Tesla Model 3: what would make it even better?

The Tesla Model 3 refresh, nicknamed Highland, was a significant step forward from its predecessor. Building on an already popular car, Tesla’s engineers introduced improvements inside and out, including better sound insulation and ambient lighting. Together, these changes went beyond a cosmetic update: the car felt more modern, more refined and more enjoyable to drive. Its value remained competitive, too. Even so, no car is perfect. This review looks at areas owners still wanted improved on the Model 3 available at the time.

1. More intuitive turn signal and gear controls

One of the most controversial changes was removing the traditional turn signal and gear selector stalks. Highland replaced both: indicators moved to steering wheel buttons, while selecting a gear required a swipe on the centre display. The review argued that this could draw attention away from the road and make familiar tasks less straightforward. Removing a control does not automatically improve the experience; a more user-friendly solution was particularly desirable for the turn signals.

 

2. An effective shade for the glass roof

The glass roof looks impressive, but raises practical questions about heat. Leaving Model 3 in strong sunshine, for example while charging, can make the cabin very hot. Air conditioning can cool it, but uses energy and does not shade the interior surfaces. Tesla sells an optional roof sunshade; another approach would be a retractable blind or integrated dimming technology, solutions already found in other manufacturers’ cars.

Another option is the JOWUA sunshades covered in our review and shown in the photo below.

 

 

3. A display in front of the driver

Even after getting used to Model 3 or Model Y, some drivers miss a conventional instrument cluster directly ahead. Model S and Model X have a dedicated screen that puts key information, including speed and the speed limit, in front of the driver. In Model 3, that information is on the centre display. The review would welcome a driver-facing cluster as a practical improvement.

 

4. Ultrasonic parking sensors

Tesla began removing ultrasonic parking sensors from Model 3 in 2022. Doing away with front and rear sensors simplified hardware and reduced production costs, but also changed the parking experience. Tesla Vision uses cameras and software to estimate the surroundings instead. At the time of this review, its accuracy remained a concern for some owners, with hopes that software updates would improve the experience.

 

5. A low-mounted front camera

Owners had long requested a front camera near number-plate height, particularly after ultrasonic sensors were removed, to help with tight parking spaces. Although widely rumoured, it had not been fitted to the Model 3 discussed in this review. The author hoped it would appear on a future version.

 

6. Centre caps for the alloy wheels

Model 3’s plastic wheel covers improve aerodynamics and range, while also covering the alloys underneath. Removing them reveals an attractive wheel design, but leaves owners needing centre caps to finish the look. Options are available online, including Tesla accessories, but why not include them as standard?

 

 

Looking ahead

Despite the many improvements introduced with Highland, Model 3 still had room to improve in a few specific areas. The changes proposed here could make an already impressive car even more satisfying to use.

 

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Giorgio Rebecchi

Editor