Tesla Model 3 RWD review: answering the $60,000 question (and you still get $5k change)

The Tesla Model Model Y continues to dominate the battery electric vehicle (BEV) space in New Zealand. Year to date it's clocked up nearly 3000 registrations, more than 4 times as many as the next-best-BEV, the BYD Atto 2. It's also the only pure electric vehicle in the overall top 10 for 2026 so far.

But that's not Tesla's headline news for this year. Meet the new Model 3 RWD, a revised version of the maker's electric sedan that slashes $9k from the price of the Model 3 Premium to enter the fray at a bargain-priced $54,900. It does so retaining a remarkably generous standard equipment list.

As we all know, the Model 3 is simply the sedan version of the Model Y. "Highlands" to the "Juniper" if you're a tedious type person. Whether this $55k car draws potential Model Y buyers back to a 3-box format remains to be seen (the cheapest Model Y is another $13k).

It'll almost certainly give buyers of many Chinese "new energy" vehicles pause for thought; or should we say other Chinese vehicles, because that's also where our Teslas come from.

Uber drivers will be excited about the possibilities inherent in this car, both new and used. But there's also plenty in this cheaper Model 3 RWD to appeal to private buyers.

On the outside: what are the Tesla Model 3 RWD's main design features?

This is a reconfigured specification rather than a new model, so there's very to little to identify the Model 3 RWD on the outside. The giveaway is the black plastic aero caps on the 18-inch wheels, which happen to look awesome.

The downsized rims (Model 3 Premium wears 19in wheels) and covers help deliver an official 572km WLTP range for the entry car, compared to 520km from the identical powertrain in the Model 3 Premium.

Since we're standing on the outside, while the standard Model 3 retains full ultra-wideband connectivity for the phone key, it doesn't have the hands-free auto-open feature for the boot. But the boot is still powered.

All Model 3s are now Power Share compatible, which is Tesla's version of vehicle to load (V2L): you can power external devices using the charge port, although you'll need to buy the optional adaptor.

This car looks rather good in Pearl White Multi-Coat and it's only the free colour, but it does carry obvious rideshare vibes. The colour choices are limited for this model, but you can also have Diamond Black ($1700), which would be our pick for a totally futuristic look, or Stealth Grey ($2300).

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Tesla Model 3 RWD cabin like?

Again, pretty much business as usual inside the Model 3 RWD. Tesla is keen for you to know what this model does have, and that's fair because there's still a lot of good stuff: power seats with heating, the new 16-inch high-definition touch screen that's just been added across the range, the full software package including over the air (OTA) updates and a panoramic glass roof.

However, for the record it's also important to know what you're not getting. The vegan leather upholstery has been replaced by fabric and that's a plus as far as we're concerned: from icky to comfy.

The steering wheel adjustment is now manual rather than powered/auto, and while the front seats are still power adjustable, the controls are in the infotainment screen only - no switches on the seats themselves.

The AM/FM radio receiver has been deleted, although there's nothing stopping you streaming your favourite stations via Bluetooth. The audio system has stepped back from 9 speakers to 7.

The amibent lighting is less ornate, there's no touch screen in the back and no seat heating in the rear either.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Tesla Model 3 RWD like to drive?

The Model 3 RWD has exactly the same powertrain as the Premium, so it's plenty perky enough. Tesla doesn't like to talk battery sizes and power outputs, although it's very keen on 0-100km/h times. That's a lively 6.2 seconds for this model, which should not surprise because the general consensus is that the Model 3 has 208kW/420Nm.

The Premium is 0.1sec quicker, probably due to stiffer sidewalls from the more aggressive footwear, but the smaller wheels give the basic car an extra 52km range. We'll take it.

The latest-generation Model 3 is a genuinely enjoyable car to drive, with responsive steering and a distinctly rear-drive feel to the chassis. Yes, yes we know it is RWD, but not all EVs bring that level of dynamic character.

This car is theoretically a bit less broad in its ride/handling talents than the Premium RWD because it lacks the more expensive car's frequency dampers. However, don't worry about that too much; the Premium has a firmer ride around town and the taller sidewalls add a level of liveliness to the basic car's cornering character that makes it more fun. Not faster or more sophisticated... just more fun.

It's worth noting that this basic Model 3 is still compatible with Tesla's Full Self Driving (Supervised) package, which you can subscribe to for $159 per month. And as previously reported, that's a game-changer.

Even without it, the Model 3 has driver assistance that goes above and beyond. Enable "Navigate on Autosteer" and once a destination is set, the car can operate on adaptive cruise with enhanced steering assistance, changing lanes semi-autonomously and responding to traffic lights.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Tesla Model 3 RWD warranty and servicing situation?

The vehicle is covered for 5 years/unlimited kilometres, with separate battery cover of 8 years/160,000km.

Tesla does not specify traditional time or mileage-based maintenance packages. Instead, it's determined by the wear of individual components, with information/reminders/records accessible through the vehicle's infotainment system. Service visits can be scheduled through the Tesla app.

On the whole: what do we think of the Tesla Model 3 RWD?

There are a lot of poltics around the brand, but taken on its own terms the Model 3 is one of the most interesting and accomplished BEVs you can buy. The fact you can now buy one for less than $55k is going to thrust it into many more buying decisions.

Importantly, the Model 3 RWD is still rather well-equipped for this money and you're getting the technology that really counts, like Tesla's battery technology and driver-asistance features. We'd spend a little extra on another exterior colour and sign up for Full Self Driving (Supervised), but even then you've spent less than $60k for a car that really does feel like it's taking you into the future.

Tesla Model 3 RWD FAQs

What kind of car is the Tesla Model 3 RWD?

A 4-door sedan.

Does the Tesla Model 3 RWD have hybrid or EV technology?

It's pure electric.

What’s the efficiency of the Tesla Model 3 RWD?

It achieves 13.8kWh/100km and the WLTP range is 572km, 52km more than the Model 3 Premium.

Is the Tesla Model 3 RWD safe?

The Model 3 and Model Y have earned consistent priase from ANCAP for their safety performance. The current Model 3 has a 5-star rating that's valid until December 2031.

What safety and assistance features does the Tesla Model 3 RWD have?

What are the Tesla Model 3 RWD's main rivals?

• BYD Seal Dynamic ($59,990): Essentially BYD's answer to Model 3, and still a worthy alternative.
• Dongfeng 007 RWD ($52,990, on special): Big on looks and value, short on dynamic polish.
• Kia EV4 Light LR ($63,990): Bold style and good range, just not as dynamic as a Model 3.
• Mazda 6e Takami ($58,990): More expensive than Model 3, but bigger and more grown-up.
• Tesla Model Y Premium RWD ($67,900): There's no budget Y to match the 3; this is as cheap as it gets.