Why I’m Not Buying a Model 3 Highland
By Edward A. Sanchez — Feb. 27, 2024
The interwebs are awash with reviews of the new 2024 Model 3 “Highland” gushing about its vastly improved NVH characteristics, ventilated seats, and rear display, among many other enhancements. I will admit, after having seen a few on the road and up close on display, if I were in the market to replace my 2019 Tesla Model 3 SR+, I might be tempted. But I’m not. I already shared my initial reactions to the Model 3 Highland here. Now that I’ve had a chance to see a few more on the road and in-person, my feelings haven’t changed all that much.
This is not intended as a diss to Tesla and the updates it made to the Model 3. If anything, it’s a testament to the goodness of the original Model 3. Do I wish my Model 3 were a little quieter and had better ride quality? Sure. But neither aspect is objectionably horrible enough that I want to trade it in right away. Ventilated seats? I live in a region of coastal California where the average year-round temperature is around 65°F. Never mind the fact that on outlier days when it gets to be a balmy 80°F, I can pre-condition the cabin. Rear display? I rarely – if ever – have passengers in the rear seat. If or when I ever have kids, I will probably get them a secondhand iPad or tablet. If my next car happens to have one, great. But it’s not a make-or-break feature.
I’m much more excited about the so-called “Redwood” compact that’s rumored to be coming in the 2025-’26 timeframe. Emphasis on “rumored,” since we know Tesla and company boss Elon Musk are notoriously loose with their timelines (witness the Cybertruck coming to market nearly five years after its initial unveiling – something so ridiculous that we even made a T-shirt about it).
I watched the original Model 3 unveiling live with a great deal of interest and anticipation. Like a few others, I was disappointed that it was a conventional notchback, and not a liftback like the larger Model S. This decision was likely done for cost containment and simplification of manufacturing and engineering. The reason Tesla did not make the Model 3 a liftback became abundantly clear at the unveiling of the Model Y, which for all intents and purposes is a larger and taller Model 3 liftback. The Model Y has since gone on to become Tesla’s best-selling model, and in many regions, the single best-selling model period. So it’s hard to fault that decision.
I have previously owned two other hatchbacks, and am a huge fan of their versatility. The Redwood “Model 2” will almost certainly be a C-segment hatchback or small crossover. This configuration may not be terribly popular in North America (at least not conventional hatchbacks. C-segment crossovers are another matter), but globally, this body style is a hit.
Even if the new Tesla compact comes in a little above the rumored $25,000 price, if it can meet or exceed the objective dynamic performance (acceleration, handling, etc.) of my Model 3 SR+, and add cargo versatility, improved efficiency and range, and doesn’t have hideously odd or impractical styling, count me as interested.
There’s a chance when the new Tesla compact is revealed, I may look and say “no thanks.” By that time, there may be other equally – or more compelling – options from other brands. But my overall experience with Tesla in terms of product quality and attributes, service experience, and driving experience have been overwhelmingly positive. All of Elon’s irrational antics aside, Tesla has produced a compelling product and has earned my loyalty, at least for the time being.
Will I be a Tesla “lifer”? It’s a little premature to make that pledge, but the company has earned a lot of goodwill with me so far.
(Images courtesy Tesla)
