2021 Tesla Model Range – Full Lineup & Our Picks For The Best Tesla Models
Tesla: the automaker that has become as much a political statement as they are a pioneering force in the electric vehicle market. That they make the best electric cars on the planet isn’t even debatable, and though companies like Porsche and Jaguar have upped the ante with vehicles like the Taycan and I-PACE, it’s still Tesla that sets the electrified standard.
Tesla is on a roll for 2020. Their stock is at an all-time high, trading north of $1,400; they remain profitable despite the pandemic; the Cybertruck unveiling was successful; the model 3 and model Y twins are selling well. Indeed, everything is coming up Tesla.
Let’s take a look at the 2020 Tesla lineup and get into what makes the Models S, 3, X, and Y compelling choices and dominant competitors in each of their respective segments. Note that the Cybertruck, despite being totally badass, isn’t included in this list as it’s not available for the 2020 model year.
The 2020 Tesla Lineup
- 2020 Model S – Full-size sedan
- 2020 Model 3 – Standard/mid-size sedan
- 2020 Model X – Sports utility vehicle (SUV)
- 2020 Model Y – Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV)
2020 Tesla Model S
First introduced in 2012, the Model S is more than just the quintessential electric sedan: it’s the electric car that proved that electric cars could be sexy, fun, and attainable. Well, with a starting price of $69,490, I suppose it’s “attainable for some”.
2020 Model S Trims
The 2020 Tesla Model S comes in the following trims:
- Long Range Plus – $74,990
- Performance – $94,990
Both the Model S trims include dual-motor all-wheel-drive, Tesla’s legendary minimalist interior with massive infotainment screen, and all the amenities you can expect from a luxury sedan.
You can upgrade either of the Model S trims with the Full Self-Driving Capability (FSD) for $8,000.
2020 Model S Performance Figures
The legendary performance figures that made the 2012 Model S such a sleeper persist in the 2020 model year. Tesla has continuously refined and upgraded the Model S over time, resulting in a sedan that outperforms just about anything else on the road everywhere but the racetrack.
- 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus 0-60 mph – 3.7 seconds
- 2020 Tesla Model S Performance 0-6 mph – 2.3 seconds
2020 Model S Engine & Powertrain
In both trims, the Model S uses dual electric motors that are capable of providing power independently to any wheel. These engines run a single-speed transmission, meaning that you never have to shift.
- 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus – 534 hp & 557 lb-ft of torque
- 2020 Tesla Model S Performance – 778 hp & 841 lb-ft of torque
2020 Model S Range & Economy
The Model S is the car that demonstrated that an electric car could have a long-range and be suitable as your only car.
- 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus – 402 miles total range
- 2020 Tesla Model S Performance – 348 miles total range
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2020 Model S has a combined 111 MPGe, which makes it more than three times as energy-efficient than some of its internal-combustion powered competitors.
2020 Model S Competitors
2020 is an exciting year for electric cars, with several so-called “Tesla Killers” being released this year and competition from European luxury brands steadily rising. If you’re looking for an electric luxury sedan, and you don’t want to look at Tesla’s “baby” Model 3, these are the three closest competitors:
- For perhaps the first time, the Model S has found a true competitor from another marque: the 2020 Porsche Taycan. Like the Model S, the Taycan is a four-door luxury sedan that prioritizes driving dynamics, feel, and fit and finish. A base Taycan starts at $103,800.
- The 2020 Polestar 2, which uses the same architecture as Volvo’s excellent XC40, is Volvo’s answer to the Model S. While it doesn’t have quite the same range or power, it is considerably less expensive, starting at $63,000.
- The 2020 Audi E-Tron sportback is a seriously good-looking all-electric Audi sedan, with 402 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. Starting at $77,495, it’s aimed squarely at the Model S and the top-trim “Edition One” rings in at “just” $88,495, making it a compelling alternative to the Tesla.
2020 Tesla Model 3
First released in 2017, the Model 3 was an important car for Tesla. The Model 3 proved that Tesla could make an affordable sedan and produce said sedan in volume. The success of the Model 3 has helped fuel the Tesla mania that has infected Wall Street.
The 2020 Model 3 comes in three trims – Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance – and starts at $37,990.
2020 Tesla Model 3 Trims
The 2020 Model 3 comes in three trims:
- Standard Range Plus (RWD) – $37,990
- Long Range (AWD) – $46,990
- Performance (AWD) – $54,990
The Standard Range Plus trim only uses a single electric motor and is rear-wheel-drive, whereas the Long Range and Performance trims use dual electric motors for an all-wheel-drive configuration.
You can add full-self-driving (FSD) functionality to any Model 3 for $8,000.
2020 Tesla Model 3 Engine & Powertrain
The 2020 Model 3 comes in either a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive powertrain in single or dual-motor configurations.
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus – 283 hp / 307 lb-ft of torque.
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range – 346 hp / 389 lb-ft of torque.
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance – 450 hp / 307 lb-ft of torque.
2020 Model 3 Performance Figures
The Model 3 carries on the tradition of insane acceleration and performance figures.
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus 0-60 mph – 5.3 seconds
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range 0-60 mph – 4.4 seconds
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance 0-60 mph – 3.2 seconds
While the Model 3 doesn’t break the sub-3 second 0-60 mph figure, it comes very close.
2020 Model 3 Range & Economy
Unlike the Model S, range for the Model 3 ranges heavily based on its trim.
