2021
Tesla Model 3

Starts at:
$50,990
Shop options
New 2021 Tesla Model 3
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Standard Range Plus RWD
    Starts at
    $44,990
    272 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    96 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Long Range AWD
    Starts at
    $50,990
    358 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    96 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Performance AWD
    Starts at
    $58,990
    315 - 358 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    96 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3 2021 Tesla Model 3

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Available cars near you

See all cars near you
1

American Made Index

2021 Award Winner
This EV was No. 1 on the American-Made Index, which analyzes five factors to find the most American cars.
See more details
award winner
This EV was No. 1 on the American-Made Index, which analyzes five factors to find the most American cars.
See more details

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Tesla Model 3 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
6.6%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
6.6%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
8 years / 120,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    4.3
    Tesla Model 3
    Starts at
    $44,990
    2021 Tesla Model 3
    358 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    96 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.8
    Chevrolet Bolt EUV
    Starts at
    $27,800
    2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
    247 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2021
    3.3
    Tesla Model Y
    Starts at
    $39,990
    2021 Tesla Model Y
    244 - 330 mi.
    Range
    7
    Seat capacity
    96 month/120,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Rear-wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.4
    Nissan Leaf
    Starts at
    $31,600
    2020 Nissan Leaf
    215 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.1
    Tesla Model 3
    Starts at
    $46,990
    2022 Tesla Model 3
    272 - 358 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    96 month/120,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    Chevrolet Bolt EV
    Starts at
    $31,500
    2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
    259 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2021
    4.1
    Ford Mustang Mach-E
    Starts at
    $42,895
    2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
    305 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Electric
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

71% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 5.0
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • By Shmandarin
    Owns this car
    June 25, 2024

    This car has been the best I’ve owned so far.

    This car has been the best I’ve owned so far. Even if you aren’t looking at a Tesla, EVs in general are so much fun! I’ve had little maintenance in the three years I’ve had this car so far (tire rotations, wiper blades). Every major software update brings either new features or improvements.
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Luke from Norfolk, VA
    Owns this car
    May 13, 2023

    Two years and no issues

    If you want a maintenance-free vehicle, this is the closest thing you can find on the market. We’ve been driving the wheels off our Model 3 LR for almost two years. No gas stations, no oil changes, no fluid changes (unless you count windshield wiper fluid,) tires still have plenty of tread, brakes have barely ever been used (regenerative brakes are amazing,) the temperature in the car is always perfect when you get in, and no turning the car off, simply get out and walk away, the car does the rest. The only service we have done to this car has been tire rotation, and they come to your house to do it if you want! Charging at home means you never, ever have to worry about the state of your “tank” unless you’re on a trip over 350 miles. And then it’s a quick navigation to a supercharger for a few minutes; the car automatically does the math for you and determines the best places to stop along your route. Admittedly, the occasional supercharge on a long trip is the only downside and could be a dealbreaker for some. But we plan accordingly. Plug up the car, walk the dogs or grab a bite to eat. By the time you’re done, the car is ready to go! The loudest voices in the room are always the people that had the rare bad experience, that’s inescapable. Just know that they are the minority. This car has plenty of get up and go whenever you need it and rides smooth. I used to drive muscle cars, so not hearing all that engine noise took a little bit to get used to. But now I don’t miss it at all. In fact, now I’m mildly annoyed when I’m the passenger in a loud car. That’s probably also a sign that I’m getting older. If you’re on the fence about an EV, go take one for a test drive. Tesla doesn’t pressure you, they don’t even ride along with you. It’s just you and the car, so you can see for yourself. That’s all it took for us to bite. I can almost guarantee you’ll want one after you’ve driven around in one for fifteen minutes.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    31 people out of 31 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Donnie from Modesto, CA
    Owns this car
    April 15, 2023

    Such a fun car

    This is easily the most fun car I've ever driven; handling is great and it destroys muscle cars off the line! Very techy but fairly simple to figure everything out. I'll likely only ever buy Teslas now.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Aki from Uusimaa
    Owns this car
    November 17, 2022

