After a successful launch in 2017, the Tesla Model 3 has rapidly climbed the industry's ranks, becoming the best-selling EV in the United States, only to be surpassed by its larger Model Y sibling. With impeccable crash test ratings, notable all-around performance, and pioneering connectivity, Tesla Model 3 is one of our all-time favorite cars.
Impressive sales figures have also resulted in a large number of second-hand Tesla Model 3s becoming available, providing great value for EV buyers. However, trying to understand the differences between available model years, batteries, drivetrains, and other options can feel overwhelming – especially for a first-time buyer.
Below, we go over each available model year and explain the differences in available trim and software options. You can easily check what trim and software options a particular Tesla Model 3 has by using the vehicle's touchscreen:
1. Click the vehicle icon to open settings
2. Navigate to the "Software" tab
3. Click "Additional Vehicle Information"
What Tesla Model 3 Model Years Are Available?
2017 Tesla Model 3
Beginning deliveries in the third quarter of 2017, the Model 3 was Tesla's most anticipated vehicle yet. For its initial rollout, Tesla offered only one configuration: a long-range battery with a rear-wheel drive. This 2017 Tesla Model 3 was quoted to have 310-mile battery range and 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.
Features
- Premium Interior with Alcantara Headliner
- Autopilot Safety Features
Available Trims
- Long Range RWD (310 miles of range, 5.1 seconds to 60 mph)
2018 Tesla Model 3
For the 2018 model year, the Tesla Model 3 received three additional trims: a less-expensive Mid Range option, and more expensive Long Range Dual Motor and Long Range Performance options. The Long Range Performance trim made 450 horsepower and could accelerate 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Features
- Premium Interior
- Autopilot Safety Features
Available Trims
- Mid Range RWD (260 miles of range, 5.2 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range RWD (310 miles of range, 5.1 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (310 miles of range, 4.5 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (310 miles of range, 3.5 seconds to 60 mph)
2019 Tesla Model 3
2019 was the year in which the Tesla Model 3's price became much more attainable. In early 2019, Tesla offered six Model 3 configurations: Standard Range, Standard Range Plus, Mid Range, Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance. The Standard Range Model 3 started at $35,000, but was available in limited quantities only. By mid-2019, Tesla stopped producing the Mid Range and Long Range RWD options, leaving only four Model 3 trims.
In 2019, Tesla also introduced the "Partial Premium" package, included in the Standard Range and Standard Range Plus trims. This more stripped down feature package would make the Standard Range options more affordable. It included most of Model 3's standard features, but excluded options such as heated rear seats, subwoofer, and fog lights.
Features
- Partial Premium Interior (Standard Range and Standard Range Plus)
- Premium Interior (Mid Range, Long Range, and Performance)
- Autopilot Safety Features (pre-April 2019 builds)
- Autopilot (post-April 2019 builds)
Available Trims
- Standard Range RWD (220 miles of range, 5.6 seconds to 60 mph)
- Standard Range Plus RWD (240 miles of range, 5.3 seconds to 60 mph)
- Mid Range RWD (264 miles of range, 5.2 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range RWD (325 miles of range, 5.0 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (310 miles of range, 4.5 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (310 miles of range, 3.2 seconds to 60 mph)
2020 Tesla Model 3
At the turn of the decade, Tesla made just minor improvements to its lineup. Toward the end of 2020, Tesla also stopped producing its base Standard Range RWD, leaving only three available Model 3 trims.
Features
- Partial Premium Interior (Standard Range and Standard Range Plus)
- Premium Interior (Long Range and Performance)
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- Standard Range RWD (220 miles of range, 5.6 seconds to 60 mph)
- Standard Range Plus RWD (250 miles of range, 5.3 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (322 miles of range, 4.4 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (299 miles of range, 3.2 seconds to 60 mph)
2021 Tesla Model 3
Tesla upgraded the 2021 Model 3 with a series of visual and comfort upgrades. Most notably, Tesla removed the exterior shiny chrome trim in favor of satin black, upgraded the center console, ditched the gloss black interior accents, and introduced a power trunk. Along this came performance and range upgrades, making the Model 3 more competitive than ever.
