The 2021 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.
Standard Range Plus trim renamed midway through the model year
Part of the first Model 3 generation introduced for 2017
What is the Model 3?
Can a car be "insanely amazing"? Well, that's how an owner described the Model 3 on a recent Edmunds consumer review. Is there some hyperbole here? Oh sure. But even from our more measured standpoint, the Model 3 is an impressive sedan. And it's getting even better for 2021.
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 to an EPA-estimated 263 miles of range. Similar gains are in store for the Long Range (now 353 miles) and the Performance (315 miles). Electrical efficiency, as measured by the EPA's estimated kWh used per 100 miles of driving, is a little better on the 2021 Long Range car too.
There are a few other changes for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 as well, including 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 that should reduce wind and traffic noise.
Edmunds says
The changes for the 2021 Tesla Model 3 are small but significant. The Model 3 is a vehicle that, while perhaps not insanely amazing, is still by far the best non-luxury electric car out for 2021.
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 4 years or 44,000 miles for this car.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$7,850
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.
Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Every car I've driven before this had an internal combustion engine which I never minded. I didn't buy the Model 3 because I was an environmentalist. After driving this car, I will never be able to enjoy an ICE car as a daily driver. The instant torque of the Model 3 is extraordinary, the range for the long range is more than enough for my needs. One of my favorite features of the … vehicle is the center display. The built in spotify and other multi media apps are extremely convenient and very satisfying. The speaker system is fantastic, for the upgraded version at least. I never experienced any issues with panel gaps, lose windows, or a problem with the trunk. The app has everything you need, including on demand servicing. Highly suggest this vehicle.
The best commuter car of 2021
5 out of 5 stars
Andy Mevissen, 05/10/2021
2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
The Model 3 Performance is everything in one. It is fast (very fast), it is quiet and comfortable; very comfortable seats actually. The White interior looks amazing, and it actually makes you want to keep the interior clean for once.
The dash is simple and clean, nothing more than a massive 15” touchscreen display (what more could you ask for?) For an average commute to work and home, … you wake up every morning with a 100% charge and you’re ready to go. I can not explain the driveability, you need to drive one yourself to understand. Tesla is leading the charge in EV vehicles and it’s very obvious why.
Updated review* Still a great car, flat foot this thing 50 times a day for 42,000 miles. It loves it. Eats tires though, gone through two sets of Pirelli P-Zero's already.
My wife's car
5 out of 5 stars
Bill Erlanger, 04/04/2021
2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/21 (electric DD)
First let me say that the Model 3 standard is my wife's car. I currently have a Fiat Abarth with a manual transmission. When the Fiat goes, I was thinking hard about a used 911 with manual transmission. Well my wife went on a visit to NYC and I "borrowed" her car for the daily 15 mile each way commute to work. Why spend more for a used 911 when you can get a new Model 3. It has instant … torque at any speed. It makes no noise. The visibility is excellent. The regenerative braking, while initially unusual, is great. The seats are extremely comfortable and easily adjustable. If asked by Tesla, I would say that if there were some way to tell me my speed without having to take my eyes off of the road in front (you have to look at the monitor), I would like to see that feature: with a gas car, you usually have a good idea how fast you are going by sound. The front and rear sensors tell me how close I am, in inches, to an object-give that an A+. So, in the short time that I have borrowed the Model 3, I've completely changed my mind about my next car. I may just retire the Fiat early. In closing, the delivery day is just not what we expected. Someone drove the car to our house, gave us the "keys", showed us where the charging adaptors were and then got into his waiting Uber ride.
Update. We are now a two Tesla family. The second Tesla is the Long-Range model with delivery of six months ago. Everything that was said about the Standard model applies to the Long Range. In addition, the Long Range's acceleration at any speed is something else. You can find your speed way over the speed limit without paying close attention. The only "negative" that applies to both Tesla's is having to take your eyes off of the road to do something on the touch screen. However, the speech recognition if you give the car a verbal command, rather than doing something on the touchscreen, is excellent and does not require that you had to have taken lessons in pronunciation.
It has been more than a year and Edmunds asked if I cared to update my previous review. In short: NO. No repairs needed. No maintenance needed. No change in acceleration (it definitely moves) nor deceleration. No complaints about ability to translate my voice commands. No complaints about interior finishes. No complaints about excellent safety features interrelated with onboard easy to see and use display. I still appreciate the front and rear cameras telling me in inches (I could easily convert this to metric) I am from a wall or car.
Edmunds asked me if I cared to update my review again and yes I will. So far after about 25,000 miles (80/20 highway to city) I have had zero repairs needed. I have replaced the windshield wipers and a tire because I ran over a nail but that is it. My wife's Model 3 has also about 20,000 miles with zero repairs needed. I believe that most of the negative reviews of the Model 3 are because of unrealistic expectations. I can't see any shoddy workmanship or poor quality materials. The cars both continue to have wonderful acceleration at any speed. And with regenerative braking, you hardly ever have to touch the brake pedal. While I do agree that having all controls on the touch screen can lead to distractions, it also requires that you relearn how you used to do something like looking out for cars in adjacent lanes or backing out of parking spaces, for example. The Model 3 is not your previous gas propelled car. While we missed out on the federal tax credit, we have no post-purchase anxiety. We definitely made a great decision. In fact, we think so highly of Tesla that we are getting two Tesla powerwalls hooked up to our solar system.
Great car
4 out of 5 stars
W Palmer, 03/07/2021
2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)
Speed: Nothing beats that electric torque. Love it.
Comfort: tons of leg room up front. Decent amount in back. Plenty of trunk space. Power seats could be a little beefier. I’m a big dude and it doesn’t always do well at moving upright unless I lean forward.
Construction: my panels were fine. No big gaps. No misaligned panels. Love the console redesign. I notice noise at the doors but … that may just be because it’s not drowned out by the engine. I added an aftermarket door seal kit ($29) and it’s perfect.
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