Tesla Model 3 Review 2024
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Electric car with impressive range
- Fun to drive with rapid acceleration
- Spacious and minimalist interior
Cons
- Most desirable models are expensive
- Tesla's build quality isn't the best
- There's an increasing amount of very good competition
Overall verdict on the Tesla Model 3
"Whether you buy into the hype around Tesla's electric cars or not, it's difficult not to be impressed with the Model 3. Here's an electric car that doesn't require a mortgage to buy, while its zen interior will impress even the harshest critics. It's fun to drive, too, especially if you buy the Performance model with its supercar-like acceleration."
Tesla reckons that the Model 3 is the electric car that changed the automotive landscape. We don't think it's quite the game-changer the company claims (there's some very strong electric car competition in the form of the Volkswagen ID.3, Polestar 2 and even the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro), but the EV movement has certainly come a long way. However, that's not to say the Tesla Model 3 isn't one the best electric cars you can buy, as we'll explain in our Tesla Model 3 review.
There are three different Tesla Model 3 models to choose from: the Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance. While the Long Range and Performance models are both headline-grabbers in terms of figures, the most affordable Standard Range Plus will be more than adequate for the majority of buyers. The electric range of up to 318 miles is impressive (the precise figure has changed a bit over the years due to incremental updates) is impressive, while its off-the-mark acceleration will feel pretty rapid to anyone who's trading in a diesel BMW 3 Series.
Like most electric cars, the Tesla Model 3 is remarkably easy to drive. You get excellent all-round visibility, while direct steering means it feels direct and accurate.
There are some quirks that can take a bit of getting used to, though: notably everything being controlled through the huge infotainment display. Okay, there are things like indicator stalks, but even the flashing light that shows they are being used is on the central screen. As is the speedometer.
One of the big advantages of a Tesla over rival electric cars is the brand's Supercharger network. You'll have to pay for the power you use but, if you cover a lot of motorway journeys, we'd strongly suggest that the Model 3 is worth your consideration on this alone. The network of rapid chargers is, in our experience, much quicker and more reliable than other networks.
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?
The Tesla Model 3 is right for you if you're looking to swap your conventional petrol or diesel-powered saloon for an electric model. The Tesla Model 3 has one of the longest ranges of any EV and it's backed by Tesla's class-leading Supercharger Network, which means you should always have hassle-free access to a quick charger.
What other cars are similar to the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3's rivals include cars like the sporty and stylish looking Kia EV6, the more comfortable Hyundai Ioniq 5, the roomy Skoda Enyaq, the classy Audi Q4 e-tron and it's sister car, the Volkswagen ID.4.
Comfort and design: Tesla Model 3 interior
"The Tesla Model 3 has its own unique feel from the driver's seat."
With no bulky engine hidden beneath, the Tesla Model 3's bonnet bows down low between its headlights and front wings, like the bill of a platypus. It looks unusual – some may say odd – but it means you get a great view out of the front of the car. From behind the steering wheel, it's not unlike a Porsche 911, which of course has its engine mounted at the back, and a low-slung nose as a result.
Because almost all the Tesla Model 3's functions are housed in its massive infotainment screen (more on that in a sec), there's no instrument binnacle to interrupt your view of the road and the result is that the Model 3 has a windscreen that's big enough to make a sports bar's plasma TV look limited on inches.
Other factors are more conventional if no less important, like the the driver's seat that offers a wide range of electrical adjustment, the steering wheel that moves up, down, in and out, and the centre console that cocoons you in the car.
Quality and finish
Older Tesla models had interiors that were borderline unacceptable alongside more conventional premium cars from Audi and BMW. While the Tesla Model 3 still doesn't have the plushest cabin, it's much better finished than the brand's previous attempts, and we like the minimalist vibe.
That being said, it doesn't have quite the same high-end luxury feel of the aforementioned rival manufacturers, and the large centre console - which provides ample storage – means the Model 3 hasn't got the same airy feel as some other electric cars that have done away with a centre console.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Tesla Model 3
There's no avoiding the huge 15-inch infotainment screen in the Tesla Model 3. It's essentially a tablet computer tacked onto the dash. It won't be to everyone's tastes, but we like it, even if it doesn't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (Tesla thinks it's better than that, obviously). Getting used to the menus takes time, but features like the huge map display – an infinity pool to a BMW's bathtub – make up for it.
Space and practicality: Tesla Model 3 boot space
The Tesla Model 3 is spacious, while the standard-fit panoramic sunroof means it doesn't feel particular claustrophobic, even for rear-seat passengers. There's a flat floor, which helps with legroom, and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the outer rear seats.
