2019 Tesla Model 3 review
Tesla Model 3 highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Excellent performance and driver engagement
- Tech-rich, with over-the-air updates
Cons
- Large touchscreen can be distracting to use on the move
- Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth® but no Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay®
220 - 310 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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For 2019, the Tesla Model 3 adds more enjoyable-to-drive trim levels
The 2019 Tesla Model 3 is not only a great electric vehicle, but also one that genuinely stands up to scrutiny against gas-powered cars and even similarly priced luxury compact sedans. The Tesla Model 3 is able to out-accelerate, and out-drive, many respected rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. With more range than most EV competitors, as well as access to Tesla's Supercharger network, the Model 3 is fit for road trips, too.
The lineup offers several choices—Standard Range, Standard Range Plus, Mid Range, and Long Range—with EPA-estimated ranges from 220 miles to 310 miles. You can also choose rear- or all-wheel-drive models, with the top-of-the-line AWD Performance offering sensational performance. But all Model 3s are fun and fast to drive. They're loaded with technology, too, with all but essential driving controls accessed via a 15-inch touchscreen. It's relatively easy to operate but can be a bit distracting while you're driving. There are driver aids to help, though. Tesla's Autopilot cruise control system adds some useful assistance for highway driving. The Tesla Model 3's success among buyers is deserved—it's an impressive alternative to the typical premium sedans.
All Tesla Model 3 years
What is new for the 2019 Tesla Model 3?
- The Model 3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Standard Range and Standard Range Plus.
- Model 3 trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment this year.
- The Long Range trim now comes with Skylight(s) as standard equipment.
- The Mid Range trim now comes with Skylight(s), Cloth Seats, and Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment.
2019 Tesla Model 3 trims
Standard Range Plus (aka Mid Range Battery): Includes great features like 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and high beams, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 60/40-split folding rear seats.
Long Range (aka Long Range Battery): Adds loads of additional features like a panoramic glass roof, heated front and rear seats, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, wood interior trim, a premium audio system, and more.
Performance: Adds even more features like 20-inch wheels with performance tires, a sportier suspension, a carbon-fiber spoiler, better brakes, and a higher-speed limiter.
Tesla Model 3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Tesla Model 3
1. Long-range options
Planning your next journey in an electric car shouldn't come with compromises. The Standard Range and Standard Range Plus models for 2019 get an EPA-estimated 220 and 240 miles of range, respectively. Add to that an ever-evolving EV charging network and your next road trip may just be electric. The future is now!
2. Loads of tech
The Model 3 delivers all of the critical information via a massive 15-inch screen. With crisp resolution, an integrated navigation system, and some hidden fun, the Model 3 has various gadgets to keep every drive fresh and easy. You can even watch videos on that big screen while you're parked up or charging. It truly is a tech-focused vehicle in every aspect.
3 . AWD capability
Both the Long-Range and Performance Model 3 versions feature optional all-wheel drive, so your vehicle can be ready for whatever comes your way. Powered by super-responsive, independent electric motors, the Model 3 is designed to instantly control torque to the front and rear wheels. That can mean better handling, traction, and stability control, regardless of the scenario.
4. Performance
On the Performance trim, the Model 3 can go from zero to 60 mph in a blisteringly fast 3.1 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The electric future is definitely not boring. The Performance trim also has bigger brakes, a lower suspension, and more add-ons to make things that much more fun.
5. Practical interior
The 2020 Model Y's cargo space is pretty solid, with 43.6 cu ft with the rear seats folded. The number of storage options is significant, including additional storage under the rear cargo area, plus the front trunk ("frunk"). That means you can have plenty of room for your stuff on your all-electric road trip.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2019 Tesla Model 3, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Looking for a Tesla Model 3, but want a bit more space? The Model Y is more of the same Tesla goodness, but with a total of 68 cu-ft of available cargo space with the seats folded down. The 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance model (with 19-inch wheels) and Long Range model both have an EPA-estimated 121 MPGe combined.2 That number increases a bit to an EPA-estimated 125 MPGe combined for the 2021 Long Range Model Y.
