The 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD with 20-inch wheels achieves 113 MPG combined. This isn’t a gasoline MPG figure, but an equivalent fuel economy number, translating electricity consumption into a miles-per-gallon metric. Model 3 Performance buyers get blistering acceleration, modern technology, and the benefits of electric driving. They’re considering performance sedans and weighing the thrills against the impact on the environment, not just saving money.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this Model 3 gets 118 MPG in the city and 107 MPG on the highway. The higher city MPG comes from the regenerative braking system. In stop-and-go traffic, the car captures kinetic energy during deceleration and converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery. On the open highway, with less braking, the car uses more power directly from the battery, resulting in slightly lower efficiency. This highlights the Model 3’s strength in urban environments, making it an efficient choice for daily commutes. Even aggressive driving won’t hurt the fuel economy as much as it would in a combustion car.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (20in) at $650. This assumes 15,000 miles per year and uses the national average electricity price at the time of the estimate. Electricity costs vary depending on location, time of use, and charging habits. Charging at home during off-peak hours can cut energy expenses, making ownership more affordable. That $650 annual cost is one of the best money-saving features of owning a Tesla.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good guide, real-world MPGe for the Model 3 Performance varies based on factors that include driving style, outside temperature, and use of air conditioning and heating. Expect slightly lower efficiency in colder weather because the battery requires more energy to maintain its temperature. Likewise, fast acceleration and speeding will reduce range and MPGe. However, even with spirited driving, most owners find the Model 3 Performance delivers impressive efficiency, often exceeding the EPA estimates in mixed driving, especially when using Autopilot on longer trips. The car is designed and programmed to drive efficiently, easy for even inexperienced drivers.

How it compares

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Performance AWD (20in) has performance comparable to gasoline-powered sports sedans, but with much better fuel economy. A 2020 BMW M340i xDrive gets around 25 MPG combined. While offering similar acceleration, the M340i’s fuel costs are much higher, and it needs considerably more maintenance. Even a hybrid like the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, with 43 MPG combined, doesn’t offer the same performance as the Model 3 Performance. The benefit of the Model 3 is clear; comparing all Tesla fuel economy data to similarly performing gasoline cars, the Model 3 is better. Comparing MODEL MPG across all years can help you explore the range of options.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use regenerative braking settings effectively. The Model 3 allows adjustment of the level of regenerative braking. Try “Standard” and “Low” settings to find one that fits your driving style. Standard mode maximizes energy recovery, while Low mode provides a more traditional driving feel. Using regenerative braking effectively becomes natural, and it’s free energy that would be lost in a gasoline car.

Precondition the cabin. Use the Tesla app to preheat or precool the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This reduces the battery’s energy consumption when driving, especially during extreme weather conditions. A few minutes of preconditioning has a large effect on total efficiency.

Maintain optimal tire pressure. Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure, found on the driver’s side doorjamb. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve efficiency; this detail matters more in an EV than in a combustion car. It is simple to do, but often neglected.

Optimize driving speed. Aerodynamic drag increases quickly with speed. Reducing highway speed by even 5-10 mph boosts efficiency. Engage Autopilot on longer highway trips to maintain a consistent speed and minimize energy wasted by unnecessary acceleration and braking. Letting the car do the work on long trips is also relaxing.

Minimize accessory usage. Features like air conditioning and heating are important for comfort, but can hurt efficiency. Use them carefully and use seat heaters or the recirculate function to reduce the load on the climate control system. Every drain on the battery reduces range, so only use what is needed.