2026 Tesla Model 3 Performance Review

By Peter Tran, EditorUpdated September 2, 2026MethodologySources: NHTSA, EPA, EIA
83
out of 100
A
#12 of 115 sedans · class median 63
Reliability83
25% of overall
Efficiency83
25% of overall
Economics82
50% of overall

What drives the score

Reliability83/100

NHTSA recall rate0.0 campaigns/yr 88

0 recall campaigns across 1 model year on record.

Documented owner issuesNot yet curated 60

No curated issue list yet — scored neutrally rather than assumed clean.

Battery degradation1.5% / yr 95

Brand-level curve — no model-specific dataset yet.

Efficiency83/100

EPA efficiency3.56 mi/kWh 82

Miles per kWh vs other sedans. Drives every cost figure on this site.

EPA range309 mi 81

Rated combined range. Expect 20-30% less in freezing weather.

Fast-charge speed107 mi / 10 min 86

Peak 250 kW, derated to a realistic 10-80% average.

Economics82/100

Energy cost per mile6.5¢/mi 82

80% home at 17¢/kWh, 20% public DC at 48¢/kWh (US averages).

Fuel savings vs gas rival$961/yr 73

Against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E350) (27 MPG) at $3.92/gal, 12,000 mi/yr.

Battery value at risk$151/yr 92

Pack capacity lost each year, valued at $132/kWh replacement cost.

Road-trip charging cost$13.48 / 100 mi 82

Cost of 100 miles bought entirely at public DC fast chargers.

Ownership numbers at a glance

Energy cost per mile
6.5¢
Annual energy cost (12k mi)
$782
Fuel savings vs gas rival
$961/yr
Fast-charge speed
107 mi per 10 min
Battery value lost per year
$151
NHTSA recall campaigns
0

Assumes 12,000 mi/yr, 80% home charging at $0.17/kWh and public DC at $0.48/kWh, gas at $3.92/gal. Scoring model v1.0.

Charging cost in your ZIP5-year cost of ownershipReal-world range

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