Standard features on the base 2020–2021 Tesla Model Y include:
15-inch touchscreen
Power-adjustable front seats with heating
Panoramic glass roof
14-speaker premium audio system
Four USB ports
Looking for a practical battery-electric subcompact hatchback? Take a look at the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The extra hatchback space adds up to 16.9 cu-ft of cargo area behind the second-row seats. Available trim levels include the base LT or the Premier trim level. The 2021 Bolt has an EPA-estimated 118 MPGe combined.
Standard features on 2017–2021 Chevrolet Bolt models include:
Height-adjustable cloth seats
60/40-split folding rear seats
Automatic climate control
A 10.2-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Legendary Porsche performance pedigree isn't just reserved for their sports cars. The performance-focused Porsche Panamera comes standard across 2017–2021 with a 3.0L six-cylinder with 330 horsepower. You can also get optional engines including a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 with 440 horsepower, a 453 horsepower 4.0L turbocharged V8 (2019 onward), and a 550 horsepower twin-turbo 4.0L V8. The base Panamera has standard equipment for 2017–2020 model years, including:
Partial leather upholstery with heated front seats
Wide-view 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation (2018+)
Apple CarPlay capability (2018+)
Panoramic sunroof
Porsche Active Suspension Management (2018+)
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Ratings & reliability
Tesla Model 3 features and specs
Mid Range 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Skylight(s)
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Automated Parking
- Parking Sensors
Battery details Size
65.0 kWh
Range when new (EPA estimate)
264 miles
Estimated range today
228 - 250 miles
Est. range in 3 years
224 - 246 miles
Is this battery range helpful?Other specifications Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
113.2"
Overall length
184.8"
Width
72.8"
Height
56.8"
Leg room
F 42.7"/R 35.2"
Head room
F 40.3"/R 37.7"
Front tires
P235/45WR18
Rear tires
P235/45WR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Tesla Model 3 FAQ
No, the 2019 does not have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, or as an optional feature.
You'll get 15 cu-ft of storage space, but that figure includes both the front and rear trunks. Drop the back seats and you'll get another 28.6 cu-ft of space for 43.6 cu-ft total.
Generally, yes all EVs work in the cold. There has been some testing to show that the range may decrease. However, their traction control systems are built to handle slippery winter conditions.
You'll get 112.0 cu-ft of space for you and your friends or family. You'll also get seating for five, and optional simulated leather upholstery and wood interior trim making the Model 3 a pretty nice place to be.
More about the 2019 Tesla Model 3
Color options
Exterior Colors:
Solid Black
Deep Blue Metallic
Red Multi-Coat
Midnight Silver Metallic
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors:
Black with synthetic leather seat trim (black)
White and black with synthetic leather seat trim (white)
Interior Details
The 2019 Tesla Model 3 features standard interior bits like synthetic leather upholstery, a massive 15-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, 60/40 split-folding backs, and more. The 2019 Model 3 has 15 cu-ft of cargo space with all seats in place which increases to 43.6 cu-ft with the rear seats folded.
Child Seat Details
The 2019 Tesla Model 3 has two full sets of LATCH connectors for securing child car seats on the driver and passenger side with one additional seating position in the middle with a tether anchor only.
Performance
The base 2019 Model 3 goes silently from zero to 60 mph in just five seconds. Meanwhile, the upgraded Long Range Model 3 gets to 60 even quicker at four seconds, while the Performance models blitzes to 60 in just 3.1-seconds (when new).
The standard range 2019 Tesla Model 3 starts at an EPA-estimated 131 MPGe combined while that number drops a bit to an EPA-estimated 123 MPGe combined for the Mid-Range version. The Long-Range (AWD) and Performance (AWD) both net an EPA-estimated 116 MPGe combined.
Year comparison/generations
2017–Present Tesla Model 3 (First Generation)
The very first Tesla Model 3 came onto the market for the 2017 model year. Unlike a lot of automobile manufacturers, Tesla updates their cars on the fly, sometimes even during the model year. The 2017 model debuted in Long Range only.
For 2018 Tesla rolled out additional versions dubbed the Mid Range, Long Range, and Performance. Both the Long Range and Performance were available with AWD.
You'll get lots of great standard features on 2017–2021 Tesla Model 3s like cloth upholstery, automatic headlights and high beams, Tesla Theater (2020+), front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging pad (2021+), six-way manually adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split folding rear seats.
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