2018 Tesla Model 3 review
Tesla Model 3 highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Tesla performance and range with a more affordable starting price
- Rapid, easy charging via Tesla's Supercharger network
Cons
- Noticeable quality issues
- No Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay® via the sometimes distracting touchscreen interface
Battery range (EPA estimate)
260 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2018 Tesla Model 3 offers more choice, including an AWD option
In the Model 3's second year, Tesla has delivered on the promise to expand the lineup. For 2018, there's now a midrange rear-wheel-drive model with 260 miles of range to join the 310-mile Long Range model. Tesla has also added dual-motor versions, which brings the option of all-wheel drive to the Long Range. The Model 3 expands EV ownership to a wider audience than previous Teslas, and its pricing puts it up against premium compact sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. No rival, though, offers the battery power of the 2018 Model 3 or the convenience of Tesla's Supercharger network, which makes charging your Tesla both easy and quick.
To drive, the Model 3 is brisk, and its impressive handling makes it a true rival to those compact sport sedans from luxury brands. Where it falls slightly short is in its fit and finish inside and out—the Model 3 lacks the quality feel of the top upscale sedans. The spacious, comfortable interior is dominated by a 15-inch touchscreen that houses instrumentation, navigation, entertainment, and heating and ventilation controls—sometimes to the point of distraction. Key options include the Premium package, which includes features such as power-adjustable and heated front seats, premium audio, tinted glass, and LED foglights. Meanwhile, an optional Performance Upgrade package lowers the suspension and adds larger 20-inch wheels, performance tires, and upgraded brakes. There's some advanced driver-assist tech on offer, too. A great newcomer that's justifiably in demand, the Tesla Model 3 is well worth consideration.
All Tesla Model 3 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Tesla Model 3 generation from 2017 to 2026
What is new for the 2018 Tesla Model 3?
- The Model 3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Mid Range and Performance.
- The Standard Range trim has been discontinued for 2018.
- Model 3 trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats, Memory Seat(s), Leather Seats, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment this year.
- Automated Parking and Rear Seat Heaters features are now available as options on select trims.
2018 Tesla Model 3 trims
Curious how Tesla Model 3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesThe 2018 Tesla Model 3 comes in one main trim.
Standard on all 2018 Model 3s is a mid-range battery pack, RWD, 18-inch wheels, a 17-inch touchscreen, dual sunroof, and more.
Options: long-range battery, dual-motor AWD.
Performance AWD: Adds 20-inch wheels, performance tires, a lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, and a total of 450 available horsepower.
Tesla Model 3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Tesla Model 3
1. Fully electric vehicle
Making the move to an electric car doesn't have to be a major transition, as long as it has enough range to fit your needs. For the 2018 Tesla Model 3, that means an EPA-estimated 310 miles on a full charge with the extended range battery or an EPA-estimated 260 miles with the mid-range battery. Living and working near chargers is a key factor in owning an EV, whether you use simple household chargers or fast Tesla Superchargers. With the range on both the single- and dual-motor Model 3, city and suburban living have never been so effortless.
2. Premium features
The body style of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is part sedan and part sportback, giving it an unmistakable profile that's sure to turn heads. And with available features like premium white faux leather seats, you and your passengers can enjoy a high-end, luxurious ride. On par with European sedans for their cachet, the Tesla Model 3 is an EV others envy.
3. Advanced driver aids
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has available Enhanced Autopilot, which includes various advanced driver-assistance features. Adaptive cruise control is designed to keep the car within the flow of traffic by speeding up and slowing down as needed when cruise control is engaged. Automatic lane changing and self-parking are other great features that make driving as easy as possible.
4. Choice of rear- or all-wheel drive
Living in a four-season climate may sway you to choose the AWD dual-motor 2018 Tesla Model 3 in either mid-range or extended range. However, the single-motor RWD is still a solid choice, with an EPA-estimated 260-mile range on a full charge; the dual motor gets an EPA-estimated 310 miles on a full charge. Both the dual and single motor register immediate torque, helping you merge from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds in the RWD model and a lightning-quick 3.5 seconds in the AWD 2018 Model 3 (according to the manufacturer, when new). The Performance model brings additional sporty features and a top speed of 162 mph.
