By: Otaiba Ahsan

The Tesla Model 3 was originally introduced in 2018, and within three years it became a household name in the electric vehicle (EV) space. Fast forward to today, the company has launched the refreshed Model 3, also known as the Highland edition. With all its new bells and whistles, you may be asking yourself: Which Tesla Model 3 should you buy? Continue reading for more.

Before You Read

Before we look at the different options available from Tesla, let’s set out some guidelines to make this an easier read. The stated ranges and prices will be based on the default options Tesla provides for each vehicle. For example, the Rear-Wheel Drive comes standard with 18’ wheels and the Stealth Gray paint before any add-ons.

Another important factor is that the range estimates Tesla displays are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and of course, these numbers are subject to change based on several factors. These include climate, type of tires, driving style, and more.

NOTE: We’ve created a simple guide on some of the positive changes for the refreshed Tesla Model 3. It’s worth having a look as you read through this as well.

Lastly, these values will be based on what’s currently on Tesla’s site for their brand-new 2024 models and are therefore subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date numbers, visit the Tesla Site. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive in!

Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3

This is the only trim with a single-motor setup. Although it’s the cheapest, it still provides a ton of value for what you get. Here are the highlights:

Price: Currently, Rear-Wheel Drive comes in at $50,990 before any Federal or Provincial tax incentives.
Range: The EPA estimated range is 438 km, which makes this a great daily driver if you’re using it for a commute and local driving, with a charging setup at home.
Speed: Although it’s the slowest one out of the three, it still boasts a 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 s, has a top speed of 201 km/h and has 283 horsepower.
Exterior: Has the standard new look of the refreshed Model 3 such as the new headlights, taillights, and overall sleeker look. However, it doesn’t come with a spoiler.
Interior: Comes with an updated interior, featuring LED lighting, a refreshed center console, a rear touchscreen, ventilated seats, and more.

Overall, this option brings exceptional value and is an excellent option for a daily driver, especially if you’re able to get some Federal or Provincial rebates.

Long-Range Model 3

The most popular choice amongst the three trims, you can’t go wrong with the dual-motor Long-Range model as a starter EV. Here’s what you get:

Price: Added range comes with a higher price tag. This trim starts at $60,990 before any Federal or Provincial incentives.
Range: It’s 548 km of range on a full charge makes this the best amongst the three options.
Speed: Two motors bring you a 0 to 100 km/h of 4.4 s, a top speed of 201 km/h, and the vehicle also has 384 horsepower.
Exterior: Has the standard new look of the refreshed Model 3 such as the new headlights, taillights, and overall sleeker look. However, it doesn’t come with a spoiler.
Interior: Comes with an updated interior, featuring LED lighting, a refreshed center console, a rear touchscreen, ventilated seats, and more.

The added range of this option makes it the most popular. This makes taking road trips a lot easier, and overall helps reduce anxiety over the battery losing its charge, all while still providing an extremely fast car.

Performance Model 3

The priciest model of the three, but the most fun. Here’s what comes with the car:

Price: The dual-motor Performance model is currently $69,990 before any potential Federal or Provincial incentives.
Range: Coming in at second for range out of the three options, with a respectable 476 km. The added performance means you have to trade off some of the range.
Speed: This car has a lightning 0 to 100 km/h, coming in at 3.1 s, as well as a top speed of 262 km/h, and has 510 horsepower.
Exterior: Has the standard new look of the refreshed Model 3, such as the new headlights, taillights, and overall sleeker look. However, this one comes with a spoiler.
Interior: Comes with an updated interior, featuring LED lighting, a refreshed center console, a rear touchscreen, and ventilated seats. Additionally, the seats are also redesigned in this vehicle to look more sporty.

If you’re an enthusiast for speed and car performance, then this is the trim for you.

The Bottom Line

Which Tesla Model 3 should you buy? Well, it depends entirely on your lifestyle needs. If you’re looking for a daily driver for the best price among the three available models, then the Rear-Wheel Drive is for you. When how far the vehicle can travel on one charge is a priority, then the Long-Range trim is ideal. Lastly, if you want a slightly more luxurious feel, with the best speed and power, then the Performance model is the way to go.