Verified vehicle record
2026 Tesla Model 3
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 brings back a Standard rear-wheel-drive trim at $38,630 including fees, $5,500 below the next trim, and renames Long Range as Premium, with ambient lighting, heated rear seats and the rear screen cut from the Standard. EPA rates it 111 to 139 MPGe with 309 to 363 miles. NHTSA lists one recall and 25 complaints.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
PowertrainElectric motor(s), single or dual
Output271–510 hp
DrivetrainRWD / AWD
Seating5
Maximum towingUp to 2,200 lb (with official Tow Package, RWD and AWD; not offered on Performance)
Decision answers27Trim, ownership and verification
What changed on the 2026 Tesla Model 3
Edmunds (opens in a new tab) says Tesla returned the Standard rear-wheel-drive trim to the Model 3 lineup for 2026 and renamed the Long Range RWD and AWD variants Premium RWD and Premium AWD. Cars.com (opens in a new tab) lists four versions, Standard, Premium RWD, Premium AWD and Performance, with a Standard that has a shorter range, a lower-output motor, simpler shock absorbers, only white, gray or black paint, and no ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, second-row touchscreen or ambient lighting.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists the Standard at a starting sticker price of $38,630 and a Fair Purchase Price of $37,100, and a five-year cost to own of $54,449. EPA rates the 2026 Model 3 at 111 to 139 MPGe combined, 309 to 363 miles of range and $550 to $700 a year in energy.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists one recall campaign for the 2026 Model 3. 25V410000, from June 2025, covers fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom on 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that may have been improperly tightened.
Owners have filed 25 complaints: unknown or other with 9, forward collision avoidance with 7, steering with 5, back over prevention and lane departure with 4 each, and vehicle speed control with 2. EVSeekers (opens in a new tab) covers common Model 3 problems by year, and Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page.
2026 Model 3 against the i4 and EV6
The BMW i4 lists 81 to 118 MPGe with 232 to 333 miles at $650 to $950 a year, and the Kia EV6 83 to 115 with 231 to 319 miles at $650 to $900. The Model 3's 139 MPGe and 363 miles top both.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
Standard is single-motor RWD at 271 hp; Premium RWD steps up output slightly with the biggest battery for range; Premium AWD adds a second motor; Performance is the 510-horsepower flagship.
Model-year note
Tesla renamed the Long Range trims to Premium for 2026 (Premium RWD and Premium AWD), so the earlier Long Range RWD and AWD names no longer apply. Range peaks on the Premium RWD (357 miles), not on the Standard or the AWD and Performance variants, so the base trim does not have the longest range. An official Tow Package (2,200 lb, $1,300) launched for the refreshed Model 3, available on RWD and AWD only, not on the Performance.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Entry trim | Single motor standard, 271 hp, RWD, up to 363 mi range, Base standard equipment level |
| Premium RWD | Trim 2 of 4 | See full equipment map |
| Premium AWD | Trim 3 of 4 | See full equipment map |
| Performance | Top trim | Dual motor standard, 510 hp, standard AWD, up to 298 mi range, Navigation-based hands-free steering assist standard |
01
Entry trim
Standard
- Single motor standard, 271 hp, RWD, up to 363 mi range
- Base standard equipment level
04
Top trim
Performance
- Dual motor standard, 510 hp, standard AWD, up to 298 mi range
- Navigation-based hands-free steering assist standard
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Tesla Model 3: 3 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | 0–60 mph | Top speed | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | AC Electric Motor | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | RWD | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | ||
| Premium | Dual Electric Motors | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | AWD | 4.2 s | 125 mph | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Performance | Dual Electric Motors | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | AWD | 2.9 s | 163 mph | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 113.2 in | 38 ft | 40.3 in | 42.7 in | 18" | ||||
| Premium | 4,034 lb | 184.8 in | 56.8 in | 113.2 in | 5.5 in | 38 ft | 40.3 in | 42.7 in | 18" |
| Performance | 4,054 lb | 185.9 in | 56.3 in | 113.2 in | 5 in | 38 ft | 40.3 in | 42.7 in | 20" |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Tesla Model 3 trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Standard | Premium | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | – | – | Std |
| Roof rails | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
5 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50036Model 3 Performance | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 120 | 107 | 114 | 309 mi |
| 50250Model 3 Performance AWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 117 | 106 | 111 | 314 mi |
| 50037Model 3 Premium AWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 133 | 122 | 128 | 346 mi |
| 50038Model 3 Premium RWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 145 | 128 | 137 | 363 mi |
| 50251Model 3 Standard RWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 147 | 130 | 139 | 321 mi |
Direct answers
27 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Model 3 come in?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 (electric sedan) comes in 4 trims: Standard, Premium RWD, Premium AWD, Performance.
