Tesla Model 3 2021 Review

Can a car be "insanely amazing"? Well, that's how an owner described the Model 3 on an MatoCar consumer review. Is there some hyperbole here? Most definitely. But even from our more measured standpoint, the Model 3 is an impressive sedan. And it's getting even better for 2021.

More range is always a good thing with an electric vehicle, and the Model 3 obliges. The base Model 3's range rises from 250 miles to an EPA-estimated 263 miles of range. Similar gains are in store for the Long Range AWD and the Performance. Other 2021 changes include black exterior trim instead of chrome, a standard wireless phone charging pad, a power trunklid, metal steering wheel control dials instead of plastic, and a new window design to help reduce outside noise.

The Model 3 is a great pick for an EV, but it's not the only one for 2021. Specifically, we've found the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia Niro EV, Polestar 2 (Polestar is a new boutique EV brand from Volvo) and Volkswagen ID.4 to also be viable choices. So should you stick with Silicon Valley's finest or go with an alternative? Read our Model 3 Expert Rating below to help you decide.

What's it like to live with?

MatoCar' editorial team lived with a 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range for nearly two years, logging 24,000 miles. As an all new-design for Tesla, it had a few teething problems at first. But most of the issues were electronic in nature and were later sorted out via software updates. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 differs from our early long-term Model 3 by way of improved cabin materials and different powertrain options. It's the same generation, though, so many of our observations still apply. Check out our 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range coverage to learn more.

Which Model 3 does MatoCar recommend?

The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric sedan that comes in three trim levels: Standard Range Plus (later renamed to simply the base Model 3 midway through the model year), Long Range and Performance. Each trim is differentiated primarily by levels of driving range and acceleration from a battery-electric powertrain. Be aware that Tesla updates the Model 3 on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, so what follows might not necessarily reflect the most current offering. Highlighted features include:

Standard Range Plus (or base Model 3) Offers an estimated 263 miles of range, as well as:

• Rear-wheel drive
• 7.6-kW onboard charger
• 170 kW max Supercharging
• Tesla-estimated 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds
• 18-inch wheels
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Panoramic glass roof
• Keyless entry and start
• Power-adjustable and heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wireless charging for two smartphones
• 15-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Tesla's Autopilot (suite of advanced driver aids, including exterior cameras and traffic-adaptive cruise control)

Long Range Adds all-wheel drive and ups the estimated range to 353 miles. It also has:

• 11.5-kW onboard charger
• 250 kW max Supercharging
• Estimated 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
• 15-speaker premium sound system
• Heated rear seats

Performance Dials up the performance of the Long Range but offers only 315 miles of estimated range:

• Estimated 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds
• 20-inch wheels
• Carbon-fiber rear spoiler
• Aluminum pedals
• Sport suspension
• High-performance brakes
• Track-oriented driving mode

Tesla offers a so-called Full Self-Driving Capability option on all trims. It adds nifty semi-automated driving features, including automated parking and the ability to change lanes simply by flicking the turn signal. Tesla also says the Full Self-Driving Capability feature will gain additional automated driving capabilities in the future via over-the-air updates.