Consumer Reports New Cars – November 2019

Tesla

Model 3

CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 31

V I TAL STATS

OVERALL

SCORE

ROAD-TEST

SCORE

Price as tested

$59,000

Trim line Long

Range

Drivetrain 258-hp

electric motor;

1-speed direct drive;

RWD

Range 310 miles

Reasons to Buy

Instant

acceleration

Agile handling

Comfortable front

seats

Long range

Access to Tesla’s

Supercharger

network

Reasons to Skip

Stiff ride

Distracting

controls

Uncomfortable

rear seat

Autopilot may

give drivers a false

sense of confidence

Below-average

predicted reliability

THINK OF THE Model 3 as
an electric alternative
to compact sports sedans
like the Audi A4 and BMW
3 Series. In our testing, the
Model 3 delivered impres-
sive acceleration, sharp
handling, and a long driving
range, but its thrill is tem-
pered by distracting controls,
an overly stiff ride, and
an uncomfortable rear seat.
It’s certainly fun to drive,
though. The Model 3 pins
occupants back into their
seats as it rushes from 0 to
60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
Taut suspension and quick
steering give the Model 3
sharp reflexes. Unfortunately,
the overly firm, choppy
ride becomes taxing over time.
The Long Range RWD
battery version we tested
lived up to the EPA’s rating
of 310 miles of range; we got
350 miles with the more
aggressive regenerative
braking mode engaged. It
takes 12 hours to recharge
the Model 3 using a 240-volt
connector; owners can
also take advantage of Tesla’s
Supercharger network.
Almost every readout and
control in the Model 3 is
on the 15-inch touch screen.
We found it distracting to
fiddle with the screen while
driving, and it’s even worse
on a bumpy road.
The complete lack of
instruments in front of the
driver and the low, sloping
hood make the driver feel
close to the road. The front
seats are comfortable and
supportive, but the rear seats

are tight and too low.

Tesla’s Autopilot driver-

assist feature comes stand-

ard on the Model 3. It varies

the car’s speed according

to traffic flow and can keep

the car in its lane. We found

that it can add convenience

but may also lull drivers into

complacency.

The Model 3 comes with

FCW, AEB with pedestrian

detection, and lane departure

warning. The car’s BSW

functions through the center

screen, but we much prefer

systems with warning

indicators on side mirrors.

BEST VERSION TO GET

Tesla frequently

changes how

its cars are

configured, and

those changes

don’t necessarily

adhere to model

years. Right now,

we recommend

opting for the

310-mile, Long

Range trim, which

comes with

all-wheel drive.

10 02 30 04 05

WORSE BETTER

0!

RECOMMENDED

65 82