The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: US$36,990 (Standard RWD, US) · A$54,900 (Premium RWD, Australia, before on-roads) Official range: 309–363 miles (EPA) · up to 750 km (WLTP, Premium Long Range RWD) 0–60 mph: 2.9–5.8 seconds depending on version (Tesla figures) Peak DC charging: 225–250 kW Safety: 5 stars Euro NCAP (2025) · 5 stars ANCAP (2025) Overview The Model 3 is Tesla's midsize electric sedan, and the "Highland" update that entered production in September 2023 is still the current version. It suits buyers who want long range, low running costs and simple road-trip charging without moving to an SUV. For 2026, Tesla added a cheaper, simpler Standard trim in the US and a Long Range RWD version in Australia. Design & Interior The Highland update brought slimmer lights, a smoother nose and a much better-finished cabin. Reviewers praise the soft-touch materials, ventilated front seats on Premium versions and the 8-inch screen for rear passengers. Nearly every function still runs through the central touchscreen, including gear selection, which Australian testers found fiddly when parking. Early Highland cars used steering-wheel buttons for the indicators. Edmunds reports that a conventional stalk has returned on 2026 US cars, and Tesla sells a retrofit for 2024–25 US cars. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not available. The US Standard trim removes the rear screen, ventilated seats, FM radio, power steering-column and mirror adjustment, and Autosteer. Driving Every version feels brisk, and Tesla claims 2.9 seconds to 60 mph for the Performance. Edmunds quotes 4.8 seconds for the Premium RWD and 4.2 seconds for the Premium AWD. Steering is quick and body control is tight, so it remains one of the more satisfying EVs to drive on a winding road. Frequency-selective dampers and softer springs make the ride calmer than before. Testers still note a thump over sharp road joins and large speed bumps. Acoustic glass and quiet tyres keep noise low on the highway. Australian reviewers found the rear-drive version can struggle for traction in the wet. The US Standard trim does without the frequency-selective dampers. Range & Charging Efficiency is the Model 3's biggest strength. EPA ratings run from 309 miles for the Performance to 363 miles for the Premium RWD, with the Standard at 321 miles. In Edmunds' real-world tests the Premium RWD covered 393 miles and the Standard 339 miles, both beating their EPA figures. In Australia, the Premium Long Range RWD is rated at 750 km on the WLTP cycle with 18-inch wheels. CarExpert recorded 13.3 kWh/100 km in that car, close to Tesla's claim. Peak DC charging is 250 kW, or 225 kW for the US Standard. Tesla's Supercharger network remains the easiest in the industry for long trips. Practicality A sedan can't match a hatchback or SUV for bulky loads, but the Model 3 uses its space well. Edmunds measures 24.1 cubic feet of total cargo space, including a 3.1 cubic-foot front trunk and a deep underfloor well. CarExpert lists 594 litres in the boot and 88 litres in the front trunk. Rear legroom is tighter than in many rivals, although headroom suits most adults. Two deep centre-console bins handle small items. Safety Euro NCAP awarded five stars in 2025: adult occupants 90%, children 93%, vulnerable road users 89% and safety assist 87%. ANCAP's five-star rating, issued in May 2025, covers cars built since September 2023, with scores of 90%, 95%, 89% and 88%. NHTSA gives the 2026 model five stars overall and in every category. In IIHS testing, the updated moderate overlap front test was rated Acceptable and seat belt reminders Marginal. It does not currently hold an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Verdict The Model 3 remains the benchmark for range, efficiency and charging convenience at its price. The Highland changes made it quieter, better finished and more comfortable without dulling its handling. The US Standard trim is good value if you can live with fewer features. The screen-based controls, lack of smartphone mirroring and snug rear seat are the main reasons to consider a rival. How we rated it Range 4.5 (class-leading efficiency and charging network) · Performance 4.0 (quick and agile, firm over sharp bumps) · Safety 4.5 (five stars from Euro NCAP, ANCAP and NHTSA, weaker IIHS results) · Comfort 3.5 (quiet, but tight rear legroom and touchscreen-reliant controls) · Overall 4.0. Sources EPA range figures (fueleconomy.gov): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=50251&id=50038&id=50037&id=50036 US lineup, prices and specs: https://evchargingstations.com/chargingnews/2026-tesla-model-3-all-versions-compared/ Australian pricing: https://www.evee.com.au/blog/2026-tesla-model-3-australia-price-specs-range/ CarExpert, Australian range update: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-tesla-model-3-now-australias-longest-range-ev CarExpert review: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2026-tesla-model-3-premium-long-range-rwd-review Edmunds review: https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/model-3/ InsideEVs, Standard trim range test: https://insideevs.com/news/783143/tesla-model-3-standard-beats-epa-range/ InsideEVs, indicator stalk retrofit: https://insideevs.com/news/775189/tesla-model-3-us-turn-signal-stalk-retrofit/ Euro NCAP 2025 assessment: https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/tesla/model+3/1110/ Drive, ANCAP rating: https://www.drive.com.au/news/tesla-model-3-earns-new-five-star-safety-rating-after-hiatus-for-latest-model/ NHTSA rating (2026 RWD): https://api.nhtsa.gov/SafetyRatings/VehicleId/22553 IIHS ratings: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/tesla/model-3-4-door-sedan/2026