Tesla Model 3 2022 Review

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 is the smallest and most affordable offering from the California-based all-electric automaker. After a number of updates for 2021 that included an upgraded interior, increased range on a full charge, and additional standard features, we don't expect any significant changes for 2022. That's not a bad thing, as the Model 3 is one of MatoCar' favorite EVs thanks to its excellent range, strong performance, and comfortable and spacious interior.

Tesla isn't the only automaker offering compelling electric cars these days, however. The Ford Mustang Mach-E stands out with its sporty performance and useful cargo area, while the all-new BMW i4 is a proper luxury sport sedan that just happens to be an EV. That said, Tesla's early start has given the company a boost when it comes to the entire package. The Model 3 is still a hugely compelling sedan, and despite some of our frustrations with less-than-advertised range and cumbersome tech, it's well worth a look if you're in the market for an electric vehicle.

What's it like to live with?

MatoCar bought a 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range not long after it originally went on sale, keeping it for nearly two years and about 24,000 miles. Our car was an early model, so we had a few hiccups during our test, but many of them have since been addressed. Check out our 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range coverage to learn more about what Model 3 ownership is all about.

Which Model 3 does MatoCar recommend?

[Editor's note: The following information is based on last year's 2021 Model 3. We expect the 2022 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Tesla Model 3 is a small all-electric sedan that's available in three trim levels: base, Long Range and Performance. The trio varies by range and acceleration. Take note that Tesla offers rolling updates to its cars rather than by model year, so features and range may differ from what's shown below.

Base Model 3 Offers around 260 miles of maxim 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 around 350 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 at the expense of range, which should be around 315 miles. The Performance also has:

• 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 available 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.