Summary
The Tesla Model 3 is a mid-size premium saloon and closely related to the crossover Tesla Model Y. Like all Tesla models, it is only available with an electric motor supplied by a battery pack.
The Model 3 was first unveiled in 2016, but enormous American demand combined with numerous production problems meant that it only arrived in the UK in Spring 2019.
The Tesla Model 3 has received unanimously positive reviews from the UK motoring media, with most scores indicating very good or outstanding results. Despite a rapidly increasing field of rivals entering the premium EV market, the Model 3 remains an excellent choice. It also has to compete with conventionally powered executive saloon rivals, like the Audi A4/BMW 3 Series/Mercedes C-Class trio, and has held its own surprisingly well.
The Model 3 has received particular praise for its performance, driving dynamics and minimalist style. Criticisms mainly relate to the questionable ergonomics of some of the functionality required by having everything controlled by a central screen, with Car magazine describing it as “genius when you’re stationary but can be hugely distracting when you’re moving.”
As well as regular incremental improvements, the Model 3 received a major mid-life update in late 2023, with revised styling, improved battery range and a lower price. The interior layout and controls were further streamlined, drawing even more criticisms from the motoring media.
As of January 2025, the Tesla Model 3 has a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 80%. It has received fantastic media reviews, has had strong reliability to date and produces zero tailpipe emissions, but running costs are not as cheap as you might expect for an EV, thanks to expensive insurance premiums.
Model 3 highlights
- Comes with a heap of on-board tech
- Long battery range
- Practical and comfy interior
- The brand’s charging infrastructure
- Punchy performance
Model 3 lowlights
- Some all-electric rivals are quieter
- Rather rigid ride comfort
- Controls are a bit fiddly, especially facelifted model
- Expensive, entry-level and up
- Questionable reliability and build quality
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-sized saloon
Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
Price: From £39,990 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Winter 2023/24
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
“It might not appeal on an emotional level, but the Tesla Model 3 manages to be fast yet serene, packed full of appealing tech, and practical to boot. With low running costs thrown into the mix, there’s not much going against it.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric cars around: practical, high-tech and boasting great performance and range, all for a relatively low price. The all-electric saloon’s recent facelift only sweetened the deal, improving build quality and refinement, giving it a slightly snazzier look and boosting the already excellent range to over 400 miles.”
Author: Ellis Hyde
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Model reviewed: 2023 facelift
Score: 9 / 10
“No half-measures, most manufacturers would label this an all-new car. Improved in several key areas, our previous Car of the Year immediately elevates itself back to the top of the class with dramatically improved quality, even more tech, and a more desirable look. The fact it now undercuts its main rivals by £10k or more will make it a no-brainer for business users and private buyers alike.”
Author: Richard Ingram
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Model reviewed: 2021 update
Score: 10 / 10
“Minor cosmetic tweaks have given the Tesla Model 3 a sportier look outside and a more premium feel inside, while the continual software upgrades keep edging Tesla further ahead of its rivals on the tech front.”
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Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus 2020
Score: 9 / 10
“The updated Standard Range Plus version of Tesla’s Model 3 is the most accessible in the line-up but still shows that star quality.”
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Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is more affordable than ever in Standard Range Plus guise, which makes it even more appealing.”
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Model reviewed: Long Range AWD
Score: 10 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is in a class of one at the moment, but that shouldn’t detract from Tesla’s achievement with its first ‘more affordable’ model. Yes, it’s still pricey, but it’s a car that drives brilliantly, looks great, seems to be built just as well as other cars at the price and is full of the most advanced tech. That all adds up to make it just about the coolest car you can buy right now.”
Read review
Score: 9 / 10
“This is the Tesla to buy, full of EV pep and at a more affordable price. It competes well with other sports saloons around the same price point and looks future-proofed when it comes to self-driving tech.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“Sharper looks, fresh tech and a bit more range for the upgraded version of the all-conquering Tesla Model 3.”
Author: Dan Trent
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is nothing less than a game-changer, with range, performance and tech that set the benchmark for what an EV should be.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“With the updates for 2024, the Tesla Model 3 finds itself vying for pole position on the mid-sized EV grid. The combination of the Tesla Supercharger network, an impressive battery range, and stylish, idiosyncratic interior have been sharpened up by improved ride quality, lower noise levels, and better efficiency than before.”
