by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the more affordable luxury electric cars you can get. It’s also the most popular Tesla model, possibly because it is also the cheapest Tesla model. However, its, relatively speaking, low price does not mean it’s a bad car. In fact, it is one of the best electric cars on the market right now.

The problem with a good luxury car is that, historically, they often only come with rear-wheel drive. However, more and more luxury and high-performance vehicles either come with standard all-wheel drive or offer it. So, does the Tesla Model 3 have all-wheel drive?

The Tesla Model 3 performance specs

The base Model 3 comes with rear-wheel drive and boasts a top speed of 140 mph with a 0-60 mph speed of 5.3 seconds. It has a range of 263 miles with an estimated 150/133 MPGe city/highway rating. All Model 3 trims have a single-speed automatic transmission, a sporty suspension, precise steering, and decently smooth brakes.

The middle trim, the Long Range trim, has a top speed of 145 mph with a 0-60 mph of 4.2 seconds. True to its name, it has the longest range at 353 miles with an estimated 141/127 MPGe city/highway rating. Meanwhile, the top-level trim, the Performance trim, has a top speed of 162 mph and an impressive 0-60 mph speed of 3.1 seconds. It has a range of 315 miles with an estimated 118/107 MPGe city/highway rating.

Yes, the Model 3 has an all-wheel drive option

It is not a standard feature on the Model 3, but when you configure your Tesla, you have the option to add all-wheel drive. Both the Long Range and the Performance trims come with dual-motor all-wheel drive. U.S. News deemed the Model 3 one of the 13 best all-wheel drive sports cars for 2021, specifically on its Performance trim.

How much will it cost to configure your Tesla?

Even though it’s definitely the cheapest Tesla and one of the least expensive high-performance electric cars on the market, the Performance trim is still not cheap, with a starting price of $56,990. The base Model 3 starts at $39,490, and the Long Range trim starts at $48,490. It should be noted that these are the most recent prices, as Tesla has been steadily increasing the price of the Model 3. 

If you decide you want the Model 3 with all-wheel drive, it’s not difficult to select AWD as an option when ordering your car. It is actually the first choice Tesla gives you when you start to build your car online. The prices listed on Tesla’s website are slightly lower than the above prices, but they include the potential tax incentives and gas savings of $4,300. However, the important word here is potential, and any tax incentive or rebate you qualify for may or may not be included at the time of purchase. 

Some people love high-performance cars for the sound the engine makes when it’s revved up. Some people want a high-performance model that handles spectacularly in any given situation with blink-and-you-miss-it acceleration. If you fall into the latter group, the 2021 Model 3 Performance trim will likely satisfy you. Even at close to $57,000, it still undercuts the competition by tens of thousands of dollars. Just remember that the price advertised when you build the car on Tesla’s site reflects potential savings, and your initial cost will be higher. 

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla Model 3?

The post Is the Tesla Model 3 All-Wheel Drive? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Nissan Versa is a compact car that starts in the budget price range. It’s not exactly known for its exciting powertrains or premium fit and finish. That said, for what it is it ticks virtually every expected box relative to other small cars in the class. In fact, the 2021 Nissan Versa actually won an award. 

Consumer Guide awarded the 2021 Nissan Versa as a Best Buy in the compact car segment

The 2021 Nissan Versa earned the Best Buy badge from Consumer Guide this year. It also earned the title last year. In addition, the 2020 model year was named J.D. Power’s Most Appealing Small Car. So this little sedan has actually won a few awards and accolades in the past year or two.

This year, the Nissan Versa’s 2021 model year earned the Best Buy badge because it “boasts better passenger and trunk space, refinement, features, and even style than you might expect at its bargain prices.” In fact, it starts under $15,000. Redesigned for 2020, buyers get an all-new example of Nissan’s smallest four-door car.

Plenty of bang for the buck  

In spite of shortcomings like the lack of leather upholstery or the option for extras like a sunroof or navigation system, the 2021 Nissan Versa is at the top of its class for offering loads of bang for the buck. Even Car and Driver report that the new Versa is “much better to drive than the version it replaces, providing accurate steering feel and consistent brake-pedal feedback.” 

Plus, it got up to 40 mpg on the highway in Car and Driver’s “real-world fuel economy” testing. That is actually better than the EPA estimates for the 2021 Nissan Versa’s 122 hp four-cylinder. Overall, because of the incredibly low pricing, the 2021 Nissan Versa offers a specific appeal to budget buyers.  

What is a compact car? 

Other places like Car and Driver or U.S. News and World Report place the 2021 model year Nissan Versa in the subcompact car segment. Consumer Guide merely calls it “the smallest of Nissan’s compact cars.” Consumer Guide defines the compact car as “not too big, not too small, but just right.” 

The modern compact car is larger than it once was. That means that they are capable of accommodating a small family while achieving impressive fuel economy. Plus, low pricing is generally expected in the mainstream compact car segment as well. 

“The Nissan Versa straddles the line between the subcompact-car and compact-car classes; it’s priced like a subcompact, but it’s almost as large in some dimensions as the average compact car. However you categorize it, the Versa is an outstanding value; it offers a generous level of features and decent quietness and driving manners at very aggressive prices.” 

Consumer Guide

The 2021 Nissan Versa is an ‘outstanding value’

Overall, the 2021 Nissan Versa isn’t thrilling. Nor does it offer any decadence with its simple interior. However, the total package is well executed for the price point. 

For those in search of a decent car that won’t break the bank, the 2021 Nissan Versa is a good choice. It’s earned some admiration from critics. And even the fully-loaded range topping version comes in at under $20,000.

RELATED: The 2021 Subaru Outback Is ‘Simply a Smart Choice’ According to Consumer Reports

The post The 2021 Nissan Versa Actually Won an Award appeared first on MotorBiscuit.