As an electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast, you likely already know the Tesla Model 3 needs no introduction. Since its launch in 2017, the Model 3 quickly shot to fame as the world‘s best-selling EV – showing traditional automakers how to make an affordable yet high-performance electric sedan with industry-leading range.
For 2022, Tesla has made their headline EV even stronger. Upgrades like increased range, an improved battery system, and extra standard premium features make the latest Model 3 highly compelling for any driver looking to go electric without compromise.
As we‘ll see, the Model 3 continues redefining expectations of what an EV can deliver – especially at its reasonable base price point…
Why the Model 3 Matters: The World‘s Bestselling EV Just Keeps Improving
The Model 3 outsells all other EVs globally thanks to an unbeatable mix:
- Ultra-long range: 358 max miles beats rivals by over 50 miles
- Leading affordability: Starts under $47k well-equipped
- Serious performance: Competes with luxury sport sedans
- Premium tech/features: Self-driving, constant OTA updates
And the 2022 model only extends its lead. Hardware upgrades like its heat pump and battery revisions help increase range and charging speed. Added premium features also increase value.
Yet pricing stays at 2017 levels despite massive inflation in most sectors, as Tesla works to keep its flagship EV attainable.
For all these reasons, Consumer Reports rates Model 3 the top EV on the market today, while JD Power awards it highest quality rating of any compact premium car based on owner surveys.
Let‘s look at why drivers and reviewers are so enthused…
Model 3 Trims: Optimized for Range, Performance, or Budget
The Model 3 is available in three main configurations to suit different needs:
| Model 3 Trim | Drive/Motor(s) | Range (miles) | Acceleration | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive | Single Rear Motor | 272 | 5.8 sec 0-60 mph | $46,990 |
| Long Range | Dual Motor AWD | 358 | 4.2 sec 0-60 mph | $55,990 |
| Performance | Dual Motor AWD | 315 | 3.1 sec 0-60 mph | $62,990 |
As this table shows…
The base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model provides head-turning acceleration and abundant driving range for daily commuting, all at a bargain price.
Stepping up to the Long Range adds all-weather confidence with advanced AWD traction plus an additional 86 miles of range – extending total range past rivals costing nearly twice as much.
Finally, the Performance model brings out the Model 3‘s sporty character, with neck-snapping acceleration on par with elite luxury vehicles. Despite having 15% less range than Long Range, it still beats most sub-$100k EVs.
Now, let‘s explore the Model 3‘s defining highlights…starting with what gives EVs their magic – the battery.
New LFP Battery Cells: Cheaper, Safer, More Range
The most pivotal 2022 upgrade was switching battery chemistry from nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP):
- Cheaper: Eliminating cobalt cuts costs over 35% per battery
- More range: Increased cell capacity boosts range 12 miles
- Safer: LFP supports 100% charge versus NCA‘s 90% limit
The range gain is remarkable considering LFP has moderately lower energy density. It was achieved mainly by migrating to larger-format 4680 cells boasting high capacity and thermal efficiency.
The swap also enhances charging:
- Faster low-state charging up to 20%
- Can sustain peak Supercharging speed longer
Finally, removing expensive cobalt accompanied tweaks reducing the Model 3‘s base price – cementing status as the long-range EV bargain.
Packed With Premium to Rival Luxury Brands
In addition to superior driving range, Model 3 delivers premium comfort and tech making it competitive with compact luxury marques like BMW.
All models now include upgrades formerly reserved for top Limited trims:
- Heated steering wheel, front/rear seats
- 12-way power adjustable front seats
- Auto-dimming mirrors, rearview camera
You also get bonuses like:
- Spacious storage: 15 cu-ft front trunk + 20 cu-ft rear cargo
- Audio bliss: 14-speaker ultra-fidelity sound system standard on AWD models
- Media heaven: Wireless charging, Bluetooth, multiple USB inputs
- Giant touchscreen with integrated navigation/media apps
No compact luxury model at this price point matches the Model 3‘s combination of space, entertainment, and intelligent ergonomics.
Safety: Built Like a Tank With Superior Crash Protection
The Model 3 surrounds occupants in an impenetrable safety cocoon combining:
- Reinforced structure: Steel protections shield cabin from impact
- Low center of gravity: Heavy floor-mounted battery pack resists rollover
- Smart airbags: Knee bags, curtain airbags span each seat
The results speak for themselves:
- 5-Star NHSTA rating: Highest crash test score with just 5.7% injury probability – topping 95% of vehicles scored
- "Pick" safety rating from IIHS in stringent side-impact testing
Simply put: No rival luxury compact offers stronger occupant protection than this masterclass in passive safety engineering.
