2022 Tesla Model 3 Review, Performance, Range, Pricing, specs| Tesla Model 3 Pros and Cons

Overview

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 electric car is a great choice for those who want a vehicle with a high level of performance, range, and affordable pricing. The Model 3 is fast, especially in the Performance trim. It also has a lot of driving range. This makes it an electric vehicle that even non-technical drivers like ourselves can support. It was even named on our 2022 Editors’ Choice list.

The Model 3’s range is impressive at 358 miles per charge with the mid-level Long Range trim. It doesn’t need to be charged every day. The Model 3’s attractive entry price does not unlock its full potential. Its fit and finish aren’t as good as other options like the Chevy Bolt or Ford Mustang E. There is no better way to park one of Tesla’s innovative EVs in your driveway than this.

What’s new for Tesla Model 3 in 2022?

Last year’s Standard Range model has been renamed Rear-Wheel Drive and given a new battery pack that uses lithium-ion-phosphate instead of nickel-cobalt-aluminum. This entry-level battery pack is less dense in energy than the previous one, but it has a longer range of 272 miles. The Long Range trim increases its estimated driving range to 358 miles per recharge.

Although the base rear-wheel-drive model is the most affordable, its 272-mile driving range may not be sufficient to alleviate range anxiety for all drivers. The Long Range model offers 358 miles per charge and is recommended. All Model 3s include heated front seats, navigation, and Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot driving system.

2022 tesla model 3 performance

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Model 3 is smooth and quiet, as with all EVs. The electric motor provides strong power even when the vehicle is stopped. It’s also fast, some trims even faster. Rear-wheel-drive Long Range model was able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The Model 3 Performance accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds-0.5-second quicker than, our long-term Model 3 Long Range.

The Model 3 has a low center of gravity, just like all Teslas. It can change directions quickly and feels planted in corners. Three settings allow you to adjust the amount of steering effort. The steering is precise and well-weighted. The ride is smooth and firm, but not harsh. However, the tires make a lot of noise as they thwack on uneven pavement.

• Estimated to be 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds
• 20-inch wheels
• Carbon-fiber rear spoiler
• Aluminum pedals
• Sport suspension
• High-performance brakes
• Mode of driving that is track-oriented

Tesla Model 3 range, Charging, and Battery Life

There are three Model 3 trims available, each with an estimated driving range. Base rear-wheel-drive models are the most affordable and have a range of 272 miles. The Model 3’s range is increased to 315 for Performance models and 358 for Long Range. This distance is not easy to reach, as we found in our long-term Long Range Model 3 test car. There are many options available for charging the Model 3. These include Tesla’s Supercharger network, adapters for DC public charging stations, 240-volt and 120-volt outlets, as well as a home-charging station.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA rates the Model 3 in a range of 113 to 141 MPGe. However, our test vehicle managed to get 84 MPGe on the 75-mph highway fuel economy test. The Model 3 has aluminum wheels with plastic aerodynamic hubcaps. We wanted to see how the hubcaps affect the car’s driving range so we tested them and found that they did more than expected. For more information on the Model 3’s fuel economy visit The EPA’s Website.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo

The interior of the Tesla Model 3 is unlike any other car currently on the market. The interior is simple, with almost everything controlled via the monolithic touchscreen at the dashboard. Because the Tesla has a low, flat floor, it feels spacious and airy inside. Although the front seats are comfortable and supportive, the rear seats are uncomfortable and cramped.

Adults shouldn’t be expected to spend much time in them. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat is easy to fold and opens up the trunk significantly. The Model 3’s seatbacks can be folded flat to create a cargo area for larger items. The Model 3 has enough space for 15 carry-on luggage, even with the rear seats folded. The cabin also has plenty of bins and cubbies.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Model 3 does not have Bluetooth or USB connectivity, but it is available with AM radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. There are many internet-streaming radio options. It is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Model 3 has many entertainment options to make waiting for charging stations more bearable.

Safety and driver-assistance features

We are not sure if the name Autopilot is misleading. However, the driver assistance system has one the best feature sets in its class, with smooth operation, impressive capabilities, and automatic lane changes. The Model 3’s crash test results can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites. These are the key safety features:

• Automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although Tesla’s warranty coverage is the longest in the EV sector, it’s disappointing that it doesn’t cover corrosion protection. The Long Range model offers an additional 20,000-mile coverage for its drive and battery components.

