2019 Tesla Model 3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Introduced for 2017, the Tesla Model 3 offers a potent and practical electrified powertrain at a significantly lower price than either the...

Introduced for 2017, the Tesla Model 3 offers a potent and practical electrified powertrain at a significantly lower price than either the Model S sedan or the Model X SUV. Changes for this relatively new model are minimal for 2019. The Model 3 is available in three trims: the Mid Range, the Long Range, and the Performance.

Mid Range Model 3s have a single electric motor driving the rear wheels with a total of 258 horsepower, going from from 0-60 mph in a little over five seconds. The Mid Range also has a range of 264 miles between charges. Stepping up to the Long Range trim adds another electric motor to the mix and puts power to all four wheels. Total output is 346hp and it has a 310-mile range. The Model 3 Performance, meanwhile, has the same range as the Long Range but boosts output from the dual-motor system to 450 hp. Every Model 3 uses the Tesla-specific charging plug, and can juice up using the Tesla Supercharger network on longer distance trips.

One of the advantages of electric vehicles is a low center of gravity, keeping body roll through the corners to a minimum and keeping handling sharp. Model 3s come with 18-inch wheels standard, but 19-inch wheels are available; The Performance trim comes standard with 20-inch wheels along with better brakes, a lowered suspension, and a carbon-fiber spoiler.

Teslas have both a front and rear trunk, for a combined 15 cubic feet of cargo space. All Model 3s get dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, navigation, Bluetooth, a WiFi system, and two USB ports. A Premium Upgrades package adds heated power auto-dimming mirrors, heated 12-way power front seats with memory features on the driver’s side, a panoramic glass roof, LED fog lights, a power-adjust steering column, two extra USB ports, wood trim, and a better stereo. Nearly all the controls centered on the 15-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash. Neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay are included.

Previous Teslas have fared extremely well in crash testing, so it wasn’t a surprise when the Model 3 got five out of five stars in every test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And as for safety features, every Model 3 gets forward-collision warning and mitigation as well as blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance. The Enhanced Autopilot option, which is a highly advanced semi-autonomous driving system, uses adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic lane changing and self-parking to help the driver.

Some of the mainstream carmakers are catching up to Tesla when it comes to electric vehicles, and cars like the Chevrolet Bolt offer competitive range at a more affordable price. However, added benefits like the Tesla Supercharger network and the regular software updates, not to mention intoxicating performance, make the Model 3 worth the money.