Our experts share their first impressions of the 2024 Tesla Model 3. For 2024, the Model 3 gets a major freshening with updated styling, acoustic glass for all of the windows, an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, and a softer ride. While these are all good changes, we also talk about how the controls and updated blind spot warning system leave us wanting more. We also answer audience questions about the lack of van-like vehicles on the market and which safety systems we'd design for future vehicles.
For more information on the Tesla Model 3:
Check out CR's complete vehicle ratings and test results:
Join CR at to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 – Intro
1:16 – Tesla redesign vs. refresh
2:39 – First impressions
3:45 – 2024 Model 3 updates
8:26 – Regenerative braking
12:58 – New features/controls we’re on the fence about
22:14 – Features we still like
23:30 – Tesla Supercharger layoffs
24:41 – Why we bought the Full Self-Driving capability
27:03 – CR/Tesla Histroy
30:46 – Question 1: Where did all the vans go?
35:43 – Question 2: What vehicle safety system would you design?
LINKS:
First Drive: Refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 Improves Upon Its Winning Formula:
Automakers Move to a Common Plug Standard to Allow Their EVs to Use Tesla Superchargers:
Best Bike Racks:
How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack:
Alex is the best!!!
Alex is the best. But do you know who’s even better? Alex.
Tesla took a step forward with exterior and interior refresh, seats and suspension but drive selector and signal stock delete are a step backwards
The hall effect sound processing is so distracting.
Flashing the lights to a left lane car begs the assumption they know the far left is for passing.
So if they know, then they wouldn’t be in the left; or that they’re being speed limit righteous which means they won’t move anyway.
The oblivious ones just don’t realize that they are the Traffic. *Uses Maury Povich voice.
The worst is when two cars in the right and left lanes are traveling the same slow speed slowing everyone down, and not providing passing ability.
There’s a 2023 Ford Transit Connect, no?
Tesla is still the best electric car..imo
Good luck with that.
Headlights off? I shine my Streamlight Stinger DS LED 10 gigalumen flashlight into the car, and yell headlights!
“Model 3 design is basically unchanged since 2017” -ERR
What you mean is that it has not had any major cosmetic face-lift and not had any lots at once changes.
Nearly every engineering component has been redesigned at least once with change occurring almost continuously since 2017.
Consumers don’t know this – they only see visual changes and hence the refresh, if not a full redesign, was badly needed.
Dealbreaker for me is the looks of the Tesla, looking stale and boring now. It looks like a blob with ugly outdated taillights. Tesla looks like an egg. Then u look at the interiors, and its night and day compared to some other quality EVs. The tesla doesn’t even have a HUD or gauge clusters. What a boring cockpit to sit in. So plain Jane and no premium or special feeling.
+1 and I feel CR let readers down by keeping the Overall Score apparently based on tests of the 2017 car. I have a 2023 Model 3 (pre-refresh) and the ride is good, and they even called a new “comfort” suspension. I also feel like the high tire pressure recommended should be part of the discussion.
Maybe not a new safety addition, but OBD II codes, with description should be retrievable on the screen without a trip to the garage…with a connection service perhaps some guidance could be included. How many of us have paid for a code download to only discover our gas cap seal was at fault!
what about Lucid ? What’s your take on that brand ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwLh-gKHfL4
@@consumerreports 15:40 why are you all DISHONEST in this video about the blind spot warning??? Tesla has sense done an OTA update that note light up the entire side of the screen when someone is in your blind spot.
Tesla stock is plummeting 😢😊
Re. the last segment, my feature: Automatically turn headlights on when wipers go on/are turned on manually. Requires no leap in technology. Could be easily be added to every new vehicle produced.
Many cars already have that feature.
When you are waiting at a light your wheel should not be turned. That is a safety hazard.
Should’ve made it a hatchback. I want a squished model Y
Wow! Did anyone else noticed the guy on the right is an Elan (younger) look alike? Even sounds like him. And reviewing a Tesla! Talk about conflict of interest :). LOL!
If you replace the steering wheel air bag with a 6 inch spike, people WILL pay attention and drive more carefully.
You will soon be able to get an aftermarket stalk
Perhaps they can show a video of what they are discussing such as the gear change selection process. Their descriptions are not clear
The brakes feel normal because they are. Tesla doesn’t do blended braking like most other EVs. There are pros and cons to both ways of doing it.
I like the proposed system that monitors for bad driving, like hard acceleration and braking, tailgating, lane weaving, etc. However, I would add electrical shocks of increasing intensity to the driver seat with it.