- The Tesla Model 3 Standard arrives with fabric seats, 321 miles of range and rear-wheel drive.
- It’s set to cost $36,990, making it one of the most affordable cars Tesla has ever sold, and the cheapest in 2025.
- It would have been a better deal with EV tax credits, but it’s still not bad.
Tesla pulled a fast one on us. While spy shots confirmed a cheaper Tesla Model Y Standard was on its way, it turns out that teaser image for a black, fan-shaped wheel wasn’t for anything we quite expected. It was for the most affordable version of the updated Tesla Model 3 we’ve seen yet: meet the aptly named Tesla Model 3 Standard.
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Source: Tesla
The sedan went live on Tesla’s United States model configurator this afternoon, and it finally brings the “Highland” Model 3 into the $30,000 range. It’s priced at $36,990 before any state incentives (should your state offer them) and promises up to 321 miles of range, rear-wheel drive, fabric seats and fewer creature comforts than other Model 3 trim levels.
A few things are notable about that price tag. On the one hand, an EV with that much range priced in the mid-$30,000s is not bad, especially at a time when the average electric option is still about $20,000 higher. But with the requisite destination and order fees, you’re looking at an estimated $38,630. And there are sadly no more EV tax credits to push this Model 3 into the “nicely equipped Honda Civic” price range.
Still, there’s a good amount to like on the Model 3 Standard, especially if you’re up for a more basic Tesla experience. You get a seven-speaker sound system, but no subwoofer; the ability to add 170 miles of range in 15 minutes of Supercharging, vs. the more expensive cars’ 195 miles; and you do without an FM and AM radio tuner. There’s also no rear touchscreen, no more ambient lighting, a manual-adjust steering wheel and side-view mirrors, no Autosteer, and no more active dampers.
This is a breaking news post. It will be updated soon.
Contact the author: patrick.george@Ev Authority.com
