Wow! This Is A Serious Improvement (Tesla Model 3 2024 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 in RWD trim, including real-world range test, handling, ride quality, interior, price and more.

The Tesla Model 3 was impressive but rough around the edges when it first launched in Australia and around the world. Now, for the Model 3’s midlife “Highland” upgrade, Tesla has targeted a bunch of annoying faults and fixed them. Quality is better, the ride quality is substantially improved, you get cooled seats and the software is better than ever.

The 2024 Model 3 still isn’t perfect but this is what we like to see: attention to detail and a commitment to addressing genuine problems.

As for the buttons on the steering wheel…I didn’t hate them.

The Model 3 competes directly with the BYD Seal, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Polestar 2, BMW i4 and more.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
1:15 - Exterior changes
1:30 - Point of the changes
2:10 - Quality and materials
2:40 - New cooled seats
3:25 - No more wood
3:55 - Cabin tech
4:30 - Storage
4:42 - Driving position
5:05 - Rear screen
5:55 - Back seats
6:18 - Glass roof
7:07 - Rear-end styling
7:28 - 594L boot space
8:07 - 88L frunk
8:33 - Efficiency and range
9:22 - Long Range test coming soon
9:45 - Servicing and warranty
10:09 - Driving the 2024 Model 3
10:50 - Improved ride quality
12:30 - RWD advantages
13:35 - Steering feel
14:13 - Conservative dynamics
14:43 - Performance test
15:16 - Safety technology
15:50 - FSD equipped on this car
16:16 - Expert verdict

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Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[chasingcars]

As subscribers know, I am not easily pleased and have been critical of Tesla products where they need improvement. Very pleased to see the brand acting on feedback.

[sydjaguar]

easily the best Aussie auto journalist. The only channel, I remain subscribed to.

[FireWalkMusic]

I was planning on buying a new model 3 but unfortunately I found the turn signal buttons on the steering wheel so annoying to use that it became a deal breaker for me. There are roundabouts everywhere here in Norway, and you have to first blink into one, and then out again when exiting. I've been using a new model S for several months, but could never get used to those turn signal buttons. They work ok in intersections and when going more or less straight, but it's extremely frustrating to use in roundabouts when you have to rotate the wheel a lot, and you have no idea where the buttons end up. It's simply impossible to engage the turn signal in a tight roundabout without looking down at the steering wheel first, and taking your eyes off the road in a critical situation with cars all around you to look down at the wheel is the last thing you want to do.

I also find that the buttons are not always responsive. Sometimes it doesn't engage, so you have to press again, or you end up pressing the wrong one. It's a stupid cost cutting measure, at the expense of usability and safety. Norwegian driving schools have even banned the new model 3 because they claim it causes their students to flunk their test in roundabouts...

I love so many of the other upgrades, but I just can't have a car that makes me frustrated and annoyed every time I drive it. It was a mistake to remove the stalks, at least for the EU marked.
It probably works very well in the US and other places with few roundabouts though.

[Thailand-User-]

Fold down the middle seat in the back row to get an armrest with cup holders. 😅

[savlort]

I'm eagerly awaiting my M3 delivery and am very glad to see the positive reviews it's receiving. This is my first EV and I love the synergy between intuive tech and performance.

[cellman]

It does have a center arm rest the middle headrest is incorporated in it.
As soon as Highland performance comes out in United States I'm buying it!!! Stealth Grey dark interior. Super excited. First EV
Great video 😎👍🏻

[simonwile]

Thought my wife would immediately hate the lack of stalks. Complete opposite. She found it intuitive and easy to use from the first minute. Model 3 LR to be ordered.

[damagesx]

I was terrified that a car would come around that curve! Great review! 👍👍

[Supermonkey]

You can pull the rear centre headrest down to reveal the armrest and cup holders @chasingcars

[cjrobbo]

Great review as always, Tom!
We've had our standard Model Y since September 2022 and frequently road trip from Sydney to Sunshine Coast and had 2 takeouts:
1. Jeez I want those ventilated seats!
2. Range has never been an issue like we thought it would be before buying

[ehudk]

Another point.
I own a Mode 3 Performance and an X Plaid. The frunk in the M3 is more usable because it isnt carpeted, you can stuff there anything from dirty equipment to a take away food, easier to clean if something spills

[Outrigger]

I just found this channel. Perhaps the best review of the new Model 3 I've watched. Well done!

[Lotuselisetube]

Thank you for a comprehensive review… and thank you for the sunshine ☀️. I’ve got an M3 on order here in 🇬🇧 which should arrive in a month or so. With the dreadful state of the roads over here I’m very pleased to hear about the improvement in ride quality. I’m transitioning from a BMW 330e so also pleased to hear of improvements in quality. PS I’ll take the 33C … it’s 8C here and yep you guessed it ☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️

[alex]

The middle rear seat back folds down and has the arm-rests in it. Good informative review. Thank you.

[davidhes]

Great review Tom. Really liking your efficiency testing and comparison across cars.

[jrwaters]

I am pretty sure there is a rear center armrest. The entire section with the headrest folds down. Also, I never would have classified the pre-refresh seat material as shiny or plasticy. It looks exactly the same to me aside from the perforations and stitching alterations.

[davidhes]

One correction Tom, there is a rear middle armrest and cup holders, just have to pull the middle headrest down.

[spiro]

Nice review but what are your thoughts on the non indicator stalk ??. Also any news on the performance model ?
Happy new year to you

[mrapp]

Great rundown. I agree 💯 about the Highland!

[whathashappened]

Heya! Thank you for a honest yet accurate analysis on this new model. Would you be able to review the new model Y as well ? We are currently due to buy an EV, and are terrified by hearing and seeing the model Y’S firm ride issues.