Features of the 2025 Tesla Model 3

Overview

The Tesla Model 3 basically pioneered the electric small car category and it remains a highly enticing alternative for EV customers. The latest "Highland" improvements to the Model 3 addressed some of our main gripes with the car: Suspension upgrades that smooth down the ride are welcomed, as are the finer interior materials. Those upgrades moved it along to a position on our 10Best list this year. However, the infotainment system still lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, and now even more physical controls have been jettisoned—the Model 3 has gone stalk-free, transferring the turn-signal controls to the steering wheel and the gear selector to the display. It's as speedy as ever, though; the Performance model provides particularly violent acceleration, and even the slowest variant, the rear-drive Long Range model, achieves a 4.6-second sprint to 60 mph. Real-world highway range falls short of the promised statistics but still exceeds many other EVs. Rivals include the BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2.

What's New for 2025?

Tesla has withdrawn the Standard Range variant, previously the least cost variant 3, from the range.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The pricing of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 starts at $44,130 and goes up to $56,630 depending on the trim and extras.

Rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor are conventional, although a dual-motor all-wheel-drive arrangement is optional. We'd recommend either the rear- or all-wheel-drive Long Range variants, which give an estimated 363 and 341 miles of driving per charge, respectively. All Model 3s come equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, and Tesla's Autopilot driver-assist system.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

As with other EVs, the Model 3 builds speed rapidly, smoothly, and nearly silently, with the electric motor offering a significant punch from a standstill. And it's quick—extremely fast in certain trims. Like other Teslas (and most other EVs), the Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity. This helps it shift direction crisply and feel grounded and sturdy in bends. The steering is precise and well-weighted, with three separate settings that modify the amount of effort. The ride is solid without being unpleasant, and the interior is noticeably quieter than before in our tests. The new-for-2024 Performance trim ups the ante with a number of enhancements. This variant is the only variant 3 that comes with a sport-tuned suspension with adjustable dampers. The Performance model's all-wheel-drive motor pumps out a combined 510 horsepower and Tesla has improved the brakes and fitted a staggered set of rims and tires.

0–60-MPH Times

When we drove the rear-wheel-drive Long Range variant, it reached to 60 mph in a fast 4.6 seconds. The all-wheel-drive dual-motor Long Range variant will likely be quicker still. The 2024 Performance model offers greater power than the pre-facelift version and went to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds in our tests.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Three unique Model 3 trims are offered, each with a different projected driving range. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range variant has an estimated range of 363 miles, while the all-wheel-drive Long Range model delivers 341 miles of driving range. (If you select for the extra-cost 19-inch wheels, the predicted range numbers are lower.) The Model 3 Performance loses some of the range for extra power, but its projected range is still very decent at 296 miles per charge. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 Long Range obtained a result of 310 miles while the Model 3 Performance achieved 260 miles. The Model 3 provides many alternative choices for charging: Tesla's network of fast-charging stations dubbed Superchargers, adapters for DC public-charging stations, 240- and 120-volt outlets, and a home-charging station.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The different variants of the Model 3 are rated between 113 MPGe and 138 MPGe by the EPA. Our RWD Long Range test car scored 128 MPGe on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test and the Performance variant managed 91 MPGe. The Model 3 comes equipped with aluminum wheels that are covered by plastic aerodynamic hubcaps. We wanted to see how much influence those hubcaps have on the car's driving range, so we tested with and without them and were astonished to find that they aided more than expected. For more information regarding the Model 3's fuel efficiency, see the EPA's website.

Read Also: Must Know Facts About the 2025 BMW 2 Series

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

We're not exaggerating when we state that the Tesla Model 3 has an interior unlike any other (non-Tesla) automobile on the market today. It's astonishingly basic inside, with practically everything handled via the monolithic touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. Buttons on the steering wheel control items like the external side-view mirrors, the position of the steering column, and even the turn signals—and we wish those controls were of the traditional form instead. The Tesla's low, level floor allows for a big and airy sensation inside. The front seats are supportive and comfy, but the back seats are positioned low and are tight and uncomfortable; don't expect adults to be able to spend lengthy periods of time in them. Folding the 60/40 split back seats is straightforward and improves the trunk space greatly, allowing enough storage for 15 carry-on luggage. There are also appropriately sized bins and cubbies around the cottage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Navigation, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity are standard, although the Model 3 is, interestingly, not available with AM radio or SiriusXM satellite radio. Several internet-streaming radio choices are standard. It also can't be configured with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. To make charging-station layovers more pleasant, the Model 3 offers lots of entertainment options on its center display, including Netflix, YouTube, and a range of arcade games. Mounted to the back of the center console is an 8.0-inch touchscreen that allows rear-seat passengers access to temperature control and entertainment options.