2020 Tesla Model 3

2020 Tesla Model 3 Overview

Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 a Good Car?

Yes, the 2020 Model 3 is a very good luxury electric car . It has a maximum driving range of 330 miles, which makes it more practical for long road trips than many other EVs. Its electric powertrain isn't just on a mission to save the planet, it also provides a lot of fun behind the wheel. The Model 3 accelerates like a race car and takes turns with enthusiasm.

Inside, the Model 3 has all of the technology that Tesla has become famous for, including a huge touch screen and a long list of driver assistance features. The Model 3 has two rows of welcoming seats, a huge trunk, and strong safety ratings.

The biggest downside is that the infotainment system, which provides access to many vehicle settings, can be difficult to use.

Why You Can Trust Us

We analyzed 28 Tesla Model 3 reviews – along with cargo space dimensions, fuel economy estimates, and more – to help you decide if the 2020 Model 3 is the right new car for you.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. To ensure our objectivity, we never accept expensive gifts from carmakers, and an outside firm manages the ads on our site.

Pricing

How Much is a 2020 Tesla Model 3?

Based on listings for the 2020 Tesla Model 3, the average list price is $27,853. Prices range from $27,853 to $36,123 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Cost to Own?

The 2020 Model 3’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $23,750, or $4,750 per year. These ownership costs are low for the class.

2019 vs. 2020 Tesla Model 3: What's the Difference?

For 2020, the Model 3 saw a slight increase in its maximum range to 330 miles. The maximum range of the 2019 Model 3 was rated at 310 miles.

Compare the 2019 and 2020 Model 3 »

Here are the key changes for the Tesla Model 3 over the last few years:

• 2018: all-new vehicle
• 2019: Standard Range and Standard Range Plus models introduced
• 2020: increase in maximum range

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2018 Model 3 and 2019 Model 3 reviews to help make your decision. You can learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles on our Best Used Car Deals page. Also, check out our review of the new Tesla Model 3 , and take a look at our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to see how much you can save on a new vehicle.

How Reliable Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 does not have a J.D. Power predicted reliability score.

Read more about Model 3 reliability »

2020 Tesla Model 3 Recalls

There are no major recalls for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 at this time.

See more information on Tesla Model 3 safety recalls »

Which Used Tesla Model 3 Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 comes in several trims, with the biggest differences being driving range and performance capabilities. The Model 3 Standard Range is rear-wheel drive, with a range of up to 250 miles. The all-wheel-drive Model 3 Long Range has a range of up to 330 miles, and there's the all-wheel-drive Model 3 Performance with a lowered suspension, performance brakes, a carbon-fiber spoiler, and a track driving mode.

Standard features in every Model 3 include dual-zone automatic climate control, a 15-inch touch screen, four USB ports, Bluetooth, navigation, forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, side collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera.

You may find used models with features such as a premium 14-speaker system, in-car internet streaming music and media, an internet browser, and/or semi-autonomous driving capability.

See 2020 Tesla Model 3 trims and specs »

2020 Tesla Model 3 Safety

Score: 10/10

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2020 Tesla Model 3 the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests, as well as for how well the headlights illuminate the road ahead. The Model 3 was named a Top Safety Pick+, the highest designation awarded by the IIHS.

The IIHS uses a different scale for grading collision avoidance features. The Model 3 received the highest rating of Superior for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, while the standard vehicle-to-pedestrian system earned the midtier rating of Advanced.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Model 3 an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in each of the frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests.

Standard driver assistance features:

• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Side collision warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rearview camera

Available driver assistance features:

• Enhanced Autopilot (maintains set speed, distance from other vehicles, and keeps you centered in a lane)
• Full-Self Driving Capability with automatic lane changing and automatic parking assist

2020 Tesla Model 3 Versus the Competition

2020 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2020 Tesla Model S

The 2020 Tesla Model S competes alongside its smaller Model 3 sibling in the luxury hybrid and electric car class . While these Teslas have a lot in common – like thrilling driving dynamics, similar infotainment setups, and "self-driving" technologies – they differ in key areas. First, the Model 3 is a lot less expensive, which makes it a great choice for an EV with plenty of capability on a budget. The pricier Model S, though, offers a larger cargo hold, more rear-seat room, and better range. It can go between 287 and 402 miles on a full charge, while the Model 3 is capable of between 220 and 330 miles of range.

