2026 Tesla Model 3
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is the company’s smallest car, known for its all-electric performance, compact interior, and advanced technology suite. The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is the latest iteration of the car after a major facelift, with notable changes focused on trim levels and features. The modern, cheaper standard trim is introduced, making it easier to get into the entry-level lineup. In a major change, visual turn signals are back on all 2026 Model 3 trims, replacing the controversial navigation buttons.
 Tesla Model 3 2026 Standard |
 2026 Tesla Model 3 Performance Interior |
Some features have been removed from the base 2026 Tesla Model 3 to cut costs, such as a rear-seat passenger screen and FM radio. The Model 3 is available in Standard, Premium, and Performance trims, each offering different levels of range and speed. As a very small car, it is known for its compact interior centered around a large touchscreen, improved Autopilot driver assistance features, and solid overall performance.
2026 Tesla Model 3 : Interior
The interior of the 2026 Tesla Model 3 retains its familiar minimalist aesthetic, dominated by a large 15.4-inch touchscreen in the center that controls nearly all of the car’s functions. The cabin has a clean design, wrapped in high-quality, soft-touch materials and vegan leather upholstery standard on higher trims. A key update for all 2026 models is the return of the visible turn signal and wiper stalks to the steering column, a change made in response to customer feedback after they were removed in previous refreshes. Other features common across all models include a glass roof, ventilated front seats, and improved ambient lighting.
2026 Tesla Model 3 Car
The Tesla Model 3 base model features a combination of vegan leather and soft-touch fabric seats, a manual-adjustable steering column instead of a power-adjustable one, and a simple seven-speaker audio system without FM radio functionality. The 8-inch rear passenger touchscreen and heated rear seats are also not included in the Standard trim. While the base model retains the panoramic glass roof, it loses the acoustic glass that seals the sound in the rear, which can result in a slightly noisier cabin for rear-seat passengers compared to the more expensive Premium and Performance trims.
2026 Tesla Model 3 : Engine
The 2026 Tesla model uses electric powertrains instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) models, including the new “Standard” and Premium RWD trims, have a single, permanent-magnet all-wheel drive. The Premium RWD, despite having the same hardware, is faster, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, likely due to software tweaks or different battery configurations. These models use different types of batteries, with the Standard trim typically using a smaller Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) pack, while higher trims can use Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, which affects range and charging speed.
 2026 Tesla Model 3 Performance Range |
 2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
The Tesla Model 3 all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration, available on the Premium AWD and flagship Performance trims, uses two motors to improve traction and power. The Premium AWD combines its motors to achieve a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, with a combined output of 425 horsepower. The top-of-the-line Performance model is the most powerful ever fitted to a Model 3, estimated to produce over 500bhp, and is capable of a 0-60mph time of under 2.9 seconds. This model features a next-generation rear-wheel drive unit and an adaptive damping suspension system for improved handling. Tesla uses a mix of motor types across its lineup, often combining a front induction motor with a permanent magnet motor in the rear for AWD models.
2026 Tesla Model 3 : Safety
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is designed to be one of the safest cars on the road, built on a history of receiving top scores from safety organizations such as NHTSA, IIHS, and Euro NCAP. The 2026 Model 3’s inherent safety is based on a rigid body structure and a reinforced battery mounted under the chassis, which creates a low center of gravity to reduce the risk of rollover and increase passenger safety. The standard passive safety features include multiple airbags, large rollover protection, and power grab bars, while active safety is provided by the standard Autopilot suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a new front bumper camera for improved visibility and parking assistance.