Lengthy driving range
Confident handling
Brisk acceleration
Ample cargo space
2024 Tesla Model 3
#2 out of 11 in Luxury Electric Cars
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2024 Tesla Model 3 Review
8.4/10
U.S. News Rating
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 receives some welcome updates while retaining the traits that make it a great EV. It’s fun to drive, fuel-efficient and cargo-friendly, but its minimalist cabin and complex infotainment setup might not be for everyone.
Pros
Cons
Complicated infotainment system
Cramped back seat
What's New for 2024
Revised interior and exterior styling
Improved interior build materials
More standard features
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Tesla Model 3 Rankings
The 2024 Tesla Model 3's #2 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Electric Cars category. Currently the Tesla Model 3 has a score of 8.4 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 34 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
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Expert Rating
Our rating is established through qualitative research and analysis of Tesla Model 3 reviews, as well as hard data points that speak to the Model 3’s safety, reliability, fuel economy and cargo capacity. This rating is continually updated based on the latest information that comes in from our research and data sources.
U.S. News Rating
- Performance 8.9
- Fuel Economy 6.7
- Interior 7.3
- Value 10.0
- Safety 10.0
- Quality & Reliability 74
- Critics' Rating 8.8
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Drive & Performance 8.9/10
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 is genuinely fun to drive and handles confidently. However, the ride is firm, and while the steering is well-weighted, you don't get much feedback. The regenerative brakes are smooth and strong. The rear-wheel-drive base model provides the most balanced and enjoyable handling, as the dual-motor all-wheel-drive models tend to understeer a bit more. Also, you'll likely feel plenty of vibration on rough or broken pavement in models with the larger wheels.
The Model 3 offers three powertrain configurations, but Tesla doesn’t disclose all of their exact specifications. The base model uses a single electric motor driving the rear wheels and a roughly 50.4-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFP) battery pack. The Long Range and Performance models use 75-kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA) battery packs, and each have a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration. The standard Model 3 Pro can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which isn’t slow, but the dual-motor variants are fast indeed. The Long Range can hustle to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and the Model 3 Performance in a scorching 3.1 seconds, which no other vehicle at this price can match. Top speeds vary by trim and range from 125 to 162 mph.
Fuel Economy 6.7/10
EPA estimates for the 2024 Model 3 were not available at the time of writing, but the similar 2023 Model 3 boasts outstanding fuel economy. The single-motor base model and dual-motor Long Range trim get between 134 and 138 MPG-equivalent in the city, and both get 126 MPGe on the highway. The Model 3 Performance is rated for 118 MPGe around town and 107 on the highway. All are above-average estimates among comparable electric vehicles, but Hyundai and Kia’s offerings are a little better.
The rear-drive Model 3 is rated for up to 272 miles of range. The dual-motor Long Range is now rated for a maximum of 341 miles, while the Performance is rated for 315 miles. Standard and Long Range Model 3s can be had with larger 19-inch wheels, which reduces the maximum range to 248 and 305 miles, respectively, according to Tesla.
The Model 3 can be charged in a few ways. You can use a 120-volt household-style power outlet (Level 1), but we don’t recommend it. Charging the Tesla in this manner will add roughly 3 miles of range per hour, which equates to a few days to reach a full charge. Using a 240-volt outlet or Tesla’s optional Wall Connector (Level 2) reduces the time for a full charge to about 6.5 hours for the base model and between 8 and 12 hours for the dual-motor trims. Tesla's proprietary Supercharger stations can juice the Model 3 from a 15% charge to an 80% charge in less than 40 minutes.
Thinking of leasing a Tesla Model 3?
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Interior 7.3/10
The interior of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 is an exercise in restraint. There are vast empty surfaces, and the main features are the huge center touch screen and a few accents of metal or plastic trim. Refreshed 2024 models bring much nicer cabin materials and fabrics to the fold. The Model 3’s cabin looks and feels nice but still not necessarily luxurious.
The Model 3 can seat up to five people, but four is more likely. The front seats are spacious, comfortable and supremely supportive. The back row, however, is small, though updates should make it feel more comfortable. Overall, back-seat room is comparable to a BMW 3 Series but with a little less headroom. Notably, in very hot weather, the glass roof can radiate heat into the cabin just above the heads of the rear passengers. By the standards of luxury electric cars, the Model 3 is an overachiever when it comes to cargo space. It boasts a 19.8-cubic-foot trunk, and upfront, there’s a 3.1-cubic-foot front trunk, or frunk, which is larger than many rivals' frunks. Only the hatchback BMW i4 is comparable in this class.
