Review:

Say what you will about Tesla and its leader, Elon Musk—and there’s
a lot to unpack—but the Model 3 electric car changed the rules of the EV game.
Its relatively affordable price, impressive driving range, and strong
performance have made it a big seller and kept it competitive against a rising
tide of new electric offerings from the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and
Polestar 2. Our own long-term review of the Model 3, as well as multiple test
cars, has shown that build quality is just as good. In SUV land, some drivers
will certainly prefer the Model Y SUV but the Model 3 is easy to live with and
fun to drive. The Long Range model offers an estimated range of 358 miles, so
in our minds, it’s the one to buy, even if we’re impressed by the Performance
trim’s extra power and racier looks.

What is new for 2023?

For now, nothing has changed for the 2023 editions of Tesla’s
ultra-affordable model. However, reports suggest that the electric sedan could
receive a styling refresh soon—though given Tesla’s history, the updated Model
3 might not be ready until the 2024 model year.

EV motor, power, and performance:

As with most EVs, the Model 3 accelerates quickly, easily, and
almost silently, with the electric motor providing a strong punch from a stop.
And it’s fast—in some extremes. The rear-wheel drive Long Range model we tested
went from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Model 3 Performance rockets to 60
miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds—0.5 seconds faster than our long-term Model
3 Long Range. Like all Teslas, the Model 3 places its battery under the floor,
which results in a low center of gravity. This helps it to change direction
crisply and feel planted and stable in corners. Steering is accurate and
weighted, with three different settings that adjust the level of steering
effort. The ride is stiff without being stiff; Without the noise of a
gas-powered engine, however, you do hear a fair amount of road noise inside the
cabin as tires melt and thump over pavement imperfections.