Tesla Model 3 RWD

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 RWD is the brilliant entry-point to the updated "Highland" lineup, cementing its status as the benchmark for premium yet accessible electric sedans. It’s the one to get for the purest driving experience, blending rear-wheel-drive fun with outstanding efficiency and a tech-forward minimalist cabin. While new pricing isn't final, expect it to start around $39,000, making it a seriously compelling package. This trim nails the essentials, offering a fantastic balance of performance, range, and cutting-edge features that continues to challenge the entire auto industry.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Model 3 RWD fully embodies the significant "Highland" refresh. The exterior is sharper and more aerodynamic, while the cabin gets a major glow-up. Say goodbye to stalks; turn signals are now on the steering wheel and drive selection is on the stunning touchscreen. The interior is dramatically quieter thanks to acoustic glass all around, and the material quality is a big step up. New standard features like cooled front seats and a rear 8-inch screen for passengers make the cabin feel more luxurious than ever before.

Design & Exterior

The 2025 Model 3 RWD looks properly sleek and modern. The redesigned front end features slim, aggressive matrix LED headlights and a cleaner bumper, improving aerodynamics. Around back, new C-shaped taillights integrated into the trunk lid give it a wider, more planted stance. It’s a sophisticated evolution that looks more expensive than it is. The car measures 185.8 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 56.7 inches high, giving it a low-slung, athletic profile. This RWD version rolls on stylish 18-inch Photon wheels as standard.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Model 3 RWD is a minimalist masterpiece. The clean dashboard is dominated by a crisp 15.4-inch central touchscreen that controls nearly every function. Build quality and materials are vastly improved, featuring a new wraparound ambient lighting strip that gives the cabin a lounge-like feel. There's ample room for five, and rear passengers get their own screen for climate and entertainment. Cargo space is excellent, with a generous 21 cubic feet in the trunk and another 3.1 cubic feet in the frunk, and the rear seats fold for larger items.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don’t let its entry-level status fool you; this thing is quick. The single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sends 310 lb-ft of instant torque to the rear wheels, launching the car from 0-60 mph in a snappy 5.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 125 mph. The total power output is 208 kW. The RWD setup makes it feel wonderfully agile and balanced in the corners. A major highlight of the refresh is the vastly improved ride comfort and quietness, making it a superb daily driver and a confident highway cruiser with strong one-pedal driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

The RWD model is the efficiency king of the lineup. Its 60.5 kWh usable battery pack delivers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 275 miles, thanks to an incredible efficiency of 4.55 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 7.7 kW on-board charger can replenish the battery overnight. On the road, it uses the NACS port and can handle DC fast charging up to 175 kW, taking you from 10-80% in about 25 minutes on a Tesla Supercharger, ensuring road trips are a breeze.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a cornerstone for Tesla, and the Model 3 is a fortress, earning a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS. Every car comes standard with Autopilot, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering, making commutes much less stressful. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance assists are all standard. For more advanced features, buyers can upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability, which adds automated lane changes, Autopark, and Navigate on Autopilot.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla's warranty provides solid peace of mind. The basic vehicle is covered for 4 years or 50,000 miles. More importantly, the battery and drive unit on this RWD model are covered for a lengthy 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% battery retention. There's no traditional maintenance schedule; the car notifies you when it needs service like a new cabin filter or a brake fluid check. While no complimentary maintenance is included, the reduced need for service is a major ownership perk.