Tesla Highland interior: Premium feel but missing features

The Tesla Model 3 Highland represents a significant refresh in the company's lineup, focusing on elevating the cabin experience while maintaining the brand's minimalist ethos. Introduced as an update to the popular Model 3, the Highland variant brings subtle yet impactful changes to the interior, aiming to blend luxury with efficiency. Drivers stepping inside notice an immediate sense of refinement, thanks to upgraded materials and thoughtful ergonomics. However, this premium ambiance comes with trade-offs, as certain traditional features have been omitted in favor of Tesla's forward-thinking design philosophy. This evolution reflects Tesla's commitment to sustainability and innovation, using recycled and vegan-friendly materials that don't compromise on tactile appeal.

At the heart of the Highland's interior is a redesigned dashboard that emphasizes clean lines and functionality. The absence of physical buttons for most controls contributes to a sleek, uncluttered look, with everything managed through the central 15.4-inch touchscreen. This screen, now brighter and more responsive, integrates navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings seamlessly. The Highland also introduces perforated vegan leather seats that offer enhanced breathability, particularly beneficial in warmer climates. These seats are heated in the front and rear, adding to the overall comfort during extended drives. Sound insulation has been improved with double-pane glass on all windows, reducing road noise and creating a quieter cabin environment that rivals higher-end luxury sedans.

Materials and Build Quality Enhancements

One of the standout aspects of the Tesla Model 3 Highland interior is the premium materials used throughout the cabin. Tesla has shifted away from the harder plastics found in earlier models, opting instead for soft-touch surfaces on the door panels, dashboard, and center console. The aluminum accents and wood-like trim options provide a sophisticated contrast, giving the interior a more upscale feel without venturing into ostentation. The steering wheel, now wrapped in a supple material, features haptic feedback buttons for turn signals and wipers, replacing traditional stalks. This change, while innovative, requires an adjustment period for drivers accustomed to conventional controls.

Build quality in the Highland has seen notable improvements, with tighter panel gaps and more robust assembly. Owners report fewer creaks and rattles compared to pre-refresh models, attributing this to enhanced manufacturing processes at Tesla's factories. The cabin's air quality is bolstered by an advanced HEPA filtration system, similar to those in higher-end Tesla vehicles, which effectively removes pollutants and allergens. Ambient lighting strips along the dashboard and doors can be customized via the touchscreen, offering a range of colors to suit different moods or driving conditions. These elements combine to create an interior that feels premium, yet it's designed with longevity in mind, using durable fabrics that resist wear over time.

Seating and Ergonomics for Daily Use

Comfort takes center stage in the Tesla Model 3 Highland's seating arrangement. The front seats are ergonomically sculpted with ample bolstering for support during spirited driving, and they include eight-way power adjustments for the driver and passenger. A new addition is the ventilated front seats, which circulate air to keep occupants cool on hot days. Rear passengers benefit from heated seats as standard, a feature that was previously optional, making the Highland more family-friendly. The rear bench provides sufficient legroom for adults, though the sloping roofline might limit headroom for taller individuals.

Ergonomically, the Highland prioritizes driver focus with a low-slung seating position that enhances the sense of connection to the road. The absence of a traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel means all vital information is displayed on the central screen, which can be tilted slightly for better visibility. Storage for small items is thoughtfully integrated, with deep door pockets, a spacious glovebox, and a center console that includes wireless charging pads for two phones. However, the removal of certain physical controls, like the gear selector stalk, shifts reliance to touchscreen interactions, which can feel less intuitive in high-stress situations such as heavy traffic.

Infotainment and Connectivity Integration

Tesla's infotainment system in the Highland Model 3 is a benchmark for the industry, powered by a high-resolution touchscreen that serves as the nerve center of the vehicle. Running on Tesla's proprietary software, it offers over-the-air updates that continually add new features, such as improved voice recognition and enhanced autopilot integration. The system supports streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, turning the car into a mobile entertainment hub during charging sessions. A premium audio system with 17 speakers delivers immersive sound, complete with subwoofers and amplifiers tuned for clarity across genres.

