2021 Tesla Model 3 Review
Pros & Cons
✔ Long driving range
✔ Brisk acceleration and sharp handling
✔ Many high-tech features
✔ Stellar safety score
✖ Distracting infotainment controls
✖ Rear seats can feel cramped
New for 2021
✔ The increased range across trim levels
✔ Refreshed interior and exterior styling
Research & Rankings
The second-place rating for the Tesla Model 3 in 2021 is based on its performance in the Luxury Hybrid and Electric Cars category. The Tesla Model 3 currently has an 8.8 out of 10 scores, which is based on our analysis of 31 pieces of research and data components from a variety of sources.
#2 in Luxury Hybrid and Electric Cars
2021 Tesla Model 3 Photos:
- Exterior Photos:
Interior Photos:
Yes, the Tesla Model 3 for 2021 is a good automobile. It boasts one of the greatest driving ranges among luxury hybrids and electric cars, which should alleviate worries about range anxiety. With precise handling and lightning-quick acceleration, the remainder of its performance is just as remarkable. This sedan has a simple cabin design and plenty of luggage capacity on the inside. However, rear-seat legroom is limited, and the big touch screen can be difficult to operate while driving.
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Our objective is to make purchasing your next vehicle as simple as possible. In this in-depth study, you'll learn all you need to know about this vehicle.
This Model 3 evaluation for 2021 includes relevant information for all models in this generation, which debuted in 2018.
Is the Tesla Model 3 a good investment?
While the Model 3 is a fantastic sedan, there are lots of other excellent electric vehicles to consider. The Tesla Model S is much more costly, but it is also the only EV on the market with a greater range, with some trims reaching over 520 miles. The all-new Polestar 2, which is roomier than the Model 3 and features a more user-friendly infotainment system, is also available.
What's the Difference Between the Tesla Model 3 in 2020 and 2021?
Tesla, unlike other automakers, does not differentiate its vehicles by model year. Tesla sends out over-the-air software updates on a regular basis to add and improve various aspects of the car, such as range and infotainment. However, there are a few distinctions to be made. The Model 3 will have a greater range in 2021, with the Standard Range Plus trim going up to 13 miles and the Long Range trim going up to 31 miles. It also gets a new wheel design, satin detailing, and a restyled centre console, among other aesthetic changes.
Here are some of the Model 3’s key changes since Tesla launched it as an all-new EV for 2018:- 2019: Standard Range Plus trim debuted
- 2020: driving range increased
- 2021: driving range gets a boost; exterior and interior styling receives a refresh
What is the price of a Tesla Model 3?
The starting MSRP for the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is $39,490. Long Range models start at $48,490, while Performance models start at $56,990. All of these costs are lower than those of other premium electric vehicles. Some, such as the Porsche Taycan and Tesla's own Model S, start at tens of thousands of dollars more than the Model 3's top trim.
Tesla automobiles are no longer eligible for federal tax incentives for plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles. However, some state incentives may still be available.
Is it possible to rent a Tesla Model 3?
Yes. Tesla promotes leasing offers on its automobiles. For the most up-to-date offers, contact your local Tesla dealer.
How Much Does a Tesla Model 3 Cost to Insure?
The cost of Tesla Model 3 insurance is determined by a number of factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage you desire, and the kind of insurance you select. Your insurance prices are affected by your age, gender, region, credit score, and driving record.
The Tesla Model 3 vs. Its Rivals
Model 3 vs. Model S (Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model S)
Another high-ranking vehicle in the premium hybrid and electric car class is the Tesla Model S. It costs roughly $40,500 more than its smaller brother, but you get greater luggage space, a larger touch screen, and faster acceleration, not to mention a longer driving range, for the extra money. Some Model S vehicles have a range of over 520 miles. Stick with the Model 3 if you're looking for a more affordable electric vehicle. Aside from that, the Model S is a better option.
Model 3 vs. Model Y (Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y)
The Tesla Model Y is essentially an SUV version of the Model 3, with a bigger cargo capacity thanks to its hatchback shape. Every Model Y trim has moreover 300 miles of driving range, although it's a little less than the similar Model 3 trim. In addition, the Model Y is a few thousand dollars more expensive to purchase. In most other ways, these cars are comparable, therefore it's a question of personal taste.
