Verdict
B
Saloon · USA · 2017-Present
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 — spec data and generation history.
Years
2017-Present
Generations
2
Segment
Saloon
Tesla's volume saloon — launched in the US 2017, UK 2019. Single mid-size battery platform, single body style, three trims: Standard Range Plus / RWD, Long Range AWD, Performance AWD. Highland refresh (early 2024) brought new front and rear styling, removed the indicator stalks (controversially) and added rear-passenger touchscreen. The car that mainstreamed the EV — sub-$100k entry, 300+ mile real-world range on Long Range, single-pedal driving, OTA updates. Build quality has improved generationally — early 2018-2020 cars had panel-gap issues, 2021+ much better. Performance with Track Mode does 0–60 in 3.1 seconds.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
Pre-Highland 2017-2023 → Highland 2024-Present
Range +30 miles
Cabin noise quieter
Indicator stalks removed
Rear screen added
Steering wheel round again
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2017-2023
Pre-Highland
→
Performance AWD — 510 bhp, 0-60 in 3.1s.
Verdict
B
BHP
510
0–60
3.1 s
Top
162 mph
MPG
0 mpg
Used
$23,000-$44,000
- + Best charging network in UK (Supercharger)
- + OTA updates
- − Cabin minimalism polarising
- − Build quality variable on early cars
2024-Present
Highland
→
Performance AWD — 510 bhp, 0-60 in 2.9s.
Verdict
B
BHP
510
0–60
2.9 s
Top
163 mph
MPG
0 mpg
Used
$41,000-$70,000
- + Quieter cabin (acoustic glass)
- + Round steering wheel returns
- − Indicator stalks removed
- − Stalkless gear-select divisive
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2017-2023 · Pre-Highland
- Panel gaps and paint quality on early cars
- 12V battery failures (until LiFePO4 update)
- Touchscreen MCU eMMC failures (early 2018-19)
- Steering yoke option (2021+) divisive
- Heat-pump valve faults on cold starts
2024-Present · Highland
- Indicator stalk removal — controversial
- Rear-passenger screen cabling rattles
- Software Stalkless behaviour relearning
- Acoustic glass — replacement cost on stone-chips
Rivals
BMW i4 · Polestar 2 · Hyundai Ioniq 6 · BYD Seal