2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric

header-image
$35,000 - $44,000
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 17, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Quick acceleration

Apple Car Play and Android Auto are not offered as standard

All-new model for 2017

Ton of autonomous driving and safety features

Low Cargo capacity

High range of driving

Spacious cabin

Specs & Features

$35,000

price

258 hp

horsepower

TBD

torque

1-Speed Automatic

transmission

electric RWD 1A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is all-new model that brings up the electric drive with a power performance of 258-271 hp.

Featuring a 3-trim lineup of Mid-Range, Long Range, and Performance, the 2017 Model 3 MSRP can be an expense of $46,000-$64,000 this season. Having said that, it simply translates to the fact that the range-leader Model 3 Performance 2017 will cost you $18,000 more than the base Range for enhanced specs and assets. 

Model

Invoice Price

MSRP

Mid-Range

N/A $46,000
Long Range N/A $53,000

Performance

N/A

$64,000

2018 Tesla Model 3 For Sale

There is no specific lease deal information as such for the 2017 Tesla Model 3. 


For budget-oriented buyers, the used 2017 Model 3 can be availed of with a base price of $39,999. Going for older model years like the 2019 Model 3 could be a matter of $34,999 and Tesla Model 3 2018 can cost as much as $32,400 along with a listing of up to 6,564 in total. 

Model Year

Starting Inventory Price

No. Of Listings

2022 Tesla Model 3 

$14,950

1,229

2021 Tesla Model 3

$37,950

1,235

2020 Tesla Model 3 $35,995 999
2019 Tesla Model 3 $34,999 1,820
2018 Tesla Model 3 $32,400 1,256
2017 Tesla Model 3 $39,999 22

We Recommend

The Base 2017 Model 3 Mid-Range configuration which is a mealnge of balanced pricing and features among all. 


The Tesla Model 3 rivals against the other spot-on worthy sedans Auid A4, BMW 3 Series, and Volvo S60.

Buying Advice

Since the Model 3 comes as a single variant with only one battery choice, it is pretty much what we have to recommend. But to add to the lack of trims, the one model available has everything in it and is loaded to the brim with features and technology - all that one would need in a car!

Comparative Analysis against Competition

 The interior of the Model 3 is well-illuminated and at the same time spacious. The safety features and DAS features incorporated into the Tesla Model 3's system are of high standards and most of them are being offered as standard.

The Tesla Model 3 comes with 2 optional packages as well. The Enhanced Autopilot which starts at an MSRP of $5000 consists of features like Automatic Change Lanes and Match Speed to Traffic Conditions. 

There is also a Premium Upgrades Package which comes by paying an additional $5000. It consists of two year of complimentary data connectivity and a HomeLink Garage Door Opener. 

Buying Advice
8.0/10

The Tesla Model 3 comes in two trims—Standard at $36,000 and Long Range at $45,000. Out of these two, we would recommend the Long Range if your running is high, like on city and highway roads. However, if your running is low, you should go for the Standard. The reason is that they both have more or less the same features. Except for the battery range and charging time, the Long Range Model 3 and Standard Model 3 of the year 2017 have the same safety features too. Both of these trims come with the Autopilot feature that is a USP.

Features
8.0/10

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 comes in 2 trims– Standard and Long Range. The Standard Model 3 comes at a price of $36,000. By spending $9000 more you can buy yourself a 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The Long Range offers the same features that the Standard does, however, Long Range provides more range of driving and shorter charging time than the Standard. 

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has a 15-inch touch screen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a seven-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic temperature control, cloth seats, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning with braking assist.

