2021 Tesla Model 3 Refresh: We Find 25 Changes!

I compare a 2021 Tesla Model 3 dual motor long-range to a 2019 with the same trim. I find 25 changes, most of which are improvements, and one body flaw that seems to be occurring on all new 2021 Model 3's.
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*Edit: #21 is the heated steering wheel. After talking with a few Model 3 owners, I believe I got that one wrong. I'm replacing it with a change that I missed: For 2021 the TPS sensors are now BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), previous model years are rf. You can only get them from Tesla and cost $75 ea.
The 25 changes:
@1:32 #1 New Aero Wheels & Cover
@2:50 #2 Chrome Delete
@3:15 #3 Smaller Frunk
@3:35 #4 Hood Easier To Close
@4:12 #5 Double Pane Glass On Front Windows
@5:23 #6 New Trunk Gasket
@5:53 #7 Automatic Opening & Closing Trunk
@6:30 Trunk Alignment Issue
@7:27 #8 New Headlights
@8:02 #9 Trunk Opens 3” Less Than Before
@8:46 #10 Center Console Redesign
@9:13 #11 Wireless Charging Pads
@9:21 #12 Accent Stitching On Console Trim
@9:38 #13 Armrest Tray No Longer Included
@9:56 #14 USB-C Ports Replace USB-A In Center Console
@10:34 #15 Formatted USB Drive Included & Mounted In Glove Box
@11:27 #16 USB-C Ports replace USB-A In Rear Seating area
@11:35 #17 Metal Scroll Wheel On Steering Wheel
@11:59 #18 Graphite Colored Paint Used On Power Seat Controls
@12:12 #19 Magnetic Sun Visor Clips
@12:32 #20 New Graphic On Door Release Buttons
@12:56 New Black Door Sills (Included in Chrome Delete Change)
@13:12 #21 Heated Steering Wheel (*Edit: I think I'm wrong on this one!)
@13:54 #22 Heat Pump System
@15:25 #23 Improved Battery Cells / More Capacity
@16:25 #24 Increased Range
@17:21 #25 Improved Efficiency

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

*Edit: #21 is the heated steering wheel. After talking with a few Model 3 owners, I believe I got that one wrong. I'm replacing it with a change that I missed: For 2021 the TPS sensors for the Model 3 & Y are now BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Previous model years are RF (radio frequency). You can only get them from Tesla and cost $75 ea.

[@scottwills4698]

I think the heated steering wheel is coming as well as new door cards as per Chinese website.

[@darrenorange2982]

Do we know if the SR+ is getting the new chemistry in the cells?

[@rgolab3174]

Does any documentation on your 2021 Tesla indicate the larger battery capacity?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

@@rgolab3174 Not that I've seen. But that's not unusual for Tesla, they usually don't list the exact battery capacity.

[@stoner27th]

Your refreshed model 3 is already refreshed again with heated steering wheel and new door trim.. may be you should sell this again and get the new improved one? haha.

[@LATENIGHTTALK21]

Finally someone that taught me something that I didn't already know

[@Orikix]

Yeah, I feel like everybody who is showing their Tesla are saying «You have probably heard this before, but I going to....», but this video is showing something different😍

[@rzu7120]

A teacher never did that?

[@MariaMinter]

Same here

[@brandon_nope]

For real I didn’t know the Model 3 got a power lift gate until I watched this

[@sandersson2813]

How modest of you

[@drummerboy5]

The things that really make a difference to me: 1. Automatic rear closing trunk 2. Usb-c ports 3. Heated steering wheel 4. Heat pump 5. Improved battery cells

[@BRBallin1]

You got it all wrong. The order from most important to least is: 1. Battery range improvement 2. Heat pump 3. Power trunk 4. USB-C ports/wireless charger 5. Aero wheels redesign

[@nebe0719]

@@BRBallin1 he didn’t put it in order, he just said all the things that make a difference for him

[@charlieb2176]

I like how you guys are all stressing about something as useless and un needed as an electric boot lid

[@jimj2683]

The laminated windows also protect against UV rays (skin cancer, wrinkles, eye degeneration etc).

[@bradleysteele3823]

@@BRBallin1 Did they have wireless chargers on the 2019

[@hodlcrypto9826]

Picked mine up 3 days ago. No panel gaps, it has the new headlights and outside speaker too! Amazing! I'm so impressed!

[@deblynne9440]

Congrats, that's great!