Interior of the Model 3: One Screen to Rule Them All
Cargo Space in the Model 3
The trunk of the Model 3 is a good size for the class, with 15 cubic feet of capacity. When you add in the split-folding back seats, you can transport heavy or cumbersome goods like a bicycle. Tesla also uses the area in front of the engine as a frunk, or front trunk. The lithium-ion battery pack is hidden beneath the floor, freeing up cargo room.
What Is the Seating Capacity of the Model 3?
This vehicle can accommodate up to five passengers. The inside is light and airy, with great visibility and enough head- and legroom in the front. The back-seat capacity has received mixed reviews, with some commentators claiming that it is adequate and others claiming that adults will feel cramped.
Child Car Seats and the Model 3
The rear outboard seats have two complete sets of LATCH connections, and the rear centre seat has a tether anchor. For its simplicity of use, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety granted this system the second-highest grade of Acceptable. The bottom anchors are placed deeply in the seats, but it's largely user-friendly.
Model 3 Quality of the Interior
The inside of the Tesla Model 3 is basic and minimalist, making it attractive, upmarket, and unique from most other automobiles on the market. Everything is operated via the large touch screen, thus there are no buttons or knobs on the dash.
Model 3 Navigation, Bluetooth, and Infotainment
The touch screen controls almost everything in this vehicle, including adjusting the mirrors and turning on the windshield wipers. Although its sheer size and clear visuals are advantages, the interface might be difficult to use due to the numerous features buried in its submenus. This vehicle offers native applications for streaming services like Spotify, but no smartphone integration beyond Bluetooth, thus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available.
- Standard infotainment features: a 15-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, four USB ports, HD Radio, and Bluetooth
- Available infotainment features: a 14-speaker stereo
- Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof
Model 3 Performance: Lightning-quick
Powertrain of the Model 3
Tesla's models aren't differentiated by horsepower or kilowatt-hours, and its gas engines aren't defined by displacement. Every trim has its own electric motor, and they're all rather strong. You can start from a halt with instant torque, and acceleration is quick.
MPGe Model 3
The Long Range is rated at 141 MPGe in the city and 127 MPGe on the highway by the EPA, while the Performance trim is rated at 118 MPGe in the city and 107 MPGe on the highway by the EPA. The Standard Range Plus achieves 150/133 MPGe in the city and on the motorway. Those ratings are exceptional, significantly outperforming any hybrid in the class as well as many other electric vehicles.
What Is the Tesla Model 3's Driving Range?
The all-electric range for the Standard Range Plus is 263 miles, 315 miles for the Model 3 Performance, and 353 miles for the Long Range, according to the EPA.
How Does the Model 3 Get Charged?
A 32-amp onboard charger is normal, while the Performance and Long Range versions come with a 48-amp charger. This EV has a 20-foot wire that can connect to a 120-volt household-style power outlet, regardless of trim. Owners can utilise a 240-volt outlet with a mobile connector with the help of an adaptor. A Tesla or third-party company-provided home charging station is also a possibility.
You can charge your Tesla rapidly while on the road at one of Tesla's Supercharger locations. An adapter for J1772 charging stations is also provided, and a CHAdeMO adaptor is also available.
When it comes to charging the Tesla Model 3, how long does it take?
While the Model 3's battery can be recharged at home using a 120-volt power outlet, it can take anywhere from five to four days to add three miles of range per hour. That time may be cut in half using a 240-volt outlet or Tesla's Wall Connector. You'll achieve 30 to 44 mph, which will effectively charge the battery overnight.
Consider using one of Tesla's Supercharger stations, which can add 175 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes. Many of these stations are near stores or restaurants, and Tesla provides a premium connectivity package that allows drivers to watch Netflix while parked. While the car is charging, you may use the touch screen or the steering wheel to play games.
Where can I get a Tesla Model 3 charger?
This electric vehicle may be charged at home using a 120- or 240-volt power outlet or a Tesla home charging station. Alternatively, you may use a public charging station or one of Tesla's 20,000+ Supercharger stations with an adaptor.
What Is the Battery Life of the Tesla Model 3?
Because a battery's life is influenced by a variety of factors, it's difficult to predict how long it will last. A Tesla battery, on the other hand, is expected to last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles. When you're not planning on driving, Tesla suggests leaving it plugged in to charge to maximise battery life.
Ride and Handling of the Model 3
This car handles like a sports sedan thanks to precise steering and a sporty suspension. It's enjoyable to drive, but while the ride is smooth, some luxury vehicle buyers may prefer a stiffer ride. The regenerative brakes are smooth, which is not often the case with electric vehicles.
