Tesla's new Model 3 lab tested: what's new and what's missing?

Tesla has given its Model 3 electric car a comprehensive update, with the new version hitting UK roads earlier this year. We take a look at what's changed and whether you should consider buying one.

Tesla's Model 3 has been on sale since 2019. This latest update, which includes some surprising changes, looks to make it more competitive against newer large electric models from brands such as Hyundai and Kia.

Below, we reveal some of the changes that Tesla has made along with the rival EV's it's up against.

We've also just tested the updated version. See how it fared in our lab tests by reading our Tesla Model 3 review.

Best electric cars: See the new and used EVs that aced all our lab tests

Tesla Model 3: spot the difference

At first glance, the updated Model 3 (pictured below in blue) appears to be very similar to earlier models (pictured in white).

However, take a closer look and you'll spot quite a few changes – including a couple of surprises.

Exterior changes

As you can see from the pictures below, the front has been re-styled, with the most obvious change being narrower headlights.

According to Tesla, the new version's improved aerodynamics should result in an electric-range increase of up to 47 miles (318 - 421 miles, depending on trim and wheel size). Head to our full Tesla Model 3 review to find out whether this had any impact in our lab tests.

The rear of the Model 3 has also changed, with the 'T' logo being dropped in favour of the Tesla brand name being spelt out in full. And, as with the headlights, the Model 3's rear lights have also been given a sleeker appearance.

Interior updates

Tesla has focused most of its efforts on updating the interior, adding acoustic glass and extra soundproofing materials. Both should help to reduce road and driving noise to the cabin – something we report on in our full review.

What's really surprising, though, is Tesla's decision to remove the indicator stalk and replace it with buttons on the wheel. As you'll discover in our full review, it's something we really struggled to get to grips with. 

And, in a further attempt to declutter the cabin, Tesla has removed the car’s gear shifter stalk, which used to sit on the right side of the wheel. Gear controls in the updated Model 3 are instead found both on the central touchscreen and in a panel above the rear-view mirror.

For the first time on the Model 3, there's also a wireless charging pad in the front console for two smartphones, while all-round heated and front ventilated seats have also been added to the new facelift models.

Should you buy a Tesla Model 3?

Price is certainly one of the main draws of the Model 3. As we reported last month, Tesla has made numerous reductions over the past year, which has seen the Model 3’s price drop by 18%. It's now the cheapest new large EV we’ve tested, starting at £39,990. 

Our latest car survey also shows that Tesla Model 3 owners seem reasonably satisfied with their cars. It’s the sixth-most satisfying new large car to own, according to our survey, achieving a respectable four-star customer satisfaction score.

But a satisfying car doesn’t necessarily make for a reliable one. In fact, Tesla's cars have gained a reputation for developing problems – something we've highlighted in the past. Find out how the Model 3 performed for reliability in our latest survey in our guide to the most reliable cars.

Since the Model 3 was first released in 2019, we’ve tested four different versions of the car, so if you're looking to buy a used, pre-facelift model, you'll be able to see how it fared in our tests and get real-world driving range figures.

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review to get all the details.

What are the Model 3’s main rivals?

Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2022-), from £44,647

The Ioniq 6 is Hyundai’s second bespoke electric car (ones that aren't based on existing petrol or hybrid models), coming after the Ioniq 5 SUV. Like all Hyundai models, it comes with a five-year warranty and has plenty of equipment as standard, but the Ioniq 6 also benefits from distinctive, streamlined bodywork.

Its sleek design should make for a very efficient car, but what’s the reality? Read our Hyundai Ioniq 6 review to find out.

Polestar 2 (2020-), from £44,950

While the ultra-rare Polestar 1 sports car was a plug-in hybrid, the logically (if somewhat boringly) named Polestar 2 is the brand’s first electric car. Polestar comprehensively updated the car in 2023 with improved efficiency and a longer driving range. Unlike the Model 3 and Ioniq 6, it’s a hatchback, which should make things easier when loading the boot. 

But is the addition of a hatchback boot a useful practicality boost? Find out by reading our Polestar 2 review.

Kia EV6 (2021-), from £44,107

Like Polestar and Hyundai, Kia is another brand that's planning to introduce several new electric models over the next few years.

Its EV6 is a sharply styled large hatchback. All UK models come with a relatively large 77.4kWh battery pack that's Kia claims will provide a lengthy 328 mile driving range.

Can the EV6 match its official driving range claim? Get the definitive verdict in our Kia EV6 review.

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