Model 3

Name: Tesla Model 3
Brand: Tesla

Best-selling compact sedan

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Configure Model 3 on Tesla.com →

Key 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+.

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.

HW2.5

Autopilot 2.5

Jul 2017 – Mar 2019

Don't Buy

Chip Nvidia Drive PX 2 + 2nd GPU

FSD ✗ Not capable

FSD Status FSD hardware-insufficient. Tesla sold FSD as an option on these cars, but the hardware cannot run it. HW3 retrofit program discontinued.

OTA Updates Limited OTA. Cannot receive FSD city/street updates.

Used Market Only

No FSD capability. Retrofit path to HW3 is closed. Only buy if you want a cheap Model 3 with zero autonomy expectations.

HW3

FSD Computer (AI3)

Apr 2019 – Oct 2023

Caution

Chip Tesla FSD Chip v1 (72 TOPS)

FSD ✓ Capable

FSD Status FSD Supervised v12.x — city streets, highways, Smart Summon, Autopark. Certain HW4-exclusive inference improvements unavailable.

OTA Updates Receives FSD v12.x OTA updates. Some v13+ features are HW4-only.

Used Market Only

Solid FSD capability (v12) but one hardware generation behind. No upgrade path to HW4. Good used value for buyers who want FSD without paying new-car prices.

HW4

FSD Computer v4 (AI4)

Oct 2023 – Present (Highland)

Buy Now

Chip Tesla AI4 Chip (~300 TOPS est.)

FSD ✓ Capable

FSD Status FSD v13 full feature set. Best inference via Ethernet camera bus architecture. Full access to all current and future FSD features.

OTA Updates Full OTA — all FSD features including latest v13.x builds.

Available New

Best hardware for long-term FSD development. All new Model 3 (Highland+) ship with HW4. Future-proofed for autonomy roadmap.

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

Cheapest Model 3 Standard — Reintroduced at $36,990. 303mi RWD — cheapest way into a Tesla.

Value Premium AWD — 346mi + AWD + ventilated seats at $47,490. Best all-rounder.

YOLO Performance — 3.0s 0-60, new 16" QHD screen, Track Mode — now $54,990 (down from $56,630).

The mistake? Buying Standard to save money if you live in cold climates — AWD Premium is worth the extra $10k.

RELEASE HISTORY & WHAT CHANGED

Jul 2017

Initial Release

First production units delivered.

Oct 2020

2021 Model Year Update

Heat pump added for cold-weather efficiency. Chrome delete exterior. Powered trunk lid and redesigned center console.

Sep 2023

Highland Refresh

Updated exterior styling with significantly improved interior materials and comfort. Better aerodynamics and increased range.

Apr 2024

Performance Variant

Bespoke chassis hardware with adaptive suspension damping and performance-oriented upgrades.

Mar 2026

2026 Update

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 tax credit for EV charging equipment (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit) remains available — up to 30% of installation costs — through June 30, 2026.

STATE INCENTIVE EXAMPLES

California

Up to $7,500 CVRP

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project for qualifying buyers + HOV lane access stickers

Colorado

$5,000

State tax credit for new EVs

New Jersey

~7% sales tax exemption

No sales tax on zero-emission vehicles

New York

Up to $2,000

Drive Clean rebate at point of sale

Texas

No state rebate

No state income tax offsets total cost; check local utility rebates

OTHER SAVINGS

▸Federal charger tax credit: 30% of EV charger installation costs (through June 30, 2026)
▸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)

The federal EV purchase credit expired Sept 30, 2025. State and local incentives vary and change frequently. Always verify current eligibility with your state's energy office and a tax professional before purchasing.