2023 Tesla Model 3: Performance, Price, And Photos

With over one million units sold since 2017, the Tesla Model 3 has not only become the best-selling electric car of all time but also the 9th best-selling car globally last year. The Model 3 is to Tesla what the Model T was to Ford. Its success has generated huge amounts of revenue and elevated Tesla from a boutique EV maker to mainstream manufacturer with a market cap of one trillion dollars last year.

With all of these achievements under its belt, the Model 3 has already been on the market for five years without any major changes. Prompting us to wonder, is the 2023 Model 3 still competitive, or is it starting to show its age?

2023 Tesla Model 3

8.50 / 10

Key Features

Autopilot Full-Self Driving
High-Tech Display
Access to Tesla Charging Network
0-60 in Just 3.1 Seconds (Performance Trim)
Range of Over 350 Miles

Specifications

Model: Model 3
Engine: Dual Electric Motor
Power Output: 384 - 456 HP
Torque: 376 - 479 LB-FT
Range: 272-358 Miles
Transmission: Single-Speed
Driveline: AWD
MSRP: $52,990 - $56,990

Pros

Spacious Interior
Panoramic Roof
Long Range

Cons

Poor Interior Materials
Limited Customization
Cost of Autopilot

2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance And Capability

The Tesla Model 3 comes in three flavors:

Rear-wheel drive
Long range
Performance

The rear-wheel drive trim is your entry point into Model 3 ownership, perfect for the pragmatic buyer looking to commute and run errands. A full charge will take you up to 272 miles, so this isn’t the one to get for long road trips. Similarly, you won’t be impressing your friends with the novelty of electric torque, because this single-motor version takes 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.

The middle child of the lineup is the Long Range variant, which comes equipped with a dual-motor drivetrain and a larger battery pack that can take you up to 358 miles. Extended range isn’t the only benefit, the extra power and all-wheel drive propel you from 0-60 mph in a much improved 4.2 seconds. While it outperforms the base model, the Long Range isn’t designed for speed. As a result, it tops out at 145 mph, an increase of only five mph.

So, if you’re really looking to impress, there’s only one trim level for you: the Model 3 Performance. This version has the dual-motor setup of the Long Range, but it will confound even the most reluctant EV adapter. Mash the accelerator pedal, and you’ll unleash 445 horsepower from its dual-motors and hit 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. If you have the guts to keep your foot glued to the floor, and you’re not on public roads, the Performance model will keep going until 162 mph.

Engine Type	Electric Motor
Power	271-455 HP
Torque	310-487 LB-FT
Transmission	N/A
0-60	3.1-5.8 Seconds
Top Speed	140-162 MPH
Drive	RWD or AWD
Mileage/Range	272-358 Miles

Exterior Design

The Model 3 takes a departure from the aggressive design of other cars in Tesla's line up. It features friendly styling cues and soft lines that make it feel approachable. It has Tesla's signature front end that lacks anything in place of a grille. Most designers feel compelled to fill that space on an EV, like with the Mercedes EQS, but we appreciate that Tesla is bucking traditional automotive trends.

Even though it is a sedan, the flush door handles with a slick scissor action, frameless windows, and sloping fastback rear end give the Model 3 the characteristics of a sports coupe which is one of the reasons it appeals to a younger audience.

Exterior Colors
Standard	Pearl White Multi-Coat	$0
	Midnight Silver Metallic	$0
Upgrade	Deep Blue Metallic	$1,000
	Solid Black	$1,500
	Red Multi-Coat	$2,000

Dimensions
Length	184.5 in
Width	82.2 in
Height	56.8 in
Wheelbase	113.2 in
Curb Weight	3,648 lbs - 4,250 lbs

Interior Quality And Technology

Tesla is famous for its sparse interiors, and the Model 3 continues this trend. The benefits of this are two-fold: the minimal aesthetic appeals to younger buyers and it saves on assembly costs. We have complaints in some areas, like the drab center console, but overall it has a handsome interior.

When you sit inside the Model 3 your attention is drawn to the impressive 15” central display screen that houses nearly all the controls of the car. This display is like an iPad, with crisp resolution and smooth graphics, which will surely please the younger demographics that snatch Teslas up in droves.

New for this year are two handy wireless charge pads below the center screen for your phones, which are angled so you can quickly glance as notifications pop up. Thoughtful design I must say.