Source: Tesla
Q02What are the 2026 Model 3 trims?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 trims are Standard, Premium RWD, Premium AWD, Performance, listed from the entry Standard up to the top Performance.
Source: Tesla
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Model 3 use?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is built around Electric motor(s), single or dual, rated at 271–510 horsepower across its electric sedan body style.
Source: Tesla specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Model 3?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is offered with RWD / AWD.
Source: Tesla specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Model 3?
Tesla renamed the Long Range trims to Premium for 2026 (Premium RWD and Premium AWD), so the earlier Long Range RWD and AWD names no longer apply. Range peaks on the Premium RWD (357 miles), not on the Standard or the AWD and Performance variants, so the base trim does not have the longest range. An official Tow Package (2,200 lb, $1,300) launched for the refreshed Model 3, available on RWD and AWD only, not on the Performance.
Source: Tesla model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Tesla Model 3, covering seats.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07How did the 2026 Tesla Model 3 do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 5 stars for rollover resistance, a 6.8% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q08What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 use?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 owner's manual names a CR2032 coin-cell battery in the key fob. Source: 2026 Tesla Model 3 owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q09What is the 2026 Tesla Model 3's maximum cargo volume?
Maximum cargo volume is 21.0 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q10What battery does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 use (Standard RWD)?
The battery is 8 years / 100,000 miles warranty, 70% capacity retention minimum. Documented for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 in Tesla Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q11What battery does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 use (Premium RWD, Premium AWD, Performance)?
The battery is 8 years / 120,000 miles warranty, 70% capacity retention minimum. Documented for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 in Tesla Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q12What does the Single motor, RWD (Standard) engine in the 2026 Tesla Model 3 deliver?
Horsepower: 271 hp. Torque: 310 lb-ft. These figures belong to the Single motor, RWD (Standard) configuration of the 2026 Tesla Model 3, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q13What does the Dual motor, AWD (Performance) engine in the 2026 Tesla Model 3 deliver?
Horsepower: 510 hp. Torque: 546 lb-ft. These figures belong to the Dual motor, AWD (Performance) configuration of the 2026 Tesla Model 3, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q14How much does a 2026 Tesla Model 3 cost?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices run from $38,630 for the Standard to $56,630 for the Performance, across the 2 trims it prices (read 2026-09-10). Those are Kelley Blue Book's figures rather than the maker's starting MSRPs, and they include the destination charge.
Source: kbb.com (opens in a new tab)
Q15What are the 2026 Tesla Model 3 trim levels?
Four versions: Standard, Premium Rear-Wheel Drive, Premium All-Wheel Drive and Performance.
Source: Cars.com and Edmunds 2026 Tesla Model 3 research
Q16How much does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 cost?
Kelley Blue Book lists the 2026 Tesla Model 3 at $38,630 for the Standard, $44,130 for the Premium and $56,630 for the Performance.
Source: Kelley Blue Book 2026 Tesla Model 3 pricing
Q17What is the range of the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium?
Up to 346 miles, the best in the lineup, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.
Source: Cars.com and Edmunds 2026 Tesla Model 3 research
Q18What is the warranty on the Tesla Model 3?
A 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle limited warranty on every Tesla; battery and drive unit coverage runs longer and varies by model, guaranteeing a minimum battery capacity retention over that period.
Source: Tesla manufacturer warranty documentation
Q19How long does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 take to charge at home?
EPA lists 11.7 to 12.1 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, depending on configuration: the Model 3 Premium AWD is quickest and the Model 3 Standard RWD takes longest.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q20How far does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 take to stop from 70 mph?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Base recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 166 feet.
Q21How did the 2026 Tesla Model 3 do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Tesla Model 3: Good in the small overlap front test, Acceptable in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2024-27 and 2025-27 models, based on a test of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 4-door 2wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q22How quickly does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3's 0-60 mph time is 2.9 seconds on the Performance and 4.2 seconds on the Premium. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q23What is the 2026 Tesla Model 3's top speed?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3's top speed is 125 mph on the Premium and 163 mph on the Performance. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q24What is the GVWR of the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard 4dr Fastback?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,773 pounds for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard 4dr Fastback.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q25What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard 4dr Fastback?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 915 pounds for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard 4dr Fastback.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q26What size tires does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard 4dr Fastback come with?
CarDealerships.com lists 235/45R18 tires on the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard 4dr Fastback.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q27How do the 2026 Tesla Model 3 trims differ from one another?
The Premium has AWD instead of RWD and heated front seats and heated rear seats as standard equipment over the Standard. The Performance has a rear spoiler as standard equipment over the Premium.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Tesla Model 3.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Tesla Model 3 across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Tesla Model 3 official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.