2022 Tesla Model 3 review

For a motoring writer, it’s hard work keeping up with Tesla. Such is the Californian (but now headquartered in Texas) company’s pace of change that the Tesla Model 3 we tested late last year was superseded barely a fortnight after we’d driven it.

Then within days of finally driving the revised base model that has dropped the Standard Range Plus name and added some minor exterior tweaks, the price increased twice before this review had started to be penned.

When it comes to being confident about up-to-date reviews, testing TVs would seem a more risk-averse vocation.

We’re persevering, however, because the Tesla Model 3 is the world’s biggest-selling electric car – by a margin that’s bigger than its maker’s actual profits.

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In Australia last year, more than 12,000 units of the most affordable Tesla were shifted; the next best-selling EV was the MG ZS with 1388 sales.

The update involves a new, larger battery rather than a downloadable over-the-air upgrade, though a significant software update was also introduced in December 2021.

Battery sizes are among the details Tesla doesn’t divulge, leaving it to other, reputable sources such as the EV Database or local Tesla watcher VedaPrime for guidance. The former estimates 60kWh, the latter 62.3kWh.

The entry-level variant uses Lithium Iron Phosphate that’s said to be safer, cheaper and produced without ethically questionable cobalt

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Either way, we know the base Model 3’s WLTP-rated range jumps nearly 10 per cent – from 448km to 491km.

Also confirmed is that the base model’s new battery chemistry introduced in late 2021 continues to differ from the Long Range and Performance variants.

Where the dual-motor Model 3s stick with Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (NCA), the entry-level variant uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) that’s said to be safer, cheaper and produced without ethically questionable minerals such as cobalt.

Pricing and Features

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The Model 3’s starting price has increased from $59,900 to $63,900 before on-road costs, but this doesn’t affect its eligibility for EV-incentive thresholds in states such as NSW and Victoria.

Buy the base car in New South Wales, where the country’s most generous incentives are currently found, and on-road charges are effectively cancelled out.

The base variant is the sole rear-wheel-drive model.

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Extra performance and longer ranges are available with the two dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variants that have also increased in price: the $76,200 Long Range and $88,900 Performance (both before on-road costs).

Standard exterior items for the entry Model 3 include LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels (though the ‘Aero’ blades are plastic), a panoramic glass roof (with ultraviolet/infrared protection), and a collection of cameras and ultrasonic sensors pivotal to the Tesla’s impressive driver-aid arsenal.

Standard exterior items for the entry Model 3 include a collection of cameras and ultrasonic sensors pivotal to the Tesla’s impressive driver-aid arsenal

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Inside, there’s dual-zone climate control, 15-inch central multi-function touchscreen, electric front seat adjustment, heated steering wheel, heated front/rear seats, and dual wireless phone charging.

Pearl White is the only standard exterior colour. It’s an extra $1500 for black, silver or the blue of our test car. A red multicoat costs $2900.

Buyers can also choose 19-inch Sport wheels for $2200 and select a black-and-white interior for $1500 over the standard all-black trim.

Comfort and Space

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Open the doors via handles now finished in satin black rather than chrome and you’re greeted by sill plates that have made the same switch.

Updated trim swaps gloss black for matte black in places, there’s a graphite finish for the seat controls, the steering wheel thumb-scrollers are now metallic, and the sun visor mirrors gain magnetic snap-close covers.

Changes for the centre console include the addition of a sliding lid front storage compartment, four rather than two USB-C ports, and there are now dual inductive charging trays (with a suede-like backing) for smartphones.

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We cover the cabin’s major change in the Infotainment section, otherwise, the Model 3’s cabin retains its ultra-minimalist layout that makes Scandinavian design seem cluttered by comparison.

Tesla build quality has been a common talking point, of course. Fit and finish blemishes can still be found, but it seems to be constantly improving – and much better than the last Model 3 this author tested in 2020, where not even the insides of the doors were properly painted.

Not everyone will necessarily take a liking to the “All Vegan” vinyl seats, and kids will appreciate the rear seats more than adults.

Fit and finish blemishes can still be found, but it seems to be constantly improving – and much better than the Model 3 tested in 2020

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While not short on legroom, the low rear bench creates a knees-up seating position, toe space is lacking, and the sloping roofline restricts headroom.

ISOFIX and top-tether points in the outboard positions cater for child seats.

Luggage space completes the Model 3’s status as a practical family sedan.

The boot is usefully long with decent width, and it’s made all the more practical with a generously sized under-floor storage well that can store items such as recharging leads.

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Accessing the boot has been made easier, too, which can now be opened via a boot lid button, the touchscreen, or the Tesla smartphone app.

The app can also open the front cargo compartment. It’s lost a bit of space after the introduction of a heat pump – which can help battery range on colder days – though the 88-litre ‘frunk’ is still big enough to store a decent-sized duffel bag. It’s also immediately accessible where many other EVs opt for a secondary lid.

Infotainment

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The biggest change is to the interface presented in the horizontal 15-inch touchscreen.

Tesla introduced its V11.0 software on Christmas Eve last year, treating owners to some Happy-Holidays features such as a Light Show that will choreograph the Model’s various exterior lighting elements to music, and a Megaphone mode that can amplify the occupant’s voice via the car’s external speakers (perfect for budding politicians and activists).