Trim Standard Long Range
MSRP

$36,000

$45,000
Key Features Navigation System With Real-Time Traffic Heated Front Bucket Seats
  Multi-Zone A/C Auto Dimming Power Folding Heated Side Mirrors
  Premium Audio System w/15 Speakers Seven-Speaker Audio System With Internet Streaming Radio
  AM/FM Stereo Blind-Spot Monitoring With Collision Avoidance
  Cruise control Full Self Driving

Fuel Economy
10.0/10

Tesla's vast network of Supercharger stations is what separates it from the crowd. As the charging time depends on the various methods that can be adopted by the user like the Supercharging station which charges the Tesla Model 3 in 30 minutes by giving a range of 130 miles. The 240-volt charging station- via which one can charge Tesla Model 3 in 10 hours to its full capacity. Finally, the 110-volt household-style power outlet is not apt since it would consume a lot of  time to fully charge the 2017 Tesla Model 3. 

Models

2017 Tesla Model 3

2017 Audi A4 2017 BMW 3 Series 2017 Volvo S60 

MPG (City)

131 

27 

23 25

MPG (Highway)

120 

37 

35 

36

MPG (Combined)

126 

31 
28 
29

Fuel Capacity/Battery Capacity

50 kWh

15.3

15.8
17.8

 Range (miles)

260 / 260  / 260  

 

413/ 580/485


363.40 / 553.00 / 450

445.00 / 640.80 / 560 

Hands down the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is the most fuel-efficient car among its rivals. On a full battery capacity it offers an average 126 MPG-- more than 2017 Audi Audi A4, 2017 BMW 3 Series and 2017 Volvo S60  by 95 MPG, 98 MPG and 97 MPG respectively. Having said that the 2017 Volvo S60 has more range of driving at full tank capacity than 2017 Tesla Model 3, 2017 Audi A4 and 2017 BMW 3 Series by 300 miles, 75 miles and 110 miles respectively

Interior
9.4/10

The Tesla Model 3 has a more upscale cabin than those offered by its rivals.  It takes a minimalist approach to interior design. The cabin of the 2017 Tesla Model is soundproof making it comfortable for the passengers inside. There is little road noise due to a very good suspension. There are tiny creature comforts inside the roomy cabin which provides space for keeping a thing like a water bottle. The armrests present at the rear provide comfort to the rear passengers. The seatbelts are beige in color matching with the seat upholstery.

The seats have a really distinctive appearance and are quite comfy. These recliners have a six-way manually adjustable mechanism, cloth upholstery as standard, and additional stitching. The infotainment system in the 2017 Tesla Model 3 measures 15-inches diagonally.  The infotainment system is less capacitive and more intuitive in nature. 

 

Models

2017 Tesla Model 3

2017 Audi A4

2017 BMW 3 Series

2017 Volvo S60  

Seating capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Headroom/ Shoulder room/ Legroom) (in.)

39.6  / 56.3  / 42.7 


38.9 / 55.9 / 41.3
40.3 / 55.1 / 42
38.6 / 57 / 41.9

Rear (Headroom/ Shoulder room/ Legroom) (in.)

37.7  / 54.0  / 35.2 

37.4  / 54.5 / 35.7 


37.7 / 55.1 / 35.1


37.6 / 55.2 / 33.5

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

15 


13

13

12

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has more cargo capacity than 2017 Audi A4 and 2017 BMW 3 Series by 2 cubic feet, and 2017 Volvo S60 by 2 cubic feet. The data suggests that the trunk of the Tesla Model 3 can accommodate a large suitcase or a medium size golf bag in its boot easily.

Exterior
9.4/10

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric car, however exterior styling suggests that it is a conventional 4-door sedan. The car houses its 50 kWh battery underneath and not in front inside the bonnet. There are minimum aerodynamic features present in the Tesla Model 3. The diffuser and spoiler are present at the back of the car. There are wheel caps that provide prevention of wear and tear of the wheels of 2017 Model 3. The door handles also come out due to keyless go feature present in the car. Furthermore, the trunk of 2017 Tesla Model 3 is accessible via your smartphone. Not only that there are 2 standard options to access your Tesla Model 3- a Card, and your smartphone.  All in all the exterior styling is conventional but immaculate.

