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2026 Tesla Model 3
BEVFully electric · Every trim below is EPA-rated. Starting price shown before destination.
Photo: Chanokchon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) — source
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Worth knowing
- EPA estimates $9,250 in fuel savings over 5 years versus the average new car.
- About $102 per mile of EPA range — better value than 99% of the electrics and plug-ins here.
- A perfect 10/10 on the EPA's fuel-economy score.
The short version
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 starts at $36,990, goes 363 miles on a charge, sips electricity at 137 MPGe. Here's what the EPA numbers actually mean.
Pricing
Starts at $36,990 before destination, across 5 EPA-rated trims. We verify every price by hand against manufacturer and dealer sources — if we can't confirm a number, we leave it blank instead of guessing.
Range and efficiency
EPA-tested at 363 miles of range and 137 MPGe combined. That's the lab number every car takes, so it's the fairest comparison there is. In the real world, knock off 10–20% for highway speed and cold weather. Cheaper trims with smaller wheels actually go farther — the lineup stretches from 309 to 363 miles.
Charging and fuel cost
At the U.S. average of $0.17 per kWh, 12,000 miles a year costs about $502 in electricity — roughly $42 a month. That's the whole fuel story; there are no oil changes either. Plug in your own rates in the fuel cost calculator.
Fast charging
On a DC fast charger it peaks at 250 kW (Long Range; Standard/SR trims lower (~170-175)) — enough to add serious miles in the time it takes to grab coffee. Figures are manufacturer ratings for the best trim; real-world peaks vary with battery temperature and state of charge.
All 5 EPA-rated trims
| Trim | Drive | Class | EPA range | MPGe | Full charge (240V) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Performance | All-Wheel Drive | Midsize Cars | 309 mi | 114 | 12.0 h |
| Model 3 Performance AWD | All-Wheel Drive | Midsize Cars | 314 mi | 111 | 12.0 h |
| Model 3 Premium AWD | All-Wheel Drive | Midsize Cars | 346 mi | 128 | 11.7 h |
| Model 3 Premium RWD | Rear-Wheel Drive | Midsize Cars | 363 mi | 137 | 11.7 h |
| Model 3 Standard RWD | Rear-Wheel Drive | Midsize Cars | 321 mi | 139 | 12.1 h |
Real-world range tests
Independent outlets tested this model and averaged 332 miles — EPA rates the best trim at 363 miles. Test protocols differ (mixed loops vs constant highway speed), so compare within a column, not across them.
| Outlet | Test | Tested range | vs EPA | Trim tested | Conditions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmunds | Edmunds EV Range Test | 393 mi | +8% | 2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (EPA 363 mi) | Edmunds EV Range Test: 60% city / 40% highway loop, avg ~40 mph, climate auto 72F | Source |
| Edmunds via insideevs.com | Edmunds EV Range Test | 345 mi | -5% | 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range (reported by InsideEVs citing Edmunds) | Edmunds EV Range Test: 60% city / 40% highway loop, avg ~40 mph, climate auto 72F | Source |
| Edmunds | Edmunds EV Range Test | 339 mi | -7% | 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard (EPA 321 mi) | Edmunds EV Range Test: 60% city / 40% highway loop, avg ~40 mph, climate auto 72F | Source |
| Edmunds | Edmunds EV Range Test | 338 mi | -7% | 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range (EPA 341 mi) | Edmunds EV Range Test: 60% city / 40% highway loop, avg ~40 mph, climate auto 72F | Source |
| Edmunds | Edmunds EV Range Test | 306 mi | -16% | 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance (EPA 303 mi) | Edmunds EV Range Test: 60% city / 40% highway loop, avg ~40 mph, climate auto 72F | Source |
| Edmunds | Edmunds EV Range Test | 292 mi | -20% | 2026 Tesla Model 3 Performance, all-season tires (EPA 309 mi) | Edmunds EV Range Test: 60% city / 40% highway loop, avg ~40 mph, climate auto 72F | Source |
| Car and Driver via medium.com | 75-mph highway range test | 310 mi | -15% | 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (EPA 363 mi) | Car and Driver 75-mph highway range test (C&D result quoted verbatim in syndicated C&D feature) | Source |
See all tested models: real-world range ranking.
Battery health & warranty
- Published degradation: 1.11%/yr (AVILOO Certified EV Battery Report 2026) — ≈343 mi range at 5 yrs (estimate)
- Published degradation: 1.00%/yr (Tesla 2023 Impact Report) — ≈345 mi range at 5 yrs (estimate)
- Battery warranty: 8 yr / 120000 mi, 70% capacity floor
Buying used? Full battery-health guide →
Charging specs
- Peak DC charging: 250 kW (manufacturer rating)
- Charge port: Rear left (driver side)
- Onboard AC charger: 11.5 kW
- Battery preconditioning for fast charging
- Plug & Charge (ISO 15118) — plug in, no app needed
Sources: insideevs.com, tesla.com, automotiveglory.com, evehiclepro.com
Similar electric cars
Head-to-head comparisons
Common questions
What is the range of the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 has up to 363 miles of EPA-rated range on a full charge, at 137 MPGe combined. Real-world range varies with speed, temperature, and driving style.
How much does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 cost?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 starts at $36,990 MSRP before destination charges. Prices are verified from manufacturer and automotive sources.
Is the Tesla Model 3 fully electric?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is fully electric — it has no gas engine and charges from the grid.
Specs: U.S. EPA via fueleconomy.gov (model years 2025–2027), updated October 2026. MPGe = miles per gallon equivalent (33.7 kWh = 1 gallon of gasoline energy).