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How does the new standard Model compare with 2023 and older Model 3s

Potential-Listen-912 | 2026-03-13 19:40 | 26 views

Wondering how the new standard ($35K) Model 3 compares with older pre-Highland Models 3s as far as ride comfort and noise levels. Also, would FSD be similar to the premium model as far as the hardware (this is very important!) Obviously the Highland (now called "Premium") is a HUGE improvement, but I'm wondering how the cheaper version holds up compared with the older models. Any thoughts welcome.

Comments (37)
scotsman1919 2026-03-13 20:00

There is a difference between the 24/25 highland and the new 26 standard. Pre highland is different from the 24/25 highland and different from the 23 pre highland

Potential-Listen-912 2026-03-13 20:12

So if we're talking about the 23 and under (the old design) vs the 26 standard, would you have information on how they compare as far as ride/noise (and FSD if at all)?

Parking-Champion-297 2026-03-13 20:34

Highland is supposed to be a huge improvement in suspension, noise and build quality. But you can buy cheap old model 3 and get the highland suspension retrofitted. It fits with zero modifications. I think will do it to my 2019 model 3. I don't think build quality is bad on my 2019 at all. Interior is minimalist design, but overall material quality is better than many more expensive cars today. I will try and buy some noise trim sets for doors.

Krokmou 2026-03-13 20:36

The new standard does not have improved highland suspension

Parking-Champion-297 2026-03-13 20:42

Oh i thought it was only the standard model y. ok, but i think both are still more comfort setup, but without the frequenzy dampers maybe.

SteveRoussos94 2026-03-13 20:44

It's still improved but not adaptive

SteveRoussos94 2026-03-13 20:47

I'm in the same boat as you, as I'm thinking of either buying a 2021+ model 3 or the new standard version. I think I will lean towards the new one as the pcp deal is very attractive, my monthly payments work out the same if not cheaper and you get a new car with warranty and the peace of mind that comes with it. It would be interesting to see what other people here think

Conscious-Ad9076 2026-03-13 20:51

No autopilot. Huge miss for me at least.

Parking-Champion-297 2026-03-13 20:53

Yeah that would be a dealbreaker for me. Use it a lot.

LongjumpingDish2956 2026-03-13 20:56

>I don't think build quality is bad on my 2019 at all. Interior is minimalist design, but overall material quality is better than many more expensive cars today. Uhhhh….Tesla uses vinyl for the seats vs actual leather from most companies these days. That’s a massive cost savings and material quality difference.

scotsman1919 2026-03-13 21:11

Ride and noise 23 and under is no way as good as cars after that (highland) and new 26 plate standard. FSD won’t be as good as its older and different CPU. No autopilot either. Highland M3 miles better. If it’s between pre highland and view standard, I would go new standard as it has all I need. I in the UK so FSD for me isn’t activated yet and TBH I wouldn’t buy it anyway as it’s far too expensive for what it is. The M3 is still a better car by miles even without that

notthediz 2026-03-13 21:43

I have a SR+ 2023. The suspension is a little rough but I don't really mind it. Sometimes I give a ride to my coworker when we get lunch and he bitches and moans non stop about it.

eaglepark 2026-03-13 22:17

well '24 and beyond comes with HW4.. that alone makes a humongous difference

djklmnop 2026-03-13 22:43

I have a 2022 and upgraded to highland suspension. The rear is so easy to do. The front needs a little bit of nudging of things to get the suspension out and in. Big difference in ride quality.

lanamakesart 2026-03-13 22:50

what's the differences between 24/25 and 26? besides the bumper camera and turn stalks?

Seansong82 2026-03-13 23:24

Dude, it is far superior in every way. I traded in a mint condition 2023 RWD for a '24 M3PH and the differences are staggering, not specifically performance related but everything else. Insulated glass is a huge one depending on where you live.

beansruns 2026-03-13 23:50

Idk about the standard but the premiums are a night and day difference in terms of comfort and noise. The old model 3s suck in those departments, it blows my mind people paid so much for them back in the day. I hated the old ones, I liked the new ones enough to buy one Standard is probably better than the old ones but not by much. IIRC the standards are missing the double pane glass windows but I wouldn’t be surprised if they have the same insulation in the body panels.

SteveRoussos94 2026-03-13 23:53

Only the rear ones are single pane. All the others are double. From reviews I've seen it seems that the difference between the standard and the premium is negligible

beansruns 2026-03-13 23:55

That’s good to know I still don’t like the standard. I bought a highland in 2024, I got it for barely more than a standard cost today Tesla’s really been fuckin over the consumer lately. I’ve since sold my model 3 and don’t think I’ll get another one. I’m going Rivian for my next EV

SteveRoussos94 2026-03-13 23:58

I feel the same. I have a friend that got his highland just a year ago for a little over than what the standard costs now for me. It's baffling really but it's still the best value out there

Zealotnic 2026-03-14 00:58

The bang for buck you get for a 22 or 23 model sr+ with the LFP battery reliability is huge. Yes the highland is better for comfort and interior but hard to justify for the extra $10-20k. Stay away from 21 year, too many issues.

boshta 2026-03-14 07:03

Not in Europe.

scotsman1919 2026-03-14 07:24

The standard model has no glass roof

Purple-Job2976 2026-03-14 07:45

What issues are you referring to with the 2021? I am interested in buying one and don’t want to spend the extra money on the 2022. I thought the 2021 was also LFP in the Uk??

Defiant-Opposite-501 2026-03-14 09:52

Rivian is dead last in vehicle reliability rankings among all manufacturers.

sim16 2026-03-14 11:59

Just by a Chinese EV, it's chalk and cheese.

SteveRoussos94 2026-03-14 12:58

The model 3 has. The y doesn't

aecrone 2026-03-14 13:21

Get Hankook ion EV tires. Got those on my last tire change, and I was thinking about getting new suspension, and after I got those put on I'm like nope I'm good. It really does smooth the ride.

TxTransplant72 2026-03-14 13:34

This is on my project list once I’m retired in 2-3 years. Timing will be perfect. The 2024 Highland I test drove was so much more comfy than the stock 23 RWD M3 setup. Quieter too, but oh well…I’m not taking the car apart of more sound deadening.

TxTransplant72 2026-03-14 13:34

A used 2024 M3PH is tempting, for sure.

emptyquant 2026-03-14 14:00

Cost and Hardware source? Any Software issues thereafter?

notthediz 2026-03-14 14:44

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into them

cavey00 2026-03-14 16:05

Also the tire itself sticks out a little more than the OE Michelin one does, protecting your wheels from the accidental curb rash!

djklmnop 2026-03-14 16:57

AWD variant cost $650 or so for the 4 suspension. RWD variants cost around $500

bananabeanssalad 2026-03-15 05:43

What was the total cost of doing it? My service centre (desk lady) gave a ballpark range while I was there for something else. 2.5-3k CAD just for parts and they won’t do it. It seemed high for what I’ve read and also not sure what components they included.

djklmnop 2026-03-15 05:44

Almost 700 for AWD and around 550 for RWD.

bananabeanssalad 2026-03-15 05:46

Thanks for responding to me as well, I see you mentioned below too! I have RWD. Wondering what components do I need to change. Just the springs or there are other items.

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