Skip to main content

2017 Tesla Model 3

Change year or car
$35,000

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

220-310 mi.
EPA-est. range EPA-est. range

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Electric Cars With The Longest Range
12 hrs.
Level 2 charging Level 2 charging

Charge time estimates are based on using a 240-volt charging circuit charging from empty to 100% battery capacity. Level 2 is the fastest way to charge at home, though charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as the capabilities of the charging circuit, charging equipment and the vehicle’s onboard charger. Level 2 charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.

25-27 mins.
DC fast charging DC fast charging

DC fast charging is the fastest way to charge and only available at pay-for-use public charging stations, though some EVs come with complimentary charging for a limited time. Real-world DC fast charging times can vary greatly, even on the same vehicle, because of this type of charging’s sensitivities to ambient and battery conditions. DC fast charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.

50-75 kWh
Battery capacity Battery capacity

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, which is a measure of how much energy is used over time. A 70-kWh battery has more energy capacity than a 50-kWh battery and would result in a longer driving range if all other factors were equal. But more battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer range because of differences in energy consumption from vehicle to vehicle. Battery capacity provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.

5

Seating capacity

184.8” x 56.8”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(12 reviews)

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2017 Tesla Model 3 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

2017 Tesla Model 3 review: Our expert's take


The Model 3, like all other Tesla vehicles, is an electric car. It's also the most affordable Tesla to date, though no early owners will pay the 3's starting price — $35,000 before tax incentives. Until November 2017, every Model 3 will have the car's optional long-range battery, which adds considerable capability, but runs a hefty $9,000.

Most of that early group figures to be Tesla employees, as the automaker confirmed deliveries to outside customers won’t start until late October 2017. Until then, all Model 3s will end up with employees who reserved one — and apparently pay full price, as Tesla says it furnishes no employee discount.

The Model 3 comes standard with a tabletlike horizontal touchscreen that measures 15 inches. That’s slightly smaller than the 17-inch vertical screen embedded in the Model S’ dashboard. While the S has a secondary gauge display ahead of the steering wheel, the 3 puts such information on the horizontal screen.

The Model 3’s standard battery goes into production in November 2017. Tesla says that unit delivers an EPA-estimated 220 miles of range and powers the Model 3 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. That’s on par with many turbo four-cylinder engines in luxury sports sedans. A Level 2 (240-volt) charger can add 30 miles of range per hour, Tesla says, while the automaker’s network of fast-charging Superchargers can add 130 miles in 30 minutes.

Other standard features include:

  • Navigation, phone and audio streaming, onboard Wi-Fi and a backup camera
  • Keyless entry and remote climate control with Tesla’s smartphone app
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • FM radio with internet streaming
  • “Textile” seating, which Tesla calls a “high-end cloth material”
  • Two USB ports in the center console
  • 60/40-split folding rear seat
  • Full-LED lights
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • 18-inch wheels

Like the Model S and Model X, the Model 3’s sole no-charge paint is black. For another $1,000, you can choose from five metallic colors: blue, red, pearl white and two shades of silver.

Major options include:

  • Long-Range Battery ($9,000): The battery bumps range up some 41 percent to 310 miles. It also adds faster charging capabilities (37 miles of range per hour on a Level 2, or 170 miles per 30 minutes on a Supercharger) and quicker acceleration (5.1 seconds to 60 mph). Those are big gains, but they cost more than a quarter of the Model 3’s base price.
  • Premium Upgrades Package ($5,000): This adds heated seats, upgraded seating and cabin materials including open-pore wood trim, two rear USB ports, a power-adjustable steering column, a premium stereo with more wattage and speakers, a glass roof panel, foglights and center-console docking for two smartphones. Twelve-way power front seats are also included, but it’s unclear whether the standard seats are manually adjustable or just have fewer power adjustments.
  • Enhanced Autopilot ($5,000): This adds adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, automatic lane changing, automatic parking and more. More features will come with future software updates, Tesla says.
  • Full Self-Driving Capability ($3,000): This requires Enhanced Autopilot first, but Tesla says that with the package, the Model 3 will become “capable of conducting trips with no action required by the person in the driver’s seat.” But that will require “extensive software validation and regulatory approval” and may vary based on where you are, so it remains a future product for now.

Tesla’s website goes to great lengths to dispel the notion that the Model 3 is an upgrade to the Model S — an understandable sentiment given that higher numbers for consumer electronics generally correspond to better next-generation products. Tesla’s site notes the Model 3 “is a smaller, simpler, more affordable electric car. Although it is our newest vehicle, Model 3 is not ‘Version 3’ or the most advanced Tesla.”

Consumer reviews

(12 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 3.8
  • Exterior 4.2
  • Reliability 4.2
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

very poorly built

its fast.quiet and eficent.this is the most cheaply built 72k car in the world.i like it because 0 emmisions.everything from the fake leather seats to the cheap plastic wood grain dash is cheap.none of the panels have consistent gaps or sit flush.other than the eletric motor the car is trash..so thats the trade off .which is fine with me cuz all that will really mean anything in 100 yrs is the 0 emissions.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
5 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Most exciting car I've ever driven

This car really is the future. The outside is beautiful, with a front grill that looks playful and ready to chew up the pavement. Once you get past the minimalist interior and the giant 15" touchscreen that holds all your controls, you realize you never needed all those buttons that clutter the dash of most modern cars. And the driving! This car will ruin you for any other mid-priced luxury car. The Model 3's Permanent Magnet Electric Motor charges up on-ramps, the tight suspension handles cloverleafs like a dream, and the sporty handling allows you to hug curves on windy mountain roads like a dream. It's really does make driving FUN! But... when reality kicks in and you have to sit in traffic on your daily commute, all you have to do is flip on Enhanced AutoPilot, and the car takes control. Although full self driving has a way to go with regulators, just the traffic adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping (along with all the safety features), makes it so easy to sit back and relax while you supervise the driving. It reduces road rage and the frustration of stop-and-go traffic so you can arrive at your destination with much more zen. Oh, and I can't leave out the sound system. The immersive sound is AMAZING! I've never heard a stock system sound so good. All in all, this is the best car I've ever driven, and I'll never go back to a gas car again!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Old Tesla fanboy realizes what Tesla really is..

Let me first say I used to be a fan of Tesla and Elon, now on my 3rd Tesla, I expected a great car. My model 3 spent over a month in the service department during the 4 months I owned it. Service was just part of the issue, the model 3 wouldn't start twice, leaving me stranded. They replaced the battery and it still had issues. Have a problem that needs to go above your service rep? Good luck!! They could care less about any complaints you have. The manager, even the regional manager. Worst customer experience I have ever had. Plus the car is not great looking! Put a Toyota or Nissan badge on it and tell me you would still buy it for $56k. THE AUTOPILOT IS A SCARY JOKE, would constantly steer me directly into vehicles. When I questioned Tesla on this, they said well it's a prototype and I should restrict my use to highway use only. WHAT A JOKE! Once real manufacturers start producing 100% electrics in full force, Tesla will be a long forgotten joke, I know they are already that way for me! You are fools thinking Elon actually cares about anything but himself, his brand, and staying revolent in the news. He donates money to republicans you fools! Piece out Elon Trump

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
7 people out of 21 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
See all 12 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
96 months/120,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/50,000 miles

Compare the competitors