Connectivity is seamless, with built-in 5G support for faster data speeds and real-time traffic updates. The Highland introduces a rear 8-inch touchscreen for backseat passengers, allowing them to control climate settings, music, and even play games independently. This feature enhances the overall passenger experience, especially on long trips. Bluetooth pairing is effortless, and the system includes multiple USB-C ports for charging devices. Despite these strengths, some users miss dedicated physical knobs for volume or climate control, as touchscreen adjustments can be distracting while driving.

Ambient Lighting and Cabin Atmosphere

Creating a welcoming atmosphere is key to the Highland's interior appeal, and ambient lighting plays a pivotal role. Customizable LED strips run along the dashboard, doors, and footwells, offering millions of color combinations through the app or touchscreen. This not only elevates the premium feel but also improves nighttime visibility without overwhelming the driver. The lighting syncs with the vehicle's modes, dimming during autopilot engagement for a more relaxed vibe.

The cabin's overall atmosphere benefits from panoramic glass roofs that flood the interior with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Acoustic engineering reduces wind and tire noise, making conversations effortless even at highway speeds. Scent diffusers aren't included, but the clean, modern design avoids any off-putting odors common in lesser vehicles. These elements work together to craft an environment that feels luxurious and tech-forward, appealing to those who value innovation over traditional opulence.

Storage Solutions and Practicality

Practicality hasn't been overlooked in the Tesla Model 3 Highland. The front trunk, or frunk, provides 3.1 cubic feet of storage, ideal for groceries or small luggage. The rear trunk offers 19.8 cubic feet, expandable via folding rear seats, making it versatile for weekend getaways. Inside the cabin, clever storage includes a hidden compartment under the center console and cup holders that accommodate various sizes.

However, the minimalist approach means fewer dedicated spots for items like sunglasses or coins, which might frustrate some users. The glovebox opens via touchscreen, adding a layer of convenience but requiring the system to be powered on. Overall, the Highland strikes a balance between form and function, ensuring daily usability without cluttering the premium aesthetic.

Analyzing Omitted Amenities in Depth

While the premium feel is undeniable, the Tesla Model 3 Highland interior omits several features that competitors often include. Notably, the removal of turn signal and wiper stalks in favor of buttons on the steering wheel aims to simplify the design but can lead to accidental activations or missed signals during maneuvers. Ultrasonic parking sensors have been replaced by Tesla Vision, a camera-based system that's effective in most scenarios but may struggle in low-light or adverse weather conditions.

Head-up displays, common in luxury rivals, are absent, forcing drivers to glance at the central screen for speed and navigation cues. Wireless charging is limited to the front, with no rear options, and there's no built-in sunshade for the glass roof, which can make the cabin hot in sunny regions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration remain unavailable, as Tesla prefers its ecosystem, potentially alienating users tied to those platforms. These omissions reflect Tesla's strategy to prioritize software-driven solutions, but they highlight areas where the Highland falls short of a fully featured premium interior.

Performance Impact on Interior Experience

The interior's premium nature ties closely to the vehicle's performance. With instant torque from the electric powertrain, the cabin remains serene, free from engine vibrations. Regenerative braking settings, adjustable via the screen, influence the driving feel without intruding on comfort. The Highland's suspension tuning absorbs bumps effectively, ensuring the seats and materials endure real-world use.

Autopilot hardware integration means controls are always at hand, but the lack of redundant physical buttons for critical functions could be seen as a drawback. Battery preconditioning, managed through the app, prepares the cabin climate before entry, enhancing the initial premium impression.

Competitive Landscape Positioning

In the competitive EV market, the Tesla Model 3 Highland's interior stands out for its blend of luxury and minimalism. Compared to the BMW i4, which offers more tactile controls and premium leather options, the Highland emphasizes sustainability with vegan materials. Against the Polestar 2, Tesla's software ecosystem provides superior updates and integration, though Polestar includes features like a traditional gear selector.

Hyundai's Ioniq 6 boasts ventilated rear seats and a more conventional layout, addressing some of Highland's missing elements. Yet, Tesla's over-the-air capabilities and Supercharger network give it an edge in long-term ownership. These comparisons underscore how the Highland's premium feel appeals to tech enthusiasts, even as it sacrifices certain conveniences.