Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD, part of the stunning "Highland" refresh, solidifies its position as the go-to premium electric sedan for the masses. It brilliantly blends minimalist style, impressive technology, and accessible performance. With a sharper look, a vastly improved and quieter cabin, and a compelling real-world range, it’s a tough package to beat. Starting at an attractive $36,990 in the US, this entry-level trim delivers a huge slice of the premium EV experience, making it one of the smartest buys on the market today.

What's New for 2025?

The 2025 model year is all about the "Highland" update, a major glow-up for the Model 3. It gets a sleeker, more aerodynamic front and rear design, but the biggest changes are inside. The cabin is now library-quiet, thanks to acoustic glass all around, and feels more premium with new materials and ambient lighting. A new 8-inch screen for rear passengers adds a touch of luxury. Controversially, Tesla has ditched the steering column stalks, moving turn signals to steering wheel buttons and the gear selector to the main touchscreen.

Design & Exterior

This thing looks properly sharp. The 2025 redesign gives the Model 3 a more aggressive and slippery profile with slim, modern headlights and a cleaner front bumper. The minimalist aesthetic is still king, with flush door handles and clean body lines contributing to its impressive aerodynamics. It’s a perfectly sized sedan for city life and highway cruising, measuring 185.8 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and a low-slung 56.7 inches tall. The Standard RWD trim features stylish aero-optimized wheels that help it slice through the air efficiently.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the new wraparound design and upgraded materials create a genuinely premium and serene atmosphere. It’s dominated by a crisp 15.4-inch central touchscreen that controls nearly everything—a system you either love or learn to live with, as there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Passenger space is great for a compact sedan, and cargo is a huge plus. You get a generous 21 cubic feet in the trunk, which expands to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats down, plus a very handy 3.1 cubic-foot frunk for extra storage.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the 'Standard' badge fool you; this EV has plenty of poke. Its single rear-mounted Permanent Magnet motor delivers 235 kW and 332 lb-ft of instant torque, launching you from 0-60 mph in a brisk 5.8 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive layout provides an engaging and balanced feel, while the Highland refresh’s revised suspension offers a much more comfortable and supple ride than its predecessor. Steering is sharp and direct, and the powerful regenerative braking allows for easy and efficient one-pedal driving around town. It's a fantastic daily driver.

Range, Battery & Charging

Efficiency is the name of the game here. The 69.5 kWh usable battery pack delivers an excellent Green Cars Compare real-world range estimate of 305 miles, sipping energy at just 4.39 mi/kWh. When it's time to plug in, its 400V architecture can handle DC fast charging speeds up to 225 kW at a Tesla Supercharger using the native NACS port, adding serious miles in minutes. For home charging, the standard 7.7 kW on-board charger will easily top up the battery overnight.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla has a stellar reputation for safety, and the Model 3 is no exception, earning a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Every car comes standard with Autopilot, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, making highway driving a breeze. For those wanting more, Enhanced Autopilot and the ever-evolving Full Self-Driving (Beta) package are available as optional upgrades, adding features like automatic lane changes, Autopark, and Summon for a significant extra cost.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla’s warranty provides solid peace of mind. 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 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, guaranteeing at least 70% battery capacity retention. One of the big perks of EV ownership is minimal maintenance; with no oil changes to worry about, scheduled service visits are a thing of the past. Tesla recommends occasional checks for tire rotation, brake fluid, and cabin air filters.