[@influentialnobody8960]

For me it still doesnt justify its high price

[@Resist4]

The outside speaker for the Pedestrian Warning System has been out for a while.

[@influentialnobody8960]

@@taekwoncrawfish9418 i meant tye performance model

[@influentialnobody8960]

@@taekwoncrawfish9418 lol sure

[@popp1nfresh723]

That trunk panel gap is unbelievable it’s the worst I’ve seen on a Model 3 and more like a crevice! Don’t think I would have accepted the car if it was me. The components inside are going to be weathered so quickly, hope it gets fixed for you in the next few weeks.

[@manueldavid7369]

Tesla used to focus on safety and function much more than obtical things, but even optical things are improving extremely fast, visible every year. I've had my trunk adjusted right a week after receiving the 2021 Model. It was done free of charge and looks perfect now. It was done in Winterthur Tesla Service Switzerland. I was given another 2021 Model 3 whilst it was in service and it was done in just an afternoon. I think as well that it has to do with the manufacturing process not being 100% adjusted to the power opening yet. As far as I know Tesla, such things are always done free of charge if booking a service on the app and explaining the problem in detail with photographs on the app. I therefore am 100% sure they will adjust manufacturing very quickly.

[@brianmcg321]

@@manueldavid7369 People have been giving Tesla a pass on quality since 2013. Time is up.

[@ogzombieblunt4626]

@@brianmcg321 People will give them more of a pass when they dont even need to drive their cars.

[@Acer113]

@@brianmcg321 Thank god cars from established car makes like the eTron or the new VW Golf are completely error-free and never have to be recalled. Oh, wait...

[@alh06]

@Ayush Malpeddi Convienence is definitely not a word I'd use to desribe a Tesla.

[@ame4195]

Damn this is the best model 3 update video i've ever seen! I watch a lot of tesla vids (like A LOT) but i've never seen such a good video on the updated model 3. The most things you covered in the video were things I didn't even knew about! Keep up the work man!!

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Thank you!

[@patjcoan]

im waiting for my delivery, never been so impatient in my life

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

Just ordered mine yesterday. Longest 24 hours of my life. I've only got another 7-11 WEEKS to go.....

[@patjcoan]

@@alexanderhamilton8585 i got lucky, I waited 8 weeks, called tesla and right when I called someone canceled their order and they gave it to me

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

@@patjcoan That's one of the advantages of having a short menu.

[@dexgray4581]

I seriously do not understand how this video has a single dislike! This is the first video that really told me anything new that I didn’t already know! Thank you so much!!

[@nibblenibblenomnom]

You left out the new heated charge port as well.

[@robertthompson3472]

Thanks for creating such an valuable video that is one of the most extensive and comprehensive reviews on KZbin. I love how you’re honest, to the point, and cover every detail 👍🏻

[@jaym7494]

Great video! You satisfied the inner engineer we all have on one shoulder and the regular consumer we have on the other. I particularly appreciated you editing in the old and new versions visually. That was slick.

[@kaidoChess]

This is such a good comparison video! All the little details Great job man!

[@BigPowerAL]

Great looking gray wrap! My wife and I enjoyed watching your video. We just picked up our 2021 Model 3 SR+. It’s our first Tesla and we are learning new things about the car everyday. Can’t believe how smart this car is!

[@nileshpatel7449]

This review is legendary. Well done!

[@Mac_Raymond]

This video was awesome! I didn't know all these changes occurred

[@dansanger5340]

The satin gray on your car looks really nice. Sometimes, satin gray comes out looking like primer, which obviously isn't so hot.

[@leftyjollibee2386]

How much was the wrap? I live in tri-state area and was curious and interested in wrapping my model 3 also

[@iamnid]

It looks good until he opened the door or trunk and you can see all the white. Yikes.

[@relaxingthesoulmind1879]

I don't like paint jobs or Rap that looks like primer 💀🦂💀

[@relaxingthesoulmind1879]

The white car looks nicer then his new 2020 . wheels are ugly 💀🦂💀

[@tuanh_duong]

Sooo happy to see the chrome delete and glossy black plastic !! Great video !!

[@alexnutcasio936]

3 down votes have an OLD Model 3; I like the chrome delete, BUT its pretty easy to do with the older Model 3. The NVH into the cabin is hardly going to be reduced by the double pane. You'd get more in the stripping around the driver and passenger doors. Tom, best review of the complete changes I've seen. Great job mate!!

