The Tesla Model 3's cheapest trim level just got a major accolade, as Edmunds revealed the Rear-Wheel-Drive trim of the all-electric sedan is the most efficient EV currently in production. The 2026 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel-Drive not only beat its EPA-estimated range by 30 miles but also bested its efficiency mark by 13.2 percent. The Model 3 tested by Edmunds traveled 393 miles, beating its EPA rating by 8.3 percent, while it returned 21.7 kWh per 100 miles, or 4.61 mi/kWh. This is particularly impressive when considering EV ownership and driving down the cost of ownership compared to ICE counterparts. The real money savings come from reducing the cost of driving per mile, especially for high-mileage driving. Edmunds' testing process, which includes 60 percent city and 40 percent highway driving at an average speed of 40 MPH, aims to provide an accurate representation of a car's real-world range. The Tesla Model 3 RWD's unmatched efficiency is attributed to its incredibly low energy usage per mile. At $36,990, it is $9,000 cheaper than the average transaction price for a new car, which is $46,023. This trim of the Model 3 is also priced over $9,000 cheaper than the average transactional price for a new car in May 2026, which was $46,023. If you're looking for more speed, an All-Wheel-Drive drivetrain, or premium features, the Premium trims of the Model 3 come with one year of Free Supercharging. In other news, Tesla has emerged as a standout performer in the latest iSeeCars longevity study, which analyzed over 174 million used vehicles. Tesla models have a 4.6 percent chance of reaching 250,000 miles, matching the industry average and tying for sixth place among 32 brands. This positions Tesla ahead of many established names, including Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Tesla's performance is attributed to the inherent simplicity of electric powertrains, which have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. High-mileage Teslas, including the Model S, demonstrate that EVs can endure when properly maintained, with minimal mechanical issues beyond typical wear items. Tesla owner Michał Gapiński tackled the issue of the wireless phone charger overheating in the Model Y with a clever DIY upgrade, swapping the cooled wireless charger pad from the China-made Model YL for the one that came standard in his vehicle. This retrofit highlighted an elegant, owner-driven solution to a factory shortcoming, and it is expected that Tesla will begin installing the cooled charging pads into new cars in the U.S. soon.
