2019 Tesla Model 3

Which Model 3 does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

When it was first announced in 2016, the Tesla Model 3 made headlines with a trio of talking points: 1) 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds! 2) A range of 220 miles! 3) And all for the low, low price of $35,000! While this low-cost Model 3 didn't fully materialize until this year (and even then deducts incentives from the purchase price), we're still hugely impressed. Aside from a few ergonomic issues, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric vehicles on sale today.

The Model 3 is roughly the same length as a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it makes excellent use of its dimensions and feels roomier than many of its competitors. Its trunk is also massive, and the lack of an engine means there's a front trunk as well. Rounding out its strengths are tight steering, poised handling and instant acceleration that make it a thrill to drive. You also get Tesla's suite of advanced driving aids, which is one of the best in the business, especially at this price point.

Our only gripe concerns the central touchscreen system. Because almost all of the Model 3's controls are tied to it, you have to divert your attention from the road to do something as simple as adjusting the wiper speed. At the same time, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or even a Tesla-developed browsing solution for your phone, are not available. Bluetooth streaming audio from your phone is the only way to go, but using your phone while driving means a ticket in states that ban phone use while driving — not to mention it's an additional distracted-driving hazard.

Other electric vehicles certainly do better in that vein. You also have more choices than ever. The Chevrolet Bolt and the Hyundai Kona EV, in particular, stand out for their 230-plus-mile ranges and more affordable pricing. Yet the Model 3 has such a wealth of advantages that it warrants serious consideration for electric-car shoppers or even people just wanting a premium small sedan, electric or not.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Tesla Model 3 as Edmunds' Top Rated Electric Car and Cheapest Electric Cars for 2020. See all of the Top Rated Vehicles on our Best Cars page.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds' editorial team acquired and lived with a 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range for nearly two years, logging 24,000 miles. As an all new-design for Tesla, it had a few teething problems at first. But most of the issues were electronic in nature and were later sorted out via software updates. The 2019 Tesla Model offered more choices in battery and powertrain than our early long-term Model 3. It's the same generation, though, so many of our observations still apply. To learn more about the Tesla Model 3, check out our 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range coverage.

2019 Tesla Model 3 models

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan currently available in three trims. Originally, Tesla named them Mid Range Battery, Long Range Battery and Performance. Midyear updates had them change to Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance, respectively.

The Mid Range Battery features a single motor that drives the rear wheels and is good for 260 miles of total range. (The Standard Range Plus is mechanically the same but range is 250 miles.) Tesla says it does 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The Long Range Battery (and thus the Long Range trim) uses two motors to provide power to all four wheels. It also comes with quicker acceleration — Tesla claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The Performance version increases power output, resulting in an estimated 0-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds. The Long Range Battery is estimated to return 322 miles of driving range, while the Performance and Standard Plus models are rated at 310 and 250 miles of range, respectively.

Be aware that Tesla updates its vehicles on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, so what follows might not necessarily reflect the most current offering.

All versions of the car come standard with 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and high beams, keyless entry,dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

Standard technology features at the Mid Range Battery (Standard Range Plus) level include a 15-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, voice controls, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote control of some systems via a smartphone app, a rearview camera, and an audio system withinternet streaming radio and two USB ports. For standard safety features, there are forward collision warning and mitigation and blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance.

The Premium Upgrades package adds LED foglights, heated and power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, heated seats, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, simulated leather upholstery, wood interior trim, a covered center console, driver-seat memory functions, two additional USB ports and a premium audio system.

Note that after the Standard Range Plus model debuted, some of the above features were omitted, including internet streaming radio and live traffic information.

Selecting the Long Range model adds these features, plus heated rear seats and a 14-speaker audio system.

For the Performance trim, Tesla also offers a Performance Upgrade package (also required on all Performance models at the time of this review) that includes 20-inch wheels, performance tires, a lowered suspension, a carbon-fiber spoiler, upgraded brakes and a higher-speed limiter.

Also available is the Enhanced Autopilot option that adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic lane changing and self-parking. This package is added to later models as standard equipment.

Also available in later models is the Full Self-Driving Capability feature, which adds automated parallel and perpendicular parking, additional fine-tuning to the way Autopilot behaves on the highway, and a summon feature that calls the Model S to your location in a parking lot. 

Nineteen-inch wheels are available as a stand-alone option.

Trim tested

Driving

The Model 3 feels sporty and engaging thanks to strong off-the-line performance, intuitive and responsive steering, and coordinated and nimble handling. The straight-line thrust we admired in the early long-range models can still be found in the new entry-level Standard Plus trim, reaching 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.

The standard 18-inch all-season tires aren't the grippiest, but they offer sufficient stick to satisfy most of the spirited driving you'll be doing on the street. This Tesla is a compact luxury sport sedan that just happens to be an EV.

Comfort

We found the Model 3 to be a pleasant place to sit, and that feeling held up for hours at a time. Our one gripe is the non-perforated leather seats; they don't breathe all that well if you're in a warmer climate. Otherwise, the seats are cushy and provide nice support.

The innovative climate controls are adjusted via the touchscreen, and they allow both driver and front passenger to direct the vents on either side of the cabin. Other manufacturers have since replicated this system. The cabin is quiet and keeps wind, electric propulsion and most road noise at bay. Ride comfort is agreeable most of the time, but it can sometimes feel overly busy if the road surface is broken or uneven.

Interior

The Model 3's controversial interior design looks modern and cutting-edge. The driving position is highly adjustable and feels great, and the cabin is surprisingly roomy thanks to its minimalistic approach and all-glass roof. Forward visibility is also fantastic thanks to the lack of an engine and the corresponding low hoodline.

The large 15-inch touchscreen is the central control center for everything. While it doesn't block your view, it commands a lot of your attention for too many routine tasks — such as adjusting the mirrors or cruise control speed — that should be doable without looking.

Utility

The Model 3's trunk can hold far more than you'd expect thanks to a broad pass-through and SUV-like fold-flat rear seats. The trunk's stated capacity (15 cubic feet) isn't that impressive compared to what you get from other luxury compact sedans, but we were able to fit an extra-large mountain bike with ease.

Inside, cabin storage is pretty decent, which is something we can't say about the other Tesla models. However, the front cupholders lack anti-tip tabs, so cups and bottles aren't likely to fit snugly. The car seat anchors are tucked tightly between the seat cushions, so you must take care to avoid scratching the leather as you hook up. Once in, even rear-facing car seats will fit behind an average-size driver.

Technology

The Model 3 navigation display is impressive because of its size, and it's one of the few that pulls Google Maps data in real time. That sometimes means spotty information in areas with poor reception, but otherwise the interface is easy to use. The AutoPilot traffic-aware cruise and lane management system is one of the better systems out there, and cruise control will even slow for approaching curves (sometimes a bit too conservatively).

The Model 3's lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto puts it at a disadvantage to many competitors. Bluetooth is still the only way to bring your smartphone into the audio environment, which is not always as stable as being connected via USB. You can, however, stream content (usually only when parked) such as Hulu, Netflix, Spotify and YouTube directly to the infotainment system. A wireless charger accessory is available from Tesla as an option.