Tesla Model 3 Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Richard Aucock
Quick overview
Pros
- Great range
- Digital functionality
- Facelift updates really enhance its appeal
Cons
- Reliance on touchscreen – and no indicator stalk
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Car insurance can be expensive
Overall verdict on the Tesla Model 3
"The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most well-recognised electric cars on the road. It is also one of the most well-rounded, particularly in this facelifted guise which fixes some of the grumbles of the original model and adds renewed appeal to Tesla’s electric BMW 3 Series challenger."
The Tesla Model 3 is a well-known electric car that has been one of the UK’s most popular EVs for several years now. A global best-seller, Tesla has long offered a simple model line-up – and this straightforwardness has proven no barrier to its overall popularity.
But competition in the EV sector is hotting up, with accomplished new models arriving all the time. So, in response to talented models such as the BMW i4, Volkswagen ID.7 and Polestar 2, Tesla has given the Model 3 a far-reaching facelift. The aim is to keep all the strengths of the original, while fixing some of the longstanding criticisms of the four-door EV.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has redesigned styling that gives it a sleeker look. The profile remains the same, but the details have changed. At the front, the headlights are slimmer and now feature a full-length LED light strip. At the rear, new C-shaped LED tail lamps look more modern. There’s also new ‘TESLA’ lettering on the bootlid, along with the availability of two (expensive) new colours.
The biggest updates for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 are found inside. The interior sees greater use of higher-quality materials, including real aluminium trim strips. The centre console has been redesigned, with the fingerprint-magnet gloss black replaced by an aluminium-covered console. There are all-new seats too, with both heating and cooling as standard.
Mechanically, the Tesla Model 3 is the same, but more efficient aerodynamics and ongoing tweaks to the battery and motors mean it eeks out even more miles of range. And extensive tuning to the suspension aim to improve the ride quality and refinement. Overall, the updates for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 are extensive and help turn it into a much more appealing EV. Read on to find out more.
heycar has 1000s of used cars for sale, including a wide range of Tesla Model 3s for sale.
Is the Tesla Model 3 right for you?
What other cars are similar to the Tesla Model 3?
Comfort and design: Tesla Model 3 interior
"The Tesla Model 3 facelift has bought a series of useful upgrades to the interior, that really help enhance its premium feel. However, the controversial removal of the indicator stalk will take some getting used to."
The Tesla Model 3’s famously minimalist interior has been paired back even further for the facelift. The single screen in the centre of the dash remains, but it now packs in even more functions, as Tesla has controversially removed the column stalks from behind the wheel – yes, both indicator stalk and gearshifter.
To indicate in a Tesla Model 3, you now press a button on the left-hand steering wheel spoke. The upper button is to indicate right, and the lower is for left. The theory is that you use your thumb, but it is hard to distinguish left from right without looking at them – and even harder to hit the button in the right place to not get a ‘false positive’ click.
With time, they become easier to use (muscle memory is a great thing), but it takes many miles for them to become intuitive. At least one clever feature helps out, though – they auto-cancel when a lane change is complete, which should make motorway driving easier. How about wipers? They’re automatic, with extra settings through the touchscreen, and there’s a wash-wiper button on the steering wheel.
We mentioned the gearshift column stalk has gone too. To select ‘D’ and ‘R’, you press the brake pedal and slide your finger up and down the central touchscreen. This too is not very intuitive at first, but Tesla is experimenting with clever ‘autoshift out of park’ functionality that can partly automate it. We shall see.
Other core features of the Tesla Model 3 interior remain, such as the huge panoramic glass roof that stretches far behind rear occupants’ heads. The frameless doors are also stylish, and newly-integrated ambient lighting adds a welcoming feel at night.
The Tesla Model 3 has redesigned seats that notably improve comfort. They are more supportive and you now feel like you’re sitting ‘in’ them rather than perched ‘on’ them. The new front seats are also ventilated, while both front and rear seats are heated as standard.
Quality and finish
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, sat nav and stereo in the Tesla Model 3
Space and practicality: Tesla Model 3 boot space
Handling and ride quality: What is the Tesla Model 3 like to drive?
