Used 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance
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2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Class-leading range, performance and handling
- Comfortable seating and lots of interior room
- Access to Tesla's prolific Supercharger fast-charging stations
Cons
- Touchscreen interface can lead to driver distraction
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support
What's new
- Increased range and efficiency
- New interior and exterior trim
- Standard integrated wireless phone charger
- Standard Range Plus trim renamed midway through the model year
- Part of the first Model 3 generation introduced for 2017
Overview
Can a car be "insanely amazing"? Well, that's how an owner described the Model 3 on an Edmunds consumer review. Is there some hyperbole here? Most definitely. But even from our more measured standpoint, the Model 3 is an impressive sedan. And it's getting even better for 2021.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
2021 Tesla Model 3 EV Insights
Trim:
Model 3 Performance
Estimated Range Based on Age
303 milesThe range for a used 2021 Tesla Model 3 is estimated to be 303 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 303 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 Ashburn, 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.
Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet
from Charging at Home
10 hoursProprietary Tesla charging standard. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Total Charging Time (240V outlet)
Tesla Supercharger
Plug Type
EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 120,000 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.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 6 years or 92,000 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
Cost to Drive
$57/mo
Model 3
vs
$184/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
More range is always a good thing with an electric vehicle, and the Model 3 obliges. The base Standard Range Plus — the previous special-order-only Standard Range is now gone for good — rises from 250 miles to an EPA-estimated 263 miles of range. Similar gains are in store for the Long Range AWD and the Performance. Other 2021 changes include black exterior trim instead of chrome, a standard wireless phone charging pad, a power trunklid, metal steering wheel control dials instead of plastic, and a new window design to help reduce outside noise.
The Model 3 is a great pick for an EV, but it's not the only one for 2021. Specifically, we've found the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia Niro EV, Polestar 2 (Polestar is a new boutique EV brand from Volvo) and Volkswagen ID.4 to also be viable choices. So should you stick with Silicon Valley's finest or go with an alternative? Read our Model 3 Expert Rating below to help you decide.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds' editorial team 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 2021 Tesla Model 3 differs from our early long-term Model 3 by way of improved cabin materials and different powertrain options. It's the same generation, though, so many of our observations still apply. Check out our 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range coverage to learn more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Tesla didn't just make electric vehicles popular; it made them desirable. In some cases they're even status symbols, and the Model 3 Performance is one of those instances.
The Model 3 Performance doesn't look much different than other Model 3 versions. In fact, to the average person, their interiors are virtually identical and exteriors indistinguishable. The minimalistic design is modern and high-tech but perhaps too stripped-down for the luxury price it commands. But one press of the accelerator will silence even the harshest critics — this car is fast with a capital F.
The Model 3 Performance doesn't look much different than other Model 3 versions. In fact, to the average person, their interiors are virtually identical and exteriors indistinguishable. The minimalistic design is modern and high-tech but perhaps too stripped-down for the luxury price it commands. But one press of the accelerator will silence even the harshest critics — this car is fast with a capital F.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Which Model 3 does Edmunds recommend?
Because range really is peace of mind in an EV, we'd recommend the Long Range AWD. Not only do you get an EPA-estimated range of 353 miles but you get a faster onboard charger for quicker fill-ups. The all-wheel-drive system affords improved traction in inclement weather but also benefits dry-weather handling and performance. We're also fans of the upgraded 14-speaker audio system that's standard on this trim level.
2021 Tesla Model 3 models
The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric sedan that comes in three trim levels: Standard Plus, Long Range AWD and Performance. Each trim is differentiated primarily by levels of driving range and acceleration from a battery-electric powertrain. Be aware that Tesla updates the Model 3 on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, so what follows might not necessarily reflect the most current offering. Highlighted features include: