DecodedCars2026 Tesla Model 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Long Range AWD, 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Transmission
- single-speed (direct drive)
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 363 mi · 11.7 h on 240 V
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,805–4,030 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Long EV rangeUp to 363 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,030 lb (4dr Sedan Long Range AWD).
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 363 miles and takes about 11.7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Model 3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Model 3 →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Fremont, California
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2026 Model 3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Long Range AWD | 185.8 in | 72.8 in | 56.7 in | 113.4 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,030 lb | 48/52 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD | 185.8 in | 72.8 in | 56.7 in | 113.4 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,805 lb | 48/52 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Standard RWD EV | 225 kW ACPM 3-Phase | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 321 mi · 24.3033 kWh/100mi | – | $550 | – |
| Model 3 Premium RWD EV | 225 kW ACPM 3-Phase | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 363 mi · 24.6398 kWh/100mi | – | $550 | – |
| Model 3 Premium AWD EV | 88 and 208 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 346 mi · 26.3757 kWh/100mi | – | $600 | – |
| Model 3 Performance EV | 88 and 208 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 309 mi · 29.585 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Model 3 Performance AWD EV | 88 and 208 kW ACPM 3-Phase | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 314 mi · 30.2452 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Tesla Model 3.
Similar 2026 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 (this car) | 363 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 BMW 3 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Audi A3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model S | 410 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Jun 18, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V410000 · 48 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
- Risk
- The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.
Not every 2026 Tesla Model 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Model 3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Model 3 | 316 mi | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Model 3 | 363 mi | 185.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 123 |
| 2024 Model 3 | 363 mi | 185.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 222 |
| 2023 Model 3 | 358 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 428 |
| 2022 Model 3 | 358 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 773 |
| 2021 Model 3 | 353 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 674 |
| 2020 Model 3 | 330 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 452 |
| 2019 Model 3 | 310 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 620 |
| 2018 Model 3 | 310 mi | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 19 | 1,035 |
| 2017 Model 3 | 310 mi | – | Not rated | 16 | 27 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →