In this section:
- Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2
- Equipment, options and extras
- Reliability
- Safety and security
Costs & verdict
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2
The Model 3 is the least expensive Tesla you can buy, and the entry-level rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version undercuts the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Polestar 2. Those alternatives are likely to depreciate more quickly too.
Like all pure electric cars, the Model 3 makes a huge amount of sense for company car drivers because of the enormous benefit-in-kind tax savings on offer. You’ll also spend less on electricity than you would on petrol or diesel – assuming you charge up at home.
It’s a good thing the Model 3 is so well equipped as standard, because there isn’t much on the options list. Indeed, apart from metallic paint, different alloy wheel designs and white (instead of black) seats, the only options are Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self Driving Capability.
The names are potentially misleading – they don't allow you to sit in the back and read a paper while the car takes you to your destination. They allow the car to make lane changes on its own (just hit the indicator), steer itself into a parking space and even be 'summoned' with a smartphone app at very low speeds. So, if someone parks too close to your Model 3 in a car park for you to open the doors, you can drive it out of the space using your phone.
