Tesla has updated the Model 3 and Model Y configurations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico, bringing a larger central touchscreen to the entire Model 3 lineup and quicker acceleration to select dual-motor variants. Separately, Shanghai-built Model Y vehicles in several international markets are receiving interior and exterior updates, including a new Zen Gray interior, blacked-out badges and optional 20-inch Dark Helix 2.0 wheels.
The Model 3 Premium AWD and Performance see improvements in acceleration, power or range, while the Model Y Premium AWD also accelerates more quickly. The North American Model 3 lineup, however, still lacks vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
All Model 3 Trims Get a 16-Inch Touchscreen
Tesla has replaced the 15.4-inch central touchscreen in all North American Model 3 variants with a new 16-inch display, covering the base RWD, Premium and Performance trims.
The new screen offers a resolution of 2,560 × 1,440, up from 1,920 × 1,200 on the previous unit. Its aspect ratio has also changed from 16:10 to 16:9, delivering a higher pixel density and sharper visuals.
Display specification |
Previous screen |
New screen |
|---|---|---|
Screen size |
15.4 inches |
16 inches |
Resolution |
1,920 × 1,200 |
2,560 × 1,440 |
Aspect ratio |
16:10 |
16:9 |
The upgraded display was already available on the Model Y Premium and the China-market Model 3. The latest update extends it to the entire North American Model 3 lineup.
Model 3 Dual-Motor Variants Get Faster Acceleration and More Range
The Model 3 Premium AWD and Model 3 Performance receive different performance upgrades as part of the latest update.
The Premium AWD's claimed 0–60 mph time has dropped from 4.2 seconds to 3.8 seconds. The Model 3 Performance, meanwhile, now produces 528 horsepower and has a higher EPA-estimated range of 316 miles, up from 309 miles.
Despite the power increase, the Performance model's 0–60 mph acceleration time remains unchanged at 2.9 seconds.
Model 3 specification |
Previous |
Updated |
|---|---|---|
Premium AWD 0–60 mph |
4.2 seconds |
3.8 seconds |
Performance output |
— |
528 hp |
Performance EPA-estimated range |
309 miles |
316 miles |
Performance 0–60 mph |
2.9 seconds |
2.9 seconds |
The Performance model's estimated range has increased by 7 miles, or approximately 2.3%. The changes give buyers of the dual-motor Model 3 a mix of quicker acceleration and greater driving range, depending on the trim.
Model Y Premium AWD Gets Quicker Acceleration
The Model Y Premium AWD has also received a performance upgrade, with its claimed 0–60 mph time falling from 4.6 seconds to 4.3 seconds.
The improvement brings a shorter acceleration time to the Model Y Premium AWD alongside the gains introduced on the Model 3 Premium AWD. Tesla has not announced a corresponding change to the Model Y Premium AWD's range in this update.
Tesla Updates Model Y and Model 3 Interior With New Zen Gray
Tesla is gradually changing the interior color options for both the Model 3 and Model Y, with the new Zen Gray finish replacing the familiar Black and White interior in select markets.
Compared with the previous white seats and trim, the new Zen Gray interior is expected to do a better job of hiding stains, dirt, and everyday wear. For many owners, particularly families and daily commuters, this could make the cabin more practical and easier to maintain over time.
Beyond practicality, the upgraded materials also offer a softer, more comfortable feel, adding a more premium touch to the overall driving experience.
According to Not a Tesla App, Tesla has discontinued the Black and White interior option for the Model 3 Premium and Performance in markets including China, Australia and New Zealand. A similar change has been introduced on Shanghai-built Model Y Premium vehicles in select export markets. The Zen Gray design first appeared on China's three-row Model Y L.
The update goes beyond a simple change in seat color. The lighter gray finish extends to other cabin surfaces, including door armrests, the center console and the wireless charging area on the Model Y. It replaces some of the darker trim used in the previous Black and White configuration, giving the cabin a more consistent color scheme.
However, the rollout varies by market. In North America, the Model 3 and standard Model Y continue to offer All Black and Black and White interiors, while Zen Gray is available on the Model Y L.
Model and market |
Interior options |
|---|---|
Model 3 Premium and Performance in select international markets |
Zen Gray replaces Black and White |
Shanghai-built Model Y Premium in select export markets |
Zen Gray replaces Black and White |
North American Model 3 |
All Black and Black and White |
Standard North American Model Y |
All Black and Black and White |
North American Model Y L |
Zen Gray available |
Shanghai-Built Model Y Gets Black Badges and New 20-Inch Wheels
Alongside the interior changes, Tesla has introduced exterior updates to Model Y vehicles built at Giga Shanghai for several international markets, including China, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines.
One of the most visible changes is the adoption of blacked-out exterior badging across the lineup. The treatment includes the front Tesla logo, rear TESLA lettering and Model Y badge, replacing the brighter finishes used on earlier versions. The darker branding gives the SUV a more understated, sportier appearance and brings its styling closer to the larger Model Y L.
Tesla has also introduced an optional 20-inch Dark Helix 2.0 wheel design. The dark finish complements the black badges and gives the Model Y a more aggressive look without requiring aftermarket modifications.
The larger wheels do come with a potential efficiency trade-off. Wheel size and design can affect aerodynamic drag, tire weight and rolling resistance, so choosing the 20-inch option may reduce driving range compared with smaller wheels. The exact impact depends on the vehicle configuration and the applicable range rating.
North American Model 3 Still Lacks V2L
Unfortunately, the latest update doesn't bring vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to the North American Model 3. In China, the Model 3 can already supply up to 2.2 kW of AC power through an adapter, while Tesla offers V2L support for the Model Y Premium, Model Y Performance, and Cybertruck in the U.S. As the feature becomes more widely available, it remains to be seen whether the Model 3 will eventually receive similar support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1：Which markets are receiving the Tesla Model Y interior and exterior updates?
The Zen Gray interior is rolling out in select international markets, while Shanghai-built Model Y vehicles with blacked-out badges and optional 20-inch Dark Helix 2.0 wheels are available in markets including China, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. The latest Model 3 configuration updates apply to the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico; Canada was not included.
Q2：Does the North American Tesla Model 3 support vehicle-to-load (V2L)?
No. The North American Model 3 does not currently support V2L. In China, the Model 3 can supply up to 2.2 kW of AC power through an adapter.
Q3：Has the Tesla Model Y Premium AWD's range increased?
Tesla has reduced the Model Y Premium AWD's claimed 0–60 mph time from 4.6 seconds to 4.3 seconds, but has not announced a range increase as part of this update.