Used Tesla Model 3 review (2019-2024)

Driving position

Because there's only one screen on the dash and nothing else (even the air vents are hidden), everything out the front feels open and airy.

This means there’s great forward visibility, even though the view out of the back window is really rather limited.

Fortunately, all-round parking cameras with images displayed on the central screen mean that this isn’t an issue.

This includes a reversing camera and two side cameras that pop up when you indicate, to minimise impacts from blind spots.

Achieving a comfortable driving position is also easy, thanks to the 12-way electrical adjustment of the seat – and it’s also heated for those chilly winter mornings.

You can adjust the steering wheel and wing mirror positions from the touchscreen, but they'll save to your driver profile, so you won't have to go into the menus again.

Tech and features

You may think you’ve seen minimalist car interiors before. The Model 3 takes this up to a whole new level.

The only controls you’ll find are some buttons on the steering wheel and two stalks – one for the indicators and wipers, and one for selecting drive or reverse.

Pretty much everything is controlled by the large screen in the middle of the dashboard, which updates over time with free over-the-air (OTA) updates.

One update that some cars with compatible headlights unlocked several years ago was matrix headlights, which adapt automatically to prevent blinding oncoming traffic.

The Tesla app is also extremely easy to use and highly responsive. In it, you can schedule charging, pre-heat the car from afar, unlock it and more.

Electric motors and power

Tesla Model 3 performance stats

– Power: N/A (not quoted)

– 0-60mph: 3.1-5.8 seconds

– Top speed: 140-163mph

– Driven wheels: Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

The top-of-the-range Performance model can go from 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, which would leave most supercars in its wake.

Even the slowest RWD model gets to 60mph in 5.8 seconds, which is faster than most hot hatches.

Tesla doesn't actually quote power output figures, but that doesn't matter because real-world performance is impressive, and the motors deliver power smoothly.

Off-the-mark acceleration is impressive, as is power delivery during a high-speed overtake. You can select the 'Chill' acceleration mode if you want a less sharp throttle response, but it doesn't detract from just how fast the Model 3 is.

Handling and ride comfort

The Model 3 is an easy car to drive, with a few different steering weights to pick from.

Tesla does stand out as a tech-first company, because this first iteration of the Model 3 proves the company was still learning a thing or two about British roads.

The ride is often criticised for being too firm, but if you're coming from driving something like a BMW, it shouldn't feel any different.

It's also an extremely quiet car on the go, with a mid-life update adding double glazing to the front windows to reduce wind noise even more at speed.

One feature that many find useful is the Basic Autopilot setting. All cars have it, and it combines adaptive cruise control with a self-steering aid.

More advanced versions, like Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, are available for a fee. You can upgrade in the app at any time, regardless of how the car was ordered from factory.

Boot space

Tesla Model 3 boot space

– Boot space: 561 litres

– Front boot (froot): 88 litres

One of the lesser considered advantages of electric cars is that they don’t have great big engines taking up space.

It means the Model 3 has a storage area under the bonnet as well as a conventional boot, which, in turn, means storage space shouldn’t be an issue.

The split-folding rear seats also create flexible extra space, with the only limiting factor being the relatively small boot opening, because this is a saloon.

Cars like the Polestar 2 and BMW i4 offer wider, hatchback-style openings if you need that type of versatility.

There’s also a handy extra storage area under the rear boot floor, which is big enough for even a small cabin bag.

Rear seats

In the back, there’s room for two passengers or three at a push - you’ll have to be on pretty close terms with the person who gets the middle seat.

At least they will have a flat floor in front of them with no transmission tunnel to worry about.

The light colours of the interior and the panoramic glass roof also add to the sense of spaciousness, even if it is a little tight in the back.

Storage solutions

Interior storage space is good, and the minimalist design also means that there is plenty of space in the centre console that also includes two wireless charging points for phones as well as USB-C slots for wired charging or powering.

Space under the armrest is good, but it's the sliding cover in front of that that's most impressive. Under it, there's enough space to keep your handbag, small laptop or a whole load of odds and ends.

Tesla Model 3 dimensions

– Height: 1,445mm

– Width: 2,088mm (including mirrors)

– Length: 4,695mm

– Kerb weight: N/A (not quoted)

Range and charging

Range and charging

– Range: 254-396 miles

– Battery size: 53.1-82kWh

– Max charging speed: 170-250kW

– Charge port location: Back left

– Charge time (AC): 0-100% in 7 hours 40 minutes (53.1kWh) to 11 hours 45 minutes (82kWh) using a 7kW charger

– Charge time (DC): N/A (not quoted)

– Efficiency: Around 4mi/kWh

– Charging cost: From £3.72 (53.1kWh) to £5.74 (82kWh)

Tesla updates its cars more frequently than most manufacturers. Different battery sizes, motors and aerodynamic improvements all change the figures.

As a guide, we tested a Model 3 RWD and gathered plenty of long-term data, including winter, summer, town and motorway driving. We averaged over 4mi/kWh, broadly in line with claimed figures at the time.

You also get access to Tesla's Supercharger network on the road, which offers cheaper-than-average rapid charging for quick top-ups.

Incidentally, a great feature of this is that the sat-nav will automatically cut in to direct you to the nearest charger location when power is running low.

Reliability

Tesla has been building electric cars for years, and has sold millions globally. Both the Model 3 and the bigger Model Y have spent numerous months as Britain's best-selling cars over the years.

Servicing needs are minimal, and when you need to book the car in for a fix or to check something, you can do so from the app.

Besides the four-year/60,000-mile vehicle warranty, you get an eight-year battery coverage.