The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is the company’s most affordable electric vehicle, basic in features by Tesla standards but still light years ahead of the competition. Considered a compact by EPA standards, the Model 3 can hold a surprising amount of cargo, although its rear seat is annoyingly cramped. It offers three distinct trims denoted not by their feature content but by range and acceleration. While still more expensive than competitors like the Kia Niro, Volkswagen ID.4, and Nissan Leaf, the Model 3 can easily outrun, out tech, and outdistance all of them.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (Original starting price when new: $37,990)
See today’s prices on 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus models for sale near you
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus starts at $37,990.
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the least expensive trim in the lineup. It features a 54-kWh battery pack and electric motor for an estimated output of around 340 horsepower.
The Standard Range Plus has its electric motor placed between the rear wheels. This design frees up additional cargo space under the hood (sometimes called a “frunk” for “front trunk”) and permits a low, flat cargo floor.
The base Model 3 comes standard in white, with black, silver, blue and red paint costing extra. Standard equipment includes a power-operated rear trunk, heated power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, a fixed panoramic glass panel roof, and a choice of three distinct 18-inch wheel designs. Owners can use a phone-based app to unlock the car or a credit card-sized key that only needs touch to the car’s center pillar. Once inside, putting the car in gear requires merely tapping the card on the center console.
Inside the Standard Range Plus is the Partial Premium interior offered in white or black vegan leather. It includes 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual smartphone charging pads, a power heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and electronic push-button door openers.
The Model 3’s interior is unlike any car you’ve previously driven. The dash is devoid of buttons and knobs with no instrument cluster directly in front of the driver. Just about every feature is controlled through the large 15-inch touch screen or via the steering wheel-mounted roller switches.
There are controls for the climate, audio, and various features unique to Tesla within the touch screen. You can access a Toy Box screen allowing you to play gags on your fellow passengers, like making the sound of a Whoopee Cushion placed on the seat. Occupants can access video arcade games, Netflix, or YouTube when the vehicle is stationary. You can even have a video of a crackling fire play on the screen while the car raises the climate control temperature to simulate warmth coming from the fire.
The standard audio system includes an 8-speaker system with a Limited Immersive Sound system allowing custom settings for music beyond bass and treble control. However, in typical Tesla form, the system doesn’t include an AM radio or access to SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.
However, you can stream music from a smartphone via apps like Spotify and apps within the Tesla system. You can also access navigation via satellite maps with live traffic visualization.
It helps to be tech-savvy when operating the system, but you can also use voice control to get where you need to go. You can control nearly every feature via voice command, including regulating the climate control, switching on the heated seats, locking and unlocking the doors, and the list goes on. You can even watch tutorial videos embedded in the owner’s manual, digitally stored and accessible only via the 15-inch touch screen.
Standard safety equipment beyond the mandated airbags and anti-lock brakes include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-departure warning.
Also standard is Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot that can steer, accelerate and brake the vehicle on roads where lane markings are visible. The system’s eight surround cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors allow the system to operate safely, avoiding cars and other obstacles.
The surround cameras can also monitor and record incidents around your vehicle while you’re away. Dubbed Sentry Mode, the system can store the recorded video to a flash drive in the glove box.
Optional on the Standard Range Plus is Full Self Driving Capability. This upgrade includes full autonomous highway driving from on-ramp to off-ramp, including interchanges and overtaking slower traffic. The system can automatically change lanes, recognize stop signs and traffic lights, and automatically parallel or perpendicular park the Model 3.
Also part of the self-driving package is the Smart Summons feature that summons the Model 3 from its parking spot and drives to where you’re waiting. The vehicle must be within visual range, and if it hits another car or pedestrian, you’re on the hook, not Tesla.
Who is this trim level for? The Standard Range Plus appeals to those looking for the lowest possible price and who don’t need all-wheel drive, additional range, or the added features in the higher trims.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus includes:
- Autopilot – Semi-autonomous driving mode can steer, brake, and accelerate without driver intervention.
- 15-inch touch screen – The command center inside the Model 3, this impressive display allows complete control of all the car’s features, making it easy to operate whatever you need.
- Heated seats and steering wheel – Two excellent features to have when it gets bitterly cold outside.
- Smart Summons – Can automatically start and drive the Model 3 to where you’re waiting, a nice feature to have such as when it’s pouring rain.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range (Original starting price when new: $46,990)
See today’s prices on 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range models for sale near you
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range starts at $46,990.
The Model 3 Long Range adds a more robust 75-kWh battery pack extending the range to 353 miles and producing faster acceleration times. It also gets a second electric motor up front, making the Model 3 an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
In addition to the Standard Range Plus features, the Long Range gains a 14-speaker audio system with a subwoofer and the Full Immersive Sound system. A Premium interior brings upgraded upholstery and heated rear seats, while an 11.5-kWh onboard charger means faster charging times when using a Supercharging station. LED fog lights are also standard.
Optional equipment includes 19-inch wheels and the Full Self Driving package.
Who is this trim level for? The Long Range is probably the best trim, offering better performance and range over the Standard Range Plus, as well as more features and the sure-footed traction of all-wheel drive.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range includes:
- Premium sound – This 14-speaker system includes a powered subwoofer and two amps, plus the fantastic sound tuning properties of Tesla’s Immersive Sound.
- 75-kWh battery – The more powerful battery pack gives the Long Range a zero-to-60-mph time of just 4.2 seconds and a total driving range of 353 miles.
- Heated rear seats – Help keep backseat passengers warm and cozy.
- AWD – The all-wheel-drive system in the Long Range significantly improves traction on wet or dry pavement, helping it corner and handle like a small sports car.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance (Original starting price when new: $54,990)
See today’s prices on 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance models for sale near you
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance starts at $54,990.
The Performance trim is the most potent Model 3, with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.2 seconds but a slightly lower overall range of 315 miles.
Like the Long Range, the Performance comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also gets a lowered suspension, performance brakes, a carbon-fiber spoiler, Track driving mode, and 20-inch wheels.
Who is this trim level for? The Performance is for people who value speed over range. Those looking for the ultimate thrill of driving a Tesla should pay the extra cash and go for this trim.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance includes:
- 20-inch wheels – Look sharp and provide larger tires for better handling.
- Lowered suspension – Improves performance and limits lean during high-speed cornering.
- Performance brakes – Brembo performance brakes at all four wheels offer greater stopping power even at high speeds.
- Track mode – Modifies the traction control, regenerative braking, cooling, and stability programs for maximum performance on an enclosed track.
