2020 Tesla Model 3 - In Depth Review!

Tesla consistently updates its vehicles with over-the-air software tweaks and, occasionally, new mechanical components, but the company does not roll out changes to its vehicles on a conventional model-year basis. As a result, we cannot predict what changes might come to the Model 3 in the coming months, and the company will not tell us much about what the future holds in terms of updates. The Model 3 recently added features such as lane-keep assist and standard Autopilot capability (this is the company's name for its autonomous-driving feature), and now has additional charging capability via the company's upgraded V3 Supercharger network.

The Standard Range Plus model, starting just above $40,000, is the best value. Its 250 miles of estimated driving range should be enough for most people, and it comes standard with heated front seats and navigation.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
As with most EVs, the Model 3 gains speed smoothly and almost silently, with the electric motor providing strong power from a stop. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range model we tested sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Model 3 Performance rockets to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds—0.4 second faster than the bigger and more expensive Model S 100D. Like all Teslas, the Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity. This helps it change direction crisply and feel planted and stable in corners. The steering is accurate and well weighted, with three different settings that adjust the level of steering effort. The ride is firm without being harsh; without the noise of a gas-powered engine, however, you do hear plenty of noise inside the cabin as the tires thwack and thrum over pavement imperfections.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Three distinct Model 3 trims are offered, each with a different estimated driving range. The Standard Range Plus model is the most affordable, with a claimed range of 250 miles. Upgrading to the Long Range or Performance models increases its estimated range to 322 miles. Of course, this distance isn't easy to achieve, as we've found in our long-term Long Range Model 3 test vehicle. The Model 3 offers several different options for charging: Tesla's network of fast-charging stations called Superchargers, adapters for DC public-charging stations, 240- and 120-volt outlets, and a home-charging station.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The various versions of the Model 3 are rated between 113 MPGe and 141 MPGe by the EPA. Our test vehicle, however, managed only 84 MPGe when we took it on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test. The Model 3 comes standard with aluminum wheels that are covered by plastic aerodynamic hubcaps. We wanted to know how much impact those hubcaps have on the car's driving range, so we tested it and were surprised to find that they helped more than expected.