2019 Tesla Model 3 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

A less expensive battery pack debutsPart of the first Model 3 generation introduced for 2017

　　When it was first announced in 2016, the Tesla Model 3 made headlines with a trio of talking points: 1) 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds! 2) A range of 220 miles! 3) And all for the low, low price of $35,000! While this low-cost Model 3 didn't fully materialize until this year (and even then deducts incentives from the purchase price), we're still hugely impressed. Aside from a few ergonomic issues, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric vehicles on sale today.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

2019 Tesla Model 3 EV Insights

Trim:Model 3 Standard Range

　　Standard Range 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 6/19 (electric DD) - $35,000 MSRPStandard Range Plus 4dr Sedan (electric DD) - $39,490 MSRPLong Range 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 6/19 (electric DD) - $43,000 MSRPMid Range 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 3/19 (electric DD) - $44,000 MSRPLong Range 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $47,990 MSRPPerformance 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD) - $56,990 MSRP

　　

Estimated Range Based on Age

　　199 milesThe range for a used 2019 Tesla Model 3 is estimated to be 199 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 199 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 Rutland, North Dakota. 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 © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　8 yrs or 100,000 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 3 years or 30,000 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.

　　

Charging at Home

　　8.5 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　Tesla SuperchargerProprietary Tesla charging standard. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.

　　Plug Type

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$4,400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Federal Credit

　　$4,000

　　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.

　　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.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$55/mo

　　Model 3

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Car Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　

Am I Ready for an EV?

　　EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.

　　If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.

　　Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

　　The Model 3 is roughly the same length as a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it makes excellent use of its dimensions and feels roomier than many of its competitors. Its trunk is also massive, and the lack of an engine means there's a front trunk as well. Rounding out its strengths are tight steering, poised handling and instant acceleration that make it a thrill to drive. You also get Tesla's suite of advanced driving aids, which is one of the best in the business, especially at this price point.

　　Our only gripe concerns the central touchscreen system. Because almost all of the Model 3's controls are tied to it, you have to divert your attention from the road to do something as simple as adjusting the wiper speed. At the same time, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or even a Tesla-developed browsing solution for your phone, are not available. Bluetooth streaming audio from your phone is the only way to go, but using your phone while driving means a ticket in states that ban phone use while driving — not to mention it's an additional distracted-driving hazard.

　　Other electric vehicles certainly do better in that vein. You also have more choices than ever. The Chevrolet Bolt and the Hyundai Kona EV, in particular, stand out for their 230-plus-mile ranges and more affordable pricing. Yet the Model 3 has such a wealth of advantages that it warrants serious consideration for electric-car shoppers or even people just wanting a premium small sedan, electric or not.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Tesla Model 3 as zzdcar' Top Rated Electric Car and Recurrent for 2020. See all of the Top Rated Vehicles on our Recurrent page.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar' editorial team acquired and 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 2019 Tesla Model offered more choices in battery and powertrain than our early long-term Model 3. It's the same generation, though, so many of our observations still apply. To learn more about the Tesla Model 3, check out our Recurrent

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.4 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (electric motor | direct drive | RWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.4 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

9.0

　　The Model 3 feels sporty and engaging thanks to strong off-the-line performance, intuitive and responsive steering, and coordinated and nimble handling. The straight-line thrust we admired in the early long-range models can still be found in the new entry-level Standard Plus trim. In zzdcar testing, a Standard Plus accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which is much quicker than potential rivals such as the Chevrolet Bolt or Kia Niro EV. The high-end Dual Motor models are in another league of "quick."

　　The standard 18-inch all-season tires aren't the grippiest, but they offer sufficient stick to live up to most of the spirited driving you'll be doing on the street. True high-performance driving, however, is limited by the heavy-handed stability control. Still, this Tesla delivers an unmatched driving experience in the EV segment.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　We found the Model 3 to be a pleasant place to sit, and that feeling held up for hours at a time. Our one gripe is the non-perforated leather seats; they don't breathe all that well if you're in a warmer climate. Otherwise, the seats are cushy and provide nice support.

　　The innovative climate controls are adjusted via the touchscreen, and they allow both driver and front passenger to direct the vents on either side of the cabin. Other manufacturers have since replicated this system. The cabin is quiet and keeps wind, electric propulsion and most road noise at bay. Ride comfort is agreeable most of the time, but it can sometimes feel overly busy if the road surface is broken or uneven.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　The Model 3's controversial interior design looks modern and cutting-edge. The driving position is highly adjustable and feels great, and the cabin is surprisingly roomy thanks to its minimalistic approach and all-glass roof. Forward visibility is also fantastic thanks to the low hoodline (due to the lack of an engine).