• Limited Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
• The warranty on powertrains is valid for eight years or 100,000 miles
• There is no complimentary maintenance

Tesla Model 3 Specs

• Performance: Long Range AWD, Rear-Wheel Drive
• Battery: Standard Range
• Acceleration: 5.8s 0-60 mph
• Range: 272 miles (EPA est.)
• Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
• Seating: 5 Adults
• Wheels: 18″ or 19″
• Weight: 3,862 lbs
• Cargo: 23 cu ft
• Displays: 15″ Center Touchscreen
• Supercharging Max/ Payment Type: 170 kW max; Pay Per Use
• Onboard Charger Max: 7.6 kW max (32A)
• Warranty: Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first
• Battery & Drive Unit: 8 years or 100,000 mi, whichever comes first

EXPAND LIST

Partial Premium Interior	Power adjustable front seats
Heated front and rear seats	Heated steering wheel
Premium seat material and trim	Upgraded audio – immersive sound
Premium Connectivity (30 days included)	Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
Power folding, heated side mirrors	Music and media over Bluetooth
Custom driver profiles	Center console with storage, 4 USB ports, and wireless charging for 2 smartphones
Premium Interior	Power adjustable front seats
Heated front and rear seats	Heated steering wheel
Premium audio – 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amps, and immersive sound	Premium Connectivity (30 days included)
LED fog lamps	Interior floor mats
Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection	Power folding, heated side mirrors
Custom driver profiles	Center console with storage, 4 USB ports and wireless charging for 2 smartphones

Technology

What’s the technology? The Model 3 navigation display is remarkable due to its size and it’s among the few that utilizes Google Maps data in real-time. It can result in sporadic data when you’re in regions with weak reception. However, the interface is simple to navigate. This Autopilot Traffic-aware Cruise and Lane management system is one of the most effective systems in the market. Cruise control can even slow down for curving in the direction of travel (though it can be a little cautiously).

The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a major disadvantage when compared with other smartphones. Bluetooth can be the sole option to connect your phone to the audio world but it’s not always as reliable as connected using USB. However, you can play media (usually only when you are parked) from sites like Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube directly to your information system.

Storage

What’s the storage capacity? The Model 3’s trunk is able to hold more than you’d think because of a wide passageway and similar SUV-style rear seats. The trunk’s size (12.3 cubic feet) isn’t a lot, especially when compared to other electric vehicles that are popular However, we were amazed by what it was able to fit — a mountain bike for example. Model 3 is also one of the only vehicles that are available with an opening trunk in the front, offering 2.7 cubic feet.

Inside, the cabin storage is quite adequate. The front cupholders aren’t equipped with anti-tip tabs and the bottles and cups won’t be able to fit in a snug way. Seat anchors for cars are placed in between the seat cushions So you need to be careful not to scratch the leather when you hook up. Once you have it in, rear-facing seats will be able to fit under a driver of average size.

2022 tesla model 3 long-range Efficiency

Model 3 Standard Range Plus that we evaluated. EPA estimates of range and efficiency have been revised slightly however, our general conclusions are still valid. The Model 3’s efficiency is excellent. The Model 3’s estimated efficiency by EPA is fantastic, particularly in terms of its performance. This Standard Range Plus’ EPA combined rating of 24 kWh per 100 miles beats the efficiency of the majority of EVs such as those the Chevrolet Bolt, BMW i3, and Kia Niro. Its EPA range is impressive in the 250-mile range for Standard Range Plus. Standard Range Plus, though we were unable to meet this goal in our real-world test.

Real-world Range Test Model 3’s real-world range test, Model 3 went 232 miles before having to recharge at 18 miles less than that EPA estimate. Other cars in the class generally outperform their estimates of range in our tests. In contrast, our test of the Model 3 was slightly more efficient than the EPA’s figure. We calculated an average in the range of 23 kWh/100 miles (the less the number is, the greater efficient your vehicle is). This is quite puzzling when you consider that Tesla was unable to meet its goal of a range of 100 miles.

Tesla Model 3 wheels

20 Inch Niche Gamma M190 in Matte Black on a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance. Shop These Wheels. 20 inches Ohm Proton Silver w/ Mirror Face (Rotary Forged) on 2018 Tesla Model 3. Shop These Wheels. 20 inches Staggered Ace Custom Alloy Driven Brushed Candy Apple Red w/ Satin Black Face on a 2017 Tesla Model 3 w/ specifications.

Base Model 3

It provides an estimated 272 miles range with fully charged along with:

• Rear-wheel drive
• 7.6-kW onboard charger
• 170 kW max Supercharging
• Tesla estimates 0-60 mph to take 5.3 seconds
• 18-inch wheels
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Panoramic glass roof
• Keyless entry and begin
• Front seats that can be adjusted with power
• Heated seats, both in the rear and front.
• Heated steering wheel
• The wireless charging of two phones
• 15.-inch touch screen with navigation
• Tesla’s Autopilot (suite of assistance for drivers, which includes the exterior camera and adaptive cruise control that adapts to traffic)