2021 Tesla Model 3

Proficient electric cars are becoming more accessible, especially in the USA, and while there are numerous automakers pushing the envelop now, there's no denying that Elon Musk and his company are the ones that got the ball rolling on the EV revolution. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is perhaps the most emblematic offering for EV proficiency and accessibility from the American carmaker, balancing performance, practicality, and affordability. With horsepower outputs ranging between 266 hp and 430 hp and with between up to 353 miles of range, there's thrilling performance potential and genuine capability to be gained throughout the lineup. The Model 3 sedan's minimalistic design and basic set of features may be untenable for some, but even the Tesla's most premium and advanced contemporaries, like the Polestar, don't quite measure up to its proficiency.

The three models that comprise the 2021 Model 3 line differ in performance - the Standard Range Plus is fitted with a single electric motor that's been modulated to generate up to 266 hp, all of which is commanded by a single-speed direct-drive automatic transmission exclusively for the rear-wheel drivetrain. Both the Long Range and the Performance are fitted with two electric motors that produce up to 393 hp for the Long Range and 430 hp for the Performance. Regardless of powertrain, power is ceded through to the all-wheel drivetrain in both of these models. Tesla's supercharger network is extensive in the USA and charging your Model 3 sedan on one of the 120 kW stations will give you 175 miles of range after just 15 minutes.

If you're accustomed to the first-rate luxury and upscale demeanors of premium 4-door sedans such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Volvo S60, the Tesla Model 3 may not live up to your expectations. Tesla pursues a very futuristic aesthetic, which is exhibited in the simplistic design and overall minimalism. The Model 3 bears its own demeanor of opulence and exclusivity not just in its design, but also in its industry-leading EV performance, semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and novel "Easter egg" features. Owners of any Tesla are also benefit from Tesla's extensive super charger network, allowing for quick recharging while out and about. The Model 3 is fairly practical, too, with its rear seats that can fold down completely flat.

Furthermore, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 has undergone review by both the NHTSA and the IIHS and received top-notch ratings from both. It also offers plenty of value if you admire the futuristic and minimalist aesthetic. Look past the limited selection of comforts and conveniences and subgrade build quality, and the Model 3 is a find vehicle indeed.

Choosing which 2021 Model 3 sedan to go for will purely come down to what you desire in performance and what you require in range. With that said, however, even the entry-spec Standard Range Plus offers exhilarating acceleration with its 5.3-second 0 to 60 mph sprint time and genuinely impressive EV capability, along with a class-leading 263-mile range and 150/133/142 MPGe fuel economy equivalent returns. We do recommend opting in the Autopilot/Full Self-Driving suite, which, while not yet perfected, does help take some of the strain out of everyday driving. This will also benefit from Tesla's ongoing over-the-air system updates. The overall price of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 sedan with these inclusive features comes to just under $47,000, which is very good for such a high-performing EV.