A combined MPG equivalent of 131 is the headline for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. Traveling over 300 miles on a single charge, not squeezing gas, makes it stand out, and all-wheel drive adds confidence in any weather. This is a vehicle for the tech-savvy professional, the family interested in lower fuel costs, or anyone who wants fast acceleration without burning a lot of gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Model 3 Long Range AWD achieves 134 MPGe in the city and 126 MPGe on the highway. A slight advantage in urban environments is typical for electric vehicles, as regenerative braking captures energy during stop-and-go driving, replenishing the battery. Highway efficiency is still excellent, but wind resistance and consistent high speeds require more energy. Tesla’s efficient powertrain management ensures both city and highway driving are optimized without any driver interaction.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the annual “fuel” cost for the 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD is just $600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average electricity cost at the time of calculation. Of course, your actual cost will depend on your driving habits, local electricity rates, and whether you charge at home (typically cheaper) or use public charging networks. Even with fluctuations in electricity rates, the Model 3 Long Range AWD offers a significant advantage over comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. This stability is a strong incentive for Model 3 buyers, especially considering the rapidly fluctuating gasoline market.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a useful benchmark, real-world range and efficiency can vary. Temperature plays a significant role in electric vehicle performance Cold weather can reduce battery capacity, while extreme heat might impact the battery pack’s life. Aggressive driving, frequent use of “Ludicrous” mode, and carrying heavy loads will also decrease your range. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, pre-heating or pre-cooling the cabin while plugged in, and using regenerative braking effectively can help you exceed the EPA estimates. Tesla’s trip planner is effective because it takes these factors into account when estimating your remaining range.

How it compares

The Model 3 Long Range AWD stacks up well against other electric vehicles. The Polestar 2 Long range Dual Motor offers a similar AWD driving experience, but falls short with an EPA-estimated 107 MPGe combined. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD reaches 110 MPGe combined. Even when looking at non-electric vehicles, the Model 3 Long Range AWD shines. A comparable BMW 330i xDrive, while fun to drive, only offers around 28 MPG combined. While these buyers are likely not cross-shopping, it paints a helpful picture. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, at 52 MPG combined and also requiring gasoline, doesn’t provide the same level of all-electric range or performance. For those prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing performance or technology, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD is a top contender.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One key to maximizing efficiency in the Model 3 Long Range AWD is to use regenerative braking effectively. Experiment with the “Standard” and “Low” settings to find what feels most natural to you. Anticipate traffic conditions to initiate braking early, allowing the motor to capture energy and slow the car. This improves range and reduces wear on the brake pads.

Pre-conditioning the cabin while the car is plugged in can significantly improve range, especially in extreme temperatures. Use the Tesla app to heat or cool the interior before you unplug, drawing power from the grid instead of the battery. This ensures you start your journey with a fully charged and thermally optimized battery pack.

Pay attention to your tire pressure. Maintaining the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door, minimizes rolling resistance and improves efficiency. Regularly check your tire pressure, particularly during seasonal temperature changes, as pressure can fluctuate.

Limit your use of energy-intensive features like climate control and seat heaters when possible. While these features are convenient, they draw power from the battery and reduce range. Consider using the seat heaters sparingly, or adjusting the climate control to a slightly higher or lower temperature, to conserve energy.

If you’re planning a long road trip, use Tesla’s trip planner to optimize your charging stops. The navigation system will suggest Supercharger locations along your route, taking into account your current charge level, driving conditions, and elevation changes. This helps to minimize charging time and ensure a smooth and efficient journey. For a look at broader all Tesla fuel economy data, or to get MODEL MPG across all years, check out other areas of our site.