Author: Keith Adams
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 feels like a breakthrough car.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Facelift range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“An extensive facelift means the Tesla Model 3 goes further on a charge and feels better built and more refined, all while undercutting most rivals.”
Author: Richard Ingram, Andy Goodwin
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s cheapest electric car, but in many ways the best. That said, it’s not as practical as Tesla’s own Model Y.”
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Company Car Today
“As sensible and affordable as executive-level EVs get; updates make the Tesla Model 3 even more appealing.”
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Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 8.1 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 takes EVs into new ground in terms of a compact exec saloon with a competitive price and serious range. It’s not perfect, but does plenty very well.”
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Daily Mirror
Score: 10 / 10
“Car of the future not only makes sense but is a brilliant drive.”
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Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 10 / 10
“This is the best Tesla yet. Best made, too. And one of the most entertaining cars I’ve driven this year.”
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Discover EV
Model reviewed: Long Range
“The 2021 facelift hasn’t revolutionised the Tesla Model 3 – rather evolved it, which isn’t a bad thing as it is a very good EV to live with, and one of the best cars currently available, giving owners of even the most sporty conventionally fuelled cars something to think about.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Performance
Score: 9 / 10
“If you regularly do high mileage and you are in the fortunate position of having at least forty grand to spend on an electric car, then this is the EV to get. Put it this way, we were so impressed, that we bought one. And after we bought one, two of our friends then bought one. I think that says it all really.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 9 / 10
“A recent facelift has cemented the Model 3’s position at the top of its class, with the baby Tesla offering everything you could possibly need from an electric family car.”
Author: Tom Jervis, Richard Ingram
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Tesla’s best car yet is also its most affordable and has a great range. Safe, fast, technologically advanced and cheaper to run than an Audi A4.”
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Evo
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 delivers incredible, otherworldly performance with some genuine dynamic nuance.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
“The Tesla Model 3 is finally on the road, but away from the hype we debunk what is, electric or not, one of the most fascinating cars in decades.”
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Model reviewed: Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s fight or flight time for Tesla, as its new Model 3 Performance promises to quash the M3 at its own game.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Performance (2024 facelift)
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 Performance has been updated and it’s now faster (0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds), it’s also better to drive, and it remains easy to charge – but there are no stalks for indicators, wipers or even gears…”
Author: Paul Clarke
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Model reviewed: Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Score: 10 / 10
“The main issue that we had with the Tesla Model 3 when it was first launched was the poor ride quality and the various rattles from the suspension. Our latest [2022] test car had much better ride quality than early examples, and much better ride quality than the Model Y, resulting in it being more agile and a much-improved car to drive.” (Paul Clarke)
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Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 10 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is an excellent car. It has zero tailpipe emissions yet it also has amazing performance. It’s rewarding to drive but it’s also practical (if you can live with a boot rather than a hatchback). Compared to the entry-level Model 3 Standard Range Plus, it’s around £10,000 more expensive, but you get all-wheel drive and almost an extra 100 miles of range.”
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Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 9 / 10
“The long-awaited Tesla Model 3 is an impressive car. Even in Standard Range Plus form, the performance is very good, the handling is rewarding, and the steering is sharp and well weighted. There’s also the very minimalistic interior, with the large touchscreen featuring virtually all controls – which some people might like, others may not.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Lowered prices raise Tesla Model 3’s appeal”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: (range review)
“The Model 3 is easily my favourite Tesla. I’ll go further, it’s probably my favourite electric car, full stop. If the Yanks can ship them here quick enough and keep chipping away at the price, it’s game on.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Long-range
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s no official measure on the Tesla Model 3’s range, but we’ve been achieving more than 200 miles on a single charge.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Undeniably special to drive and sit inside, the Tesla Model 3’s statistics make impressive reading, although the ‘affordability’ of this car is highly debatable and it simply isn’t built as well as it should be.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s spacious, efficient, comfortable, reasonably-priced and well-equipped.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Everything Tesla has done up to this point has built towards the Model 3… and it’s been worth it.”
