The Tesla Model 3 – Is Still a Top Pick Among Buyers

The Tesla Model 3 practically invented the electric compact sedan category and it remains a top pick among buyers. A facelifted version, codenamed Highland, improved its ride quality by addressing some of our biggest complaints with the car.

It also carries some new Autopilot hardware that allows owners to offer their cars for ride-sharing with others, making money that would be split with Tesla.

Features

Whether because it doesn’t want criticism, can’t afford a press fleet or just doesn’t care, Tesla doesn’t do press cars. That’s a shame, as the Model 3 is a fantastic electric sedan that makes it possible for more people to enjoy the benefits of a clean, quiet, smooth and fun-to-drive car without having to pay premium prices.

A massive 15-inch touchscreen dominates the interior, working as a command center for everything from climate control adjustments to media and more. We also like the wide-adjustable driving position and excellent forward visibility that the Model 3 offers.

The infotainment system gets frequent over-the-air updates to improve functionality, and there’s a variety of wow-inducing tricks to keep Tesla owners happy with the Model 3. These include Smart Summon to remotely pull the car out of a parking spot or private driveway, Camp mode that keeps your cabin warm or cool while you’re away, Dog mode that lets passengers play six different fart noises at passersby and traffic-light detection.

Also worth noting is the basic four-year/50,000-mile new car warranty that covers most components, while the battery and drive unit are covered for eight years/100,000 miles (in the case of the Long Range model) and guaranteed to retain a minimum 70% of its capacity.

Design

Despite some minor styling tweaks, the Model 3 still stands out among established junior executive sedans like the BMW 3-series and Audi A4. It’s easily identifiable thanks to its tapering tail and pronounced glasshouse.

Inside, the Tesla is a study in minimalism and uncluttered design. It doesn’t even have stalks for the indicators or windscreen wipers, which are instead controlled via haptic buttons on the steering wheel (a cost-cutting measure). Selecting drive and reverse is done via a large infotainment touchscreen.

The cabin feels more premium than the outgoing model, with a wrap-around LED mood lighting strip and Alcantara door cards. There’s also plenty of storage space in the frunk and a rear seat that folds flat for more room.

Performance

The Model 3 is a revelation to drive. Light controls and silent motors make it a breeze to drive in town, and on motorways the optional Enhanced Autopilot can do most of the work. It can accelerate, brake and steer for you, keep a safe distance from other cars, and change lanes on your behalf – if you indicate first.

The car also has a premium 17-speaker audio system that delivers an immersive listening experience that can bring new dimensions to familiar songs. However, Tesla’s obsession with digitising all functions on a single screen can feel frustrating for new drivers. And not having common infotainment integration like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto means you’ll have to delve through menus to access some features.

The Model 3 is an exceptional all-rounder, capable of going toe-to-toe with many outright sports cars. It’s quick, comfortable for long haul drives and can be charged to a full 80% in just 30 minutes using Tesla’s enviable network of Superchargers. It’s also a lot more affordable than you might think and offers impressive value compared to rivals.

Safety

A variety of standard driver-assistance features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-change alert and park assist are also available. These are all part of Tesla’s Autopilot suite that can enable partially autonomous driving.

The Autopilot system uses cameras and sensors to detect your car’s environment and help you steer, accelerate and brake. However, it does not turn a Model 3 into an automated vehicle or eliminate the need to be fully attentive while you’re behind the wheel.

Other safety features include energy-absorbing side sills, a fortified battery pack mounted low in the vehicle to reduce rollover risk and a metal body structure that can withstand up to six times the car’s weight.

You can use the Tesla app to limit speed and acceleration (see Parental Controls). Ensure that all camera lenses are clean and free of obstructions before using Autopilot features. Also, make sure to select the “Vacation Mode” in Settings to prevent accidental activation of features.

Value

The Model 3 is a great value for the money when compared to similar ICE cars. Even the entry-level version has more power and capability than most ICE compacts on the market. Plus, EV owners can save money on gas and maintenance costs while enjoying lower emissions and the ability to use free HOV lanes or public charging stations.

However, if you want to get the most out of your Tesla Model 3, it’s important to consider all of the extra costs associated with owning an electric car. These include a non-refundable order fee, destination and documentation fee and the cost of a charging station.

There are also additional maintenance expenses to consider, such as checking the 12V battery status and assessing the alignment of the wheels and suspension. Other common maintenance issues reported on the forums include creaking sounds from the doors in cold weather and cracks in the glass roof. These can be addressed with the right preventive maintenance products.