Tesla Model 3 boot space is 425 litres, although that figure includes the extra space in the car's 'frunk', Tesla's name for the cubby under the bonnet where you'd usually find an engine.
In terms of dimensions, the Tesla Model 3 is 4694mm long, 1849mm wide and 1443mm tall.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Tesla Model 3 like to drive?
"Even the most affordable Tesla Model 3 is good to drive, with punchy acceleration and eager handling."
If anything, the standard Tesla Model 3 is the most enjoyable. That's because it's the only rear-wheel-drive Model 3, and you can really feel the sense of being pushed out of bends. Excellent visibility boosts your confidence, too, and there's plenty of technology on offer to keep you safe.
For impressing your mates, though, there's nothing quite like one of the faster Tesla Model 3 derivatives. The Long Range model can hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds (and a top speed of 145mph), while the Model 3 Performance can sprint to 60mph in as little as 3.1 seconds.
The performance of the, er, Tesla Model 3 Performance takes your breath away each and every time you unleash it. Top speed is 162mph, which puts it up there with the best performance electric cars on that score. Just don't expect your battery to last long at those speeds.
Refinement and noise levels
The latter half of that subheading isn't really something that applies to the Tesla Model 3 because 'noise levels' are almost non-existent: there's no engine noise, and the Tesla Model 3's slippery shape and small frontal area means there's not much wind noise, either. What you do notice is a bit of tyre roar, but even this is better contained than in many of the Model 3's larger-wheeled competitors.
Factor in the Tesla Model 3's brilliant suite of optional autonomous driving aids (hands on the steering wheel, please) and it does a sterling job as a long-distance cruiser.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 got a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2019. As well as conventional safety features like stability control and multiple airbags, the Tesla Model 3 scored well thanks to it's large front crumple zone where you'd usually find an unwieldy engine. Also counting in its favour were some of the industry's best autonomous driving aids.
Maximum EV range in the Tesla Model 3
"Even the basic Tesla Model 3 has a 300-mile-plus range that betters the distance most other EVs will travel on a charge."
The precise range of each of the versions has changed around quite a lot over time due to frequent incremental improvements to battery tech and aerodynamics, but all will atke you upwards of 300 miles on a charge according to official figures. The latest Model 3 Long Range version has an official range of up to 390 miles.
That range will drop in cold weather and on prolonged motorway stints, although if you drive all day in town – where the Tesla's regenerative brakes can do their thing – you'll actually go further on a charge.
Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Tesla Model 3?
Tesla's fancy-pants Supercharger network can deliver up to 175 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes with the Tesla Model 3. You're looking at around 30 miles of range per hour from a 7.4kW home charger, meaning an overnight charge should be enough to get you to the office in the morning: filling the battery from zero to full will cost around £10 at home.
You can use a conventional three-pin socket to charge a Tesla Model 3, but you probably shouldn't. We found that it took about an hour to add just 10 miles of range this way.
How reliable is a Tesla Model 3
In the 2023 HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, Tesla finished third overall out of the 29 carmakers considered. It's not immediately clear how much the brand's reliability contributed to that result, but with such a high score, it can't have been too bad. We haven't heard too many reports of reliability concerns with the Model 3, either. All cars come with an unconventional four-year/50,000-mile warranty.
Insurance groups and costs
Even the basic Tesla Model 3 sits in insurance group 48 while the Long Range and Performance models are in group 50.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Tesla Model 3?
As an electric car, the Tesla Model 3 doesn't pay any road tax. Even better, versions that cost for than £40,000 when brand new - which is most of them - also escape the luxury car surcharge thanks to their all-electric status, saving you a further £390 per year for five years. However, that will change in 2025, when EVs will become liable for the same tax charges as all other cars.
How much should you be paying for a Tesla Model 3?
"Prices currently start from around £40,000 for a new Tesla Model 3, but that's changed a lot throughout the car's life. Tesla even took the virtually-unheard-of step of actually dropping its prices a few years back."
Demand is high for quality used examples but there's still money to be saved by buying a pre-owned example on heycar. Early cars start from around £18,000 in our listings. These are a mixture of Standard Range cars wearing between 50,000 and 60,000 miles, and Long Range cars with slightly punchier mileages.
Trim levels and standard equipment
All Tesla Model 3s come with equipment such as heated seats, panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging, heated steering wheel, 15-inch screen with connected sat-nav and a Bluetooth phone connection. You also get a basic auto pilot that can brake and steer the car on the motorway, and Sentry Mode, which can film the circumstances when damage is caused to the car when it's parked up and unattended. All but the basic model also get a 15-speaker stereo that includes a subwoofer.
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