Features
- Partial Premium Interior (Standard Range and Standard Range Plus)
- Premium Interior (Long Range and Performance)
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- Standard Range Plus RWD (263 miles of range, 5.3 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (353 miles of range, 4.5 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (315 miles of range, 3.1 seconds to 60 mph)
2022 Tesla Model 3
For the 2022 model year, Tesla replaced the Standard Range Plus with the RWD trim. The RWD version included an LFP battery pack, which decreased driving performance slightly but improved battery efficiency significantly. The LFP battery pack also allowed drivers to start charging their Model 3s to 100% on a regular basis, making the charge limits unnecessary. Moreover, the 2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD was quoted at 358 miles on a single charge.
Features
- Partial Premium Interior (RWD)
- Premium Interior (Long Range and Performance)
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- RWD (272 miles of range, 5.8 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (358 miles of range, 4.2 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (315 miles of range, 3.1 seconds to 60 mph)
2023 Tesla Model 3
During the first half of 2023, Tesla completed a series of price adjustments to its new vehicle sales and limited the sales of its Long Range Model 3. However, from May 2023 onward, Tesla has been back to its three-trim line up with Tesla Model 3 RWD, Long Range, and Performance.
Features
- Partial Premium Interior (RWD)
- Premium Interior (Performance)
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- RWD (272 miles of range, 5.8 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range (325 miles of range, 4.2 seconds to 60mph)
- Performance (315 miles of range, 3.1 seconds to 60 mph)
How Tesla Model 3 Trims Differ in Practice?
So far, Tesla has manufactured Model 3s in seven different battery and drivetrain configurations. Below, you can find simple descriptions for each of these trims.
Standard Range RWD
Offered briefly starting in 2019, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range was the firm's least expensive offering. Starting at $35,000 as new, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range was effectively a software-downgraded Standard Range Plus, only available off-the-menu through Tesla sales centers. It was missing features such as Immersive Sound and certain navigation-related items. Moreover, it had a range of 220 miles and a zero-to-sixty time of 5.6 seconds. Overall, the Standard Range RWD is a great daily drive at an affordable price.
Standard Range Plus RWD
The Model 3 Standard Range Plus was Tesla's volume model. Offering between 240 and 263 miles, depending on the model year, the Standard Range Plus attracted a new audience due to its relatively low price tag. It offered a rear-wheel drive setup and could accelerate to 60 in 5.3 seconds. Tesla eventually eliminated the Standard Plus ahead of the LFP-powered RWD model's entrance in late 2021.
RWD
Equipped with an LFP battery pack, the Model 3 RWD is the only Model 3 trim featuring LFP battery technology – at the time of writing this guide in April 2023. While the RWD trim's LFP battery pack is heavier than the outgoing Tesla Model 3s' NCA batteries, it offers superior efficiency and allows drivers to charge up to 100% on a regular basis. This means that there is no need to worry about charge limits and the full range of the battery is available for daily driving.
Mid Range RWD
Mid Range RWD was Tesla's entry-level Model 3 before the Standard Range options were introduced in 2019. Unlike the Standard Range Plus, the Mid Range offers the full features suite of the Premium Package. It could accelerate to 60 in 5.2 seconds and travel around 260 miles on a single charge. Tesla eventually canceled the model in 2019.
Long Range RWD
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range rear-wheel drive was the first Model 3 trim available. Offered from 2017 to 2019, this trim was a pioneering force in terms of EV range and performance. With between 310 and 325 miles miles of range and a 0-to-60 mph time of five seconds, the Long Range RWD served as the intermediary model between the Mid Range and the Long Range all-wheel drive trims.
Long Range AWD
Tesla's longest-range Model 3 trim is the Long Range AWD, with a solid 358 miles of range. Despite its lengthy range figure and impressive battery specs, the Long Range can accelerate to 60 in "just" 4.2 seconds.
Performance AWD
Model 3 Performance is arguably the most impressive Tesla Model 3 yet. With a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds and over 300 miles of range, the Model 3 Performance is a paradigm for both high performance and solid efficiency.
