First shown in Europe and then China, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 finally comes to America. It differs from last year’s model with a revised exterior, more interior comfort and convenience features, and improved range.
For now, the only models available are the rear-drive Standard Range and AWD Long Range. The Performance trim will arrive later in the year, but Tesla has not yet said when.
The Model 3 is still the one to beat in the world of electric vehicles (EVs). Not that there aren’t competitors trying to do just that. In this price range, buyers can opt for a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Volkswagen ID.4, or Polestar 2, all of which have more intuitive interior designs with more traditional controls for things like climate and audio. However, only the Ioniq 6 can beat the Model 3 in range, at least on paper.
The Model 3 lost its $7,500 tax credit eligibility this year due to new battery sourcing guidelines. The Polestar 2 and Mustang Mach-E also don’t qualify, but Volkswagen says it’s confident the ID.4 will be eligible for some tax credit by the time it goes on sale. Be sure to check with your dealer, as the situation seems constantly in flux.
The entry-level Tesla Model 3 Standard Range rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the least expensive trim and has the shortest range (272 miles) and slowest 0-60 mph time (5.8 seconds). Opting for the Model 3 Long Range brings standard all-wheel drive, a larger battery pack, an estimated 341-mile range, and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds.
Prices are current at the time of publishing.
What’s New:
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 receives a modest exterior refresh, most noticeable around the headlights and taillights. The interior features a new steering wheel, upholstery, trim, upgraded seats, audio, plus extensive sound deadening. Ambient lighting helps warm things up, as does a large 8-inch rear touchscreen display for regulating climate controls or watching movies.
Our Recommendation:
The Long Range trim offers better range than the base Model 3. It’s also faster, with better winter traction and an improved sound system, making it our choice.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range
Starts at $38,990 | See 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range for Sale
- 272-mile range
- Rear-wheel drive
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Fixed glass roof
- Dual wireless charging pad
- 15.3-inch digital display
- 8-inch rear seat display
- Autopilot
- See more
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Starts at $45,990 | See 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range for Sale
- 341-mile range
- AWD
- 17-speaker premium audio
- 4.2-second 0-60-mph time
- See more
2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range: $38,990
The Model 3 Standard Range is powered by its rear wheels and is the least powerful of the two trims but the most affordable.
The Model 3 offers a choice of five colors, but only Stealth Gray is a no-charge option. Pearl White Multi-Coat and Deep Blue Metallic add another $1,000 to the price, Solid Black costs $1,500, and Ultra Red bumps the price by $2,000.
Interior color choices trend to the stark side, limited to black or a $1,000 upgrade to black and white.
The Model 3 is fundamental when it comes to features. It includes LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated power side mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Rear, front, and side cameras provide a 360-degree view for the Sentry Mode system, which can record the movement of other vehicles or people around the Model 3 when parked.
There’s a front trunk (sometimes called a “frunk”) beneath the manually operated hood and more storage beneath the power-activated rear decklid.
A keyless entry system turns your phone into a key fob, unlocking the doors and allowing you to drive. The phone app also lets you set the interior climate while you’re away, schedule maintenance, or locate the vehicle.
The Model 3 includes a massive fixed-glass roof that makes the cabin feel open and bright but doesn’t have a sunshade. The glass is heavily tinted, blocking out 99% of UV light.
The Model 3 touts 12-way power heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and dual wireless charging pads.
Perforated vegan leather upholstery looks and feels like leather and is easy to clean.
In place of an interior door handle, occupants push an electric button to open the doors. There’s also a manual override in case you run out of juice.
Every feature is viewed or controlled via a massive 15.4-inch center touchscreen. Via the screen, the driver sees vehicle speed, battery level and usage, climate controls, wiper settings, and infotainment features. Even opening the glove box requires using the touchscreen.
The screen includes several fun features, like creating a whoopie cushion sound effect at any seating position or posting a message for passing pedestrians, letting them know a pet inside the car is safe and enjoying the A/C. There’s even an option to display a roaring fire on the screen while warm air gently blows from the vents. Camp Mode keeps heat or A/C functional overnight using minimal battery power. Sentry Mode monitors suspicious activity around the vehicle and responds, either sounding an alarm, recording what’s happening outside the car, or alerting you via phone.
A second 8-inch touchscreen lets rear-seat passengers control climate functions or stream a movie.
Regarding infotainment, the Model 3 has a 9-speaker Premium audio system, FM HD Radio, Bluetooth streaming, and native support for Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. However, AM radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM remain unavailable, although if you have them as apps on your phone, you can stream them.
The Premium Connectivity package requires a subscription but is the best way to connect with apps like Spotify or Audible. A Premium subscription includes satellite view navigation maps, live traffic visualization, video and music streaming (video not for use when driving), Caraoke, internet browsing, and Live Camera, which grants access to external cameras.
With Live Camera, you can see what’s going on around your car and honk the horn, flash the lights, or speak directly through a speaker, chasing off would-be thieves and vandals.
The Tesla system also includes over-the-air (OTA) updates, constantly updating the car with the latest Tesla technology and power usage improvements.
On the safety front, the Model 3 comes standard with Autopilot, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control are also part of the Model 3’s standard driver-assist features.
Buyers can opt for 19-inch wheels and tires, but doing so will slightly decrease the overall range to 248 miles.
An Enhanced Autopilot option costs $6,000 and adds auto lane change, auto parking, the ability to navigate while using adaptive cruise control, and Smart Summon, which can automatically pull the Model 3 out of its parking space and bring it to where you are waiting.
The Full-Self Driving Capability Package costs $12,000 and brings fully autonomous driving plus the ability to stop at stoplights or stop signs automatically.
Home charging equipment is not included and will run you another $475 for a wall charging unit and $230 for a mobile connector.
Adding in the $1,390 delivery fee and nonrefundable $250 ordering fee, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range costs $40,630. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing with $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $767. See 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range models for sale near you
2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range includes:
Heated and ventilated seats – Heated and cooled front and heated rear seats, including the back middle seat, are an unexpected but welcome addition.
15.4-inch touchscreen – This massive touchscreen is the control center for nearly every Tesla feature. It puts all controls in one convenient place, creating a simple yet elegant dash.
Available autonomous driving – This optional upgrade permits hands-free driving on approved highways and roads. The Model 3 can steer, brake, accelerate, change lanes, and exit the freeway without driver input when using the navigation system.
2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: $45,990
The Long Range employs two electric motors to bring all-wheel-drive traction to the Model 3. It also increases the Model 3’s estimated range to 341 miles and adds a more robust 17-speaker audio system, including dual subwoofers and amplifiers.
Opting for the 19-inch wheel upgrade reduces the Long Range model’s expected range to 305 miles.
Adding the $1,390 delivery fee and nonrefundable $250 ordering fee, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range costs $47,630. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing with $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $899. See 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range models for sale near you
2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range includes:
More power – The dual-motor AWD system makes the Model 3 even faster, while its larger battery pack increases the range over the base rear-drive model.
Upgraded audio – The Long Range’s 17-speaker audio system includes dual subwoofers for great depth and bass reproduction.
Fixed glass roof – A massive glass roof puts the sky in full view without buffeting winds or an occasional errant bug.