Less gimmicky is a revised digital presentation that includes a customisable app launcher and dark mode support. There’s also a “simplified” controls menu, though we share the view of many owners who believe the update brings some unnecessary complexity.

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Some once-prominent functions – such as seat heaters, driver profiles and trip information – are now buried a bit deeper, requiring more taps to access.

We found ourselves distracted for longer periods trying to figure out various functions, even if we had the vehicle for less than a week where owners of course would have more time to get accustomed to operations.

The voice-command system is also effective.

We know – via Elon Musk’s Twitter account – that Tesla is working on improvements to functionality, and patches have been rolling out already according to some Model 3 owners.

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The Model 3’s interface is more vital than in most cars because it’s responsible for about 95 per cent of the vehicle’s controls and functions. This includes adjustment of the side mirrors, done in conjunction with the thumb controllers on the steering wheel.

V11.0 also brings additions to Tesla’s brilliantly comprehensive and unrivalled entertainment system, including TikTok, Sudoku and – no doubt to the delight of former Sega Megadrive-owing Gen Xers – Sonic the Hedgehog.

Humorous touches still include the roaring fireplace screen when heating the cabin, and the whoopee-cushion effect that will have the kids in stitches.

V11.0 also brings additions to Tesla’s comprehensive and unrivalled entertainment system, including TikTok, Sudoku and … Sonic the Hedgehog

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The Google Maps navigation has a couple of tweaks and remains ridiculously intuitive, rapidly predicting address inputs and then relaying clear and helpful route guidance.

It's part of the Premium Connectivity content that is complimentary for the first 30 days of ownership but requires a $9.99 monthly subscription thereafter.

On the right side of the display, your surrounds – including vehicles and lane markings – are depicted graphically using the car’s front radar, exterior cameras and multiple ultrasonic sensors.

The cameras also tie in with two peace-of-mind features: a dashcam that records while driving and Sentry Mode that records when the car is parked and locked. Footage can be recorded to a storage key plugged into a USB-A port inside the glovebox.

On the Road

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For all the Model 3’s technology, its chassis would benefit from adaptive dampers.

The passive set-up is firm at low speed and tends to fidget over uneven bitumen.

Suppleness increases with speed, though, and the Model 3 feels especially comfortable on freeways, where relaxed progress is complemented by the effortless electric motor and 'Autopilot' adaptive cruise control.

Despite the name, Autopilot merely adds steering assistance; take your hands off the wheel for too long and the car will start to slow and then put the driver in the naughty corner by refusing reactivation of the function for the rest of the trip.

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If autonomous-style functions are your thing, Tesla offers an optional Full Self Driving Capability pack for $10,100. Features include auto lane change and the Summon feature that allows owners to use the Tesla app to command their Model 3 to leave a parking spot and find them.

Our test car wasn’t equipped with the pack, but we didn’t miss it. Plenty of YouTube clips also suggest Summon is very much a work-in-progress function.

It’s also important to note that, despite the pack’s name, a fully self-driving computer is an “eventual” capability that remains highly theoretical for now.

The Model 3 is very much a car that even keen drivers can enjoy … the steering is quick and precise, matching with a responsive front end

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Yet the Model 3 is very much a car that even keen drivers can enjoy.

The steering is quick and precise, matching with a responsive front end that’s made more responsive by the lack of a lump of metal under the bonnet.

Even in damp conditions, the surprisingly sporty rubber fitted – Michelin Pilot Sport 4s – produces plenty of cornering purchase. Traction also impresses considering the Model 3 is anything but short on accelerative punch.

Tesla doesn’t quote drivetrain outputs, but reputable website EV Database estimates the base variant has 239kW and 420Nm.

Meanwhile, the company insists performance figures are more relevant to buyers. The base Model 3’s 0-100km/h is now 6.1 seconds, dropping half a second with the update.

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We can’t say that difference is noticeable; the Model 3 will still beat the majority of cars away from traffic lights.

The base Model 3 also remains more than a second faster than rear-wheel-drive versions of the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia EV6, as well as the front-drive Polestar 2. They all have faster AWD versions, yet so does the Model 3.

A more relaxed delivery can be selected with the ‘Chill’ mode via the touchscreen.

The Model 3’s update brought something more beneficial as a trade-off for that performance drop. An increase in WLTP-rated range – from 448km to 491km.

The base model’s range is extended with its larger battery, and, despite a small hike, its price remains eligible for Australia’s most enticing EV incentives

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Extra range is always useful, especially when it’s rare for electric cars to match WLTP figures in real-world driving. The Model 3 is no exception.

That still trails comparable figures for two rivals: the Kia EV6 Air (528km) and Polestar 2 Single Motor (515km), but Tesla’s exclusive Supercharger network remains the ace up its sleeve in a country with such a limited charging infrastructure.

Spread along Australia’s East Coast, all the way from Melbourne to Brisbane, the Superchargers replenish batteries in relatively quick time. It took just 35 minutes for our Model 3’s battery range to increase from 28km to 400km.

VERDICT

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Tesla’s new V11.0 software needs further fine-tuning to restore some of the better functionality of the previous version, though this can be easily done thanks to the company’s over-the-air updates.

The update still brings worthy new features to the Model 3, the base model’s range is usefully extended with its larger battery, and, despite a small hike, its price tag remains eligible for Australia’s most enticing EV incentives.

And the most affordable Tesla remains a hugely compelling EV.

2022 Tesla Model 3 specifications