Model 3

Name: Tesla Model 3
Brand: Tesla

Best-selling compact sedan

Don't Buy

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+.

VERSION COMPARISON

	Standard $38,630	Premium AWD $47,490	Performance $56,630
Tagline	New entry point. Best value Tesla.	AWD + premium features.	Track-ready daily driver.
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, Heated seats, Autopilot	Premium audio, Ventilated seats, 250kW charging	Track Mode, Performance brakes, 20" wheels
Verdict	Cheapest Tesla. Great value with 303mi range.	Best value. AWD + premium for cold climates.	Fun factor is real. Worth it if you value driving dynamics.

TL;DR

Cheapest Model 3 Standard — Lowest Tesla at $38,630. Now gets 303mi range.

Value Premium AWD — 346mi range + AWD + ventilated seats. Best config.

YOLO Performance — 3.0s 0-60 with Track Mode at $56,630.

The mistake? Buying Standard to save money if you live in cold climates. AWD is worth it.

RELEASE HISTORY & WHAT CHANGED

Jul 2017

Initial Release

First production units delivered.

Oct 2020

2021 Model Year Update

Heat pump added
chrome delete
powered trunk lid
redesigned center console

Sep 2023

Highland Refresh

Updated exterior styling
significantly improved interior materials and comfort
better aerodynamics
increased range

Apr 2024

Performance Variant

Bespoke chassis hardware
adaptive suspension damping
performance-oriented upgrades

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.