The automatic headlights in the front well illuminate the road ahead while driving at night, however, they are not curved adaptive which we believe should have been there as a standard option. The doors of the Tesla Model 3 also have a wide opening. Being a sedan the ground clearance is optimum however we would have wished for a bit lower than the current one to have more stability at high speeds. 

Models

2017 Tesla Model 3

2017 Audi A4

2017 BMW 3 Series

2017 Volvo S60

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3814
3450 
 
3295

3619

Length (in.)

184.8 


186.1

182.5

182.5

 

Width (in.)

82.2


72.5

71.3

73.4

Height (in.)

56.8 


56.2


56.3


58.4

Ground clearance (in.)

5.5 

NA


NA


5.4

Wheelbase (in.)

113.2 


111
110.6
109.3

 

The 2017 Model 3 is the heaviest of them all. Having a curb weight of 3814 lbs, the Model 3 exceeds by 364 lbs, 519 lbs and 195 lbs than 2017 Audi A4, 2017 BMW 3 Series and 2017 Volvo S60. Although its heavier than the rest, Model 3's power-to-weight ratio is better than its rivals. The Model 3 has a very unique design that is highlighted by:

 

  • Automatic LED headlights
  • LED fog lights
  • Air vents in the front
  • 18-/19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels 
  • External cameras
  • Heated and power-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors
  • Rear-view mirror mounted turn signals
  • Panoramic glass roof
  • LED tail lights 
  • Minimal badging

Safety
10.0/10


The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has not been rated by the NHTSA ,however, the IIHS has rated the Model 3 as a “Good” car in terms of safety features that mitigate and prevent an accident. In total Tesla Model 3 2017 has got 8 recalls and 11 complaints so far. Till date there have been 3 open complaints for the Model 3 2017. Every safety aspect in the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is of top-notch quality, however we think that the headlights could been curve adaptive. 

There are a multitude of active and passive safety as well as loads of DAS features incorporated into 2017 Tesla Model 3:-

  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Front Head Air Bag & Front Side Air Bag
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Brake Assist
  • Tire Pressure Monitor
  • Automatic Highbeams
  • 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
  • Autopilot and Full Self Driving
     

Competition
9.0/10

2017 Tesla Model 3  vs 2017 Audi A4   

Although the Audi A4 has a highly-powered engine , it feels a bit heavy to drive. The design is a big no for the 2017 Audi A4. Both these cars are reliable and practical however 2017 Tesla Model 3's running cost is close to nil when compared with IC engine cars. In terms of cargo capacity  Audi A4 can keep more luggage than a 2017 Tesla Model 3. That said, we believe that Tesla Model 3 is the best Tesla you can buy for a sum of $36000. 


2017 Tesla Model 3  vs 2017 BMW 3 Series  


As far as range is concerned the 2017 BMW 3 Series gives a range of 450 miles at a full tank capacity. Tesla as a brand has an extensive Supercharger network which BMW does not have. The 2017 BMW 3 Series offers a ton of features in its entertainment and infotainment system, however the 2017 Tesla Model 3 follows a minimalist design and has its own UI. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available in Tesla’s infotainment system. 

2017 Tesla Model 3  vs 2017 Volvo S60

The 2017 Volvo S60  has an EPA-rated 560 miles at 17.8 gallons tank capacity. The price that Volvo S60 comes it is more affordable than the 2017 Tesla Model 3 by about $1,055. The 0-60 MPH figure for the 2017 Volvo S60 is way better than the 2017 Model 3– quicker by 0.15 seconds.  The Tesla Model 3 comes with autopilot which the Volvo S60 does not have, however, the latter makes up by offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard which the former does not have. 
 

Final Verdict
9.0/10

The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is a sure buy given that there is a fast transition from IC engine mobility to electric car mobility. Although it has a high ownership cost–$36,000, its running cost is a bare minimum. The minimalist tech-savvy interior incorporated into Tesla Model 3 steals the show by having huge space in its cabin to seat 5 passengers. The level 5 DAS and active safety features are also major factors in buying a 2017 Tesla Model 3. Last but not least it is a highly practical and reliable car owing to its high battery capacity, large cabin size, low 0-60 MPH figure, and bare minimum running costs. 
 