    Nice toy but not a proper car

    Its a good car to drive. Interior for driver is nice but not always convenient while driving. Down sides. Adaptive wipers are nice when they work, but you cannot adjust sensitivity and changing to manual is from screen. Cruise control quite often slows down or even panic brakes for no apparent reason. Also sometimes changes speed above speed limit even when settings are to hold speed that I was driving. Basically everything is done from touchscreen in middle that is no good while driving. This includes light, wiper and other settings we are used to control while hands on wheels. Good things. Acceleration is great when you need it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    24 people out of 36 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Bradley P. from Phoenix, AZ
    Owns this car
    October 2, 2022

    Converted me to EV

    It's the first time I've actually enjoyed driving. Before this I had a Civic, then a Sonata, and my first car way back was a Chrysler 300 (which was an absolute heap of garbage). After the 300 I was purely interested in reliable, economical cars that would get me from A to B with the basic amenities. The Model 3 was a step way above that, it's more efficient than any gas-powered or hybrid commuter car, it has a modest stylishness to it, and it has WAY more get-up-and-go than you'd expect, even with the single-motor package. The torque is instantaneous with no dead zones or gear changes. The handling is solid. There's a lot to love, including the infotainment system, built-in navigation, huge screen, etc. It was a lot to adjust to, going from a vehicle with tons of dials and buttons to just a screen and a handful of tactile controls, but I love it now. But one of the things I love most about it is that I can just open my phone and start the AC a couple minutes before I get in my car - In a city that regularly sees 110+ degrees, that is a GODSEND. I'm definitely an EV convert after buying a Model 3.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Zeke from Manhattan, NY
    Owns this car
    August 8, 2022

    Long lasting, Safe, Easy

    Riding in this car will make you feel like you are a part of the future or hovering aboard a space ship. It truly rides like magic. I’m amazed at what this vehicle can do. The reliability and safety of this car is outstandingly outperforming every other car on the road. It does not require maintenance and every bit of the vehicle was built to guide humanity in the direction of 100% safe transportation. From my calculation on battery life, this vehicle will still hold a 250 mile charge after it’s been on the road for 600,000 miles. Considering sustainability of electricity and cost to charge- this car will save your pocket on energy costs and the earth from fuel emissions. The simplicity of the vehicle makes it easy to keep clean! Perfect 10/10 car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By AnnoyedNearBoston from Boston,MA
    Owns this car
    June 12, 2022

    Have to find a new owner for it.

    Mileage is only an Estimate. Charged for a trip in the winter and it planned out the course to a supercharger, and beyond, only to find that we had next to 1 mile left when we arrived. 175 miles away, with a 258mile charge...stressful. Another problem, service. Our ambient temp sensor went south, reads -39F in the 90 degree weather, turns on the defrosters, seat heaters, and won't run the AC. Tried to fix, but the FRUNK won't open at all. Tesla service will fix it, but we have to bring it to one of 4 "local" state wide service areas an hour plus away. And, the appointment was a month out. Have had basically a $45k brick in our driveway for pretty much a month. Oh, also, they don't answer the phone and don't work on weekends. Come on Elon...fix your service, we need our cars.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    45 people out of 50 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

tesla-model-y-2021-02-blue-exterior-front-angle-sedan
Featured

Tesla Recalls 694,000-Plus Vehicles Over Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tesla’s Cybertruck, Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV are being recalled over an issue that may prevent the tire pressure warning light from staying illuminated. Read more

Tesla Recalls 1.8 Million Vehicles Over Unlatched Hood Issue

A problem involving the hood latch has prompted Tesla to issue a recall for more than 1.8 million vehicles.

125,000-Plus Teslas Recalled for Faulty Seat Belt Warning

Tesla is recalling 125,000-plus Tesla models for a faulty seat belt warning light and chime.

Our Glitchy Tesla Model Y Window Failed in a Colorful Way

Not long after we gave our 2021 Tesla Model Y’s broken window a clean bill of health, it failed in a colorful way.
See all news

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Tesla Model 3?

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Long Range (1 style)
  • Performance (1 style)
  • Standard Range Plus (1 style)

What is the electric range of the 2021 Tesla Model 3?

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 can travel 358 miles on a single charge depending on electric motor and battery options.

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, trim level, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Tesla Model 3?

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 reliable?

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Tesla Model 3 owners.

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Tesla Model 3. 71.4% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.3

Tesla Model 3 history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"ev_sedan_compact","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Sedan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Electric Fuel System"]}]