2021 Tesla Model 3

59
Photos
Compare insurance prices:
Save an average of $440
Free Quote

2021 Tesla Model 3 Review: A Studiously Forged EV

by Aiden Eksteen

Proficient electric cars are becoming more accessible, especially in the USA, and while there are numerous automakers pushing the envelop now, there's no denying that Elon Musk and his company are the ones that got the ball rolling on the EV revolution. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is perhaps the most emblematic offering for EV proficiency and accessibility from the American carmaker, balancing performance, practicality, and affordability. With horsepower outputs ranging between 266 hp and 430 hp and with between up to 353 miles of range, there's thrilling performance potential and genuine capability to be gained throughout the lineup. The Model 3 sedan's minimalistic design and basic set of features may be untenable for some, but even the Tesla's most premium and advanced contemporaries, like the Polestar, don't quite measure up to its proficiency.

2021 Tesla Model 3 Changes: 🚙What’s the difference vs 2020 Model 3?

Tesla does pretty much everything its own way and that includes updating its cars, whereby upgrades happen suddenly and throughout the year rather than from one model year to the next. What we know for now is that the new 2021 Tesla Model 3 has seen an extended driving range. The base Standard Range Plus can now travel 263 miles on a single charge, up from 250 miles. The Long Range can go 353 miles and the Performance can now manage 315 miles. The Long Range and Performance are also slightly quicker than before, with even more brutal performance specs. In fact, the newest Performance model needs just 3.1 seconds to hit 60 mph.

Other updates to the first-gen model include new wheel designs, satin black exterior trim, a power trunk lid, more black satin trim on the inside, and a revised center console that makes way for two wireless charging pads. There are also some new finishes for controls on the steering wheel and those of the seat adjusters.

Pros and Cons

  • Vigorous and instantaneous acceleration
  • Industry-leading all-electric driving range
  • Spacious cabin and practical trunk space
  • Superlative official safety rating
  • Pricing is relatively attractive
  • Massive touchscreen interface is intrusive
  • Standard features are fairly scant
  • Optional features are also minimal
  • Questionable build quality and reliability

Best Deals on 2021 Tesla Model 3

2021 Tesla Model 3 Trims and Prices

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP)
Standard Plus
Electric
Single Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
$44,990
Long Range
Electric
Single Speed Automatic
All-Wheel Drive
$50,990
Performance
Electric
Single Speed Automatic
All-Wheel Drive
$58,990

Model 3 Exterior

2021 Tesla Model 3 Front View Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Rear View Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Front Angle View Tesla
See All 2021 Tesla Model 3 Exterior Photos

Dimensions

  • Length 184.8 in
  • Wheelbase 113.2 in
  • Height 56.8 in
  • Max Width 72.8 in
  • Front Width 62.2 in
  • Rear Width 62.2 in
  • Curb Weight 3,554.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

  • Deep Blue Metallic +$1,000
  • Solid Black +$1,500
  • Red Multi-Coat +$2,000
  • Midnight Silver Metallic
  • Pearl White Multi-Coat

Model 3 Performance

2021 Tesla Model 3 Driving Front Angle Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Driving Back View Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Wheel Tesla

Engine and Transmission

The three models that comprise the 2021 Model 3 line differ in performance - the Standard Range Plus is fitted with a single electric motor that's been modulated to generate up to 266 hp, all of which is commanded by a single-speed direct-drive automatic transmission exclusively for the rear-wheel drivetrain. Both the Long Range and the Performance are fitted with two electric motors that produce up to 393 hp for the Long Range and 430 hp for the Performance. Regardless of powertrain, power is ceded through to the all-wheel drivetrain in both of these models. Tesla's supercharger network is extensive in the USA and charging your Model 3 sedan on one of the 120 kW stations will give you 175 miles of range after just 15 minutes.

  • Engine
    Electric
  • Transmission
    Single Speed Automatic
  • Drivetrains
    AWD, RWD

Model 3 Gas Mileage

  • Fuel Economy
    City/Hwy: 148/132 mpg
* 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD

Model 3 Interior

2021 Tesla Model 3 Infotainment System Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Steering Wheel Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Dashboard Tesla
See All 2021 Tesla Model 3 Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

  • Seating capacity
    5-seater
  • Front Leg Room 42.7 in
  • Front Head Room 40.3 in
  • Rear Leg Room 35.2 in
  • Rear Head Room 37.7 in

Model 3 Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 Tesla Model 3 Front Luggage Space Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Hood Up Tesla
2021 Tesla Model 3 Cup Holder Tesla
  • Trunk Volume
    15 ft³

Model 3 Safety and Reliability

Warranty

  • Basic:
    4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
  • Drivetrain:
    8 Years \ 100,000 Miles
  • Corrosion:
    12 Years \ Unlimited Miles
  • Roadside Assistance:
    4 Years \ 50,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

  • Overall Rating
  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
  • Side Crash Rating
  • Rollover Rating

Verdict: 🏁Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 a good sedan?

If you're accustomed to the first-rate luxury and upscale demeanors of premium 4-door sedans such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Volvo S60, the Tesla Model 3 may not live up to your expectations. Tesla pursues a very futuristic aesthetic, which is exhibited in the simplistic design and overall minimalism. The Model 3 bears its own demeanor of opulence and exclusivity not just in its design, but also in its industry-leading EV performance, semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and novel "Easter egg" features. Owners of any Tesla are also benefit from Tesla's extensive super charger network, allowing for quick recharging while out and about. The Model 3 is fairly practical, too, with its rear seats that can fold down completely flat.

Furthermore, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 has undergone review by both the NHTSA and the IIHS and received top-notch ratings from both. It also offers plenty of value if you admire the futuristic and minimalist aesthetic. Look past the limited selection of comforts and conveniences and subgrade build quality, and the Model 3 is a find vehicle indeed.

🚗What Tesla Model 3 Model Should I Buy?

Choosing which 2021 Model 3 sedan to go for will purely come down to what you desire in performance and what you require in range. With that said, however, even the entry-spec Standard Range Plus offers exhilarating acceleration with its 5.3-second 0 to 60 mph sprint time and genuinely impressive EV capability, along with a class-leading 263-mile range and 150/133/142 MPGe fuel economy equivalent returns. We do recommend opting in the Autopilot/Full Self-Driving suite, which, while not yet perfected, does help take some of the strain out of everyday driving. This will also benefit from Tesla's ongoing over-the-air system updates. The overall price of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 sedan with these inclusive features comes to just under $47,000, which is very good for such a high-performing EV.

Tesla Model 3 Popular Comparisons

The most popular competitors of 2021 Tesla Model 3:

Back
To Top