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version means you can buy a Model 3 with over 400 miles of range, keeping it competitive against rivals like the Polestar 2. As ever, the Tesla Supercharging network is one of the best around when it comes to long-distance EV motoring, and the car’s ability to route plan, and precondition the battery to accept a high rate of charge as soon as you plug in all contribute to pain-free top-ups en route. Insurance premiums for the facelifted Model 3 should be more affordable than previous versions. Read more about the Tesla Model 3’s range, charging and running costs…

The exterior of the Model 3 is fairly conservative looking, while the interior is quite brutally minimalist. It’s dominated by a responsive central touchscreen that controls everything, but we’d really like to have a few more physical controls included on the dashboard to make changing simple things like the temperature easier while driving. We’d also appreciate the return of the indicator stalk because the buttons on the steering wheel are unusable in certain driving situations. Quality has taken a noticeable uplift compared with previous iterations of the Model 3, although it isn’t quite up to the level of the BMW i4. Read more about the Tesla Model 3’s interior, design and technology…

Due to its bespoke architecture, the Model 3 isn’t as compromised as a traditional petrol or diesel car when it comes to practicality. There’s a decent-sized 88-litre boot in the front, plus a deep well in the generous 594-litre boot to keep valuables hidden. It’s a shame the designers kept the narrow boot opening of a saloon car, though, because hatchback rivals like the BMW i4 or VW ID.7 are easier to live with on a daily basis. The latter also has much more rear passenger room than the Model 3, and is the superior choice if you need a versatile family car. Read more about the Tesla Model 3’s boot space, comfort and practicality…

Tesla customers are generally happy with the ownership experience of the Model 3, as shown by its excellent 2nd finish out of 50 models in the 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. That’s no doubt helped by the car’s low servicing costs since there isn’t a service schedule like many traditional cars, and a lot of updates are done over the air rather than plugging the car into a computer at the dealer. Safety is also a strong point with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and lots of standard safety assistance technology. The only downside is that some of its expensive and misrepresented ‘Full self-driving’ options aren’t fully operational at the moment, yet you’re still expected to pay the full amount for them. Read more about the Tesla Model 3’s reliability and safety…

Tesla Model 3 alternatives 

While Tesla was one of the leaders of the electric car revolution, mainstream manufacturers have been quickly catching up, as is clear by the number of talented rivals the Model 3 now has to go head-to-head with. There’s the engaging and exceptionally well-finished BMW i4, the space-age Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the effortlessly stylish Polestar 2 to start with. You also have traditional executive cars like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class that still demand respect in the compact saloon space, and can be had with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power so you can take advantage of some of the tax benefits of an electrified vehicle, but be able to continue your journey on petrol power without having to stop to charge on trips away from home.