2021 Tesla Model 3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$37,990 to $54,990

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(34 reviews)
2020 Tesla Model 3 Preview summaryImage

The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric premium sedan and the entry point to the brand’s portfolio. For 2021, it gets some important updates.

The Model 3 comes in Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance Trims—all three of which were improved substantially with recent updates. The Standard Range Plus is the base option, bundling a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive (RWD). It achieves 263 miles of range, a top speed of 140 mph, and a 5.3-second zero to 60 mph time. The Long Range adds a second electric motor for all-wheel-drive (AWD) functionality. Paired with a larger battery, it manages 353 miles of range, a 145 mph top speed, and 4.2 seconds zero to 60 mph run. Finally, the Performance comes with dual motors and AWD. Its 315 miles of range are a bit lower, but it hits a top speed of 162 mph and manages the run to 60 mph in an exotic 3.1 seconds.

The base Standard Range Plus gets 18-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, a glass roof, power-folding mirrors, Bluetooth audio, leatherette upholstery, front heated seats, and immersive audio. Long Range and Performance trims get rear heated seats, an uprated sound system with 14 speakers, LED fog lamps, and interior floor mats.

Tesla’s superb Autopilot system is standard on every Model 3, bundling automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering. For a price, you can select the Full Self-Driving Capability, which gives your Tesla the ability to navigate on- and off-ramps, change lanes, parallel and perpendicular park, interpret and act upon traffic lights and stop signs, and Tesla's "Summon" feature. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Model 3 its highest “Top Safety Pick+” designation in 2020.

The Tesla Model 3 sees continuous improvements that make it the premium electric car of choice.

Kyree Rollerson
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Kyree Rollerson
A CarGurus contributor since 2017, Kyree has always been fascinated with the automotive world, especially when it comes to premium European cars. But regardless of the vehicle—whether it's an efficient hybrid or the latest luxury sled—he's always ready to dispense information and advice.

User reviews for 2021 Tesla Model 3

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User rating:
by Harry W
Dec 30, 2024
Steering wheel cove coming apart r. Inside ceiling molding falling down . Very poor Bill qualityDec 30, 2024
by Will J
Dec 15, 2024
It’s so much more than I expected it to be. Dec 15, 2024
by Jose M
Nov 06, 2024
Its a bit smaller than a mid-size Sedan. The back seats are a bit uncomfortable and not a fan of the all glass roof. Other than that a good car. Nov 06, 2024

2021 Tesla Model 3 Pricing

Original MSRP
$37,990 to $54,990
Price range
$22,264 to $23,121
Average price on CG
$22,264
YoY price change
$22,766 to $22,264

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · Radio: FM · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 200 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.2 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Door trim: suede · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 9.00

Engine

EV battery capacity: 50 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 7.7 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 201 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 150 · Electric Motor Torque: 258 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 10 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 267

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 15 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: side recording · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · Radio: FM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · Watts: 560

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.2 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Door trim: suede · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.00

Engine

EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 346 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 258 · Electric Motor Torque: 389 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 10 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 353

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

EV battery capacity: 82 kWh

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 15 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: over-the-air map updates (OTA) · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: window operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · HD radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · Watts: 560

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.2 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Door trim: suede · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leatherette

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.00

Engine

EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 450 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 336 · Electric Motor Torque: 471 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 10 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 315

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: carbon fiber · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

EV battery capacity: 82 kWh

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 15 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (3)