Tesla Model 3 Highland — Is It the Best All-Around EV You Can Buy?

Tesla Model 3 2026: Trim Overview

The Model 3 comes in three configurations for the US market:

Model 3 RWD: The Base Case

The Model 3 RWD uses an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack:

• 341 miles EPA range — exceptional for a base trim
• 5.8 sec 0–60 — still fast by any non-Tesla standard
• LFP battery: Charge to 100% daily (Tesla recommends this)
• Price: $38,990 before incentives

The RWD is eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, bringing the effective price to $31,490 for buyers who qualify.

Who it's for: Buyers who primarily charge at home and want the lowest cost of entry. If you don't regularly need to carry passengers in ice or snow, the RWD is perfectly capable.

Model 3 Long Range AWD: The Recommended Trim

The Long Range AWD is the most popular Model 3 configuration:

• 358 miles EPA range — the highest in the lineup
• 4.2 sec 0–60 — substantially quicker than base
• NMC battery: Set daily charge limit to 80–90%
• Heated rear seats (not on RWD)
• Ventilated front seats (not on RWD)
• Price: $45,990

The LR AWD is also eligible for the $7,500 federal credit, landing at $38,490 effective.

Model 3 Performance: The Track Trim

The 2024+ Model 3 Performance received significant upgrades:

• 2.9 sec 0–60 — quarter mile in ~10.9 seconds
• 315 miles range — trade-off for performance hardware
• Track Mode — adjustable torque vectoring
• Upgraded Brembo brakes — larger calipers, better fade resistance
• 19-inch Überturbine wheels
• Adaptive suspension — Sport and Comfort modes
• Price: $50,990

2023 Model 3 Performance: The pre-Highland Performance was slower (0–60 in 3.1 sec) with a less refined interior. Factor that into used pricing.

Tesla Model 3 Colors: All Options

Model 3 Interior & Infotainment

The Highland refresh substantially improved the Model 3 interior:

What changed in the Highland:

• Ambient lighting (front and rear) — 64-color customizable strip
• New center console with larger covered storage
• Redesigned rear climate vents with dedicated rear screen
• Softer door panel materials
• Improved acoustic glass (quieter highway driving)
• New steering wheel design
• 15.4" center touchscreen (same as Model Y Juniper)

Rear seat experience: The Model 3 is a true 4-adult car. At 6'0"+ you'll have adequate but not generous rear legroom.

Tesla Model 3 Battery & Range

• Model 3 RWD battery: ~60 kWh usable (LFP chemistry)
• Model 3 LR AWD battery: ~82 kWh usable (NMC chemistry)
• Model 3 Performance battery: ~82 kWh usable (NMC chemistry)

Model 3 Top Speed

Model 3 Cabin Air Filter

2018 Model 3: Is It Worth Buying Used?

The 2018 Model 3 was the first mass-production year. Key considerations:

• Hardware: HW2.5 or early HW3 — older Autopilot hardware
• Battery: Typically 220–240 miles remaining after years of use
• No Highland features: Pre-2024 interior, older center console