Tesla Highland interior: Premium feel but missing features

The refreshed Tesla Model 3, known as the Highland, marks a significant step forward in interior refinement. Tesla has focused heavily on upgrading materials to create a more upscale atmosphere. Soft-touch surfaces now dominate the cabin, replacing harder plastics from previous versions. The dashboard features a premium fabric wrap that adds a modern, textured elegance, while door panels incorporate Alcantara-like materials in higher trims for a luxurious touch.

• Felt-lined door pockets prevent rattles and elevate everyday interactions.

• Softer armrests and console areas provide better comfort during long drives.

• Perforated vegan leather seats offer improved breathability and support.

These changes contribute to a noticeably higher perceived quality, making the interior feel more cohesive and inviting. Panel gaps are tighter, and overall assembly appears more precise, addressing past criticisms of build inconsistencies.

Enhanced Comfort and Quietness

One of the standout improvements is the dramatic reduction in cabin noise. Acoustic glass extends to all windows, combined with additional sound-deadening materials and thicker door padding, resulting in a serene driving environment. Road and wind noise are substantially diminished, transforming highway cruises into relaxed experiences.

Seats have been redesigned with added cushioning and better bolstering, making them more supportive for extended journeys. Front seats include ventilation as standard, a welcome feature under the panoramic glass roof. Rear passengers benefit from heated seats, improved cushioning, and a dedicated screen for climate control and entertainment.

• Ambient LED lighting wraps around the cabin, customizable for mood enhancement.

• A brighter, more responsive central touchscreen with slimmer bezels improves usability.

• Upgraded audio system delivers crisper sound with additional speakers.

These elements combine to create a cabin that feels calmer and more sophisticated than before.

The Shift to Minimalist Controls

Tesla's push toward minimalism is evident in the removal of traditional steering column stalks. Turn signals and gear selection now rely on steering wheel buttons and touchscreen gestures. This design choice aims for a cleaner look and futuristic appeal, with force-touch buttons on the wheel providing tactile feedback.

Many drivers adapt quickly to the button-based indicators, finding them intuitive once habituated. Gear selection via a swipe on the screen becomes second nature, especially with auto-park features. However, this approach divides opinions, as it requires glancing away from the road more often for certain functions.

Notable Missing Features and Trade-Offs

Despite the upgrades, the Highland interior omits several elements present in earlier models, leading to a sense of sparsity for some. The absence of stalks is the most debated change, potentially complicating maneuvers like roundabouts or quick lane changes, where muscle memory expects physical levers.

• No ultrasonic parking sensors; reliance on camera-based Tesla Vision can feel less precise in tight spaces.

• Traditional wood trim options are gone, replaced solely by fabric, which some find less warm.

• Fewer physical buttons overall, pushing more controls to the touchscreen.

The cabin can feel overly empty, lacking the tactile variety of conventional dashboards. While the minimalist aesthetic appeals to tech enthusiasts, it may leave others wanting more haptic feedback or dedicated knobs for frequent adjustments.

Rear Passenger Experience Upgrades

Rear occupants receive notable attention in the Highland refresh. A new 8-inch touchscreen allows independent control of climate and media streaming, turning the back seat into a more engaging space. Improved seat recline and cushioning enhance comfort on longer trips.

Ambient lighting extends to the rear, and acoustic improvements make conversations easier. However, the lack of a traditional armrest with cupholders in some configurations limits practicality compared to prior setups.

Overall Impression: Refined Yet Polarizing

The Highland interior successfully elevates the Model 3 into a more premium territory through superior materials, quieter ride, and thoughtful comforts. It addresses many longstanding complaints about noise and quality, delivering a cabin that feels modern and composed.

Yet, the bold minimalist decisions introduce trade-offs. Removing stalks and sensors prioritizes a screen-centric, futuristic vision but sacrifices some intuitive controls and precision features valued by traditional drivers. For those embracing Tesla's philosophy, these changes enhance the experience; for others, they highlight what's missing in pursuit of simplicity.

The result is an interior that's undeniably more refined, with a premium feel that rivals higher-segment vehicles in key areas. However, the omissions create a polarizing package—one that excels in innovation but occasionally frustrates with its restraint.