MotorTrend recently reviewed the 2024 Tesla Model 3 refresh, highlighting significant improvements in build quality, interior comfort, and noise insulation. Known internally as “Highland,” the refreshed Model 3 retains its existing battery and motors but introduces exterior and interior changes aimed at addressing previous criticisms.
“The new Model 3 fixes nearly everything we hated about the old car, even if it’s not perfect,” said Scott Evans, Writer at MotorTrend.
According to Tesla, most of the exterior, except for the doors and rear fenders, is new. The company has addressed issues related to inconsistent panel gaps, which have been a point of criticism. The new design achieves a lower coefficient of drag at 0.219, down from 0.225. While official EPA ratings for range have not been released, Tesla anticipates minor improvements.
The interior sees the removal of “wood” trim, replaced by textured cloth. Touch-sensitive buttons have replaced the shifter and turn signal stalks. The rear seat area has been redesigned for greater comfort and now features an 8-inch screen that can control various functions and stream entertainment.
The driving experience remains largely unchanged at a mechanical level. However, MotorTrend noted a significant reduction in road noise, attributing it to acoustically insulating glass and better sealing. New frequency-adaptive passive shock absorbers have also improved ride quality.
MotorTrend found Tesla’s Autopilot to be a competent adaptive cruise control system but criticized the Full Self-Driving Beta as “untrustworthy” and “not ready for public consumption.”
Despite the improvements, MotorTrend pointed out that the Model 3 could benefit from an instrument-cluster screen or a head-up display. Concerns were also raised about the absence of sunroof shades and the need for redundant overlapping sensors for better reliability.
The base price for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 is estimated to be between $39,000 and $49,500 USD. The car comes in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with a combined electric horsepower ranging from 394 hp to 377 lb-ft.
But for now, the new Model 3 refresh is only being manufactured at Giga Shanghai in China for export to markets in regions such as Europe and the Middle East, and there’s no word when this update will reach North America.
MotorTrend’s review suggests that Tesla has made a concerted effort to listen to customer feedback, resulting in a Model 3 that addresses many previous criticisms while leaving room for further improvements.
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