5. Ultra-modern technology
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 combines the driver information screen and infotainment into a 15-inch vertical modern touchscreen, which keeps the interior sleek and simple, reducing clutter and increasing the cool factor inside the cabin. On the steering wheel, one stalk is used as a gear selector and the other is used for windshield wiper controls. Add in the abundance of both standard and available driver-assistance features, and you have one high-tech vehicle.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 Tesla Model 3, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017-2021 Lexus IS 300 is a premium sports sedan offering everything you want in a comfortable luxury midsize vehicle, including a hybrid model. For all trims, an F Sport package that swaps in sporty styling, upgrades the suspension, and brings a more dramatic interior is available, amping up your driving enjoyment factor.
These features and more are standard on 2017-2021 Lexus IS 300 models:
LED headlamps
Eight-inch touchscreen
Lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control
The 2017 Jaguar XE is the first model year for this agile, premium sports sedan. It brings the driving enjoyment and luxurious features of the XF and XJ and is inspired by the F-Type sports car. The XE has two engine options: gas and diesel. A sleek aluminum body keeps the vehicle light, which improves performance.
You'll find these features and more on the 2017-2021 Jaguar XE:
Moonroof
Six-speaker audio system
Hill launch assist
As a fuel-sipping hybrid, the 2017-2021 Kia Niro is a subcompact crossover that balances stellar fuel economy (an EPA-estimated 49 mpg combined with the standard hybrid engine) and space quite well.
With its larger-than-sedan body style, the Niro can easily fit your family and associated gear for a weekend away, and its compact shape makes it a snap to park.You'll find these features and more on the 2017-2021 Kia Niro:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Drive mode select
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Ratings & reliability
Tesla Model 3 features and specs
Curious how Tesla Model 3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Mid Range 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Skylight(s)
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Front Seat Heaters
- Memory Seat(s)
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Satellite Radio Ready
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
113.2"
Overall length
184.8"
Width
72.8"
Height
56.8"
Leg room
F 42.7"/R 35.2"
Head room
F 40.3"/R 37.7"
Front tires
P235/45WR18
Rear tires
P235/45WR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Tesla Model 3 FAQ
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has one center 15-inch vertical touchscreen that houses most driver controls, gauges, and infotainment. If tech is important to you in a vehicle, Teslas definitely deliver.
The base Model 3 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available to suit your preferences in snowy weather.
No, the 2018 Model 3 does not come equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto™ compatibility. However, Bluetooth® smartphone connectivity is available in all Model 3s from 2017 to present.
The Premium Package in the 2018 Model 3 adds a number of features, including a premium audio system, tinted glass, a panoramic glass roof, heated seats, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, a power-adjustable steering column, and more.
More about the 2018 Tesla Model 3
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Blue Metallic
Midnight Silver Metallic
Obsidian Black Metallic
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Red Multi-Coat
Silver Metallic
Solid Black
Interior details
The interior of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is spacious, with a decidedly modern feel. Either gloss black or wood grain will greet you along the entire dash. A streamlined design with one large screen makes for a unique driver view, as there is nothing but a smooth dashboard landscape and two stalks behind the steering wheel. The seats are comfortable with plenty of headroom, thanks to the dual sunroof. And the doors each open with a simple button, not a lever, adding to the futuristic feel of the Model 3's interior.
Child seat details
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 can fit up to three car seats in the rear row. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Wide-opening doors make it easy to install car seats, and there is plenty of room in the second row without moving the front seat forward.
Performance
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has an all-electric motor with 248 hp and automatic transmission. EVs have no gears, so the Model 3 offers smooth acceleration; you'll love the instant torque as you put your foot down. From the get-go, the base Model 3 has a top speed of 140 mph. The dual-motor model has 346 hp and gets to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new), while the Performance model has a whopping 450 hp.
Year comparison/generations
2017–Present Tesla Model 3 (First Generation)
The very first Tesla Model 3 came onto the market for the 2017 model year. Unlike a lot of automobile manufacturers, Tesla updates their cars on the fly, sometimes even during the model year. The 2017 model debuted in Long Range only.
For 2018 Tesla rolled out additional versions dubbed the Mid Range, Long Range, and Performance. Both the Long Range and Performance were available with AWD.
You'll get lots of great standard features on 2017–2021 Tesla Model 3s like cloth upholstery, automatic headlights and high beams, Tesla Theater (2020+), front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging pad (2021+), six-way manually adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split folding rear seats.
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