The electric-vehicle market has grown exponentially since the Tesla Model 3 arrived for the 2017 model year, inspiring more traditional automakers to develop fresh competition against the U.S.-based upstart. A major update for 2024 brought welcome improvements to the aging electric sedan aimed not only at keeping it competitive, but also maintaining its position as a dominating force in the EV market by offering impressive performance, range and value.
Related: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Review: My, How You’ve Improved
While the Model 3 retained its distinctively Tesla look, a subtle styling update gave the front end a more modern and upscale appearance. Most of the changes, however, focused on improvements to the suspension, interior and user interface to deliver a better driving experience and an improved cabin, helping it compete against newer models from rivals such as BMW, Hyundai and Kia. (Little changes for model-year 2025.)
Cars.com’s Conner Golden had a chance to get thoroughly acquainted with a ‘24 Model 3 in the Long Range trim, and he found the improvements are enough to make it one of the best compact luxury sedans available regardless of powertrain — but not all is perfect. Tap the link above for Golden’s expert review in full; for a quicker rundown, read on for five things we like about the latest-generation Tesla Model 3 and two things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Superior Suspension
Tesla engineers clearly spent a lot of time on the Model 3’s suspension and handling, and it shows. New “frequency-dependent” damper valves adapt to impacts for improved ride comfort and control, while redesigned bushings and an updated rear subframe help with isolation and steering response. The upshot of all of this is a claimed 20% reduction in noise, vibration and harshness, as well as ride and handling that rivals what you might expect from a German sports sedan.
2. Good to Go
With a total of 425 horsepower driving all four wheels and an impressive 475 pounds-feet of instantly available torque, the Model 3 Long Range delivers lively performance. Acceleration is smooth and quite strong, and combined with the improved handling, it makes for an engaging drive. Equally impressive is the Model 3 Long Range AWD’s claimed driving range of up to 346 miles, as well as its quick-charging capability that can add up to 185 miles in as little as 15 minutes, according to Tesla.
3. Improved Cabin
The Model 3’s cabin quality has taken a big step up with upgraded materials and a more attractive, cohesive design. The old and flimsy wood veneer trim is gone, replaced with a more upscale-looking textured cloth. Added sound deadening and acoustic glass results in a much quieter cabin, and new ambient lighting lets you add a bit of color to customize the atmosphere. While the Model 3’s overall look still stops short of more luxurious choices in the class, it’s a notable upgrade over the austerity and dated look of the previous version.
4. Updated Tech
Tesla has always been big on screen-based controls rather than conventional knobs and buttons, and the updated Model 3 takes that another step or two. The gearshift has been relocated to the center touchscreen, a section of which now includes a scroll bar that can be swiped up for drive or down for Reverse, with Park engaged using its own function. There’s also a predictive-shift feature that can determine which direction you’re likely to go based on surroundings — just confirm and go. Redundant shift buttons on the headliner can be called to duty in the event of a screen failure.
5. Phone Home
Tesla says that new Bluetooth sensors help make the updated Model 3 10 times better at detecting user phones than before, making it a lot easier to use your smartphone as a car key. The system is generally seamless, allowing you to walk up, get in and drive away with no fuss or fumbling for a key. (If for any reason that doesn’t work, you can open the app and unlock the car manually.)
More From Cars.com:
- Tesla Relaunches Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Variant
- Electric Cars With the Longest Range
- New 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance: 510 HP, 0-60 MPH in 2.9 Seconds
- Research the Tesla Model 3
- Find Your Next Car
Things We Don’t Like
1. No Turn-Signal Stalk
Another victim of Tesla’s move away from conventional controls is the elimination of a steering-column-mounted stalk for directional signals; it’s been replaced with a pad of touch-sensitive controls on the left side of the steering wheel. In our experience, the touch-sensitive controls sometimes refused to work at all, and when they did, it was often all too easy to hit the wrong one. At no time did we find it as easy and seamless to use as a stalk.
2. Digital Drawbacks
Most of the updates to the Model 3 are welcome and add to the appeal of what remains one of the more well-rounded EVs currently available. However, we’re not as crazy about the increased use of digital controls for most functions and prefer less distracting physical controls. At least Tesla still includes some redundant physical controls as a backup for when the digital controls have glitches.
Related Video:
We cannot generate a video preview.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
