Tesla

Long Range RWD

Long Range AWD

Performance AWD

Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 remains one of the benchmark mid-size electric sedans, consistently topping EV sales charts since its debut. Reviewers at Car and Driver and MotorTrend repeatedly cite its long-range efficiency — up to 363 miles EPA in the base Long Range RWD trim — and over-the-air software updates as key differentiators. The 2024 Highland refresh added meaningful interior upgrades, though Tesla's minimalist, screen-centric cabin philosophy continues to divide critics. Across trims, the Model 3 offers a broad performance envelope, from everyday-usable commuter to a 2.9-second Performance variant.

Long Range RWD leads the segment at 363 miles EPA range for $42,490, undercutting many competitors on a cost-per-mile-of-range basis

Performance AWD reaches 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, a figure Car and Driver confirmed puts it on par with sports cars costing significantly more

Tesla's Supercharger network remains the most reliable and widespread DC fast-charging infrastructure available to any EV buyer in North America

Over-the-air updates have historically added features and improved performance post-purchase, including real-world efficiency gains documented by InsideEVs

Dual-motor AWD trim delivers 394 hp and a 4.2-second 0-60 while retaining 346 miles of range, a balance competitors have struggled to match at $47,490

All controls routed through the center touchscreen, including gear selection and mirror adjustment, a layout Edmunds and MotorTrend reviewers consistently flag as a distraction hazard

Performance AWD's range drops to 298 miles EPA — a 65-mile penalty versus the base Long Range RWD — at a $12,500 price premium

Build quality inconsistencies, including panel gaps and interior trim fitment, have been reported by buyers and noted in Edmunds long-term tests despite improvements in the Highland refresh

Rear seat headroom is constrained by the sloping roofline, a recurring criticism from taller passengers in owner surveys and press evaluations

Model Y

The Tesla Model Y sits at the center of the electric crossover segment, consistently ranking as one of the best-selling EVs globally. Built on the same platform as the Model 3 sedan, it trades some driving refinement for a more practical hatchback body and available third-row seating. Reviewers at Edmunds and Car and Driver regularly cite its Supercharger network access and over-the-air software updates as genuine competitive advantages, while its minimalist interior polarizes critics who note the near-total reliance on the 15.4-inch touchscreen for basic controls.

Long Range RWD delivers 357 miles of EPA-rated range, among the highest in the mid-size crossover class, reducing range anxiety on long trips

Access to Tesla's Supercharger network provides broad, reliable DC fast-charging coverage that most competitors cannot yet match in density

Performance AWD reaches 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds, competitive with sport sedans at its $53,490 price point

Over-the-air software updates have historically added features and improved efficiency post-purchase, a capability few rivals offer at this scale

Cargo volume and interior flexibility are consistently praised by reviewers; the front trunk adds meaningful storage on top of a practical hatchback layout

Nearly all climate, mirror, and wiper controls are buried in the touchscreen, a design choice Car and Driver and Edmunds testers have repeatedly criticized for requiring eyes-off-road interaction

Performance AWD drops EPA range to 285 miles versus 357 miles in the base Long Range RWD, a 72-mile penalty for the performance upgrade

Ride quality on 20-inch or 21-inch wheels is described as firm to harsh on broken pavement by MotorTrend and Car and Driver, particularly compared to the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5

Panel gaps and interior fit-and-finish inconsistencies have been noted across multiple owner surveys and press fleet vehicles, though frequency has declined in more recent production years

	Tesla Model 3	Tesla Model Y
Body type	sedan	compact crossover
Trims	3	3
Starting price	$42,490	$44,990
Max EPA range	363 mi	357 mi
Max power	510 hp	456 hp
Quickest 0–60	2.9 s	3.5 s
Federal tax credit	$7,500 eligible	$7,500 eligible
Drive options	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD
	Full Tesla Model 3 specs →	Full Tesla Model Y specs →

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y