Model 3
Best-selling compact sedan
WaitKey Facts at a Glance
- Seating 5 adults
- Real-World Range 270-320 mi typical (EPA 303-346 mi)
- Towing N/A (not rated for towing)
- FSD Hardware HW4 (AI5 Computer)
- Max Charging Rate 250 kW DC (Supercharger V3)
- Safety 5-star NHTSA overall, IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Not ordering yet?
Our wait rating still applies. You can review the referral terms now and check eligibility again when the timing improves.
Review referral benefit & caveats →HARDWARE VERSION GUIDE
Tesla's OTA software capability is determined by the hardware computer installed at the factory — not the model year or trim level. If you're buying used, check which HW version is in the specific car before purchasing.
VERSION COMPARISON
|
Standard
$36,990
|
Premium AWD
$47,490
|
Performance
$54,990
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Reintroduced entry point. Best value Tesla. | AWD + premium features. Formerly 'Long Range AWD'. | Track-ready daily driver. New 16" QHD screen. |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8s 0-60 mph | 4.2s 0-60 mph | 3.0s 0-60 mph |
| Range | 303 mi | 346 mi | 303 mi |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Power | 271 hp | 366 hp | 510 hp |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 125 mph | 163 mph |
| Highlights | Turn signal stalk returns, Heated seats, Autopilot | Premium audio, Ventilated seats, 250kW charging | 16" QHD display, Track Mode, Alcantara headliner, Performance brakes |
| Verdict |
Cheapest Tesla. Reintroduced after a 1-year gap — great for budget buyers.
|
Best value. AWD + premium features for all climates.
|
Price dropped to $54,990 + new QHD screen. Best spec bump in the 2026 lineup.
|
TL;DR
RELEASE HISTORY & WHAT CHANGED
First production units delivered.
Heat pump added for cold-weather efficiency. Chrome delete exterior. Powered trunk lid and redesigned center console.
Updated exterior styling with significantly improved interior materials and comfort. Better aerodynamics and increased range.
Bespoke chassis hardware with adaptive suspension damping and performance-oriented upgrades.
Turn signal stalk returns after Highland backlash. New Standard trim (RWD) reintroduced after a 1-year absence. Trims renamed: Long Range → Premium RWD/AWD. Performance gets new 16-inch QHD (2560×1440) display and Alcantara-style black headliner. Matrix LED headlight control improved via OTA. Performance price cut from $56,630 to $54,990.
FEATURE DEEP-DIVE
Full Self-Driving (FSD)
- Hardware
- HW4 (AI5 Computer)
- Capabilities
- Supervised FSD on city streets & highways, Auto Lane Change, Navigate on Autopilot, Smart Summon, Autopark
- Option
- $8,000 add-on or $99/month subscription
- Subscription
- $99/month FSD subscription available
Charging
- Max Rate
- 250 kW DC (Supercharger V3)
- Range per 15 min
- ~170 miles in 15 min
- Home Charging
- Wall Connector (48A, 11.5 kW) — full charge overnight
- Port
- NACS (CCS adapter included)
Interior
- 15.4" center touchscreen
- Turn signal stalk (Highland refresh)
- Ventilated front seats (AWD+)
- Ambient lighting with 256 colors
- Powered trunk with auto-open
- Rear seat USB-C ports
- Heated front & rear seats
Safety
5-star NHTSA overall, IIHS Top Safety Pick+. 8 cameras, AEB, Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring, Sentry Mode.
5-YEAR OWNERSHIP ESTIMATE
- Fuel Savings (5 yr)
- $5,000-7,000 vs comparable gas sedan
- Maintenance (5 yr)
- ~$2,500 (tires, wipers, cabin filter)
- Insurance
- Moderate; expect $1,800-3,000/yr depending on trim
- Depreciation
- Standard retains value well, Performance depreciates faster
- Federal Credit
- Expired — federal EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025
- Bottom Line
- Best TCO in the Tesla lineup. Fuel and maintenance savings make it the most affordable Tesla to own long-term.
PRICING & SAVINGS
Federal EV Tax Credit (Expired)
The federal EV tax credit expired September 30, 2025. The up-to-$7,500 credit for new EVs (Section 30D) and up-to-$4,000 credit for used EVs (Section 25E) are no longer available for vehicles acquired after that date.
The federal charger-installation credit information previously shown here expired June 30, 2026. Verify whether any replacement federal, state, or utility program applies before purchase.
STATE INCENTIVE EXAMPLES
OTHER SAVINGS
- ▸Tesla current offer: trade in a gas or hybrid vehicle and receive 2,000 free Supercharging miles on an eligible new Tesla; miles expire two years after delivery
- ▸Tesla current offer: Model 3 Premium and Performance financing from 1.99% APR for up to 72 months
- ▸Tesla current offer: Model Y RWD/AWD/Premium financing from 1.49% APR; Performance financing from 3.99% APR for up to 72 months
- ▸Tesla current offer: Model Y L Launch Series includes one year each of FSD (Supervised), Premium Connectivity, and Supercharging plus free interior and exterior options
- ▸Tesla lists a $99/month FSD (Supervised) subscription and a 30-day trial with new-vehicle delivery
- ▸Many employers offer pre-tax commuter benefits for EV charging
- ▸Some utilities offer time-of-use rates — charge overnight at $0.04-0.08/kWh
- ▸Tesla Supercharger network: ~$0.35-0.50/kWh, still 40-60% cheaper than gas
- ▸No oil changes, no transmission service, brake pads last 100k+ miles (regen braking)
Tesla promotions are subject to eligibility rules and may change or end at any time. Prices exclude destination, order, taxes, and other fees unless stated. State and local incentives vary. Verify every offer on Tesla's Current Offers page before purchasing.