2026 Tesla Model 3 review

The Tesla Model 3: still an electric icon, even if it’s playing second fiddle to the Model Y’s SUV stardom.

Tesla’s Model 3 Hit the Brakes: October 2025 sales plummeted. Deliveries skidded to a mere 5,597, a staggering 61.33% drop from the 14,475 cars that flew off lots in October 2024.

While other EVs sputtered, the Model Y surged. Clocking in at 17,972 registrations by October’s end, it outsold competitors threefold. Yet, even this dominance feels muted, barely edging past last year’s figures with a meager 1.31% increase – a testament to the shifting tides of the electric vehicle market.

Tesla’s reign in range is under siege. A new wave of challengers, spearheaded by ambitious Chinese brands and increasingly emboldened legacy automakers, are closing the gap. The battleground? Price and powertrain, where performance metrics like raw power, driving range, charging speed, and innovative combinations thereof are the new weapons.

Compounding Tesla’s woes, the Model 3’s sedan silhouette is fighting a losing battle against Australia’s insatiable appetite for SUVs and dual-cab utes – vehicles that aren’t just trending; they’re practically national obsessions.

Forget what you thought you knew. The <strong > 2026 Tesla Model 3</strong> is back, and the game has changed. We’re diving deep into the entrylevel RWD – is this still the sweet spot in an evolving electric landscape?

Do good things still come in 3s? Let’s find out.

How much does the Tesla Model 3 cost?

Entry into Tesla ownership begins with the Model 3 RWD, a compelling electric sedan. Starting at a cool $54,900 plus on-road costs, it’s your most accessible gateway to emission-free driving and Tesla’s cutting-edge technology.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Tesla Model 3 RWD | $54,900 | | 2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD | $61,900 | | 2026 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD | $80,900 |

The competition is heating up! The sleek BYD Seal, starting at $46,990, already throws down the gauntlet. But hold onto your hats Mazda’s all-electric 6e is charging onto the scene in 2026, promising a similar price pointunder$55,000. The future of electric sedans just got a whole lot more interesting.

To see how the Tesla Model 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Tesla Model 3 like on the inside?

The Model 3 was one of the first vehicles to bring the minimalist, screen-centric interior to the world.

Once divisive, now definitive: Tesla’s cockpit design has become the gold standard, especially for EVs. Automakers are scrambling to mimic its tech-centric layout, hoping to capture the hearts (and wallets) of discerning tech enthusiasts.

The driver’s view is dominated by a steering wheel ripped straight from a video game console, complete with indicators shoehorned into spoke-mounted buttons. Thankfully, the refreshed Model Y ditches this quirky setup for a traditional stalk – a welcome change that most drivers will likely embrace.

Forget the gauges, ditch the head-up display. This car throws out the rule book, making its stunning 15.4-inch touchscreen the undisputed king. Everything, save for what you can tweak from the steering wheel, flows through this captivating command center.

The touchscreen is a dazzling portal, bursting with crisp visuals and colours that pop. Stepping into Tesla’s world is like ditching your old flip phone for a spaceship console. The interface, unlike anything you’ve seen, might initially feel like piloting a rocket, even for digital natives like myself.

Imagine: fingertip access to your world. A sleek, permanent toolbar graces the screen’s bottom edge, keeping your favorite apps and essential functions always within reach. Plus, instant climate control – adjust the temperature without ever leaving your flow.

The initial setup is a breeze, but prepare to wrestle with a labyrinthine menu when tweaking the finer details. Adjusting something as simple as the steering wheel position or mirrors becomes a frustrating digital treasure hunt, a design choice that feels utterly backwards.

Forget gear sticks; now we’re swiping into Drive. But that touchscreen gear selector? A sleek idea in theory, a fumble-fest in practice. Executing a quick three-point turn becomes a digital dance of up-swipes and down-swipes, adding precious seconds (and a dash of frustration) to maneuvers that should be second nature. Give me the satisfyingthunkof a real gear lever any day.

The interface is a breath of fresh air: crisp graphics and intuitive menus mean you’re never more than a tap or two away from what you need. Forget CarPlay or Android Auto – the integrated voice assistant, seamless navigation, and built-in Spotify make this system a joy to use.

Clever storage solutions abound. Below the infotainment screen, find a dedicated charging tray, keeping your phone juiced and within easy reach. The center console boasts cavernous cubbies, perfect for stashing everyday essentials. Oversized cupholders, complete with grippy surfaces, prevent spills on even the bumpiest roads. And don’t overlook the generously sized door bins, adding even more practicality to the interior.

Gone are the days of panel gaps wide enough to lose a credit card. Tesla’s build quality has undeniably leveled up. Now, the interiors whisper "almost premium," a far cry from the early days of visible imperfections.

Beyond the sheet metal, the real surprise separating the Model 3 and Model Y lies in the back seat. Forget the plush comfort you expect; the Model 3’s rear seating pales in comparison to the surprisingly spacious and supportive throne offered in the Y.

