2026 Tesla Model 3: EPA Range, Price & Specifications
— IIHS, NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 scores well for fuel cost among mid-range Sedans. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $36,990 - $54,990
- EPA Electric Range
- 363 mi range
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $550 - $650 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 10 / 10 (Low Emissions)
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $8,000 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 2 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,187 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.95
- Brand Origin
- United States
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric Sedan offering up to 363 miles of EPA-rated range, starting at $36,990.
- Fuel cost $1,538 per year below mid-range Sedans average
- Base price $5,500 less than 2025 model
- Eligible for federal EV tax credit
2026 Tesla Model 3 at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among electric Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $550. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
- EPA estimates this vehicle saves you about $8,000 over five years in fuel compared to the average new vehicle.
- AAA estimates $1,358 per year in maintenance for the Medium Sedan (Electric) class.
Cautions in the data
- 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.
Similar vehicles to compare
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
How Did the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Tesla Model 3 across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. 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
Safety ratings measure crashworthiness. Recall data measures post-production quality. A vehicle can score well in crash tests and still have recall campaigns if a component turns out to be defective.
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 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
What Do 2026 Tesla Model 3 Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Tesla Model 3. This is below the average of 6 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 2026-04-10
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- ADAS / Safety Tech2
- Steering1
- Speed Control1
- Structure1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Without a gas tank, the cost equation changes. The 2026 Tesla Model 3's energy cost depends on electricity rates and how often you charge at home versus on the road.
What Is the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 offers up to 363 miles of EPA-rated range with an estimated annual energy cost of $550. 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).
Ranges from 114 to 137 combined MPGe depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost | EV Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard RWD EV | 137 MPGe | 145 | 128 | $550 per year | 363 mi |
| Premium RWD EV | 137 MPGe | 145 | 128 | $550 per year | 363 mi |
| Premium AWD EV | 114 MPGe | 120 | 107 | $650 per year | 309 mi |
| Performance AWD EV | 114 MPGe | 120 | 107 | $650 per year | 309 mi |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $2,750 to $3,250 depending on trim.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost. EPA smog rating: 9 out of 10.
Without gas or oil changes, the EV ownership equation looks different. The biggest costs shift to insurance, tire replacement, and depreciation. AAA estimates what those add up to.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $2,027 per year |
| Depreciation | $7,088 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $1,064 per year |
| Financing | $1,427 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,693 per year |
EV trims often differ in battery size, range, and charging speed rather than engine options. The table below compares range, price, and estimated costs across all 4 configurations.
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 an 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 | 137 MPGe |
| EV Range (mi) | 363 mi |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $550 per year |
| 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 | 137 MPGe |
| EV Range (mi) | 363 mi |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $550 per year |
| 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 per year |
| 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 per year |
| 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
added 2026
- Standard (RWD)
- Premium (RWD, AWD)
Trims no longer available
- Base (RWD) (last available 2024)
- Long Range (RWD, AWD) (last available 2025)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base RWD EV | $38,990 137 MPGe | — | — |
| Long Range RWD EV | $42,490 137 MPGe | $42,490 137 MPGe | — |
| Long Range AWD EV | $47,490 130 MPGe | $47,490 128 MPGe | — |
| Performance AWD EV | $54,990 130 MPGe | $54,990 128 MPGe | $54,990 114 MPGe |
| Standard RWD EV | — | — | $36,990 137 MPGe |
| Premium RWD EV | — | — | $42,490 137 MPGe |
| Premium AWD EV | — | — | $47,490 114 MPGe |
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
Trim selection is about the first year. Reliability is about years two through ten. The section below summarizes the available third-party data on how dependable this vehicle has proven.
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.
The warranty is the manufacturer's own bet on the vehicle's durability. Tesla's coverage terms for the 2026 Model 3 are shown below.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Come With?
Here is what Tesla covers at no cost for the 2026 Model 3. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 8yr/120k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k |
What Are the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Tesla Model 3. These figures are published by Tesla and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size car
| Horsepower | 510 hp |
|---|---|
| Power-to-Weight | 251.6 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $108 |
| 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
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Tesla Model 3. For an EV buyer, the range, energy cost, and depreciation data above are the key factors. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
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.
Verify this data
2026 Tesla Model 3 FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
In the sedan segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Tesla Model 3 are 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI (starting at $33,745, 5-star NHTSA, 29 MPG); and 2026 Toyota Crown (starting at $41,440, 5-star NHTSA, 30 MPG); and 2026 Subaru WRX (starting at $32,495, 5-star NHTSA, 21 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources 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 $46 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,187 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 363 mi range. Electric vehicles have no direct fuel costs but do use electricity. See our All electric vehicles 2026 list.
Where is Tesla based?
Tesla's headquarters are in United States. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Tesla models are available for 2026?
Tesla offers multiple models for 2026. Our Tesla models page lists every available Tesla vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What is the real-world charging cost for the 2026 Tesla Model 3?
EPA estimates the 2026 Tesla Model 3's annual energy cost based on national average electricity rates. Actual cost depends on your local utility rate and whether you charge at home or at public stations. See the fuel economy section above for the EPA estimate.
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.