Value 10.0/10
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has an excellent value rating for the luxury electric car class. We determine value based on the vehicle's estimated total cost of ownership, along with the vehicle's MSRP for its base and top trims.
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Safety 10.0/10
The Tesla Model 3 gets very good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also comes well-equipped with a variety of standard driver-assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree parking sensors.
For installing child safety seats, the 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 noting that the lower anchors are set too deeply in the seats.
Quality and Reliability 74.0/100
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 has a predicted reliability score of 74 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Critics’ Rating 8.8/10
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 receives a critics' rating that is average for the class. This rating, which is driven by our qualitative research, represents the overall tone and recommendation level that the automotive press places on a car.
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Pricing
How Much Is a 2024 Tesla Model 3?
The single-motor base 2024 Model 3 starts at $38,990, and it comes with features like synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and Autopilot, a semi-autonomous highway driving mode with automated steering, acceleration and braking. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Model 3 Long Range rings in at $45,990, and its additional amenities include a 48-amp onboard charger and a 17-speaker audio system. Early models of the 2024 Model 3 Performance list for $50,990, and its features list closely mimics that of the Long Range.
Which Is the Best Tesla Model 3 to Buy?
We recommend the midlevel Model 3 Long Range thanks to its combination of vigorous performance and impressive driving range of 341 miles. That’s 69 miles more than the rear-wheel-drive base model. It also offers a driving experience not far off that of the hotter Performance trim but at a lower price.
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U.S. News Expert Review
The Tesla Model 3 has become as prevalent in U.S. cities as Trader Joe's and gridlock traffic, and after test driving a 2024 Model 3 RWD, rented on Turo, I can totally see why. The Model 3 makes electric car ownership about as accessible and painless as it can currently get.
What We Like
I think the Model 3's biggest selling points are its price and range. This rear-wheel-drive base model starts at a relatively low $38,990, before factoring in state and federal tax credits, yet it still comes packed with features and offers a healthy 272 miles of range on a full charge. This allowed me to drive all around the D.C. metro area without experiencing any range anxiety, and when it came time to plug in, the Model 3 charged from 45% to 95% in a brief 27 minutes. Finding a Supercharger station is easy too, thanks to Tesla's excellent navigation system, which lists the number of empty charging stalls (plus other cars en route). Inside, the Model 3 has a minimalist vibe that, in my opinion, suits the car far better than it does the far pricier Model S and Model X. I found the front seats to be comfy and supportive with ample head- and legroom. There's plenty of cargo space too. Need more? Spend an extra $4,000 for the Model Y SUV.
What We Don’t Like
The Model 3's backseat seems appropriate for a car of this size, but I wouldn't call it generous. I had less than an inch of rear legroom to spare (I'm just over 6-feet tall), and the low cushions forced me into a knees-up seating position. Kids should fare just fine. While the Model 3 feels pretty well put-together, I did notice a few creaks from within the cabin when driving on rough roads. EV alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 just feel a bit more vaultlike. Tesla's widescreen infotainment system can be a handful too. To be fair, the menus are well laid out and responses are quick. But because there aren't any physical buttons on the dashboard, you have to rely on a tap or swipe to adjust almost all of the vehicle's functions, which can be very distracting. The system doesn't support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto either.
How It Drove
The Tesla Model 3 behaves more like a sport sedan than a family car, for better or worse. It's a blast to pilot along winding roads, thanks to its well-controlled body motions and quick steering, and – even with one electric motor – the Model 3 RWD feels punchy enough for just about any driving scenario. I clocked a zero-to-60 mph sprint of six seconds. Acceleration feels effortless and linear, and the regenerative braking system brings the car to a smooth stop when you lift off the throttle. Personally, I'd spend the extra $8,500 to upgrade to the Model 3 Long Range, which offers all-wheel drive, substantially quicker acceleration and a longer 341-mile driving range. But if you rarely take long road trips, you could stick with the base model and still be happy. The one downside to the Model 3's sportiness is its relatively firm ride. Bumps in the road tend to jostle the car around, which can be aggravating on mile after mile of broken pavement.
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Is the 2024 Tesla Model 3 a Good Car?
Yes, the 2024 Model 3 is a very good car. It offers poised, responsive handling and three potent electric powertrains, the most powerful of which delivers performance on par with far pricier gas-powered sports sedans. All three powertrains are also highly efficient and offer impressive driving ranges. A few updates for 2024 make the Model 3 feel fresher and more upmarket than previous iterations, but some of this Tesla's downsides remain. There are now even fewer physical controls, which means even more reliance on the overly complex touch-screen infotainment system. The rear row is also a tight squeeze for taller passengers.