　　The large 15-inch touchscreen is the central control center for everything. While it doesn't block your view, it commands a lot of your attention for too many routine tasks — such as adjusting the mirrors or turning on your windshield wipers — that should be doable without looking.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　The Model 3's trunk can hold far more than you'd expect thanks to a broad pass-through and SUV-like fold-flat rear seats. The trunk's stated capacity (12.3 cubic feet) isn't that impressive especially compared to the space in other mainstream electric vehicles, but we were surprised by what it could fit &mdash an extra-large mountain bike, for example. The Model 3 is also one of the few vehicles in the segment with a front trunk, providing a useful 2.7 cubic feet.

　　Inside, cabin storage is pretty decent. However, the front cupholders lack anti-tip tabs, so cups and bottles aren't likely to fit snugly. The car seat anchors are tucked tightly between the seat cushions, so you must take care to avoid scratching the leather as you hook up. Once in, even rear-facing car seats will fit behind an average-size driver.

　　

Technology

7.0

　　The Model 3 navigation display is impressive because of its size, and it's one of the few that pulls Google Maps data in real time. That sometimes means spotty information in areas with poor reception, but otherwise the interface is easy to use. The Autopilot traffic-aware cruise and lane management system is one of the better systems out there, and cruise control will even slow for approaching curves (though sometimes a bit too conservatively).

　　The Model 3's lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto puts it at a disadvantage compared to many competitors. Bluetooth is the only way to bring your smartphone into the audio environment, which is not always as stable as being connected via USB. You can, however, stream content (usually only when parked) from places such as Hulu, Netflix, Spotify and YouTube directly to the infotainment system. A wireless charger accessory is available from Tesla as an option.

　　

Which Model 3 does zzdcar recommend?

　　One of the Model 3's big selling points is its range, and we think most buyers should strongly consider the Long Range Battery version. It boosts range by 50 miles, which will undoubtedly help as you hop from Supercharger to Supercharger on long road trips. As a bonus, selecting the larger battery pack increases power output significantly, making the Tesla's instant acceleration feel even more impressive.

　　

2019 Tesla Model 3 models

　　The 2019 Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan currently available in three trims. Originally, Tesla named them Mid Range Battery, Long Range Battery and Performance. Midyear updates had them change to Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance, respectively.

　　The Mid Range Battery features a single motor that drives the rear wheels and is good for 260 miles of total range. (The Standard Range Plus is mechanically the same but range is 250 miles.) Tesla says it does 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The Long Range Battery (and thus the Long Range trim) uses two motors to provide power to all four wheels. It also comes with quicker acceleration — Tesla claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The Performance version increases power output, resulting in an estimated 0-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds. The Long Range Battery is estimated to return 322 miles of driving range, while the Performance and Standard Plus models are rated at 310 and 250 miles of range, respectively.

　　Be aware that Tesla updates its vehicles on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, so what follows might not necessarily reflect the most current offering.

　　All versions of the car come standard with 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and high beams, keyless entry,dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

　　Standard technology features at the Mid Range Battery (Standard Range Plus) level include a 15-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, voice controls, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote control of some systems via a smartphone app, a rearview camera, and an audio system withinternet streaming radio and two USB ports. For standard safety features, there are forward collision warning and mitigation and blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance.

　　The Premium Upgrades package adds LED foglights, heated and power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, heated seats, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, simulated leather upholstery, wood interior trim, a covered center console, driver-seat memory functions, two additional USB ports and a premium audio system.

　　Note that after the Standard Range Plus model debuted, some of the above features were omitted, including internet streaming radio and live traffic information.

　　Selecting the Long Range model adds these features, plus heated rear seats and a 14-speaker audio system.

　　For the Performance trim, Tesla also offers a Performance Upgrade package (also required on all Performance models at the time of this review) that includes 20-inch wheels, performance tires, a lowered suspension, a carbon-fiber spoiler, upgraded brakes and a higher-speed limiter.

　　Also available is the Enhanced Autopilot option that adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic lane changing and self-parking. This package is added to later models as standard equipment.

　　Also available in later models is the Full Self-Driving Capability feature, which adds automated parallel and perpendicular parking, additional fine-tuning to the way Autopilot behaves on the highway, and a summon feature that calls the Model S to your location in a parking lot. 

　　Nineteen-inch wheels are available as a stand-alone option.

　　

2019 Model 3 Highlights

Trim: Standard RangeStandard Range PlusLong RangeMid RangePerformanceStandard Range

　　

Base MSRP	$35,000
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,400
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	220 miles
Cost to Drive	$55/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	8.5 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles