Quick facts
| Trim | Range (EPA, mi) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive | ~272 | 5.8 s | 125 mph | RWD, single motor | $42,490 |
| Model 3 Long Range AWD | ~363 | 4.2 s | 125 mph | AWD, dual motor | $47,490 |
| Model 3 Performance | ~298 | 2.9 s | 163 mph | AWD, dual motor | $54,990 |
Prices and ranges shown are headline U.S. configurations from Tesla's order page and have moved several times in recent quarters. Always check tesla.com for the live number on your configuration.
What changed: the "Highland" refresh
The Model 3 received a major mid-life refresh in late 2023 (rolled out worldwide through 2024) internally code-named "Highland." Highland is the version you'll order today. The notable changes from the original Model 3 (2017–2023):
- Exterior: sharper headlights, tighter fascia, new wheel designs, and a slightly lower drag coefficient (Cd 0.219).
- Interior: redesigned dash, ambient lighting strip, ventilated front seats on Long Range and Performance, dual-pane acoustic glass throughout for a noticeably quieter cabin.
- Suspension: revised dampers and bushings make the ride more compliant than the original Model 3, especially at highway speed.
- Stalks gone: turn signals moved to capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. Drive selection is via the touchscreen (with a backup capacitive strip on the headliner). This is divisive — some owners adapt within a week, others don't.
- Range and efficiency: small efficiency gains (Long Range from ~358 to ~363 EPA miles).
The 2024.5/2025 Performance trim brought even more changes: a unique "Track Mode v3", adaptive dampers, and a redesigned front bumper.
Real-world range vs EPA
The EPA range numbers Tesla advertises are achievable in mild weather at 65–70 mph with the climate set reasonably. In typical mixed driving, expect:
- Summer (60–90°F): close to EPA, sometimes a bit better in stop-and-go.
- Winter highway (below 30°F): 25–35% reduction is normal due to cabin heat, denser air, and battery thermal management.
- Highway at 80 mph: 10–20% below EPA.
For a Model 3 Long Range AWD, that means the rated 363 miles is more like 280–320 in real-world summer highway driving and as low as 220–260 in cold winter highway use. Plan accordingly on road trips.
What the referral gives you on a Model 3
The 3-month FSD trial and Supercharging credit apply to every new Model 3 trim. Concretely, that means the moment your car pairs with your Tesla Account, you get:
- FSD (Supervised) features active for 90 days — auto lane change, navigate-on-autopilot for city streets, traffic light/sign response. Worth roughly $300 at the current $99/mo subscription rate.
- A Supercharging credit balance shown in the Tesla app under "Vehicle → Add-Ons" or "Loot Box".
Use our Supercharging cost calculator with Model 3 efficiency at 4.0–4.2 mi/kWh to model what the credit translates to in your driving.
Order a Model 3 with the referral
One click before you configure. The 3-month FSD trial and Supercharging credit will appear on your order summary.
Use the Tesla Referral → Goes to tesla.comHow to spec a Model 3
For most buyers we recommend the Long Range AWD. The reasoning:
- The extra ~90 miles of range over RWD eliminates almost every road-trip range concern.
- AWD is meaningfully better in rain and snow than the RWD trim — which has improved but is still rear-driven.
- The price gap is moderate, and the resale spread between RWD and Long Range narrows over time.
Performance is the right pick if you actually want a sub-3-second sedan and the adaptive dampers, not just because. RWD is the right pick if budget is tight, the federal credit is your priority (it qualifies), and you're not driving big highway miles.
Color and wheels
Stealth Grey and Pearl White are the no-cost options. Solid Black, Diamond Black, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red are upcharges (Ultra Red is the most expensive). Wheels: 18" Photon (Aero) wheels add a few miles of range and ride better; 19" Nova are sportier-looking. The Performance trim ships with unique 20" wheels and lower-profile tires — expect more impact noise on rough roads.
What it costs to live with
- Insurance: Tesla's own insurance is competitive in states where it's offered (CA, TX, AZ, CO, IL, OH, OR, UT, VA). Outside those states, mainstream carriers handle Model 3 well, often slightly above a comparable BMW 3 Series.
- Maintenance: almost none. No oil changes, no transmission service. Tire rotations, cabin air filter, brake fluid every couple of years, and tires (which the Performance and 19" trims chew through faster than the 18" Aero).
- Tires: 18" Aero tires last 30–40k miles for typical drivers. 19" Nova: 25–35k. 20" Performance: 18–25k.
- Charging: see our calculator. A typical Model 3 LR driver paying U.S. average home rates spends about $400–600/year on electricity vs $1,800+ in gas for a comparable sedan.