Tesla Model 3

The Electric Car for Everyone

The Tesla Model 3 revolutionized the electric vehicle market when it launched in 2017. As Tesla's first mass-market vehicle, it proved that electric cars could be affordable, practical, and desirable. With over 2 million units delivered worldwide, the Model 3 has become the best-selling electric vehicle in history.

The 2024 Highland refresh brought significant improvements to an already excellent vehicle. The updated exterior features cleaner lines, improved aerodynamics, and new LED lighting signatures. Inside, the cabin receives premium materials, enhanced sound insulation, and a redesigned center console with ambient lighting.

With a starting price of $38,990 before incentives and up to 400 miles of EPA-estimated range, the Model 3 offers unbeatable value in the electric sedan segment. Federal tax credits and state incentives can reduce the effective price even further, making it competitive with gasoline sedans.

The 2024 Highland refresh represents the most significant update to the Model 3 since its launch. The exterior features a new front fascia with a completely sealed nose for improved aerodynamics, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. These changes improve efficiency by reducing drag coefficient.

Inside, the cabin receives substantial upgrades including premium textile seats with ventilation, a redesigned center console with wireless phone charging, ambient lighting throughout, and significantly improved sound insulation. The rear seats now feature an 8-inch touchscreen display for climate control and entertainment.

The suspension has been retuned for improved ride comfort without sacrificing handling. New acoustic glass and additional sound dampening materials create a quieter cabin. These refinements elevate the Model 3 to near-luxury levels while maintaining its accessible pricing.

The 15.4-inch touchscreen serves as the command center for the Model 3, running a custom operating system that's faster and more intuitive than any other vehicle infotainment system. The display provides access to navigation, media, climate control, and vehicle settings with a clean, easy-to-use interface.

All Model 3 vehicles come standard with Autopilot, Tesla's advanced driver assistance system. This includes traffic-aware cruise control and autosteer for highway driving. Full Self-Driving capability is available as an upgrade, adding Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Summon features.

Premium Connectivity includes satellite-view maps, in-car streaming music and video, internet browser, and over-the-air software updates. The audio system features 17 speakers with immersive sound, while the glass roof provides an open, airy cabin feel.

The Model 3 offers significantly lower total cost of ownership compared to gasoline sedans. With electricity costing about one-third the price of gasoline per mile, most owners save $1,000-1,500 annually on fuel costs alone. Many regions offer off-peak electricity rates, reducing charging costs even further.

Maintenance costs are minimal thanks to the simplicity of the electric powertrain. There are no oil changes, transmission services, or spark plug replacements. Brake pads last significantly longer due to regenerative braking. Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles and cabin air filter replacement every 2 years as the primary maintenance items.

Federal tax credits up to $7,500 apply to new Model 3 purchases, while many states offer additional incentives ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Combined with lower operating costs, the Model 3 becomes financially competitive with gasoline sedans costing $25,000-30,000.