The Best Midsize Tesla Cars
The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s lone midsize option, but it offers a nearly unmatched combination of power, range, and accessibility.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for a midsize sedan from Tesla, Elon Musk offers you one option—but the Model 3 indeed may be an offer you can’t refuse. You’ll get plenty of speed, a unique and tech-forward cabin, excellent electric range, and a starting price that makes all-electric driving accessible to the masses.
The idea of a midsize car might not get you excited, but the Tesla Model 3 is not your typical midsize. Its innovative styling and sublime handling make the Model 3 an ideal electric vehicle (EV) to parade in front of your slack-jawed neighbors and colleagues.
Read on as we walk through everything that makes the Tesla Model 3 midsize EV so great.
2022 Tesla Model 3
In case you haven’t noticed,
Tesla
is kind of a big deal. The electric carmaker has arguably done more to make electric vehicles a viable alternative to gas-powered cars than any other auto manufacturer. While most Tesla models are expensive for the average car buyer, the Model 3 represents a luxury midsize sedan with a (relatively) affordable price. It typically even qualifies for federal tax credits up to $7,500.
What’s more, you get a lot with this Musk-approved midsize vehicle. The Model 3 is a well-rounded performance sedan with excellent safety ratings that looks more expensive than it actually is.
Pricing
The 2022 Tesla Model S starts at $48,440 for the base rear-wheel-drive trim. The price jumps to $59,440 for the Long Range model, which offers the best range of all three trims. The fastest model, the top-tier Performance trim, starts at $64,440.
MORE: Tesla Model 3 towing capacity
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Performance
No matter the trim, the Model 3’s performance is excellent, with the base rear-wheel-drive trim boasting smooth acceleration and nimble handling courtesy of its single electric motor that makes 271 horsepower. All Model 3 trim levels provide a low center of gravity (thanks to the Model 3’s battery pack housed under the floor) providing a stable driving feel and good grip on corners. The ride is firm but not stiff, and the steering is satisfyingly accurate.
If you opt for the Model 3 Long Range, its power is ramped up considerably, with 425 horsepower and 475 maximum torque, resulting in a 0 to 60 time of just 5.1 seconds. Upgrade to the Performance edition, and prepare to be gobsmacked by its 455 horsepower and 487 maximum torque—capable of a toe-curling 0 to 60 time of 3.5 seconds.
Fuel economy
We know what you’re thinking—what fuel? Even though the all-electric Model 3 scoffs at the idea of gas power, EVs still get miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent ratings (MPGe). And surprise, surprise—the Model 3 does very well.
As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), here’s how the Model 3 scores for all three trims:
- Rear-Wheel Drive: 138 MPGe city / 126 MPGe highway / 132 MPGe combined
- Long Range: 134 MPGe city / 126 MPGe highway / 131 MPGe combined
- Performance: 118 MPGe city / 107 MPGe highway / 113 MPGe combined
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Gifts for Tesla owners
Interior and tech
The Model 3 offers a unique and utterly minimalistic take on an interior cabin, with smooth faux leather upholstery and a practically barren dashboard, save for a glittering 15-inch touchscreen that controls nearly everything.
The front bucket seats are comfortable and spacious, and the driver's seat is power-adjustable. Overall, the cabin has an airy, comfortable feel, but the rear seats are a bit cramped compared to up front. That said, the rear seats fold flat for increased cargo capacity, and there are plenty of bins and cubbies to store your (and your passengers’) stuff.
A few notable omissions from Tesla’s tech offerings are the lack of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius Satellite radio, or even AM radio (twas not to be, ham radio enthusiasts). That said, the Model 3 does come standard with several internet streaming radio stations, built-in navigation, heated front and rear seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB ports, and Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous drive mode.
Also, for those times you’re twiddling your thumbs as your Model 3 charges up? The center console touchscreen offers Netflix and YouTube connectivity, as well as several arcade games.
Safety and reliability
The Tesla Model 3 scores top safety marks across the board, with both a five-star
safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Plus award. The Model 3’s Autopilot mode boasts exterior cameras and traffic adaptive cruise control, as well as automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning as standard equipment. JD Power gives the Model 3 a reliability rating of 78/100, which is decent but not top-notch.
Trim levels
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 comes in three trim levels—the base RWD, the Long Range, and the Performance. While the RWD is the most “pedestrian” of the three, there is still plenty to love about the base Model 3, including its 18-inch wheels, panoramic glass sunroof, and 271-horsepower electric motor.
The Long Range trim is the all-electric range-topper, capable of 358 miles on a single charge. It is also all-wheel drive. You’ll get a 13-speaker premium sound system and floor mats, too.
With the Performance trim, you get the most pickup the Model 3 offers—455 horsepower—and an excellent all-electric range to the tune of 315 miles on a single charge. A carbon-fiber rear spoiler, sport suspension, high-performance brakes, and track mode also come standard.
Competitors
It seems like every carmaker these days has Tesla in its sights as they unveil electric vehicles of their own. So, here are the Model 3’s most worthy competitors:
Model | MSRP | Base powertrain | Fuel economy | Safety ratings | Reliability ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$52,395 to $68,295 | 281-hp single electric motor w/ one-speed automatic transmission and RWD | 99 MPGe city / 100 MPGe highway / 98 MPGe combined | N/A | N/A | |
$44,000 | 225-hp single electric motor w/ RWD | 132 MPGe city / 98 MPGe highway | N/A | N/A | |
2022 Polestar 2 | $47,200 to $51,200 | 231-hp 1.5-liter single electric motor w/ one-speed automatic transmission and FWD | 107 MPGe city / 113 MPGe highway / 100 MPGe combined | 5 stars (NHTSA) | N/A |
$32,495 to $35,695 | 266-hp single electric motor w/ one-speed automatic transmission and FWD | 118 MPGe city / 127 MPGe highway / 108 MPGe combined | 5 stars (NHTSA) | N/A |
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The bottom line
If you’re looking for an all-electric midsize sedan, the Tesla Model 3 fits the bill and is relatively affordable to start. The Model 3 is noted to have some workmanship issues regarding its exterior battery, but that is nit-picking when considering the overall picture of a midsize electric sedan that's well worth the money.
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