2017 Tesla Model 3
Pros
- Tesla prestige at a lower price
- Stunning performance among other EVs
- More technologically advanced than rivals
Cons
- Limiting cargo capacity and interior storage
- Initially available only with pricey options
2017 Tesla Model 3 pricing
in Ashburn, VATop consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Tesla Model 3.
2017 Tesla Model 3 videos
DAN EDMUNDS: We're here at the Edmunds test track, and we've brought our Model 3 back for another go. Last time we were here, we measured its stopping distance on the standard 18 inch tires at 133 feet, which was a little longer than we would have liked, but not that far out of the ballpark. But subsequent to that, others tested their cars and got numbers in the 150 foot range-- really out to lunch. And since then, Tesla has responded with a new software update that's supposed to improve the stopping distance. How much? We don't know. We're here to find out. [MUSIC PLAYING] This car's configuration is identical to last time, same 18 inch wheels, same pads and rotors. The only thing that's different is the software upgrade. Let's hit it, 60 miles an hour, boom. There's a lot more initial bite. It gets with the program right away, and the stop, about 10 or 11 feet shorter. And nothing but a software change, which means the ABS or the hand off between regenerative braking and friction braking has been altered. And that's really the only thing it could be because the tires are the same, the pads and rotors are the same, the car is the same, the track's the same. So yeah, it looks like software made a difference. It's hard to know what's going on exactly. So it could be the ABS timing, which seems unlikely because that's pretty well known. But also since this is an electric car, and a rear wheel drive one at that, there is this desire to harvest as much electricity using regenerative braking as you can. And so the hand off to the rear friction brakes may not have been as immediate as it needed to be for a panic stop. That's the theory I'm operating on. I'm not sure if we'll get confirmation of that from Tesla, but certainly that seems likely. But we don't know for certain. The results are pretty clear. Today's test with revised software, it resulted in a stop that was 10 feet shorter. Our first stop was 123 feet versus 133 feet last time. The second stop was even a little bit better than that at 122 feet. So 10 or 11 feet, that's a pretty significant difference. And really nothing on the car has changed except software. And it wasn't just about the number 122, 123 feet. It was also the feel. The initial bite when I got onto the pedal feels much more positive than before. And throughout the stop, there's just a nice consistent deceleration feel, which was lacking last time. So yeah, it's a lot better in terms of how the ABS works in a panic stop situation. So this story is a good news, bad news story in a way because the good news is over the air software updates are awesome. We didn't have to go to the dealer to get this reflashed. It just happened. But the flip side is why was this necessary at all? I worked at two automakers' proving grounds for a total of 17 years, and it's really hard for me to understand how this wasn't discovered in the testing phase and implemented before production started. It's great that there's over the air software updates, but it's kind of odd that it needs to happen this way. If you already own a Tesla Model 3, this won't be a problem because the last software update included the same fix that we've got. And if you're going to buy one or you're on the waiting list, this will be included in future production vehicles. For more information on how we test cars and to see more videos from the Edmunds test track, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Did Tesla's Over-the-Air Firmware Update Change the Braking Distance of Our Model 3?
Did Tesla's over-the-air firmware update change the braking distance of our Model 3? Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing for Edmunds, heads back to the track with our long-term Model 3 for a second round of brake tests following a firmware update (2018.18.13) Tesla released late in May.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Model 3 safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
- Active Cruise Control
- Maintains a set gap between you and the car you're following. It comes to a complete stop and resumes following, too.
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Warns if you are drifting out of your lane and will nudge the steering to get you back in line.
People who viewed this also viewed
2017 Tesla Model 3 for Sale
2017 Tesla Model 3 Overview
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include Standard 4dr Sedan (electric 1DD), and Long Range 4dr Sedan (electric 1DD).
What do people think of the 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Model 3 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Model 3.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Model 3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2017 Tesla Model 3s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Tesla Model 3 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Tesla Model 3.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Related vehicle information
2017 Tesla Model 3 Information
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Build and Price TMV®
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Incentives & Rebates
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Consumer Discussions
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Consumer Reviews
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Features & Specs
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Pictures
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Review
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Dealer Price Quotes
- Used 2017 Tesla Model 3 For Sale Near Me
- 2017 Tesla Model 3 Ownership Costs
Tesla Model 3 by City
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Cleveland, OH
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Memphis, TN
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Las Vegas, NV
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in San Jose, CA
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Philadelphia, PA
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Tucson, AZ
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Oklahoma City, OK
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Chicago, IL
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Sacramento, CA
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in San Antonio, TX
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Phoenix, AZ
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Los Angeles, CA
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Mesa, AZ
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Denver, CO
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Dallas, TX
- Tesla Model 3s for Sale in Miami, FL