The Tesla Model 3 enters 2024 with a comprehensive refresh. We look at interior quality, infotainment options, and more in our review.  

What’s New for the 2024 Tesla Model 3?

After debuting in 2017 as the gateway vehicle into Tesla’s lineup, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 arrives with its first comprehensive refresh. The most obvious giveaway this is not the 2023 Model 3, that we discuss here, are the updated headlights and taillights. Wheel designs are also new along with upgraded tires said to improve driving range.

Interior updates include a new wrap-around dashboard with an integrated ambient lighting LED strip and standard ventilated front seats. It’s part of what Tesla says are more premium cabin materials. More sound-deadening material has been added along with more acoustic laminated glass to deliver a quieter ride. Let’s see how all these revisions help the new Model 3 compete in an increasingly crowded segment.

2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com

2024 Tesla Model 3 – tesla.com |  Shop 2024 Tesla Model 3 on Carsforsale.com

Carsforsale.com Score
8.25/10
Powertrain
Score
9/10
Interior
Score
7.75/10
Technology
Score
8/10
Value
Score
8.25/10
Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $40,630

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

RWD / AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

138 MPGe City / 126 MPGe City

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5

The Breakdown

Solid driving range

High level of standard content

Reasonable base pricing

Lack of Apple or Android integration

One touchscreen to control everything

The combo of a glass roof and a hot, sunny day

An 8-year-old EV tries to stay competitive

2024 Model 3 Specs

Trims & Pricing

Rear Wheel Drive - $40,630
Long Range AWD - $47,630

2024 Tesla Model 3 Powertrain 9/10 

2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com
2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com

The base 2024 Model 3 is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor fed by a battery pack. A single-speed direct-drive transmission sends power to the rear wheels and there’s enough of it for this model to run from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds per Tesla.

Long Range models add a second motor to the front wheels, which enables AWD and a 4.2-second sprint to 60. With the standard wheels, Long Range Model 3’s are rated for 341 miles of driving range, a figure that drops to 305 with the optional 19-inch rims. Base models come in with a max range of 272 miles, a figure that also decreases with bigger wheels.

Though the 2024 car has not yet been tested, the EPA rated the 2023 Model 3 RWD at 132 MPGe combined with the Long Range model right behind it at 131 MPGe. So far, a range-topping Performance variant has yet to be announced for 2024 but is expected to arrive at some point with more speed in exchange for less driving range.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Interior 7.75/10 

Revised for 2024, the Model 3 cabin remains the dictionary definition of minimalist, especially now that the turn signal and shifter stalks have been moved to dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. The move is part of Tesla’s trademark reliance on minimalist interior design. Many of the vehicle’s commands, such as infotainment and climate control, are managed on the central dash touchscreen.

Updates include a new dash design that integrates a wrap-around ambient lighting strip. Also joining the roster for 2024 are standard ventilated front seats, softer vegan leather upholstery, and the use of acoustic lamination on glass panels including the all-glass roof.

With no internal combustion engine in the way, the Model 3’s frunk has 3 cubic feet of space for things like a backpack. The cargo hold measures 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which fold down for added space. Rear seat occupants will find 34 inches of legroom, though that’s 5 inches less than a Kia EV6 – which we compare to the Model 3 here – offers.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Technology Features 8/10 

2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com
2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com

Every 2024 Model 3 has a 15.4-inch front infotainment touchscreen and an 8-inch unit for rear occupants to control climate and stay entertained. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered as Tesla sticks with basic Bluetooth smartphone integration. A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard as is a 9-speaker audio system. Long Range models get an audiophile-friendly system with 17 speakers.

On the safety tech front, Tesla’s Autopilot suite of standard systems includes forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New knee airbags join the passive safety roster for 2024 and help the Model 3 take home a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. In IIHS testing, this latest Model earned ratings of Good – the highest rating – in all testing protocols.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Trims & Pricing

2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive - tesla.com
2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive - tesla.com

Rear Wheel Drive – $40,630

The entry-level 2024 Model 3 comes with 18-inch wheels, automatic door unlocking, and a power rear liftgate. Interior features include cabin pre-conditioning via the Tesla app, an all-glass roof, and vegan leather upholstery in black with a two-tone option for an extra $1,000.

Standard creature comforts include climatized and power-adjustable front seats and heat for the steering wheel and rear seats. A 15.4-inch central touchscreen manages most vehicle systems with an 8-inch unit in the back for rear passenger use. Navigation, dual wireless phone charging pads, 4 USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD - tesla.com
2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD - tesla.com

Long Range AWD – $47,630

Like base models, the Long Range trim can be fitted with 19-inch wheels for $1,500 that look sharp but put a dent in the driving range. Otherwise, the main difference here – aside from the additional motor and longer range – is a 17-speaker audio system that includes dual subwoofers.

For $6,000, Enhanced Auto Pilot adds a navigation feature to simplify highway on- and off-ramp driving, automatic lane change ability, self-parking, and a summon feature. To tap the someday promise of actual hands-free driving, Full Self-Driving Capability can be optioned for and additional $12,000 to the bottom line.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Overall Value 8.25/10 

With 272 miles of driving range, the base RWD 2024 Tesla Model 3 is a good value considering its roughly $40,000 price tag. That squares it up against Kia’s EV6, a vehicle with a similar range and a cabin that could be less off-putting to those not ready to take the plunge on touch-based control of everything.

Tesla’s warranty includes 4 years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and roadside assistance, and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery and drive unit term. There is no complimentary maintenance, however.

CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8.25/10 

2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com

2024 Tesla Model 3 – tesla.com |  Shop Tesla Model 3 on Carsforsale.com

When the Tesla Model 3 was released 8 years ago, it owned the small EV car pond. But that pond has become crowded with the likes of Kia’s EV6 and Hyundai’s Ioniq sub-brand to name a few. It’s still a good all-around EV with a reasonable base price and excellent driving range, but the competition is fierce and likely to pull more than a few would-be customers off the Tesla website and into a physical dealership.

And though Tesla has been promising true hands-free driving is just over the horizon, a recent Autopilot recall put that promise in check. So, now more than ever it’s worth cross shopping the 2024 Tesla Model 3 even with this recent overhaul.

2024 Tesla Model 3 FAQ

2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com
2024 Tesla Model 3 - tesla.com

Where can I buy a Tesla Model 3? 

You can buy a Tesla Model 3 directly from the automaker’s website as they do not have a traditional network of physical dealerships.

Is the Tesla Model 3 AWD? 

The Model 3 comes with RWD on base models and AWD on Long Range models for 2024.

What is the Telsa Model 3 Highland? 

Highland is Tesla’s internal codename for the updated Model 3 released in 2024.

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Niel Stender

Niel Stender grew up doing replacement work on his 1990 Cherokee and 1989 Starion, so it’s not surprising that he would put his mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Hampshire to use in the car world as a vehicle dynamics engineer. Now engineering sentence structures, his writing infuses his auto experience with his time in marketing and his sales experience. Writing about cars for close to a decade now, he focuses on some of the more technical mechanical systems that are found under the hood and throughout a vehicle.

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