The Model 3’s first generation is a long one, but this EV has continued to evolve over the model years. Here’s a look at the major changes Tesla made to its midsize sedan according to model year. Unmentioned model years weren’t substantially different from the year before!
2024
This Model 3 rolled out some exciting updates, including sleeker exterior styling and redesigned interior. Although the exterior tweaks are small — with new front-end styling and taillight design — the overall effect is big, giving the Model 3 a fresher, more luxurious vibe. Inside, you’ll enjoy higher-quality cabin materials. A new wraparound dashboard design features integrated ambient lighting. Tesla also added sound insulation to this EV sedan, creating a quieter cruise than before. Better still, ventilated front seats became standard equipment.
Other new features for 2024 include a rear-seat 8-inch touchscreen, giving rear-seat passengers easy access to climate and infotainment controls. They can even watch Netflix on it! A new steering wheel does away with shifter and blinker stalks in favor of digital controls. And seating upholstery is newly perforated.
When you choose the Performance trim, you’ll enjoy more power than ever, with a battery that supplies 510 horses and a 296-mile range. The new Performance also comes standard with front sport seats, a staggered wheel and tire setup, adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and a Track driving mode!
2022
For 2022, the base Standard Range Plus trim was renamed once again, becoming the Standard Range Rear-Wheel-Drive trim. This model also features a new lithium-ion phosphate battery, replacing its outgoing nickel-cobalt aluminum version and boosting range to 272 miles. The mid-level Long Range trim also travels further on a full battery charge, with a 358-mile range.
2021
For 2021, the Tesla Model 3 increased battery range for all three trim models:
- Standard Range Plus/base: 263 miles
- Long Range: 353 miles
- Performance: 315 miles
A few coveted features joined the standard lineup, including a wireless smartphone charger. These EVs also sport a brand new look, with stain black exterior trim and your choice of new wheel designs.
Tesla also updated quite a few features for the 2021 Model 3, which introduced a power-operated trunk lid, redesigned center console featuring two wireless smartphone charging pads, and magnets to secure sun visors in place. Mid-model year, Tesla renamed the Standard Range Plus, making it the base Model 3.
2019
Initially, the previous Model 3 trim models (the Mid Range Battery, Long Range Battery, and Performance) carried over with their same names. Mid-year, however, those names changed to Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance.
While the standard Range Plus is otherwise exactly like the Mid Range Battery trim, its battery range drops slightly, from 260 to 250 miles. This year’s Long Range Battery/Long Range trim comes standard with dual motors and a 322-mile battery range. The high-octane Performance can travel 310 miles between charges.
Unlike previous models, the 2019 Model 3 comes standard with Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot equipment. And the 450-horsepower Performance model now comes standard with the previously optional Performance Upgrade package. It includes 20-inch wheels with summer tires, upgraded brakes, a carbon-fiber spoiler, and lowered suspension. Plus, it boosts the Performance’s top speed to 155 mph (up from 145 mph).
2018
Tesla introduced three Model 3 trim models: Mid Range Battery, Long Range Battery, and Performance. Like the original Model 3, the Mid Range Battery model is available with rear-wheel drive, and it offers 258 horses and a 260-mile range.
Meanwhile, the Long Range Battery sedan features — you guessed it — a new long-range battery pack with an estimated 310-mile range. With a single-motor setup, this Model 3 supplies 258 horsepower. With the newly available dual-motor setup, the Long Range Battery trim supplies 346 horses and all-wheel drive.
Choose the Performance trim for standard dual motors and incredible speed, with a 450-horsepower output.
2017
The first-ever Model 3 debuted as a five-passenger sedan with a single electric motor, churning out 258 horses and delivering an estimated battery range of 310 miles. Its single trim model is handsomely equipped, with modern features that include dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming mirror, and a 15-inch central touchscreen with built-in navigation and real-time traffic updates! Models with the Premium Upgrades package are increasingly stylish, featuring Tesla’s famous panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.