The 2020 Model 3 delivers an impressive driving experience compared to other non-luxury electric vehicles. Its minimalistic interior design feels chic, modern and upscale. The rear-wheel-drive layout and powerful electric motor also provide natural athleticism and quicker acceleration than anything in its price range. If you're in the market for an electric vehicle, the Model 3 is virtually unbeatable for the price.
2021 Model 3 will get more range plus other enhancements
Part of the first Model 3 generation introduced for 2017
Edmunds says
When the Tesla Model 3 first hit the market in 2017, a lot of people wanted to know if it could live up to all the hype. Could an "entry-level" luxury EV really be as good as was promised? Could it be simultaneously affordable and refined? Would Tesla really make it for $35,000? Unfortunately, the early answer to these questions seemed to be "no." Build quality was subpar, and most of the models on sale were well above the $35,000 mark.
Thankfully, things have gotten much better with the 2020 Tesla Model 3. Complaints about glitches and build quality have subsided, and there's an entry-level model that's reasonably affordable. What's more, the Model 3 retains the sharp handling and quick straight-line performance we've come to expect from a Tesla sedan. This Tesla was Edmunds' Top Rated Electric Vehicle for 2019, and it could likely win the title again in 2020.
210 milesThe range for a used 2020 Tesla Model 3 is estimated to be 210 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 210 miles.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Boydton, Virginia. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
NACSNorth American Charging Standard (NACS). Supports Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging.
Plug Type
8.5 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 3 years or 30,000 miles for this car.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$4,125
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. Not every version of the vehicle models will necessarily qualify. Please check with the dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific vehicle.
For the vehicle to qualify:
Price cannot exceed $25,000.
Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
We have had this car for 3 months and 4000 miles. It has been trouble free, fast and fun. The simplistic interior is fantastic. We have also taken two long trips in the car, not an issue at all. Tech is outstanding. Cons are Tesla has not been building vehicles for 100 years and it shows. It has more road noise than it should, fit and finish lacks versus other manufacturers.Others have a … long way to go to match Tesla in electric cars, Tesla has a short way to go to match others in building CARS.UPDATE: After 17k miles and several cross country trips, charging is not an issue. Trouble free so far. UPDATE; 15 months and 30,000 miles it's been super fun and very reliable best car ever. Updare: 2 years and 45k. Still great. 3 years and 60k miles. We had the weight sensor on the passenger seat replaced under warranty. That is the only issue we have had. Still love the car. We are now at almost 4 years and 70k miles. Best vehicle ever!
Insanely Amazing
5 out of 5 stars
AlphaTango11, 03/14/2020
2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
There's honestly nothing like this car. It puts a smile on my face every day I drive it. Seriously, just go test drive one. I used to be skeptical, but I think all of my cars from now on will be Teslas.
The instant torque and regenerative braking make this thing handle like a supercar. The slowest one goes 0-60 as quick as a stock muscle car. It's legitimately insane. If you get the … Performance version, it's basically the quickest car under 100k.
Autopilot makes my commute easy and fun. Didn't think I'd like it as much as I do.
Charging at home isn't a problem for me, but if it were, you'd still have the Supercharger network that no other companies have.
Did I mention the acceleration? Because wow.
Initially these cars had some build issues but honestly I think Tesla has really sorted things out now.
If you're looking for a new car and you don't at least test drive one of these, you'll probably regret it. Words can't adequately describe how incredible this car is.
Update: a year later and this car is still amazing.
Wow... This is everything a car should be
5 out of 5 stars
Dr Dave, 05/19/2020
2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
During our period of self house arrest (quarantine) we would break out once a week and take a road trip to the local mountains and desert. The Model 3 was a joy on winding roads and steep climbs, to the point where we would come back refreshed and renewed.
The car is an experience that is hard to describe. There is no roar of an engine, just wind and music from a great sound system. … Glass overhead to see the sky and trees, and for some parts of the trips, we let the car drive, We noticed that in Self Driving Mode, it was a very cautious driver -- peeking around corners and slowing down for cross streets.
The Model 3 does not disappoint, and is the next evolution of automobile.
Amazing Daily Commuter Car
5 out of 5 stars
Jesse Kershner, 08/01/2020
2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
I have owned my 2020 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD for about 6 months. I commute 110 miles round trip, five days per week for work; Most of my commute is on highways or the interstate.
I absolutely love this car. While not perfect, it is far and away the most amazing vehicle I have ever owned.
1) I plug it in at home at night and wake up with the preset charge I need for the next day. No … stopping twice weekly for gas. My monthly electric bill is about $70-$75 more with my 110 mile round trip commute 5 days weekly. No oil changes etc, however, reading forums it seems this car eats through tires quickly when driven spiritedly.
2). Amazing clear and well tuned sound system. Especially when downloading music with lossless FLAAC on a USB stick. Very clear with good instrument separation, even at high volume levels. However, this car is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or the android equivalent. For audiophiles, this shouldn’t be an issue. TuneIn is nice for podcasts.
3) This car is so much fun to drive. The instant torque without shifting needs to be experienced. Test drive this car. The steering is nicely tuned. One pedal driving is game changing. This is the way cars should have been all along. Driving this car kind of feels like a video game as far as responsiveness. The 4.4 or less zero to 60 is so much fun. While there are faster cars; this one is efficient as well. Have your cake and eat it to.
4). Autopilot (I have the free version and not the potentially full self driving version) is amazing. While you do need to be alert in order to be safe, my commute is so much more relaxing on the interstate and highways. I arrive home much less exhausted than when I commuted in our Lexus.
5). Voice activated controls work very well for me. The “screen distraction” in the edmunds reviee isn’t much of an issue for me.
6). The seats are by far the most comfortable bucket seats I have experienced for long trips. (Not including the old couch style Oldsmobile and Cadillac etc seats).
The Tesla has a bit more wind noise and you feel rough roads a bit more than our 2013 Lexus ES350, however, I dread days I have to drive the Lexus in order to keep the gas from getting old.
The interior of this car is not as nice as similarly priced luxury cars at this price point. The fit and finish isn’t quite as good as a Mercedez, Lexus, BMW or Audi as far as exterior and interior. However, the driving functionality and infotainment system is amazing. After a few days driving you quickly forget about small mis-alignments only visible if you go over your car with a fine tooth comb.
With the Tesla you are paying for the drivetrain tech/battery and infotainment system tech, free OTA updates etc. These things are far superior to Mercedes and BMW ICE cars at a similar price point IMO.
UPDATE 2/17/21.
I’ve now had the car 11 mos. I still love this car. Autopilot is amazing for my commute. I feel like this car is worth we’ll more than I paid for it. My wife, who is not interested in cars at all, now wants to get a Tesla model S for our next car.
2020 Tesla Model 3: Edmunds Top Rated EV | Edmunds Top Rated Awards 2021
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 wins the title of Top Rated EV in the Edmunds Top Rated Awards for 2021. Tesla has been leading the charge when it comes to electric vehicles for years. And the Model 3 is no exception. The Model 3's improved range and interior updates only improve the formula that led to this same award last year. All-around appeal and a decent sticker price make… the 2020 Tesla Model 3 the best EV on the road and our experts' choice for Edmunds Top Rated EV for 2021.
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Edmunds says
