Jay Leno Thinks The New Model 3 Is A Great Deal For Under $40,000

Jay Leno reviews the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland.

“It really is everything my Model S is,” Leno said. “Just not as fast. Not as as big. But that’s OK.” 

Tesla just gave its entry-level car its first refresh ever. And while we here at InsideEVs haven’t gotten behind the wheel of the 2024 Model 3 “Highland” yet—we’re working on it!—certified car freak Jay Leno has.

In a new video on his Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube channel, Leno drives the Model 3, chats with Tesla’s top designer and engineer and offers up his thoughts on one of Tesla’s most important new cars.

According to Leno, the new Model 3’s quality, performance and sub-$40,000 price tag make it a screaming deal. It starts at $38,990 for the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant with 272 miles of EPA-estimated range.

“The most impressive thing is it’s under $40,000. It really is everything my Model S is,” Leno said. “Just not as fast. Not as as big. But that’s OK.”

To be sure, the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range that Leno tested doesn’t actually cost under $40,000. Sporting increased performance and range over the base model, that version will run you $47,740 before any state or local incentives. (After a rule change that went into effect this year, the Model 3 doesn’t qualify for the federal EV tax credit, which is worth up to $7,500.)

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