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Which EV?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9.2 / 10
“The 2021 Tesla Model 3 takes the electric car to beat and makes it even better. Tesla maintains its lead by adding a heat pump and further enhancements that extend battery range across all three cars. There are mild exterior and interior improvements, too. The Long Range is the best buy of the three, but the Standard Range Plus is supremely capable, and the Performance is the electric heir to the BMW M3.” (James Morris)
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 94%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 208 kW Electric RWD Automatic
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 9.6 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 9.8 / 10
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 15
Average repair cost: £156.19
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2024, the Tesla Model 3 has an excellent reliability rating of 84%, according to information provided exclusively to The Car Expert using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
Early Teslas don’t have a great reputation for reliability associated with build quality issues, but the core electric powertrain has historically been very strong with few problems.
The caveat to this is that the information is currently based on very few cars, so it could change as more Model 3s hit higher ages and mileages.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 345 miles | A | 267 – 394 miles | A – B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 5.1 m/KWh | A | 4.4 – 5.8 m/KWh | A – B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 49 | E | 48 – 50 | D – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £340 | C |
| Year 2 | £612 | B |
| Year 3 | £952 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,176 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,514 | B |
| Overall | £4,594 | B |
The Tesla Model 3 is an efficient electric car to run but other costs are not as good, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The Model 3’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is excellent, which helps it to achieve plenty of range from the battery. With electricity prices on the increase, that’s good news as you’re getting the most out of every kW you’re paying for.
However, insurance is pricey and servicing costs over the first five years are nothing special, either. So it’s a bit of a mixed bag overall.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Tesla Model 3
Date: April 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 11/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 9,471
Defect: On certain vehicles that are running firmware release 2022.8 and that experience a loss of low voltage system support the audio subsystem may become unavailable including the use of eCall functionality.
Remedy: Firmware release 2022.12.3 or later reverses the power management process introduced in firmware release 2022.8 and maintains eCall audio functionality.
Date: April 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2018 to 04/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 10,927
Defect: In certain conditions the user interface (UI) on affected vehicles displays vehicle speed but not a unit of speed (i.e. mph or km/h).
Remedy: Tesla will deploy an over-the-air firmware update that will reintroduce the display of the speed unit when using Track Mode.
Date: February 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2017 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 26,618
Defect: The rear-view camera harness may fail causing no image in the centre display.
Remedy: Fit a harness guide protector and if necessary install a new harness.
Date: December 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The curtain side airbags may not deploy correctly.
Remedy: Inspect for proper alignment and orientation of the left- and right-curtain side airbag. Re-align as necessary.
Date: December 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2019 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 127
Defect: The front suspension lateral link may be insufficiently torqued.
Remedy: Inspect the connection of both front suspension lateral links to the sub-frame. Replace any related damaged components and ensure correct torque of fastening bolts.
Date: May 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 599
Defect: Front seat belt top loop may not be secured correctly.
Remedy: Check and secure the top loop as necessary.
Date: May 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2018 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 565
Defect: The brake calliper bolts may not be secured to the correct specification.
Remedy: Check and secure the brake calliper bolts to correct specification.
Date: May 2020
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 02/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 5
Defect: The upper steering column bolt may not have been fitted.
Remedy: Inspect the upper steering column bolt fitment and replace where necessary.
As of August 2024, there have been eight DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Tesla Model 3. These cover software, airbags, brakes and steering systems.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Tesla service centre.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Model 3, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass
Date: March 2020
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Tesla Model 3 has received
2023
- Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Long Distances
2021
- Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for Families
- Electrifying.com Awards – Technology Award + Efficiency Award
- News UK Motoring Awards – Best Electric Car
2020
- Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Executive Car + Best Premium Electric Car
- Auto Trader Awards – New Car of the Year + Best Electric Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Company Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Large Electric Car
2019
- Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Best Premium Electric Car
- carwow Awards – Game-changer Award
- News UK Motor Awards – Green Car of the Year
- Parkers Awards – Car of the Year + Best Electric Car + Best Company Car + Safety Award
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Tesla Model 3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulia | Audi A4 | BMW 3 Series | BMW i4 | BYD Seal | DS 9 | Genesis GV60 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Jaguar XE | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Polestar 2 | Volkswagen ID.7 | Volvo S60
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Tesla Model 3 at The Car Expert
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