Taller occupants might find themselves doing a bit of a knee-high tango in the back. The lower stance and sleek roofline steal some headroom, a trade-off for style. However, the expansive panoramic roof cleverly claws back a sense of spaciousness, flooding the rear with light and preventing that claustrophobic cave feeling.

Forget boring backseats. The refreshed Model 3 transforms its rear cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen command center. Passengers can now fine-tune their climate, fire up the seat heaters, and dive into a world of on-demand entertainment – videos and games included – making every journey a fun-filled escape.

Bluetooth lets you stream to two headsets, keeping the peace on long drives. Down below, dual USB-C ports keep devices juiced. But make no mistake, the driver reigns supreme: the front display monitors and locks the rear screen. Thinking of splurging on the optional white leatherette with little ones in tow? Proceed with caution! Luckily, ISOFIX anchors on the outer rear seats, plus top-tether points across all three positions, offer peace of mind when safety comes first.

The Tesla Model 3 boasts a cavernous 682 litres of cargo space, cleverly divided between the traditional boot and the iconic "frunk." Hidden beyond the main floor, discover two discreetly placed side nooks, perfect for stashing smaller essentials.

Lift the boot floor, and you’ll discover a hidden treasure: a surprisingly generous cubbyhole. Think of it as your secret stash for smaller bags or a tangled web of charging cables. Flat tire? Sadly, like most EVs in this price range, you’re armed only with a tire repair kit – MacGyver skills not included.

| Dimensions | Tesla Model 3 | | — | — | |Length| 4720mm | |Width| 1933mm | |Height| 1441mm | |Wheelbase| 2875mm | |Storage space| 682L |

To see how the Tesla Model 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Since there’s no combustion engine, there’s a storage area under the bonnet.

|Specifications|Tesla Model 3 RWD| | — | — | | Drivetrain | Single motor, rear-mounted | | Battery | 60kWh LFP | | Power | 208kW | | Torque | – | | Drive type | Rear-wheel drive | | Tare mass | 1761kg | | 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.1 seconds | | Energy consumption (claimed) | – | | Energy consumption (as tested) | 12.98kWh/100km | | Claimed range (WLTP) | 520km | | Max DC charge rate | 170kW |

A week of real-world driving – stop-start city crawls, open highway stretches, and neighborhood errands – pushed us close to 300km. The result? An energy efficiency figure that frankly, impressed us.

During my recent Model Y RWD test drive under comparable conditions, it sipped energy like a hummingbird, achieving a remarkable 15.3kWh per 100 kilometers.

To see how the Tesla Model 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Tesla Model 3 drive?

Two weeks, back-to-back, living the Tesla life in a Model Y then a Model 3. Before this, my Tesla experience was practically zero. Now? I finally understand the electric buzz sweeping Australia.

Forget the hype, forget the SUVs. If the Model Y impressed, the Model 3thrills. Trading height for sleekness, this sedan hugs the road, transforming every curve into an invitation. The lower center of gravity isn’t just a spec; it’s a visceral rush, turning mundane commutes into exhilarating drives.

The Model Y felt quick; the Model 3 feels like a caffeinated hummingbird. It doesn’t just respond; it anticipates. Melbourne’s pothole-riddled streets? The 3’s suspension soaks them up with surprising grace, turning urban decay into a strangely comfortable ballet.

The moment I slid into the driver’s seat, the difference was palpable: a newfound smoothness, a subtle grace. The redesigned body seemed to slip through the air, silencing the wind’s usual bluster. After a week behind the wheel of the Model Y, the quirks faded, the cabin felt like home – though I still fumbled for the blinkers, stubbornly perched on the steering wheel.

Tesla’s ‘Juniper’ Model Y revamp brings back the stalk, and honestly, it’s a relief. Those steering wheel-mounted indicator buttons? Cute idea, terrible execution. More often than not, you’d be fumbling for the horn and accidentally signaling a turn.

Forget gliding the Model 3flowsover tarmac that would have other EVs chattering your teeth out. Unlike its bigger sibling, the Y, which sometimes mistakes firmness for finesse, the 3 finds the sweet spot. Potholes? Construction zones? Speed humps designed to punish? The Model 3 shrugs them off with an almost disdainful grace. It’s a masterclass in ride comfort, a beautifully balanced dance between responsiveness and refinement on real-world roads.

Forget usability quirks; this machine dances. Razor-sharp steering, a chassis that laughs in the face of body roll, and rear-wheel drive a recipe for driving bliss. Silent, yes, but hardly sedate. This is brisk, dynamic transportation that rewards a heavy right foot.

Even the entry-level model packs a punch. Tesla boasts a 6.1-second sprint to 100km/h, but the electric motor’s instant torque will have you zipping through city streets feeling like you’re breaking the sound barrier.

