2026 · Electric midsize sedan

Tesla Model 3: stopping, space, visibility and safety, measured

The Model Y’s platform as a low sedan, with a trunk and a frunk.

Figures are for the Model 3 Premium RWD (4 trims in the catalog, listed below). Last checked Sep 30, 2026.

Open the Model 3 in the 3D lab

Where it stands among sedans

#2 of 7Large suitcases, packed: 2
#4 of 7Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction: 367 ft
#1 of 7Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver: 13 ft
#1 of 4Cabin sound at 70 mph: 67 dBA
#1 of 7Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year: $676/yr

Ranked against the default trim of every sedan in the catalog that has the figure.

At a glance

Starting price, this trim	$44,130PublishedTesla
Powertrain	Permanent-magnet synchronous rear motor · Rear-wheel drive, single motor
0–60 mph, tested or claimed	4.6 sTestedCar and Driver
Braking 70–0 mph, tested	178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver
EPA efficiency	137 MPGePublishedEPA
EPA range	363 mi (584 km)PublishedEPA
Cargo behind the second row	21.0 cu ft (595 L)TestedCar and Driver
Large suitcases, packed	2Simulated from Tesla
Seats	5Published
Crash ratings	NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/A/G

Acceleration

Why some cars pin you to the seat and others just hum along.

Power	286 hp (213 kW)PublishedCar and Driver
Torque	322 lb-ft (437 Nm)PublishedCar and Driver
0–60 mph, tested or claimed	4.6 sTestedCar and Driver
0–60 mph, our simulation	4.8 sSimulated from Car and Driver
Passing, 50–70 mph	2.4 sTestedCar and Driver
Quarter mile	13.2 sTestedCar and Driver

Watch it in The Shove

Braking and stopping distance

The distance between "I saw it" and "I stopped" decides everything.

Braking 70–0 mph, tested	178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver
Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction	367 ft (111.7 m)Simulated from Car and Driver
Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction	281 ft (85.6 m)Simulated from Car and Driver
Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction	170 ft (51.8 m)Simulated from Car and Driver

Watch it in The Stop

Rollover

Where the weight sits decides how easily a car falls over.

NHTSA rollover rating	5★ · 6.8% riskTestedNHTSA
Sideways slide that trips it into a roll	15 mph (24 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs
Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height)	1.62Simulated, estimated inputs

Watch it in The Tipping Point

Efficiency and running costs

At highway speed most of your energy is spent shoving air.

EPA efficiency	137 MPGePublishedEPA
EPA range	363 mi (584 km)PublishedEPA
Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year	$676/yrDerivedEPA
Steady 75 mph, our simulation	24 kWh/100 mi (14.9 kWh/100 km)Simulated from Car and Driver
Drag coefficient	0.22PublishedCar and Driver

Watch it in The Invisible Wall

Grip, snow and maneuvering

Four palm-sized patches of rubber. Every maneuver spends their grip.

Skidpad grip, tested	0.84 gTestedCar and Driver
Cornering grip, our simulation	0.84 gSimulated from Car and Driver
Pulling away on packed snow	0.14 gSimulated from Car and Driver
Turning circle	38.4 ft (11.7 m)PublishedJ.D. Power
Ground clearance	5.4 in (14 cm)PublishedTesla
Tires	Michelin Primacy All Season (T0) · 235/45R18TestedCar and Driver

Watch it in The Grip Budget

Space, luggage and fit

Will your knees, your luggage and your kids actually fit?

Seats	5Published
Large suitcases, packed	2Simulated from Tesla
Carry-ons in the space left	3Simulated from Tesla
Cargo behind the second row	21.0 cu ft (595 L)TestedCar and Driver
Front trunk	3.0 cu ft (85 L)TestedCar and Driver
Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver	−1.8 in (-5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver	+0.4 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver	+3.3 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger	−0.7 in (-2 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in	+2.5 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs
Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in	−3.2 in head · −1.8 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs
Front head room, published	40.3 in (102 cm)PublishedTesla
Rear head room, published	37.8 in (96 cm)PublishedTesla
Rear leg room, published	34.5 in (88 cm)PublishedTesla

Watch it in Live In It

Cabin noise

How loud is it inside at 70 mph, and what exactly are you hearing?

Cabin sound at 70 mph	67 dBATestedCar and Driver

Watch it in The Quiet Test

Visibility

Every car hides some of the road. How much, and who could be standing in it?

Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver	13 ft (3.9 m)Simulated
Ground visible within 33 ft ahead	62%Simulated

Watch it in Can You See Me?

Headlights and night stopping

IIHS measured how far these headlights reach. Can you stop inside that light?

IIHS headlight rating	AcceptableTestedIIHS
Low beams, straight road (right edge)	223 ft (68.0 m)TestedIIHS
Fastest you can stop inside the low beams	53 mph (86 km/h)Simulated from IIHS
High beams, straight road (right edge)	492 ft (150.1 m)TestedIIHS

Watch it in After Dark

Crash safety

Official crash ratings side by side, and the physics of what happens when two cars meet.

NHTSA overall	5★TestedNHTSA
IIHS small overlap front	GoodTestedIIHS
IIHS moderate overlap front (updated)	AcceptableTestedIIHS
IIHS side (updated)	GoodTestedIIHS
Curb weight	3,817 lb (1,731 kg)TestedCar and Driver

Watch it in The Impact

Model 3 compared

Trims in the catalog

Model 3 RWD · from $38,630
Model 3 Premium RWD · from $44,130 · figures on this page
Model 3 Premium AWD · from $49,130
Model 3 Performance · from $56,630

Other sedans

Sources

Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.