Range & Charging: Go Farther Per Charge Than Nearly Any EV
Let‘s compare how the Model 3 trims stack up on maximum range:
| Model | Max Range (Miles) | Price | $/Mile Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Long Range | 358 | $55,990 | $156 |
| BMW i4 eDrive40 | 301 | $55,400 | $184 |
| Polestar 2 | 270 | $49,800 | $184 |
| Jaguar I-Pace | 234 | $69,900 | $299 |
| Audi e-tron | 222 | $65,900 | $297 |
The Model 3 Long Range trounces luxury rivals, delivering over 50 more miles range than the next closest competitor – at a lower sticker price too!
The superior range stretches time between charging stops. When you do need more juice:
- Replenish 153 miles per hour at Tesla Superchargers
- Regain over 30 miles range on just a 15 minute public charge
Meanwhile, the safer 100% charge limit further reduces charging waits.
Performance: Competes With High-End Sports Cars
In the Model 3 Performance trim, Tesla channeled its Formula One team collaboration into the sportiest, best handling Model 3 yet.
Upgrades over other models include:
- Lowered Adaptive Air Suspension
- Performance brake calipers & pedals
- 20” Überturbine wheels
- Carbon fiber spoiler
Translating to face-melting performance:
- 3.1 seconds 0-60 mph
- 1.0 g max cornering force
- Top speed of 162 mph
Matching this for under $63,000 requires looking to elite supercars like the $200,000+ Porsche 911 GTS. Other EV rivals can‘t come close…
|| Tesla Model 3 Performance | Audi e-tron GT | Porsche Taycan |
|-|—————-|—————-|—————|
| Price | $62,990 | $102,400 | $102,250 |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 sec | 3.9 sec | 5.1 sec |
| Range | 315 mi | 238 mi | 225 mi |
The Model 3 Performance competes head-on with pricier luxury marques while crushing them on range too!
Charging Incentives & Cost Savings
With gas prices soaring, driving electric is saving Americans thousands in fuel costs yearly. Additional savings come from:
- $7,500 Federal EV tax credit (expiring soon)
- State incentives up to $2,000 in CA, CO, NY, etc
- Utility company discounts on charging installation
Over 5-10 years, calculate gas savings using Tesla‘s Total Cost of Ownership estimator.
EV drivers report over $5,000 yearly fuel savings plus cheaper maintenance than gas cars.
Sales Success: The Undisputed Global EV Leader
Since launching in 2017, over 3 million Model 3s have been sold globally – consistently outselling all other EVs quarter after quarter.
Last year alone, Tesla delivered over 936,000 Model 3/Ys constituting 75% of their record vehicle production and over 50% of all EVs sold industry-wide in 2022.
Experts predict Tesla will sell another ~1.8 million Model 3/Ys in 2023, commanding 66% global EV market share despite intensifying competition.
The runaway sales success stems from the Model 3‘s unique balance of range, performance, and affordability compared to rivals.
What‘s New for 2023? Software Shines
Tesla made no major hardware changes for 2023 Model 3, carrying over the impressive 2022 upgrades:
- Upgraded heat pump
- Switch to LFP battery cells
- Added standard luxury features
But that doesn‘t mean they‘re standing still…
Where Tesla leads the industry is continual OTA software enhancements:
- Early access programs trial bleeding-edge advances
- Quarterly updates improve most aspects of the driving experience
- Add compelling new entertainment and gaming apps
- Expand Full Self Driving capability
No other automaker can match Tesla‘s mastery of remote feature expansion – already transforming the Model 3 into an appreciating asset.
Rather than waiting for model year changeovers, Tesla focuses on regular software drops keeping your car perpetually upgraded.
The Verdict: Redefining EV Expectations
The refreshed 2022 Tesla Model 3 faces intensifying luxury EV competition, yet still decisively leads the pack where it matters most to drivers:
Delivering elite electric range and performance…at mass-market pricing
Key 2022 upgrades solidified the value equation by:
- Extending range over 350 miles
- Enhancing charging speed and convenience
- Adding more standard luxury features at no price hike
Rival compact luxury EVs simply can‘t compete overall, with far less range and acceleration despite similar or higher MSRPs. New LFP battery tech only widened the value gap by enhancing safety and affordability.
In the high-end performance realm, the Model 3 Performance also matches far pricier sports sedans on acceleration while offering 70-100% more driving range.
Given its optimally balanced blend of efficiency, tech, luxury, performance and value…Consumer Reports, JD Power, and pretty much every reviewer agrees: The Model 3 retains its crown as today‘s definitive electric vehicle.
I hope this guide gave you useful insider perspective into why the world‘s bestselling EV keeps getting better. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
