Overview
With a sleek new look, an attractive estimated driving range, and an accessible price tag, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 remains a compelling choice for new car buyers who want to go green. The electric sedan changed the rules of the game when it debuted for the 2017 model year, as it brought EV pricing down far enough to fit into the budgets of a broader swath of U.S. households. It’s not perfect though; the Model 3 has suffered from poor fit-and-finish from the outset, its cabin is snug, and its standard equipment list is missing desirable features such as Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Model 3 also lacks physical controls for almost all functions. Aside from a steering wheel, pedals, and window switches, there are few buttons; to do simple things such as adjust the exterior mirrors or steering column you must interact with the large infotainment display on the dashboard. Unfortunately for Tesla, a rash of rivals have launched an assault into its territory, and they’re making headway: the BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2 all provide similar packages at similar prices with fewer compromises.
What’s New for 2024?
The Model 3 has received a welcome styling refresh for 2024, complete with a sleeker front end, a quieter cabin, and updated standard features. While the changes to the Model 3’s styling are small, they make a big impact, and the car looks fresher and more upscale than before. The interior receives updated materials that are said to be of better quality; Tesla also claims to have used more sound-deadening materials and installed more acoustic glass to help drown out road noise. The steering wheel has been redesigned and the steering column sheds blinker and transmission-shifter stalks, while the seats wear a new perforated upholstery and support ventilation for front-seat riders. Rear seat passengers are now treated to their own 8.0-inch display with which to adjust climate controls or even watch Netflix. The Model 3 Performance also receives similar updates and now boasts 510 horsepower (up from 455), 296 miles of estimated driving range, an adaptive suspension system, a dedicated Track driving mode, upgraded brakes, sport seats, and a staggered wheel and tire setup.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
As with most EVs, the Model 3 gains speed quickly, smoothly, and almost silently, with the electric motor providing a strong punch from a stop. And it’s fast—extremely so in some trims. 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 road noise inside the cabin as the tires thwack and thrum over pavement imperfections. The new-for-2024 Performance trim ups the ante with a host of upgrades. This model is the only Model 3 that comes with a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers. The Performance model’s all-wheel drive powertrain pumps out a combined 510 horsepower and Tesla has upgraded the brakes and installed a staggered set of wheels and tires.
0–60-MPH Times
The 60 mph time for the Model 3 Long Range in our test was 4.1 seconds. We have not tested the entry-level Model 3, which comes with a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, but it is expected to be a bit slower than the all-wheel drive Long Range model. The 2024 Performance trim has more power than the pre-facelift version and Tesla claims a 60 mph of just 2.9 seconds. When we get a chance to test that claim for ourselves, we’ll update this story with details.
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. Buttons on the steering wheel control things like the exterior side view mirrors, the position of the steering column, and even the turn signals—and we wish those controls were of the conventional design instead. 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 positioned low and are cramped and uncomfortable; don’t expect adults to be able to spend long periods of time in them. Folding the 60/40 split-folding rear seats is simple and expands the trunk space 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.
