Refreshed Tesla Model 3 named NZ Car of the Year 2025

The refreshed Tesla Model 3 has taken the DRIVEN Car Guide AA Insurance NZ Car of the Year 2025 title in the passenger-car category, edging past rivals powered by both combustion engines and electric motors. The result underlines the car’s broad appeal across very different types of buyers.

Judges highlighted the Model 3’s engaging driving dynamics, its efficiency as an EV, and the Full Self-Driving system (FSD) that operates under driver supervision, introduced in New Zealand in September. Pairing brisk responses with frugal energy use remains a mix competitors struggle to match.

The outlet noted that the base rear-wheel-drive Model 3 is easy to live with and offers a generous spread of EV tech for the price, while emphasizing that FSD elevates it to a new tier. That blend makes for a straightforward gateway into electric ownership without feeling like a compromise.

FSD is priced at 11,400 New Zealand dollars, which is a sizable commitment. However, Tesla also offers FSD via a monthly subscription at 159 dollars, making the technology accessible without a large upfront outlay; for many, that path is the pragmatic way to try advanced driver-assistance before deciding to buy.