2022 Tesla Model 3
- Telsa model 3Price:- $80,000
- Pro
- Awesome electric performance
- Impressive range
- Excellent safety ratings
- Cons
- Inconsistent safety features
- Ample road and tire noise
- Infotainment system can be tricky at first
Tesla Model 3 Expert Review
Duncan Brady
Say hello to the entry-level Tesla, the Model 3 sedan. Starting at just over $40,000, this is the most affordable offering from the American automaker. Tesla introduced the model back in 2017 and we're not expecting significant changes for 2022 compared to last year's model. That said, it's possible the Model 3 could inherit the refreshed Model S' yoke steering wheel and upgraded infotainment hardware.
The Model 3 competes both against other electric cars and alongside gas-powered competitors in the compact luxury segment. Main competitors include the Polestar 2, Audi A4, and BMW i4, as well as more affordable electrics like the Chevrolet Bolt.
There are three variants of the Model 3: Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance. Entry-level Standard Range Plus models feature a single rear motor and rear-wheel drive, while the other two Model 3s work with dual motors and AWD. The Standard Range cars work with a 54-kWh battery but if you go for one of the dual-motor variants, those models get an 82-kWh unit.
Looking at performance numbers, Tesla claims 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds for the Standard Range Plus, 4.2 seconds for the Long Range, and 3.1 seconds for the Model 3 Performance. Our testing shows slightly quicker numbers for the Standard Range Plus and Long Range models. Although Tesla hasn't announced range numbers for 2022, we anticipate them to be unchanged compared to the 2021 model (those figures are listed here).
Tesla Model 3 Range
Standard Range Plus: 263 miles
Long Range: 353 miles
Performance: 315 miles
The Model 3 performs about as well as a vehicle can in IIHS safety testing, earning the institute's 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award. Tesla's small sedan also earns a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA with the highest possible scores in every test.
Every model includes front and rear automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For a $10,000 upcharge or a monthly subscription fee, buyers can add "full self-driving capability"—reminder that there are no self-driving cars currently on sale—that includes auto lane changes, park assist, parking lot summon, and navigate on autopilot.
Although the Model 3 doesn't offer as much interior space as the Model Y crossover or Tesla's larger Model S, there's still a decent amount of room here. The Polestar 2 has a slight edge over the Model 3's 15.0 cubic feet of cargo space, but the Tesla has more front and rear legroom.
Cargo space (trunk+front trunk):
2022 Tesla Model 3: 15.0 cubic feet
2022 Polestar 2: 15.5 cubic feet
Legroom (first/second rows):
2022 Tesla Model 3 : 42.7/35.2 inches
2022 Polestar 2: 42.2/33.9 inches
The Model 3's minimalist interior is dominated by the 15.0-inch touchscreen centered in the cabin. Tesla's setup may take some getting used to, as
everything from climate control to trip odometer to mirror adjustments go through that system. It's capable of over-the-air updates, too, which means buyers can expect new features over the coming years. Tesla does not work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, though; drivers must get used to Tesla's interfaces for media and navigation.
The Cheapest Tesla?
chevron
If you're not swimming in cash and want to join the Teslarati, the Model 3 is the least expensive option. At about $41,500, the rear-drive Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the cheapest Tesla you can buy. Dual-motor AWD variants start at about $51,500 for the Model 3 Long Range or about $58,500 for a Model 3 Performance.
Comments
Post a Comment