Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD hits the sweet spot in the revamped "Highland" lineup, blending impressive range with classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Positioned as a compelling upgrade over the standard model, it offers a significant boost in driving distance without the added cost and weight of the all-wheel-drive system. It represents the perfect daily driver for those who want more miles and premium features. Starting at an aggressive $42,490, it’s a seriously tempting package for anyone looking to jump into a top-tier EV experience.

What's New for 2025?

The biggest news is the full adoption of the "Project Highland" refresh. This ushers in a dramatically sleeker exterior, a much quieter and more premium cabin with acoustic glass, and a re-tuned suspension for a comfier ride. Inside, you'll find a new wraparound ambient light strip, standard ventilated front seats, and an 8-inch rear screen for passengers. The controversial "stalkless" design is also here, moving turn signals to steering wheel buttons and the gear selector to the main touchscreen, a change that takes some getting used to.

Design & Exterior

The refreshed Model 3 looks sharper and more aerodynamic than ever. Up front, slim, aggressive matrix LED headlights and a cleaner bumper give it a purposeful stare. Around back, new C-shaped taillights with "TESLA" spelled out across the trunk lid complete the modern makeover. This RWD trim rides on stylish 18-inch Photon wheels as standard. Measuring 185.8 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and a low-slung 56.7 inches tall, its slippery new shape isn't just for looks—it's key to its impressive efficiency.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the cabin feels a step above, with higher-quality materials and a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The centerpiece is the crisp 15.4-inch central touchscreen that controls nearly everything, as there's no traditional driver's display. Passenger space is great for its class, and cargo is a strong suit with a generous 21 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats down. Don't forget the handy 3.1 cubic foot frunk under the hood for extra storage. Tesla's native software is slick, though it still lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the single motor fool you; this thing is quick. With its rear-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor kicking out 315 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0-60 mph in a brisk 4.9 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive setup provides the engaging, balanced handling enthusiasts love. The 2025 refresh significantly improved ride quality, making it more supple over bumps without sacrificing its sharp steering response. One-pedal driving via its strong regenerative braking is intuitive and perfect for slicing through city traffic with maximum efficiency.

Range, Battery & Charging

This trim is all about the miles. It packs a 79 kWh usable battery, delivering an excellent Green Cars Compare real-world range estimate of 376 miles. Its stellar efficiency of 4.76 mi/kWh means your energy goes further. At home, the 11.5 kW on-board charger can top it up overnight. On the road, it can slurp up juice at a peak of 250 kW at a V3 Supercharger, adding up to 175 miles in just 15 minutes. It uses the now-standard NACS charge port, giving it access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a cornerstone for Tesla, and the Model 3 boasts a 5-star overall rating from both the NHTSA and Euro NCAP, along with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors. Standard Autopilot provides excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, taking the stress out of highway driving. All trims include essential active safety features like automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. For more advanced capabilities, customers can purchase the Enhanced Autopilot or the controversial Full Self-Driving (FSD) package as an over-the-air upgrade.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla’s warranty provides solid peace of mind for EV ownership. The car is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. More importantly, the battery and drive unit are protected for a full 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, with a guarantee that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity. There's no complimentary scheduled maintenance, as Tesla's service model is primarily on an as-needed basis, with many updates and diagnostics handled conveniently over the air.