We’re used to seeing companies replacing physical controls with digital ones, but this is next level. There isn’t a single physical button or knob on the dashboard of the Model 3. The steering wheel is adorned with two scroll wheels that control everything you want. Much like the buttons on a video game controller, the scroll wheels handle various functions, from side mirror adjustments to volume controls, and it works surprisingly well.

It makes us wonder why more legacy automakers haven’t adopted this philosophy. There is an apocryphal story that Henry Ford once said his customers could have their Model T in any color they want, so long as it was black. Elon Musk by contrast has been generous by letting Model 3 clients choose between two interior colors: black or white.

One of the benefits of an electric drivetrain is the lack of mechanical components, creating a plethora of space inside the Model 3. Without transmission tunnels and driveshafts to be routed under the cabin, you get a completely flat floor. No more complaints from the kid who’s always shoved into the middle seat and has nowhere to put their legs. The lack of an engine up front comes with two benefits: you get a frunk with 3.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and a low hood line that gives the driver excellent visibility. Pair that with a standard panoramic sunroof and the Model 3 feels light and airy inside.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Price

The technology isn’t the only parallel between Tesla and Apple, the process of ordering a Model 3 is closer to ordering an iPhone than a car. No salesmen, no negotiating. When you visit Tesla's website you'll have five exterior colors to choose from, two interior colors, and three trim levels. Perfectly simple.

The base model starts at a fairly affordable $46,990, but things escalate quickly from there on out. The mid-tier Long Range model costs $57,990, and the top-of-the-line Performance will set you back $62,990. Quite a substantial price tag for a car in this class.

The beauty of this brand is there aren’t many additional extras you need to choose from, unlike legacy brands that will nickel and dime you for things as trivial as heated seats. But the few options available come with hefty price tags. One of the biggest appeals of a Tesla is Autopilot, the company’s autonomous driving system that is the best and most comprehensive in the industry. Due to its sophistication and seemingly unending demand, you’ll have to part with an additional $6,500 for Enhanced Autopilot. If you want the Full Self-Driving capability–which despite its name isn’t actually fully autonomous yet–that will cost you $15,000.

Tesla Model 3 Price
Trim	Price
Rear-Wheel Drive	$46,990
Long Range	$57,990
Performance	$62,990

Safety

Teslas have long been famous for being some of the safest cars on the road. With rigid passenger cells and advances in collision avoidance systems, the company’s models consistently exceed industry standards for crash safety.

The Model 3 carries the torch with 5-star safety ratings awarded by NHTSA in every single category. Even the IIHS named the Model 3 a Top Safety Pick in all of its categories. It even has a low risk of rolling over because the battery packs are housed under the cabin, giving the car an extremely low center of gravity. Impressive feats for a compact sedan.

Main Competition

The Tesla Model 3 might be one of the best-selling EVs, but it isn’t the only choice in this segment. The Polestar 2 is a new contender in the EV space with a higher base price than the Tesla at $48,900, and its long-range trim is a few thousand dollars more as well. Polestar is the sister company to Volvo, focused solely on EV mobility. Compared to the Tesla, you pay more for less.

The Polestar 2 is three inches shorter than the Model 3 with slightly less interior and trunk space. The base model Polestar 2 has fewer horsepower and a shorter range, only reaching 249 miles on a charge. It’s a good alternative if you don’t care for performance or range. Another exciting model to watch out for is the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 6.

So, to summarize, the Tesla Model 3 has been on the market now for five years with very few changes, but it still remains competitive in its class and one of the best values for money in the EV segment. It was a game changer that made Tesla a mainstream manufacturer and brought electrification to the masses. With rumors of a refresh on the horizon, we’re excited to see how much better the gold standard of affordable EVs can get.

FAQ

Q: Which is the cheapest Tesla?

The cheapest Tesla product on the market is the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, with a base price of $46,990.

Q: How much does a Tesla Model 3 cost per month?

You can lease a new Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive for as low as $499 per month with $5,694 due at signing.

Q: Is the 2022 Tesla Model 3 worth buying?

With over 1 million units sold since 2017, the Tesla Model 3 is the most popular EV on the road. The Model 3 has excellent resale value, impressive technology, and access to the nationwide Tesla charging network. Its merits make it a car you should definitely consider buying.

Q: How many miles can a Tesla Model 3 go?

The entry-level Model 3 can reach up to 272 miles on a full charge, but the Long Range model can take you up to 358 miles on a charge.