"The Tesla Model 3 facelift has also transformed the way it drives, particularly in terms of ride comfort. The suspension is much more compliant and copes far better on Britain’s rough roads. It remains seriously fast, too."
The latest Tesla Model 3 is a much better car to drive than the original version. Gone is the stiff, fidgety ride and nervous feel to the steering, with Tesla’s engineers giving it a full overhaul to bring the standards up to scratch.
The most obvious improvement is the ride quality. It is vastly more comfortable on British roads, absorbing bumps quietly rather than crashing over them with a thud. The stiff and frenetic feel of the old car has gone, and this newfound cushioned absorbency makes it a much more comfortable car for long trips.
The steering is also more natural, with a better feeling of accuracy. The old car lacked feel and the steering itself was too fast and darty. This new setup is far more measured, and gives the 2024 Tesla Model 3 more of a premium feel.
The Tesla Model 3 is agile through corners, too. Its platform is optimised as an EV, so weight can be kept in check and the centre of gravity is low. While it’s not as dynamic as a BMW i4, the improved drive of the new Tesla Model 3 will still be a welcome discovery – it’s a much nicer car to drive.
What motors and batteries are available in the Tesla Model 3?
Refinement and noise levels
Safety equipment: How safe is the Tesla Model 3?
Tesla Model 3 charging times: How much does it cost to charge?
"The Tesla Model 3 is a particularly efficient EV, meaning you’ll spend less on charging it. However, high insurance groups means you’ll probably be spending more on your annual premiums."
The Tesla Model 3 is a particularly efficient EV. Efficiency is measured in how many miles an EV travels for every kWh of electricity stored in the battery – and the most efficient Model 3 covers nearly five miles per kWh. This means every kWh you pay for goes further than in many of the Tesla Model 3’s rivals, which will help keen running costs in check.
If you have home charging, an electric car is cheaper to run than a petrol car anyway. While public charging is expensive for most EVs, Tesla owners get to use the Supercharger network – and there are membership schemes available to lower the price you pay for electricity. You can easily do this through the Tesla app.
Payments for Tesla Supercharging is also arranged automatically through the app. Unlike most other EVs, you don’t need to tap a card or open up the app to begin charging – you simply plug and go. This convenience is a major benefit of Tesla ownership.
Tesla Model 3 reliability and warranty
Tesla Model 3 insurance groups and costs
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Tesla Model 3?
Tesla Model 3 price
"Tesla Model 3 prices start at £39,990 for the rear-wheel drive model, rising to £59,990 for the all-wheel drive performance model."
Tesla Model 3 prices are becoming very affordable indeed, helped by its new car popularity that means there’s a huge amount of choice on the used car market.
The Tesla Model 3 has proven to be a very popular car here in the UK since its launch in 2020. This means there are plenty of used Tesla Model 3 to choose from.
Here at heycar, you can currently pick up an early 2020 car from as little as £16,000, which seems striking value for money. The improved 2021 model – it has black doorhandles and window trim instead of the earlier car’s silver – can be picked up from around £20,000, and that’s the one that we would go for.
There are plenty of used Tesla Model 3 Long Range to choose from, so you needn’t have range anxiety. And while it is rarer, you can also find the Tesla Model 3 Performance on the used car market – it offers exceptional performance for the money.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
How can I tell a new Tesla Model 3 at a glance?
How do I open the door on a Tesla Model 3?
What is the EV range of a Tesla Model 3?
Tesla Model 3 cars for sale on heycar
Tesla Model 3Standard Plus 4dr Auto
202027,856 milesElectric£307 mo£19,995
Tesla Model 3Long Range AWD 4dr Auto
202130,779 milesElectric£24,395
Tesla Model 3RWD 4dr Auto
20234,853 milesElectric£674 mo£29,995
Tesla Model 3Standard Plus 4dr Auto
202018,471 milesElectric£280 mo£19,984
Tesla Model 3Long Range AWD 4dr Auto
202128,890 milesElectric£314 mo£22,745
Tesla Model 3 Alternatives
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