Inside, the cabin hushes external chaos to a muted whisper. Wind and road noise barely register, a testament to the car’s insulation. However, even with the more forgiving 18-inch wheels, coarser road surfaces send a subtle, rhythmic thrum through the tires, a constant, low-frequency reminder of the asphalt beneath.

Even without Tesla’s headline-grabbing Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, the driver-assistance tech in our test car was impressively intuitive. Think adaptive cruise control that anticipates traffic flow, lane-keep assist that gently guides you, and blind-spot monitoring that acts as a vigilant co-pilot. Tesla’s standard safety features don’t just meet expectations, they redefine them with seamless functionality and user-friendly design.

The parking cameras aren’t just cameras; they’re eyes everywhere. Seamlessly weaving video feeds with the Model 3’s parking sensors, they construct a real-time panorama of your car’s environment, turning tricky parking spots into child’s play.

Give me a good old-fashioned 360-degree view any day. Sure, the tech tries hard, and it’s surprisingly good at spotting lane lines and rogue shopping carts. But "surprisingly good" isn’t "perfect," especially when you’re trusting it with your paint job. And as for parking? Get ready to wrestle with that touchy gear selector. You’ll be begging for a good old-fashioned lever before you’re parallel parked.

To see how the Tesla Model 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The Model 3 RWD is the entry grade in the lineup.

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2026 Tesla Model 3 RWD equipment highlights:

• 18-inch ‘Photon’ alloy wheels
• LED headlights with integrated fog lights
• Acoustic glass
• 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• Black interior
• Ventilated front seats
• Ambient lighting
• 8.0-inch rear touchscreen with climate, entertainment controls
• 9-speaker sound system
• Dual 65W wireless phone chargers
• Panoramic glass roof
• App connectivity
• Dog Mode

• Maintains cabin temperature

• Camp Mode

• maintains cabin temperature, keeps entertainment system on overnight

• Sentry Mode

• Monitors vehicle, notifies you of potential threats

To see how the Tesla Model 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Options

Several options and packages are available.

Available options for the Model 3 RWD include:

• Full Self-Driving (Supervised): $10,100
• 19-inch ‘Nova’ alloy wheels: $1800
• Black and White interior: $1500
• Diamond Black paint: $1500
• Deep Blue Metallic paint: $1500
• Stealth Grey paint: $1900
• Quicksilver paint: $2600
• Ultra Red paint: $2600

Is the Tesla Model 3 safe?

The updated Model 3 carries over the five-star ANCAP safety rating achieved by the original in 2019.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Parking sensors – front, rear
• Reversing camera

To see how the Tesla Model 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Tesla Model 3 cost to run?

Worried about your Tesla Model 3’s longevity? Relax. Tesla’s got your back with a solid four-year, 80,000km bumper-to-bumper warranty. But the real peace of mind comes from knowing your battery and drive unit are covered for a whopping eight years or 160,000km. Opt for the Long Range or Performance Model 3? Tesla sweetens the deal even further, extending the battery coverage to an impressive eight years or 192,000km. Drive with confidence.

| Servicing and Warranty | Tesla Model Y | | — | — | | Warranty | 4 years, 80,000km | | Battery warranty | 8 years, 160,000km – RWD 8 years, 192,000km – Long Range | | Roadside assistance | 4 years | | Service intervals | – | | Capped-price servicing | – | | Total capped-price service cost | – |

Keep your Tesla breathing easy and riding smooth! Schedule an A/C filter swap every two years. Plus, keep those tires happy with a rotation and wheel balance check every 20,000 kilometers – ensuring peak performance and a whisper-quiet ride.

Don’t forget about your Model 3’s brakes! To keep them performing flawlessly, schedule a brake fluid check every two years. If you live where winter bites, add a yearly check of your pads and discs to the routine – think of it as winterizing for stopping power.

To see how the Tesla Model 3 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Tesla Model 3

I’ve never been one to blindly follow the Tesla hype, but even I have to admit: these EVs are legitimately impressive. Forget personal preferences; the Model Y and its siblings are objectively excellent machines, and their lasting popularity speaks volumes.

Forget the bells and whistles. The real magic lies in the base Model 3. It’s the sweet spot: accessibly priced, thrilling to drive, and boasting ample range for everyday adventures. Plus, it comes loaded with features, saving you from the temptation of those wallet-busting upgrades.

Ready to ditch gas? The Model 3 is a slick gateway to electric driving. But let’s be honest, while efficient, it’s missing that certainsomething. That visceral thrill, the spark that ignites a driver’s soul. It’s a common EV ailment: the quest for electrifying performance without sacrificing genuine passion.

Forget the hype. The real Tesla magic resides in the RWD. It’s not just an entry point; it’s a perfectly poised dance partner on the road. Frankly, I’d take its delightful balance and sublime comfort over the Model Y any day.

Really, it’s the better car – it’s just not as popular because everyone wants SUVs.

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