2019 Tesla Model 3 vs 2023

What's the difference?

If the Tesla Model 3 Performance appeals to you, you're probably a different kind of electric car buyer.

Instead of outright range and efficiency, you're probably prioritising performance - I mean it's in the name of this spec of Model 3, after all. And this grade essentially takes the regular Model 3 and makes it a bit mental.

Let's go through how it does that.

The Tesla Model 3 is already an historically significant vehicle.

It’s not the first EV, it’s not even close to being the first mass-produced EV. But, it is the most popular EV in the world during a once in a generation shift toward electric drivetrain technology.

To give you an idea of this car’s popularity in Australia, in the first half of 2022 the Model 3 is only about 450 sales behind the Toyota Camry.

The Model 3 has made electric cars more accessible, and even cool, and since we last reviewed it, it has even managed to weather the storm of price rises relatively well.

The question is, with rivals bearing down on it locally and overseas, does the Model 3 deserve to be known as Australia’s best-value electric car?

We’ve grabbed its most popular variant, the entry-level Rear Wheel Drive, to find out if it has what it takes.