Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Tesla Model 3 Review
Learn about the features, benefits and drawbacks of the Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 review
Specs and pricing
There are three Tesla 3 variants in Canada: Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range AWD and Performance.
Rear-Wheel Drive | Long Range AWD | Performance | |
---|---|---|---|
Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 3.3s | 4.4s | 6.1s |
Range | 507 km | 576 km | 438 km |
Top Speed | 261 | 233 | 225 |
Wheels | 20″ Überturbine Wheels | 18″ Aero Wheels 19″ Sport Wheels | 18″ Aero Wheels 19″ Sport Wheels |
The $59,990 Rear-Wheel Drive is the lowest-priced Tesla Model 3 in Canada. The $66,990 Long Range Model 3 has two motors, making it an AWD, though you can drive in FWD and RWD as desired. For the Performance model, you’ll have to pay $76,990. It doesn’t have the legs of the Long Range, but it does have various performance extras.
Overview
The Model 3 is a more affordable Tesla that delivers practicality, range and performance all in one neat bundle. Despite being a relative (the company was founded in 2003) newbie in the car market, Tesla is a leading innovator when it comes to making mainstream electric cars. There’s a Model 3 suited to almost everyone, with longer range capable variants for those who travel long distances or a performance model for drivers who want a genuinely potent car, that happens to be battery powered.Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
Car reviewers’ impressions of the Tesla Model 3 engine and transmission line-up
Though it isn’t the fastest Tesla on sale (the Model S boasts that accolade, with a bonkers 0–100 of 2.6 seconds), the Model 3 isn’t exactly slow either, even in standard form. In fact, reviewers said the acceleration was immediate and kicked you back into your seat. Fortunately, Tesla provides a “Chill” mode, for those who don’t need or want blistering pace from the off. Motoring experts found the Tesla worked on all roads, from crawling, traffic-peppered urban streets to fast country roads and highways.
Interior and equipment
The Model 3 specification is more or less on par with its rivals. However, you do get a few neat things that an electric car’s unique layout allows for. First, there’s the “frunk” or front trunk. You access the void under the front bonnet. Second, with no conventional transmission or prop shafts to house, there’s no hump in the rear.
The air vents work uniquely, all controlled via the central touchscreen. Here you can choose the direction of air travel. One super neat addition, especially considering how all controls are on the tablet-like display, is a screen cleaning mode that allows you to wipe the monitor without accidentally pressing all the buttons. One of the most commonly cited concerns was the omission of a spare wheel or flat tyre repair kit. Instead, there’s an underfloor well that serves as a storage place for the charging cables.
Essentially, it’s a minimal design, maybe the most pared-down passenger cabin on the market.
Underlining Tesla’s radical departure from established car manufacturing norms, the Model 3 has a series of easter eggs. These include things like a video game arcade (a controller may be required), sketchpad (lets you doodle when you’re parked and bored), Romance Mode blows hot air out of the vents while displaying a video of a roaring fireplace and Emissions Testing Mode turns each seat into a whoopee cushion. Yes, you read that correctly.
For the Long Range and Performance variants the Premium Interior is included. The Rear-Wheel Drive has the partial premium interior included.
Partial Premium Interior | Premium Interior |
---|---|
|
|
Tesla Autopilot, full self-driving option
All of the Tesla Model 3s come with Autopilot. The system is reportedly made up of rear, side and forward-facing cameras for 360-degree coverage. Forward-facing radar has a reach of 160 metres. There are also 12 ultrasonic sensors dotted around the car. In standard form, Autopilot allows the car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its own lane.
Tesla offers a full self-driving pack for the Model 3. This enables:
- Autopilot navigation – From the entry slip lane to the exit slip lane, as well as interchanges and overtaking
- Auto Lane Change – Automatic lane changing while motorway driving
- Auto Parking – Parallel and perpendicular parking
- Car summoning – Call your car in a car park and it comes to you
Verdict
It’s fair to say Tesla is the best-known EV carmaker and even those who aren’t really interested in cars have heard of it. It’s refreshing to see a relatively new company trying to shake things up and include some genuinely pioneering ideas in the automotive industry. The Model 3 received heaps of praise from motoring experts, who could find very little wrong with the press cars they drove.
Verified owners seem to confirm the findings that it is one of the most practical electric cars on the market. Everything about the car appears to be either in line with high-end European car rivals or perhaps even better. It may not be the cheapest EV, but it is one of the most polished offerings on the market. If you’re looking to buy a medium-size electric sedan, then you owe it to yourself to at least request a test drive of the Model 3.
Compare car loans to buy a Tesla
Pictures: Tesla
More guides on Finder
-
CarMonk review: Car purchase and financing platform
Buy cars online and get them delivered straight to your doorstep with this car purchasing and financing platform.
-
8 online car dealers in Canada
Compare the features of 8 online car dealers in Canada, including inventory sizes, serviced provinces and trial periods.
-
How to sell a car in BC
Find out how to sell your car in BC privately or to a dealer.
-
5 companies like Carvana in Canada
Carvana is a popular online car-buying platform in the US, but it’s currently not available in Canada. Here are 5 Carvana equivalents in Canada.
-
7 best sites to sell your car online in Canada
Here’s a look at the 7 best sites to sell a car online in Canada to get the highest offer.
-
The Loan Arranger review
Need a no-hassle car loan with quick approval? Get in-house or standalone financing with Ontario dealer The Loan Arranger.
-
East Coast Financing review
East Coast Financing is a dealer serving Atlantic Canada. Apply for a used car loan with good or bad credit, quick approval and no requirements for a down payment.
-
Compare fair credit car loans
Browse fair credit car loans in Canada. Apply online and get pre-approved within minutes.
-
401 Auto: Dealer and financing review
Shop with Ontario dealer 401 Auto and get in-house or private sale financing with good or bad credit.
-
Carity review: Online car-selling platform
Save money and time when you sell your car to a local dealer in Ontario with this hassle-free car-selling platform.