Switching to an EV for the first time is a big leap for anyone. If you have been used to an internal-combustion-powered car for years, going electric might seem a bit scary. But what if you have already driven an electric car, like the Tesla Model 3, and are looking at some of the other alternatives?
With more and more manufacturers coming into the EV segment as time goes on, there are plenty of options available. Tesla, Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Rivian are all producing EVs. Plus, let’s not forget the onslaught of Chinese electric cars over the last 2-3 years.
With so many options out there, the former kings of the segment, Tesla, might not be the most obvious choice anymore. So, to see what was what, YouTuber Nick O’Leary took out a 2026 Tesla Model 3 to see if it was still worth buying.
The EV has been improved in recent times, with a styling refresh, more range, newer software, and extra additions to the infotainment system. The question O’Leary wanted to answer was: with other options available, is the Tesla Model 3 still a good EV in 2026?
Why the Tesla Model 3 Still Makes Sense in 2026
O’Leary decided the best way to test out the Tesla was to put it to the test on a multi-day road trip. This would give him several days and plenty of miles to ‘live’ with the car and see how the latest iteration fared in the real world. If it wasn’t a good car to live with on a daily basis, then it was an instant non-starter.
Tesla itself gives the Model 3, this being a UK example, a maximum range of 466 miles. O’Leary found that it was closer to 430 miles; however, that is still a very respectable number and more than enough for most people. “Range anxiety is no more,” the YouTuber said in the video. Even on longer drives, 430 miles gives you plenty of time to scout for recharging stations should you need one on the journey.
One potential annoyance was that the Model 3 O’Leary tested did not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the YouTuber said the infotainment and multimedia system still performed well and was more than good enough for most people. One other big positive was the build quality. Earlier Teslas were infamous for badly fitting panels and other quality control issues. None of these seemed to be present on this 2026 example, which is a production car and not a Tesla prototype or pre-production car.
What Were the Cons of the Tesla Model 3?
There were, however, one or two things that did let the Model 3 down. O’Leary noted the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls in the EV, with even things such as the climate control and drive mode hidden behind a touchscreen. This isn’t solely a Tesla problem, as many consumers have complained about even simple functions being hidden behind fiddly touchscreens. The lack of a heads-up display, with everything locked to the central screen, was again another headache.
In terms of his verdict, however, O’Leary couldn’t recommend the upgraded Tesla Model 3 enough. “I would have this in a heartbeat. It’s that good and is still my go-to recommendation for anyone looking at jumping to their first electric car,” he said. So it looks like a Tesla is still worth buying in 2026.