If you like this Tesla but need more passenger and cargo space, the Model Y crossover is worth checking out. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan is also worth a look. It doesn’t offer luxury brand kudos, but it does provide a slightly longer range estimate of 361 miles on a full charge.
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2023 vs. 2024 Tesla Model 3: What's the Difference?
For 2024, the Model 3 gets a slight interior and exterior styling refresh. The Model 3 also receives nicer interior build materials, a revamped steering wheel and more standard features, including ventilated front seats, a touch screen for the rear row and ambient LED interior lighting. Notably, Tesla does not follow typical model-year conventions, so you may find 2024 Model 3s without these updates.
Here are the key changes for the Tesla Model 3 over the last few years:
- 2024: refreshed interior and exterior styling; upgraded cabin build materials; more standard features
- 2023: increased driving range for base and Long Range models
- 2022: increased driving range; renamed trims
- 2021: refreshed interior and exterior styling; increased driving range
- 2020: increased driving range across lineup
If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2021 Model 3, 2022 Model 3 and 2023 Model 3 reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.
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2024 Tesla Model 3 Versus the Competition
Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 isn’t a luxury car, but in terms of price, size, purpose and range, the Ioniq 6 is one of the Model 3’s closest competitors. Both are similarly priced aerodynamic electric cars with lengthy range estimates. The Hyundai has a much larger back seat, and its infotainment controls are far more intuitive to use than Tesla's. It’s also rated for up to 361 miles of range. On the flip side, the Tesla offers much more cargo space, and the base Model 3 has better overall performance than the entry-level Ioniq 6. Hyundai also offers no Ioniq 6 equivalent to the ultra-quick Model 3 Performance.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is a little more expensive than the Model 3, but it feels appreciably more luxurious. The Polestar’s chiseled styling reflects its Volvo ancestry, as does its attractive and minimalist cabin. It offers capable performance and sharp handling from either the single- or dual-motor versions. The single-motor Polestar 2 offers up to 320 miles of range, and the dual-motor model offers performance similar to the Model 3 Long Range, but it needs to be charged more frequently. The Polestar's infotainment system is easier to learn and use than Tesla’s, too, but it has less trunk space and an even tighter back seat, with just 33.9 inches of rear legroom.
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2024 Tesla Model 3 Models and Trims
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 comes in three trims: base, Long Range and Performance. Refreshed models of both of the lower trims will begin deliveries this spring, but specific updates for the Model 3 Performance have not yet been announced.
The standard Model 3 comes with a single-motor electric powertrain with a 50.4-kWh battery pack, rear-wheel drive and a maximum driving range of 272 miles. The Long Range and Performance models both offer a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a 75-kWh battery pack and maximum driving ranges of 341 and 315 miles, respectively. All Model 3 variants come with a single-speed automatic transmission.
The entry-level Model 3 starts at $38,990. Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 15.4-inch touch screen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, four USB ports, an 8-inch rear-seat touch screen, wireless device charging, a nine-speaker audio system, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a 32-amp onboard charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, proximity keyless entry, a fixed-pane panoramic glass roof and a 128GB onboard hard drive (for entertainment media accessible via a USB-A port in the glove box).
Several data features are available by subscription, including traffic-based navigation, satellite-view maps, music and video streaming services, an internet browser and an in-car karaoke function. A 30-day free trial subscription for these features is included.
Standard driver-assistance features include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-change alert, park assist, a surround-view camera system and front, side and rear parking sensors. Many of these features are bundled under the Tesla Autopilot suite, which allows for semi-autonomous operation, but it’s strictly a hands-on system.
All models can be had with Enhanced Autopilot ($6,000) and Full Self-Driving Capability ($12,000). The former adds Navigate on Autopilot, automatic lane change assist, autopark, Summon and Smart Summon. Full Self-Driving Capability adds the functions of Enhanced Autopilot, as well as Autosteer on city streets and traffic-light and stop-sign recognition. Despite the Autopilot and Full Self Driving names, the Model 3 is not a fully autonomous vehicle. The driver is responsible for operating the vehicle safely at all times.
