2026 Tesla Model 3
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric Sedan offering up to 309 miles of EPA-rated range. Starting at $36,990, this page compiles safety, cost, and reliability data from government and independent sources.
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 earns a B for fuel cost among mid-range Sedans. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 Tesla Model 3. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are lower estimated fuel cost and EPA estimates you will save on fuel compared to the average new vehicle, with lower estimated maintenance costs.
- fuel cost
- fuel savings
- maintenance cost
Strongest published signals
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among electric Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $650. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
- EPA estimates this vehicle saves you about $4,500 over five years in fuel compared to the average new vehicle.
- AAA estimates $1,358/yr in maintenance for the Medium Sedan (Electric) class, below the $1,786 average for conventional vehicles.
Limits and cautions
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA data is not available for this model yet.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $4,611 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.0/5.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $36,990 - $54,990
- EPA Electric Range
- 309 mi range
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $650/yr
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $4,500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Brand Origin
- United States
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Tesla Model 3 but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moderate Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | M Marginal |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize luxury cars
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Tesla Model 3, affecting SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. This is typical for Sedans, which average 1.2 recall campaign. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Most recent: June 2025
Units affected: 288
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Tesla Model 3. This is below the average of 4 complaints for 2026 Sedans. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-01-16
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Structure1
- ADAS / Safety Tech1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 offers up to 309 miles of EPA-rated range with an estimated annual energy cost of $650. Electric vehicles typically cost significantly less to fuel than gasoline equivalents. EPA range estimates are based on standardized testing. Real-world range varies with driving conditions, temperature, and speed. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost | EV Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard RWD EV | 114 MPGe | 120 | 107 | $650/yr | 309 mi |
| Premium RWD EV | 114 MPGe | 120 | 107 | $650/yr | 309 mi |
| Premium AWD EV | 114 MPGe | 120 | 107 | $650/yr | 309 mi |
| Performance AWD EV | 114 MPGe | 120 | 107 | $650/yr | 309 mi |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 ranges from $92,605 to $110,605 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan (Electric) class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,358/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $2,027/yr |
| Depreciation | $7,088/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $1,064/yr |
| Financing | $1,427/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,693/yr |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 4 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Trims Compare?
4 trims are available for the 2026 Tesla Model 3, spanning $36,990 to $54,990. All trims use a Electric powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
Standard RWD EV
| Base MSRP | $36,990 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 114 MPGe |
| EV Range (mi) | 309 mi |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $650/yr |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $92,605 |
| Federal Tax Credit | $7,500 |
Premium RWD EV
| Base MSRP | $42,490 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 114 MPGe |
| EV Range (mi) | 309 mi |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $650/yr |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $98,105 |
| Federal Tax Credit | $7,500 |
Premium AWD EV
| Base MSRP | $47,490 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 114 MPGe |
| EV Range (mi) | 309 mi |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $650/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $103,105 |
| Federal Tax Credit | $7,500 |
Performance AWD EV
| Base MSRP | $54,990 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 114 MPGe |
| EV Range (mi) | 309 mi |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $650/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 510 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $110,605 |
| Federal Tax Credit | $7,500 |
The entry price has decreased $2,000 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Standard RWD EV (added 2026)
- Premium RWD EV (added 2026)
- Premium AWD EV (added 2026)
Trims no longer available
- Base RWD EV (last available 2024)
- Long Range RWD EV (last available 2025)
- Long Range AWD EV (last available 2025)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base RWD EV | $38,990 130 MPG | — | — |
| Long Range RWD EV | $42,490 130 MPG | $42,490 128 MPG | — |
| Long Range AWD EV | $47,490 130 MPG | $47,490 128 MPG | — |
| Performance AWD EV | $54,990 130 MPG | $54,990 128 MPG | $54,990 114 MPG |
| Standard RWD EV | — | — | $36,990 114 MPG |
| Premium RWD EV | — | — | $42,490 114 MPG |
| Premium AWD EV | — | — | $47,490 114 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Tesla Model 3 at 3.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for mid-range Sedans. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Tesla's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Come With?
Tesla provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Model 3. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 8yr/120k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k |
What Are the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Horsepower | 510 hp |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | electric |
| Length | 185.8 - 185.9 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.3 - 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,759 - 4,054 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
Data Coverage
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Tesla Model 3: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
All data shown for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. This page updates automatically when source agencies publish new information. See our methodology page for details on data collection and verification.
2026 Tesla Model 3 FAQ
How does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 compare to other sedans?
Based on published data, the 2026 Tesla Model 3 has a fuel cost grade of B, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.0/5, and only 1 recall on file. These grades compare it against similar sedans in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Which 2026 Tesla Model 3 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 4 available trims, the Standard RWD EV has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $92,605, starting at $36,990 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $110,605. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Tesla Model 3 insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium Sedan (Electric) class at $2,027 per year, or about $169 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Tesla Model 3. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Tesla Model 3 maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium Sedan (Electric) class at $1,358 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($2,027/yr) and depreciation ($7,088/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,693 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Tesla Model 3 depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium Sedan (Electric) class depreciates about $7,088 per year, or roughly $35,440 over five years. On a base MSRP of $36,990, that represents about 96% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much does it cost to charge a 2026 Tesla Model 3?
The most efficient 2026 Tesla Model 3 trim costs an estimated $650 per year in energy, or about $54 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average electricity prices. That is about $1,124 less than the average for similar sedans. See our Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Tesla Model 3 include 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2026 Toyota Crown, and 2026 Subaru WRX. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Tesla Model 3 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 3 new trims were added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price decreased by $2,000 for the Tesla Model 3 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Tesla Model 3 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Tesla Model 3 include about $1,141 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $54 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,195 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Tesla Model 3 electric?
Yes, the 2026 Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric vehicle. It offers 309 mi range. Electric vehicles have no direct fuel costs but do use electricity. See our All electric vehicles 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.