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2023 Performance HW4 vs 2023 AWD HW4 vs 2026 RWD standard

qwerioo | 2026-03-01 22:08 | 8 views

I am looking for a daily commuter with 10-15 miles daily and it will be my first EV. I need some help decide if it makes sense to get a 2023 Perf with 31k miles or a 9K miles AWD vs a new RWD standard. All of them are HW4. Mainly considering reduced features in 2026 and no autosteer in any new model. With zero APR, monthly comes same but if i get 2023, i’ll end up paying it off in 6 months. New premium is outside my budget and it also doesn’t include autosteer now.

Comments (23)
AltruisticPapaya1415 2026-03-01 22:15

Depends on how much money you like to keep. If you don’t like money, get the performance. If you’re looking for the longest range possible I would go the AWD. I wouldn’t get the standard.

qwerioo 2026-03-01 22:20

Thanks for responding. Just curious, why do you feel performance will be bad deal money wise? They are the same price but Performance has more miles(33k vs 9k for AWD). Range is also pretty close 268 on performance and 279 on AWD.

AltruisticPapaya1415 2026-03-01 22:26

They may be the same price but they’re not the same cost to maintain. You’ll be going through tires like crazy, and the tires are more expensive. Which is another thing, th wheel is bigger so less sidewall gives a little bit more harsh of a ride quality. Plus insurance is more on a performance vehicle.

qwerioo 2026-03-01 22:28

Ah. Got it. Thank you.

Joe_Immortan 2026-03-01 22:41

23 AWD easily. Performance isn’t worth the higher insurance and tire costs and worse warranty

PuzzleheadedJury9179 2026-03-01 22:55

I’ve been contemplating this myself, and am curious about te different answers!

CoolExplanation762 2026-03-01 22:59

2026. Ride quality on the old Y is absolute trash. Don’t do that to ur self

Toreroguysd 2026-03-01 23:38

Most people say the Juniper suspension is only ~10-15% better than the comfort suspension. I don’t know if that dollar difference is worth 10-15%. And the new standard doesn’t have same Juniper suspension improvements either.

CoolExplanation762 2026-03-02 00:25

Don’t care what most people say lol I own both. Not to mention the road noise is so much less in juniper. It’s all around a way better experience

CoolExplanation762 2026-03-02 00:25

Yeah wouldn’t get a standard either

Putrid-Box4866 2026-03-02 00:52

I also have both and you can barely feel any difference when driving. People love to exaggerate.

Toreroguysd 2026-03-02 00:58

Barely feel any difference between 23/24 and Juniper?

Putrid-Box4866 2026-03-02 01:19

Yap. A little smoother but nothing dramatic.

CoolExplanation762 2026-03-02 01:28

Haha nice joke

CoolExplanation762 2026-03-02 01:28

This guy is a liar. Go test drive. The glass is upgraded for less noise and the suspension is a lot better. Such a better driving experience all around

Putrid-Box4866 2026-03-02 01:40

Lol I drive them side by side. Do you have them side by side too? If yes, then maybe we just feel differently.

dnguyen823 2026-03-02 02:17

I say get the 2026 rwd premium. It’s the best of both worlds- hw4.5, new revamp exterior, comfort, better sound, bigger screen, dark headliner, longer range - 360 miles. All while being priced competitively with 1% interest.

Prestigious_Baker_23 2026-03-02 02:17

I have a 2023 AWD HW4 and have been very happy with it. I can't say that I miss the extra power of the performance this thing can get up and move when it needs to. I do wonder why the AWD only has 9K miles do you know the history of car? The 2023 HW4 has l all of the updates before Juniper so it has the matrix headlights. I would go that route.

Toreroguysd 2026-03-02 02:23

Perfect example. My car is in for some warranty service and they gave me a new model 3 performance as a loaner. My kids have never once complained about the ride in the back of my ‘23 Y but they complain a ton about the Highland 3 performance. I’d say the Highland is maybe a 15% upgraded in terms of nvh and suspension. At highway speeds my watch db readout is only 1 lower relative to my Y for the same stretch of highway (67 in my Y, 66 in the Highland 3). It’s a nice car. But I wouldn’t say it’s anything more than a small bump relative to my ‘23 Y. But I get that so much of this is subjective.

qwerioo 2026-03-02 02:24

It is through tesla and shows single owner in the car history with no repairs.

Toreroguysd 2026-03-02 13:36

2023 AWD with HW4 - same here. And the suspension isn’t the boogeyman so many people make it out to be, based on my time in the car.

keepitcleanforwork 2026-03-02 17:01

AWD simply because I don’t like the performance wheels and swapping wheels is way too much work for me.

kevtke194 2026-03-02 23:56

I’m selling my ‘23AWD and picking up my new ‘26 Premium AWD this weekend. If those are your only 3 options go with the ‘23 AWD. If you can splurge a little bit get the ‘26 Premium with the .99% financing. Don’t get the standard though. Not worth it.

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