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus range – 250 miles
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range range– 322 miles
- 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance range – 299 miles
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the Model 3 sees anywhere from 113 MPGe (performance) to 141 MPGe (standard range plus).
2020 Model 3 Competitors
Like the Model S, the Model 3 has few true competitors that can match it from a price, performance, and range perspective. However, these three competitors are worth considering:
- 2020 Chevrolet Bolt – Starting at just $37,495, the Bolt EV is GM’s entrant into the affordable electric segment. While the bolt fails to achieve the same blistering performance figures of the Model 3, it does sport 200 hp and a 259-mile range.
- 2020 Mini Coper SE Electric – Starting at $37,750, the Mini EV produces 181 hp but is limited to a limited range of just 110 miles.
- 2020 Nissan Leaf – The latest Leaf enjoys a range of up to 214 miles in the Plus trim, or 151 miles from the standard trim. Starting at $31,600, the Leaf is a good blend of affordability and range.
2020 Tesla Model X
Released for the 2015 model year, the Model X was first unveiled as a prototype in 2012 – the same year that the Model S hit the streets. The Model X takes the same approach to the SUV segment that the Model S takes to the luxury sedan segment: insane horsepower, incredible performance, and innovative technology and feature sets.
With falcon-wing doors and an ultra-low center of gravity for an SUV, the Model X is easily the standout EV in the SUV segment.
2020 Tesla Model X Trims
The 2020 model X comes in two trims:
- Long Range Plus – $79,990
- Performance – $99,990
Both trims use dual electric motors in an all-wheel-drive configuration.
You can add full-self-driving (FSD) functionality for $8,000 as well as optional upgrades to a six-seat interior or seven-seat interior for $6,500 and $3,500, respectively.
2020 Tesla Model X Engine & Powertrain
Every 2020 Model X comes with an all-wheel-drive powertrain.
- 2020 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus – 534 hp / 620 lb-ft of torque
- 2020 Tesla Model X Performance – 778 hp / 841 lb-ft of torque
2020 Tesa Model X Performance Figures
The 2020 Model X is, frankly, one of the fastest SUVs on the planet, with acceleration figures that were previously only ever seen on hypercars.
- 2020 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus 0-60 mph – 4.4 seconds
- 2020 Tesla Model X Performance 0-60 mph – 2.6 seconds
2020 Tesa Model X Range & Economy
Both trims of the Model X enjoy long ranges.
- 2020 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus range – 351 miles
- 2020 Tesla Model X Performance range – 305 miles
2020 Tesa Model X Competitors
The 2020 Model X is the defining SUV in its segment, though there are offerings from peers that offer great ownership and driving experiences. The top three Model X competitors:
- 2020 Jaguar I-PACE – The I-PACE is a gorgeous EV – arguably the best looking of them all – and is specc’d out comparably to the Model X. Starting at $69,850 and coming with a 394 hp AWD powertrain, the I-PACE is one slick SUV-EV.
- The 2020 Audi E-Tron is a good looking Wagon, with 402 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. Starting at $74,800 for the Premium Plus trim, the E-Tron offers 204 miles of range and a 5.5 second 0-60 mph sprint.
- The 2020 Tesla Model Y is a smaller CUV with comparable power and performance for a lot less money. Don’t need a full-size SUV and falcon-wing doors? Look at the Model Y.
2020 Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is the most important car in Tesla’s lineup. With SUV’s continuing their sales dominance, and with CUV’s quickly breaking out as the standout segment, having a competitor in the CUV space is important not just for sales, but for representation as well.
Based off the Model 3, Tesla’s Model Y is new for the 2020 model year and has been warmly received by the market.
2020 Tesla Model Y Trims
For the 2020 model year you can grab your Model Y in two trims, both of which use a dual motor all-wheel-drive configuration:
- Long Range – $49,990
- Performance – $59,990
You can option the Model Y by adding a tow hitch ($1,000), full-self-drive capability ($8,000), and upgrade to a seven-seat interior for $3,000 (not available until 2021).
2020 Tesla Model Y Engine & Powertrain
This section will be updated once these figures can be properly confirmed.
2020 Tesa Model Y Performance Figures
The Tesla tradition of creating vehicles that can distort your face when accelerating continues in the Model Y, with both models having sports car-esque performance.
- 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range 0-6 mph – 4.8 seconds
- 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance 0-60 mph – 3.6 seconds
2020 Tesa Model Y Range & Economy
Like other Tesla’s, the Modal Y enjoys long-range and is more than suitable as a daily vehicle/primary vehicle.
- 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range – 316 miles
- 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance – 291 miles
According to FuelEconomy.Gov, the 2020 Model Y will see around 121 MPGe combined.
2020 Tesa Model Y Competitors
There is a surprisingly large number of affordable CUV/SUV EV’s that compete with the Model Y, though none off comparable performance potential. The top 3 Model Y competitors:
- 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric – For a scant $37,190 you can land yourself a 201 hp EV with 258 miles of range. Sure, it lacks the same sex appeal as the Model Y, but you aren’t buying the Kona to be sexy.
- 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E – Ford’s unusually named EV SUV is priced to go toe to toe with the Model Y, with a starting price of $43,895 for an estimated 230 miles of range and 255 hp in a RWD platform.
- 2020 Kida Nero EV – With 239 miles of range and 201 horsepower, the $39,090 Niro is a solid competitor that looks like a traditional CUV ought to.
