2022 Tesla Model 3 Review, Pricing, and Specs

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 electric car is a great choice for those who want a vehicle with a high level of performance, range and affordable pricing. The Model 3 is fast, especially in the Performance trim.

It also has agility, making it an electric vehicle that even non-technical drivers can appreciate. The Model 3 is aimed at a broad range of customers. Its rivals include the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, Jaguar XE, and Alfa Romeo Giulia.

2022 tesla model 3 review, pricing, and specs - car and driver
2022 Tesla Model 3 Review, Pricing, and Specs – Car and Driver

Pros :

Excellent Performance and range
Classy, minimalist interior
It’s easy to live with

Cons :

Other people are more entertaining
Rear headroom is limited
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.

What’s New in 2022 Tesla Model 3

    • There are no significant changes in 2022
    • Part of 2017’s first Model 3 generation

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 offers the California-based automaker’s most affordable and small-sized electric car. We don’t anticipate any major changes to the Model 3 in 2022, despite a series of improvements for 2021.

What is included an updated interior, improved range, and standard features. It’s not a bad thing as the Model 3 is Edmunds’ favorite EV due to its outstanding range, strong Performance, and spacious interior.

However, Tesla isn’t the only automaker that offers compelling electric cars. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a standout with its sporty Performance, helpful cargo area, and the all-new BMW i4 luxury sedan that happens to be an EV is a true luxury sports sedan.

The company’s early success has helped it to improve the whole package. Although the Model 3 is still a compelling sedan, it’s worth taking a look, even if there are some issues with its limited range and complicated tech.

Model and Specifecation of 2022 Tesla Model 3

Model Range Wallbox charge time Rapid charge time
Standard Range 305 miles 8hrs (0-100%, 7.4kW) 21mins (10-80%, 170kW)
Long Range 374 miles 11hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) 34mins (10-80%, 190kW)
Performance 340 miles 12hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) 23mins (10-80%, 200kW)

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Rear Weal Drive : $ 46, 440
Long Range : $ 52, 440
Performance :  $ 60, 440

Although the Rear-Wheel Drive model offers the most value, its estimated driving range of 272 miles may not be sufficient to alleviate range anxiety for all drivers.

The Long Range model offers 358 miles per charge, which we recommend. All Model 3s include heated front seats, navigation, and Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot driving system.

Performance and Range

The Model 3 comes in three versions: Standard Range Plus and Long Range. The entry-level Standard Range Plus models have a rear motor with rear-wheel drive. The other Model 3s come with dual motors and AWD.

Standard Range cars use a 54-kWh battery, but dual-motor models get an 82 kWh unit. Tesla claims that it can go from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds with the Standard Range Plus, 4.2 seconds with 3 seconds for Model 3 Performance. 

We tested and found slightly faster numbers for Long Range and Standard Range Plus models. We expect them to remain the same as the 2021 models, even though Tesla has not announced their range numbers.

Space and practicality:

2022 Tesla Model 3 has a spacious interior. It also features a standard-fit panoramic sunroof that doesn’t make it feel claustrophobic, even for passengers in the rear. The Model 3 flat floor provides legroom and ISOFIX child-seat mounting holes on the outer rear seats.

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 boot space is 425 Liters. However, that number does not include the extra space in the car’s ‘frunk.’ This is the area under the bonnet where an engine would normally be found. The 2022 Tesla Model 3 is 4694mm long, 1849mm in width, and 1443mm high.

Refinement and noise levels

This subheading doesn’t apply to the Tesla Model 3. The 2022 Tesla Model 3 has virtually no noise levels. There’s very little engine noise and very little wind noise due to its small frontal area and slippery shape. You will notice a tire roar, which is less than the Model 3’s bigger-wheeled rivals.

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 amazing suite of autonomous driving aids (hands up, please) makes it a great long-distance cruiser.

Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the 2022 Tesla Model 3?

Tesla’s Supercharger network, which is fancy and fast, will provide up to 180 miles of range in just 15 minutes for the 2022 Tesla Model 3. A 7.4kW home charger will provide 30 miles per hour of range, which should be sufficient to get you to work in the morning. Filling up the battery to its full capacity will cost approximately PS10 at home.

How much does it cost to charge the 2022 tesla model 3?
How much does it cost to charge the 2022 Tesla Model 3?

Although you can charge your 2022 Tesla Model 3 with a standard three-pin socket, it is not recommended. It took us about an hour to increase the range by just 10 miles.

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is officially capable of covering 278 miles without charging. The Long Range will only need power until you travel 360 miles. While the Performance can go 348 miles between charges, it’s good for 348. This is the longest range of all-electric cars currently on sale.

Running costs for a 2022 Tesla Model 3

“The Model 3 can use standard and fast-charge public chargers as well as its extensive network of superchargers.”

Although the Model 3 isn’t cheap, owning a Tesla is more realistic. The Model 3 is much cheaper than an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series with similar Performance. It’s also not too far from a high-spec Nissan Leaf to a basic Model 3 though it becomes more expensive as you move up the range. Your running costs will be very low no matter which version you choose.

The cost of running a car will be lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle. It will all depend on where you top up, but it will still be significantly less than a regular car. Model 3 is an EV completely free from emission-based congestion zones (EBS) and VED road tax. Company car tax is 0 for 2020/21 and will rise to a negligible 2% starting in 2022.

The Model 3 can be charged with standard and fast-charge public chargers. It also has a network of superchargers that are available for rapid charging. The Model 3’s residual values should be exceptional, as it is one of the most sought-after cars in recent years. This is good news for finance and leases agreements, largely based on the car’s retained values.

Cargo Space and Interior Room

Cargo space and interior room
Cargo Space and Interior Room

The Model 3 is smaller than the Model Y crossover and Tesla’s larger Model S, but it still offers plenty of interior space. Although the Polestar 2 is slightly larger than the Model 3’s 15.0 cubic foot cargo space, the Tesla offers more legroom front and back.

Cargo space (trunk+front trunk)

  •  2022 Tesla Model 3: 15.0 cubic feet
  •  2022 Polestar 2, 15.5 cubic feet

Legroom (first/second rows)

  •  2022 Tesla Model 3: 42.7/35.2 inches
  •  2022 Polestar 2: 42.2/33.9 inches

2022 Tesla Model 3 Safety Features

Antilock brakes

ABS brakes sense when a tire cannot rotate under extreme braking and modulate the brake pressure to allow it to turn. This improves the vehicle’s ability to turn even when braking.

Stability control

Stability control detects when the vehicle’s handling limits are exceeded and automatically reduces engine power or applies selected brakes to prevent the driver from losing control.

Front-impact airbags

The front-impact airbags are designed to protect the head in frontal crashes.

Side impact airbags

Side impact airbags are designed to protect the spine in a side-impact collision.

Overhead airbags

In a rollover or side collision, the airbags above the head protect the lead.

Knee airbags

In an accident, knee airbags protect the occupants’ lower extremities against serious injury.

Pretensioners

Pretensioners for seatbelts automatically tighten the belts so that the occupant is in the best possible position to avoid a collision.

Security system

The vehicle has a way to detect and prevent unwanted vehicle intrusion. An ignition disable device is fitted to the car to stop the engine from starting if it isn’t used with the correct manufacturer key.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Although Tesla’s warranty coverage is the longest in the EV sector, it’s disappointing that it doesn’t cover corrosion protection. The Long Range model offers additional 20,000-mile coverage for its drive and battery components.

Limited Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles

  • The warranty on powertrains is valid for eight years or 100,000 miles
  • There is no complimentary maintenance