If you’re looking for a used Tesla Model 3, safety is probably at the top of your list. The good news is that if you’re considering a 2020 Tesla Model 3, it ranks among the safest cars out there.
How safe is the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA and the highest score of “Good” by the IIHS. Combine that with 4.85 Star Owner and 4.6/5 Expert Review Ratings from Vehicle History for a winning combination.
However, safety isn’t only a result of a vehicle’s performance in a crash, as there are other things that can influence it. Thankfully, in this article, we’ll cover not only the Tesla Model 3’s safety test results but other factors influencing its safety performance.
Tesla Model 3 Crash Test Rating
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Test/Results
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is a 2020 Top Safety Pick+ for the IIHS. It received their highest rating of “Good” in all six test dimensions. It also received a rating of “Good” for headlights and “superior” in front crash prevention between vehicles.
The only less-than-top ratings from IIHS for the Model 3 came for its front crash prevention system for pedestrians, which got a rating of “Advanced,” slightly less than “Superior.” The IHHS rating for the Model 3’s child safety seat latches is “Acceptable.”
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Test/Results
Whether you’re interested in an AWD or RWD Tesla Model 3, the car has achieved an overall 5-star frontal crash rating from the NHTSA. The Model 3’s overall side crash rating from the NHTSA also achieves 5 stars. NHTSA’s side barrier and pole crash ratings are 5 stars for both the front and rear seats in the Tesla Model 3.
Side barrier crash ratings are 5 stars for both the driver and rear passenger, along with a 5-star overall side pole star rating. The Model 3 achieved a 5-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. Its total risk of rollover was 6.6% and it had no dynamic tipping result in testing.
European New Car Assessment Programme Results
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) awarded the 2019 Tesla Model 3 with an overall safety rating of 5 stars. The Model 3 received an extremely high rating of 96% for adult passenger safety from Euro NCAP. It also received an 86% rating for child safety, along with a 94% rating for safety assistance equipment and technology.
The Model 3 received a 74% rating for protecting pedestrians from crashes from Euro NCAP. All Model 3 vehicles were tested for safety by Euro NCAP. The agency’s ratings represent combined performance in crash tests for the RWD and AWD Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 Available Safety Tech
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
The Tesla Model 3 comes with a standard crash imminent braking system or automatic emergency braking (AEB). The 3, X, S, and Y models received an update in 2019 that improved the already highly-rated emergency braking system.
The Model 3 and other Tesla models use 12 ultrasonic sensors, eight cameras, and forward-facing radar to determine if a crash is imminent. The automatic braking feature is part of the Tesla Model 3’s top safety ratings.
Lane Departure Avoidance
Tesla reports that drivers using its Autopilot function registered fewer accidents per mile driven than those who didn’t use it. Two key features that may be used without the Autopilot are Lane Departure Avoidance and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance.
Lane Departure Avoidance works between speeds of 25 and 90 mph. It will autocorrect steering if it senses the vehicle is about to leave a lane and the driver’s hands aren’t on the wheel.
Lane Departure Avoidance can be turned on and off by the driver, but Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance is an automatic feature. It will steer the Tesla back into its lane or onto the road if it senses the vehicle has left the road.
Speed Assistance
In August 2020, Tesla unveiled a software upgrade that uses the car’s cameras to read speed limit signs along the road. The Model 3’s cameras detect speed limit signs and the vehicle uses them to direct speed.
The signs will be displayed in the Model 3’s driving visualization display. Speed Assistance also includes chimes to notify drivers of green lights. Speed Assistance augments Tesla’s Traffic Aware Cruise control.
Here’s What Other People Also Ask About the Tesla Model 3
Is the Tesla Model 3 the Safest Car?
The Tesla Model 3, as well as the Tesla Model S and Model X, have achieved high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA since 2018. Tesla says that “Model S, Model X and Model 3 have achieved the lowest overall probability of injury of any vehicle ever tested” by the U.S. government’s New Car Assessment Program.
Is the Tesla Model 3 Worth it?
The Model 3 has top safety features along with good handling and performance (0-60 in just 3 seconds). The 3 is also Tesla’s most affordable model, which starts at just $35,000 (though, the version at this price has already been discontinued).
What are the Four Models of Tesla?
The four Tesla models are the Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y. The 3 is a compact sedan, the S is a full-size luxury sedan, the X is a full-size SUV, and the Model Y is a compact SUV.
How Long Will a Tesla Model 3 Last?
The Tesla Model 3’s battery will last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. In October 2019, one Tesla owner achieved 100,000 miles in a Model 3. Tesla CEO Musk has also said that the Model 3 is designed to last as long as a commercial truck can log one million miles.
Photos: Tesla