Trims

    Standard Range
    $35,000 onwards
    • Engine: electric RWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 258 hp hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: 5.59 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 124 mpg
    Long Range
    $44,000 onwards
    • 15-inch touchscreen
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Automatic headlights and high beams
    • Blind-Spot Monitoring With Collision Avoidance
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Navigation System With Real-Time Traffic
    • Rearview camera
    • Seven-Speaker Audio System With Internet Streaming Radio

Compare to similar cars

Price

$35,000- $44,000

Engine

electric

Rating

9.17

Horsepower

258 hp

Torque

307 lb.-ft.

Capacity

5

Read Review

$85,000- $160,000

Gasoline

8.04

330 hp @ 5400 rpm

331 lb.-ft. @ 1340 rpm

4

Read Review

$68,000- $134,500

electric

8.42

382 hp

317 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.59 sec--
    4.7 sec13.3 sec-
    5.1 sec15.9 sec140 mph

    2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      127 mpg120 mpg124 mpg--
      98 mpg101 mpg100 mpg--
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg23.7 gal.497.7/663.6 mi.

      2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        184.8 in.72.8 in.56.8 in.5.5 in.113.2 in.
        198.8 in.76.3 in.56 in.6 in.116.1 in.
        196 in.77.3 in.56.5 in.5.5 in.116.5 in.

        2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          17 cu.ft.97 cu.ft.-
          -94 cu.ft.58.1 cu.ft.
          17.4 cu.ft.105 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.

          2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            -17 cu.ft.-
            58.1 cu.ft.-58.1 cu.ft.
            46 cu.ft.17.4 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.

            2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1252 lbs.3549 lbs.
              954 lbs.4469 lbs.
              1268 lbs.4001 lbs.

              Top Tesla Cars

              2017 Tesla Model X Electric

              Horsepower : 518 hp

              MPG Combined : 93 mpg

              0-60 : 5.5 sec

              #1

              2017 Tesla Model S Electric

              Horsepower : 382 hp

              MPG Combined : 100 mpg

              0-60 : 5.1 sec

              #2

              2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric

              Horsepower : 258 hp

              MPG Combined : 124 mpg

              0-60 : 5.59 sec

              #3

              2017 Tesla Model 3 Electric User Reviews

              0.0

              [2 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              Jm

              Jared mackes

              2018 Tesla Model 3 Electric

              Long Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 3, 2024

              Great car fundamentally but needs work

              Pros - ["regenerative braking", "electric charging", "entertainment center"]

              Cons - ["high tire wear", "inconvenient servicing", "stupid things like not making window controls durable..."]

              I love the electric charging the range is decent 280mi summer 230 winter. The annoying thing is the somewhat poor construction of the caron minor things. For example I dropped my charger 2 feet on the trunk and it dented. The driverside window control broke because they used a plastic tab instead of a metal one. The the door handles may look cool but the design is unreliable and dirt gets in them...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              DG

              Dylan Giles

              2018 Tesla Model 3 Electric

              Long Range 4dr Sedan (electric DD)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 2, 2024

              2018 Tesla model 3 long range RWD review

              Pros - ["The huge screen", "When something new comes out in a new model rather than trading I get an update", "Low maintenance"]

              Cons - ["Thin windows so there can be lots of wind noise", "In the older models they were made cheaper so I've experienced things like windshield chips, paint chips easily", "Maintenance can be pricey"]

              To provide an honest review of my vehicle I want to disclose that this has been my personal encounters with the car over the course of 6 months and some things I have noticed things I like/dislike and some things you might want to consider before buying any Electric vehicle! I like the looks of my Tesla and due to a rise in the EV community I decided it would be worth it to try a Tesla I found my...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review