The 2025 Tesla Model 3 RWD is the entry point to the brand's iconic sedan lineup, offering a compelling blend of minimalist style, impressive tech, and engaging driving dynamics. As the base model, it delivers cracking value, giving you access to the stellar Supercharger network and that instant electric punch. This rear-wheel-drive variant is the purist's choice, focusing on efficiency and a balanced ride. With recent used models fetching around $31,996, it represents one of the most accessible premium EV experiences on the market, making it a seriously tempting proposition for first-time EV buyers.
For 2025, the Model 3 gets a massive glow-up, codenamed "Highland." The changes are huge, starting with a sleeker, sharper exterior design. Inside, things are seriously plush now, with higher-quality materials, acoustic glass for a library-quiet ride, and cool new ambient lighting. Big tech updates include the removal of steering wheel stalks—indicators are now on the wheel and drive selection is on-screen. Plus, you now get ventilated front seats and a new 8-inch screen for rear passengers to control climate and media. It's a complete refresh that makes it feel brand new.
The 2025 Model 3 sports a slick new look that's both sharper and more aerodynamic than before. The front end features slim, aggressive matrix LED headlights, while the rear gets stylish C-shaped taillights that integrate cleanly into the trunk lid. It's a clean, futuristic aesthetic that turns heads. This RWD trim comes with smart-looking aero wheels designed for maximum efficiency. Dimensionally, it measures 185.8 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, and a low-slung 56.7 inches in height, giving it a sporty, planted stance on the road.
Inside, the Model 3's famous minimalist cabin gets a premium overhaul. The centerpiece is the crisp 15.4-inch touchscreen that controls nearly everything, as there's no traditional gauge cluster. Material quality is way up, and the clean dashboard is wrapped in new fabric. For your stuff, you get a generous 21 cubic feet in the trunk, which expands to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Plus, there's a handy 3.1 cubic foot frunk under the hood for extra storage, making it surprisingly practical for a sleek sedan.
Don't let its entry-level status fool you; this RWD Model 3 is properly quick. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivers 208 kW (about 279 hp) and 310 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, launching you from 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. The driving experience is a highlight, with go-kart-like handling thanks to the low center of gravity. For 2025, the ride is significantly more comfortable and quieter. Strong regenerative braking allows for easy one-pedal driving, which is perfect for slicing through city traffic or carving up a back road.
The RWD model is all about efficiency, boasting an excellent 4.61 mi/kWh. Its 57.5 kWh usable battery pack delivers Green Cars Compare's calculated real-world range estimate of 265 miles on a full charge. For juicing up at home, the standard 7.7 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery overnight. When you're on the road, it's a star performer. Hooked up to a DC fast charger via its NACS port, it can pull a maximum of 170 kW, adding significant range in under 30 minutes, getting you back on your journey quickly.
Tesla packs the Model 3 with top-tier safety technology, earning it a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Every car comes standard with Autopilot, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to ease highway driving. You also get a full suite of active safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. For those wanting more, you can upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot for automated lane changes or the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability package for advanced driver-assistance features in city driving.
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 heart of the car—the battery and drive unit—is covered for a lengthy 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This includes a guarantee that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity over the warranty period. There's no complimentary scheduled maintenance, as Tesla's service model is condition-based, minimizing trips to the service center, while over-the-air software updates continuously improve the car.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (2019-2021) 
Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…) 