What is the Model 3's top speed?
The Model 3's base model accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and tops out at 140 mph. Long Range versions reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and have a peak speed of 145 mph, while Performance models reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and have a top speed of 162 mph.
Is All-Wheel Drive available on the Model 3?
Yes. Tesla's dual-motor all-wheel-drive technology is standard on both the Long Range and Performance models.
Reliability Model 3
Is the Tesla Model 3 a Reliable Automobile?
Tesla's electric vehicles have yet to be rated for anticipated dependability as of this writing.
Warranty on the Tesla Model 3
Tesla offers a four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty on the Model 3. The standard battery is covered for eight years/100,000-miles, while the long-range battery is covered for eight years/120,000 miles.
Model 3 Security
Crash Test Results for the Model 3
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including five stars in the rollover, side collision, and frontal crash tests.
The 2021 Model 3 was designated a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, receiving the highest grade of Good in all six crash test categories, as well as for how effectively its headlights illuminate the road ahead. The IIHS uses a different scale for grading collision avoidance features. It gave the Model 3 the highest rating of Superior for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system and the mid-tier rating of Advanced for its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian system.
Model 3 Safety Features
Standard advanced safety features:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- A surround-view parking camera system
- Sensors on all sides of the car
- Adaptive cruise control
Available advanced safety features:
- Full Self-Driving Capability (automatic parking, automatic lane change, stop sign and traffic light recognition, and summon your car. Despite the name, this package still requires a driver to operate the car.)
Dimensions and Weight of Model 3
The Model 3 has a length of 15.4 feet. It weighs between 3,582 and 4,065 pounds at the curb.
Where Will the Tesla Model 3 Be Built in 2021?
Tesla will produce the Model 3 in California in 2021.
Which Model 3 Tesla Model Is Best for Me?
The Model 3 will be available in three trim levels in 2021: Standard Plus, Performance, and Long Range. The battery and driving range are the primary distinctions between the three versions. The Standard Plus has a range of 263 miles. The Performance has a range of 315 miles, while the Long Range has a range of 353 miles. Unless you want all-wheel drive or performance upgrades, there's no reason to upgrade from the base model.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving Capability is available for $10,000. Despite its name, this package does not transform Tesla into an autonomous car; it still requires the presence of a driver to operate. This technology lets the automobile drive to a parking place, change lanes on the highway, and stop at red lights or stop signs. You may summon the automobile using the Summon function.
Model 3 Standard Range Plus
The starting MSRP for the Tesla Model 3 Standard Plus is $39,490. A 15-inch touch screen, navigation, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and wireless device charging for two smartphones are all standard, as are single-motor rear-wheel drive, heated front seats with 12-way power adjustments, a power trunk lid, a 15-inch touch screen, navigation, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and wireless device charging for two smartphones. Additionally, you will receive 30 days of Premium Connectivity, which includes navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and music and video streaming.
Tesla's Autopilot is also featured. This car has a sophisticated set of driver assistance systems that allows it to drive semi-autonomously. 360-degree sensors, forward collision warning, automatic transmission emergency braking, pedestrian recognition, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view parking camera system are among the features. This EV can also steer and accelerate in its own lane.
Long-range Tesla Model 3
Tesla's Model 3 Long Range is priced at $48,490. The Long Range adds a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, heated rear seats, and 14-speaker premium audio, in addition to increasing the electric-only drive range to 353 miles. The duration of Premium Connectivity has been extended from 30 days to one year.
Performance of the Tesla Model 3
The price of the performance begins at $56,990. Its driving range is reduced to 315 miles, but it receives a slew of sporty upgrades. The peak speed has been increased to 162 mph, while the duration from zero to 60 mph has been reduced to 3.1 seconds. Aluminum-alloy pedals, a carbon fibre spoiler, performance-tuned brakes, and a lowered suspension are among the other modifications.
The Last Word
For its extended driving range, futuristic interior, top-notch safety score, and cheap pricing, the Tesla Model 3 stand out in our luxury hybrid and electric vehicle rankings. The car's attractiveness is enhanced by its blistering acceleration and agile handling. This sedan also features a spacious trunk and a front trunk that can accommodate a carry-on bag. The touch screen may be distracting for drivers, and passengers in the rear seat may feel a little tight, but this car has few major flaws.