Ev Motor Power 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. And it’s fastextremely so in some trims. 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 seconds0.5-second faster than our long-term Model 3 Long Range. 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.
Warranty And Maintenance Coverage
Tesla’s overall warranty coverage is among the longest in the EV segment, but it’s disappointing that the coverage doesn’t include corrosion protection. The Long Range model includes an additional 20,000 miles on the coverage period of its battery and drive components.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Interior Comfort And Cargo
We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Tesla Model 3 has an interior unlike any other car on the market today. It’s shockingly simple inside, with nearly everything controlled by the monolithic touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. The Tesla’s low, flat floor makes for a spacious and airy feel inside. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but the rear seats are cramped and uncomfortable don’t expect adults to be able to spend time in them. Folding the 60/40 split-folding rear seats is simple and expands the trunk considerably. The Model 3’s seatbacks fold flat, too, providing an uninterrupted cargo floor for hauling larger items. With the rear seats folded, the Model 3 provides enough room for 15 carry-on suitcases. There are also generously sized bins and cubbies throughout the cabin.
Although we question whether the name Autopilot might be misleading, the driver-assist system has one of the best feature sets in the industry, with smooth operation and impressive capabilities such as automatic lane changes. For more information about the Model 3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard adaptive cruise control
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Fuel Economy And Real
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 75-mph 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. For more information about the Model 3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Cost To Drivecost To Drive Estimates For The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range 4dr Sedan Awd And Comparison Vehicles Are Based On 15000 Miles Per Year And Energy Estimates Of $012 Per Kwh For Electricity And $446 Per Gallon Average In North Dakota
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. Check out our test team’s Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation of the Model 3’s performance, range and more.
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Instant Seamless Surge Of Power
One of Teslas claims to fame is an instant, seamless, and nearly silent surge of power when you stab the accelerator. The Model 3 is indeed a thrill ride, and Tesla claims the electric motor in the base model we tested can propel the car from 0 to 60mph in 5.3 seconds that’s more than enough power to pass slowpokes and easily merge onto the crowded and fast-moving SoCal freeways we tested the vehicle on.
The large battery under the floor gives the Model 3 a low center of gravity and excellent stability through turns you can adjust the steering feel to your preference as well. While the suspension isn’t as sporty as, say, a BMW, its reasonably responsive and handles most road imperfections well.
As mentioned, all versions of the Model 3 offer standard driver assistance features, but the highlight is the Autopilot system that uses adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to accelerate, steer, and brake on the highway. It works better than most so-called semi-autonomous systems, and displays all of the relevant information on the dashboard screen in real time. It’s impressive technology, if somewhat distracting.
Our test car didnt come with the optionaland controversialFull Self-Driving feature that enables the car to change lanes, pass slower vehicles, and make turns autonomously. If you want it on your vehicle, it costs an additional $12,000.
Range Charging And Battery Life
Three distinct Model 3 trims are offered, each with a different estimated driving range. The base rear-wheel drive model is the most affordable, with a claimed range of 272 miles. Upgrading to the Long Range or Performance models increase the Model 3’s estimated range to 315 miles for the Performance and an impressive 358 for the Long Range. 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.
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What Do People Think Of The2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2022 Model 3 Long Range 3.7 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2022 Model 3 Long Range.
What’s It Like To Live With
Edmunds 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.
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Where This Vehicle Ranks
The base rear-wheel drive model is a good value, but its 272 miles of estimated driving range may not be enough to eliminate range-anxiety for some drivers. We’d recommend the Long Range model that offers an estimated 358 miles of driving per charge. All Model 3s come standard with heated front seats, navigation, and Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system.
Big Screen Lots Of Functionality
The interior has a very modern, almost austere feel because Tesla doesnt use traditional gauges and includes only a few physical controls. The 15-inch touch screen handles nearly every vehicle setting, and you use the steering wheel’s scroll and push controls to change settings such as audio volume, as well as to adjust the side mirrors and headlights. This control setup is a stark departure from traditional switches and dials, and requires a bit of an adjustment.
The sheer volume of functions that you control via the 15-inch screen can be overwhelming at first, but after a few days with the Model 3, we adjusted to it. That said, you may find it distracting to look up and tap through multiple menus while you drive.
Cellular connectivity enables cloud-based voice commands, navigation , a Wi-Fi hotspot, a web browser, and over-the-air updates. You can listen to music via the AM/FM HD and satellite radio use Bluetooth to stream audio wirelessly or download various music streaming apps such as Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn.
The Model 3 doesnt support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Instead, it makes you use a custom smartphone platform to access content from a connected device via Bluetooth or USB. This platform isn’t as seamless as Android Auto or CarPlay and doesn’t offer as many app options. But the ability to connect your phone wirelessly via Bluetooth is a plus, and all of the most important functionality is available.
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