Compare the Model 3 and Model S »

2020 Tesla Model 3 vs. 2020 Nissan Leaf

The 2020 Nissan Leaf is a far more mundane electric car than the Model 3. The Leaf’s interior isn’t as high quality, and it has a snug second row. Its driving range isn’t as good either, with 149 or 226 miles of range, depending on the trim. It also lacks the urgent acceleration and dialed-in handling of the Model 3. However, as a hatchback, this Nissan serves up ample cargo room, and its average list prices are much lower than those for a used Model 3.

Compare the Model 3 and Leaf »

Compare the Model 3, Model S, and Leaf »

2020 Model 3 Performance

How Does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Drive?

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is a blast to drive. It takes off from a stop with gumption, regardless of which electric powertrain it has. Tesla claims that the Model 3 Standard Range can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the Model 3 Long Range does the sprint in 4.4 seconds. These models have top speeds of 140 to 145 mph.

The Model 3 Performance is ready for the drag strip with a claimed zero-to-60 time of just 3.2 seconds, and it has a top speed of 162 mph.

This EV is also keen to carve up corners, with sporty handling and responsive steering. Its regenerative brakes work well and have a natural pedal feel. However, if you're looking for an extremely comfortable ride, the Model 3's stiff suspension tuning may be a turnoff.

2020 Tesla Model 3 Efficiency

The 2020 Model 3 has the highest MPG-equivalent ratings compared with all other electric-only vehicles from this model year. MPGe is a way of comparing the overall efficiency of plug-in-hybrid and electric cars to traditional gasoline vehicles. For more information, check out What Is MPGe?

• Standard Range Plus: 141 MPGe
• Standard Range: 131 MPGe
• Long Range: 130 MPGe
• Mid Range: 123 MPGe
• Performance: 121 MPGe

2020 Tesla Model 3 Driving Range and Charging

The 2020 Model 3 Standard Range can go 220 miles on a full charge. The Standard Range Plus model can go 250 miles, and there's a Mid Range version that’s capable of 264 miles.

The Model 3 Long Range has a maximum driving distance of 330 miles. Depending on the size of the wheels, Model 3 Performance versions have an estimated range of 299, 304, or 322 miles.

There are several ways to charge the Model 3. At Tesla-exclusive Supercharger stations found nationwide, you can recoup 180 miles of range in just 15 minutes. You can also use a 240-volt home connection, the Tesla Wall Connector, or a public Level 2 Charger, all of which provide 30 to 44 miles of range per hour of charging.

Read more about Model 3 performance »

2020 Model 3 Interior

2020 Model 3 Interior Quality

The 2020 Model 3 sports a cool and futuristic interior with high-quality materials. The overall design is minimalistic, with few frills.

How Many People Does the 2020 Model 3 Seat?

The 2020 Model 3 seats five people in two rows. Despite the car's smallish footprint, the cabin feels open and airy, and there's ample space for the driver and front passenger. Taller people might feel a bit cramped in the back seats, but those accommodations are suitable for most.

Standard seating features:

• 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats

Available seating features:

• Heated rear seats

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2020 Tesla Model 3?

The 2020 Model 3 has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for its ease of use. While the lower anchors are set deeply in the seats, it's easy to maneuver your hands around them and attach the car-seat straps with little force.

2020 Tesla Model 3 Features

The Model 3 comes standard with a massive, vertical touch-screen infotainment system that features sharp graphics and snappy response times, and it features games that you can play while waiting at a charging station.

There are few physical buttons and knobs inside because most of the car's functions are controlled through the main touch screen. This can make it difficult to perform certain functions while driving. Additionally, most of the infotainment features are proprietary to Tesla, so you won't find mainstream Android Auto or Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

• Standard infotainment features: a 15-inch touch screen, four USB ports, Bluetooth, and navigation
• Available infotainment features : a premium 14-speaker system, streaming music and media, and an internet browser
• Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control

See 2020 Tesla Model 3 specs »

Read more about Model 3 interior »

2020 Tesla Model 3 Dimensions

Tesla Model 3 Cargo Space

The Tesla Model 3 has 15 cubic feet of trunk space, which is good for a car this size. There's also a front storage space that's big enough to hold a duffel bag or smaller suitcase.

Tesla Model 3 Length and Weight

• Length: 15 feet, 5 inches
• Curb weight: 3,554 to 4,036 pounds

Where Was the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Built?

Tesla built the 2020 Model 3 in California.