2022 Tesla Model 3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Although the Tesla Model 3 is a carryover model for 2022, it still gets some updates in trim lineup and range.

The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric premium sedan with seating for five passengers. The Model 3 represents the entry point to the brand’s portfolio, with a relatively competitive price compared to other Tesla models. The Model 3 is known for standout performance without compromising efficiency, though its build quality is inconsistent at times. Rivals to the Tesla Model 3 include the Polestar 2, the Kia EV6, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Mercedes-Benz EQS, and the larger and more expensive Tesla Model S. Though some of those competitors are not from luxury brands, many mainstream manufacturers have elevated their electric vehicle (EV) offerings and come close to some luxury vehicles in terms of pricing.

The 2022 Model 3 gets a renamed base trim as well as increased range with some models, but otherwise carries over unchanged. The 2022 lineup consists of Rear-Wheel Drive (formerly known as Standard Range Plus), Long Range, and Performance models. The standard and optional features are pretty consistent across the Model 3 lineup, with the main differences in models found in efficiency and performance.

The Rear-Wheel Drive model features a single electric motor on the rear axle, powering its rear-wheel drive (RWD). It’s good for 272 miles of range, and it can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It also has the best EPA ratings in the lineup, at 138 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) city and 126 MPGe highway. The Long Range and Performance models have a motor on each axle for all-wheel drive (AWD). The Long Range’s larger battery provides up to 353 miles of range and a 4.2-second zero-to-60-mph run. The Performance model hits the 60-mph mark in 3.1 seconds, which is incredibly quick, though that means its range drops to 315 miles—still really good. The Performance model also has a top speed of 162 mph, about 15-20 mph faster than the other two trims. A single-speed transmission comes with every model.

Standard features across the lineup include synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, power-folding side mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The infotainment system, which controls nearly all of the car’s functions, is housed in a 15-inch tablet-like touchscreen display. Keep in mind that Tesla does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Long Range and Performance models add on heated rear seats and LED fog lamps.

The Tesla Model 3 earns good crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The IIHS awarded the 2022 Model 3 a Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the NHTSA awarded an overall safety rating of five stars out of five.

Every Model 3 gets Tesla’s Autopilot system of bundled safety technology, featuring automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated lane centering. Tesla’s so-called Full Self-Driving is optional and adds the ability to navigate highway interchanges and ramps, change lanes, parallel and perpendicular park, follow traffic signals, and be called from a parking spot with the Summon feature.

Though the Tesla Model 3 sees tough competition from new EV sedans and hatchbacks, both from luxury and mainstream brands, it’s one of the most recognizable vehicles in its segment and offers a compelling combination of performance and efficiency.