The Model 3 Long Range (base MSRP: $45,990) uses an all-wheel drive dual-motor setup with a considerable jump in power from the base model. It’s also rated for up to 341 miles of range and gets a 48-amp onboard charger. There are also a few small equipment upgrades, including a 17-speaker audio system and nicer floor mats.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
Updates for this 2024 model have not yet been announced, but it should closely follow the equipment of the Long Range. The early 2024 Model 3 Performance trim starts at $50,990, and it inherits all of the features of the Long Range. However, more power provides a seriously quick zero-to-60 time of 3.1 seconds, but drive range falls to 315 miles.
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2024 Tesla Model 3 Safety
IIHS Safety Ratings
Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Side Impact Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection | Not Rated |
Roof Strength Test | Not Rated |
Small Overlap Front Driver Test | Good |
Small Overlap Front Passenger Test | Good |
Headlights | Good |
Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
2024 Model 3 Crash Test Results
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2024 Tesla Model 3 the highest rating of Good in the four crash tests conducted and for how well its headlights illuminate the road. The IIHS uses a different scale for grading collision avoidance features. The Model 3 earned the highest rating of Superior for its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention systems.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave all-wheel-drive models of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in the frontal crash, side crash and rollover tests. Rear-wheel-drive models were not tested.
2024 Model 3 Safety Features
Standard driver-assistance features:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Autopilot (semi-autonomous highway driving mode with automated steering, acceleration and braking)
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Front, side and rear parking sensors (vision sensors)
- Rearview camera
Available driver-assistance features:
- Navigation-linked Autopilot
- Automatic lane change
- Park assist
- Summon (automated vehicle return from parking spot to your current location)
- Smart summon (automated vehicle return and parking through complex parking situations)
- Full Self-Driving Capability (all enhanced Autopilot features plus auto steer on city streets, as well as traffic-light and stop-sign detection)
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Warranty
Tesla covers the 2024 Model 3 with a four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty. The standard model is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, while Long Range and Performance models get eight-year/120,000-mile warranties for their batteries.
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Specs and Features
Almost all of the Model 3’s functions and commands are routed through the 15.4-inch touch screen, including activating the windshield wipers and adjusting the angle of the air vents and the speed of the blower. The graphics are crisp, very contemporary and easy to read, but many of the menu icons are small, and the whole system is distracting to use while driving. There’s also no conventional gauge cluster, and neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is available.
Tesla’s native apps are generally well-designed and easy to use, but there are also no alternatives. Refreshed 2024 Model 3s are also equipped with an 8-inch rear touch screen that lets back-seat passengers control climate, audio and infotainment functions.
- Standard infotainment features: a 15.4-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, four USB ports, wireless device charging, a nine-speaker audio system, HD Radio and an 8-inch rear seat infotainment touch screen (in models after February 2024)
- Available infotainment features: a 17-speaker sound system, live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, video and music streaming, karaoke and built-in internet browsing
- Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof
Exterior Colors | |
Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
Transmission | Automatic |
Engine | Electric |
Horsepower (Net @ RPM) | 271 |
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Why You Can Trust Our Reviews
U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry.
This 2024 Model 3 review combines 28 professional reviews with concrete data like performance specs, fuel economy estimates and safety ratings and incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2017. Check out excerpts from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.
"... this is still an incredibly practical car, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It has great driving dynamics, incredible range, and the Tesla Supercharger network to enhance its long-distance capabilities."
"... this is still an incredibly practical car, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It has great driving dynamics, incredible range, and the Tesla Supercharger network to enhance its long-distance capabilities."
"Every major change and minor update to the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 tells the same story: The company listened to owner feedback and fixed what needed fixing. There are a few more items on the wish list that the company hasn't gotten to yet—and it may not intend to—but their absence might simply be the cost of keeping the retail price down. On the other hand, this is Tesla we're talking about, so it may suddenly introduce more changes at any time. Regardless, the new Model 3 is a substantially better car than the already good outgoing model for what we hope will be not much more money, and that's something to get excited about."
"Every major change and minor update to the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 tells the same story: The company listened to owner feedback and fixed what needed fixing. There are a few more items on the wish list that the company hasn't gotten to yet—and it may not intend to—but their absence might simply be the cost of keeping the retail price down. On the other hand, this is Tesla we're talking about, so it may suddenly introduce more changes at any time. Regardless, the new Model 3 is a substantially better car than the already good outgoing model for what we hope will be not much more money, and that's something to get excited about."
"It's easy to recommend the Model 3 to people looking for their first EV. It offers a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and an appealing blend of sharp handling and unexpectedly rapid acceleration."
"It's easy to recommend the Model 3 to people looking for their first EV. It offers a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and an appealing blend of sharp handling and unexpectedly rapid acceleration."
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