2022 Tesla Model 3 review

Tesla elevated electric vehicles (EVs) to a broader audience with the affordable Model 3 mid-size sedan in 2019. They seemed to sprout up everywhere overnight, and its inclusion into official industry sales charts this year confirmed what many already knew – that the Model 3 was selling in sizable numbers.

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 currently outsells many internal combustion engine vehicles, and is the most popular EV in Australia by a large margin.

The range has now been tweaked, adding software features and minor external changes across the three variants. These start with the renamed Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, priced at $63,900. Next in line is the AWD Long Range priced at $73,200, with the Performance AWD at $88,900.

Official power and torque outputs and battery ratings remain as elusive as winning lotto numbers, with Tesla choosing not to disclose this information, perhaps to add to the Tesla mystique.

Tesla's happy to quote a (largely redundant) top speed of 225km/h, though. Some data digging and discussion with motoring club colleagues suggests that a 60kWh battery and a 208kW/420Nm electric motor would be close to the mark. What we do know is that Tesla claims a range of 491km and a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds for the rear-wheel drive version we drove.

By comparison, Kia’s 168kW/350Nm EV6 Air RWD with 528km range takes 7.3 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint, while Polestar’s standard range single motor takes 7.4 seconds. Both are over 200kg heavier than the Model 3, which probably explains its faster acceleration.

Standard features now include a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, 18-inch alloys, partial premium interior finishes, wireless phone charging, auto dimming and power folding external mirrors, and Bluetooth audio and media.

A key part of the Model 3’s popularity, especially among the tech savvy, is the 15-inch centrally mounted touchscreen, which controls most facets of vehicle operation – there are just two buttons on the steering wheel used to adjust driver setups.

There’s no key or start button, simply walk up with the card, settle in, select drive via the stalk behind the wheel, and motor away. Apart from the centre command screen, the interior looks austere compared to the busier designs in the competition, and it doesn’t sing out as being ‘premium’.

The supportive front seats offer a good range of adjustment. The rear seats are less comfortable, with a more upright position and limited foot space making it a tight proposition for adults. Forward vision through the large windscreen is excellent and the cabin is light and airy thanks to the glass roof.

The Model 3 behaved well on our test route, insulating occupants from the burgeoning potholes due to recent downpours.

The only real annoyance is the lack of a head-up display or even a digital speed readout in front of the driver (it’s also on the centre screen).

 The regenerative braking isn’t overly harsh and the package is nicely balanced.

The NSW government sweetened the EV proposition back in September with a $3000 rebate to buyers of the first 25,000 EVs under $68,750.

While sales of mid-sized and large sedans continue to slide into oblivion, demand for the Model 3 outstrips supply, with current delivery times out until the end of the year. You will have to be patient if you want to get behind the wheel of one.