2026 Tesla Model 3
2026 Tesla Model 3 — The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric powered mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017.
Trim: Long Range AWD
Unverified trim photo — may not match this trim exactly
Other years
2026 Tesla Model 3 snapshot
As of 2026-07
A used 2026 Tesla Model 3 typically asks about $39,900 versus a $42,490 starting MSRP when new — roughly 94% retained. The 2026 Tesla Model 3 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign in our catalog (including Seats) and 12 owner complaints. Versus 2025, watch combined mpg (137 mpg → 139 mpg) when deciding if the newer year is worth the price jump.
- Est. used asking
Est. used asking
$39,900
94% of MSRP
- Original MSRP
Original MSRP
$42,490
Base-trim starting price
- NHTSA recalls
NHTSA recalls
1
Campaigns in last refresh
- Owner complaints
Owner complaints
12
Top: Lane Departure
Methodology: Used asking is a labeled retention estimate from curated MSRP + vehicle age (not an appraisal). Recalls/complaints from NHTSA offline enrich.
Are there recalls or complaint patterns on the 2026 Model 3?
Yes — 1 recall campaign and 12 owner complaints for the 2026 Tesla Model 3. Scan the list before you write a check.
Recalls
Seats
2025-06-18
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened.
Campaign 25V410000
Owner complaints
12 complaints · 7 crash-related · 3 injuries reported. Top components:
- Lane Departure3
- Steering2
- Structure2
- Unknown Or Other2
- Air Bags1
- Electrical System1
- Suspension1
Counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defect rates. Source: NHTSA complaints.
Video
Embedded from YouTube. We do not host or claim ownership of this video.
Driving Tesla's Cheapest Car | First Review of the 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard
Video by Edmunds Cars · Watch on YouTube
Photos
Is 2026 worth more than 2025?
Maybe — the clearest delta we track is combined mpg (137 mpg → 139 mpg). Weigh that against the used-price jump before you pay for 2026.
- Combined MPG
- 137 mpg↑139 mpg
How much does a used 2026 Model 3 cost vs original MSRP?
Expect about $39,900 in typical used asking against a $42,490 starting MSRP — roughly 94% retained on our labeled retention estimate. Use that gap to decide whether a newer year is worth the jump.
- Original MSRP
- $42,490
- Published starting (base-trim) MSRP when new.
- Est. used asking
- $39,900
- Estimated typical used asking from a mass-market retention curve — not a live appraisal or guaranteed sale price. As of 2026-07.
Retains about 94% of MSRP
~$2,590 below MSRP
Opens Edmunds. We may earn a referral commission if you use their tools — it doesn't change the price you see. Figures above are model-year starting MSRP and typical asking, not a guaranteed sale price for a specific VIN.
How does the Model 3 compare to rivals?
Side-by-side used-buyer numbers — MSRP vs asking, recalls, and running costs — for popular matchups.
- Model 3 vs BMW 3 Series — Used Model 3 or 3 Series — EV efficiency or gas luxury sports sedan?
What should a used buyer know about the 2026 Model 3?
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is the newest year in our catalog — start here for current specs, then check older years if you want to save money. The 2026 Tesla Model 3 continues this nameplate in the motomediax catalog. The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric powered mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The vehicle is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world's top-selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million. This model appears in NHTSA vPIC for 2026, though detailed crash ratings may not be published yet.
- 1 NHTSA recall
- EPA combined 139 mpg
- About 185.8 × 72.8 in (L×W)
Overview adapted from Wikipedia.
What are the published exterior dimensions?
How long, tall, and wheelbase-spaced this year is on paper, as a blueprint outline.
Schematic diagram, not to exact styling — based on published dimensions
Trim
How does the 2026 stack up on paper?
At a glance: 346 hp, 0–60 in 4.2 s, 139 mpg combined. Dig into mechanicals and efficiency below.
Horsepower
346 hp
0–60
4.2 s
Combined MPG
139 mpg
EV range
341 mi
What will fuel or charging roughly cost?
Adjust your miles and local energy price for the 2026 selected trim (~3.5 mi/kWh (assumed)). Energy only — not insurance, tires, or a VIN appraisal.
Per year
$549
5-year energy
$2,743
- Powertrain
- Battery electric
- Based on
- ~3.5 mi/kWh (assumed)
- Your inputs
- 12,000 mi/yr · $0.16/kWh · 5-year horizon
Compare signal only — local rates and driving mix will differ.
What powertrain and drivetrain does it use?
Mechanical basics for the selected trim — engine, transmission, and drive type.
- Engine
- Dual-motor electric
- Aspiration
- Electric
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electrification
- BEV
How big is it, and what can it carry?
Exterior size, seating, cargo, and towing figures when we have them.
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Width
- 72.8 in
- Height
- 56.7 in
- Wheelbase
- 113.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4030.0 lb
- Seating
- 5
How efficient is this year on fuel or charge?
EPA-style efficiency and range fields from our catalog enrich — useful for YoY compares.
- Combined MPG
- 139
- Electric range
- 341 mi
Efficiency figures are curated / EPA-oriented. Verify on FuelEconomy.gov.
Trim compare
Pick two trims and scan the gaps that matter — power, efficiency, and capability.
| Spec | Long Range AWD | Rear-Wheel Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 346 hp | 272 hp |
| 0–60 | 4.2 s | — |
| Engine | Dual-motor electric | Electric |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| EV range | 341 mi | 272 mi |
Trim index
| Trim | HP | Torque | 0–60 | MPG | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272 | — | — | — | RWD | |
| 346 | — | 4.2s | — | AWD | |
| 510 | — | 2.9s | — | AWD |