[@kenfields4181]

Watched many of your videos about electric cars. Your reviews were top notch. Had a Chargepoint Home Flex installed 2 weeks ago and picked up my Hyundai Ioniq 5 3days ago. I'm in heaven. So from one (former) NJ guy to another thanks much!

[@patrickf01]

Great episode!

[@Vishallindia]

This video has some cool thing I did not know I got my first after saving for 4 years, was worth the wait

[@WhrmI]

Thank you! After at least 30 Tesla videos of other people, I finally LEARNED NEW THINGS! 👍

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Thanks!

[@ajrajendran6283]

Excellent video, super informative!

[@alexacarson687]

Great video, appreciate all the detail!

[@prishni]

thanks a lot for the video... helped us to make up our mind between a used 2020 model and a new 2021. we were not sure of what is feature differences were. And the dealers never tell, rather they don't know.

[@robfrasier9412]

Great job! I’m sold😂 Test driving today.

[@jeffstagg2553]

Thanks, Tom

[@DigitalBliss69]

Great video, loving my Red 2021 Model 3!

[@RamseyK]

Great video Tom. I took delivery of a 2021 model 3 and had the same issue with my trunk alignment. They ended up fixing it for me at the Service center and making it a bit more even on both sides and closed in that gap.

[@allawy]

Great video, thanks! I have a 2020-2021 "hybrid" with some of the 2021 changes on my 2020 Model 3 (made in China and shipped to the EU).

[@FF-cz8sg]

great review, the power trunk open/close is the most useful one I wish could be added to my 2019 model.

[@johanguams6619]

Thank you very much for this video it was very informative and interesting ! Can't wait to receive my model 3 2021 next month !!

[@AlexanderThickstunsChannel]

Incredibly informative video. Thanks!

[@mrchase1]

Very well made. Keep up the great videos

[@teslaaddict]

fantastic video, really well made

[@HubertKirchgaessner]

Very thorough!

[@fatwhitetuna6659]

Awesome review, thank you!

[@eddiesanchez9095]

GREAT VIDEO!! Many Thanks for the INFO !!

[@mathwizmjd]

Good to know that Trunk gap is normal lol. Learning to live with the minor inconsistencies is tough on my OCD. Had a few door alignment issues but luckily it was easily adjustable

[@TeslaLiam]

Very good explanations. Happy new year 😄

[@Jacksonmccarthy0]

Your videos are great keep it up :D

[@jersey-dude]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@JimArnold6]

Best comprehensive overview of all the changes I've seen. Thankfully I don't have FOMO after watching your video. I have a 4/19 build LR RWD, among the last built before it went off menu. Hopefully my car can become a Robotaxi in a few years. I'm looking forward to a Y or 3 out of Austin with single castings and 4680's. I spent a lot of time working out the kinks on my 3 so I hate to think of going through it all again. I was disappointed to hear the noise was not any better. I've taken all my door panels off and adjusted the windows to where the wind noise is pretty well minimized. I've noticed road noise is dependent on the road surface and the 3 is highly susceptible to cross winds for increased wind noise. Heated steering wheel is nice in our other cars, but don't miss it as much as I thought I would in the Tesla.

[@pawelpetasz6671]

Great movie. Thank you. Greetings from Poland;-)

[@GLASICO]

perfect teacher for tesla 🌹

[@__greg__]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@nettejean5912]

I just found your video. We just got a 2022 Model 3 last week. It’s interesting to see how Tesla has evolved from the 2019 version. We love the car so far! We live in Florida. Originally from NJ/NY. My husband installed the 240V at home. We charged at the Supercharger before this. A lot cheaper charging at home during off peak hours. Thanks for this video! We have been watching all Tesla videos for tips and accessories.

[@rustyroquet9366]

Great review 👍 thank you!

[@nonameman518]

Good vidéo love your channel ..keep like that and happy new year !

[@wolfangz]

Thank you! Super informative vid

[@xfloodcasual8124]

Good review man

[@Jo060]

Great video!

[@kathleenmatthews1818]

Thank you!

[@zajlord2930]

Great vid, found u thanks to this one

[@hannananan9427]

Great video! Keep it up!

[@lylestavast7652]

I'm surprised the state of NJ will actually let you pump electrons into your car all by your lonesome, without an attendant ! WTG NJ !!!

[@toads4ever]

PLEASE don't give them the idea!

[@asanti76]

I was in NJ last week and thought the same! If they pumped Teslas.... it will be a new level of stupid

[@q-tip4723]

@@asanti76 Only reason it's illegal to pump your own gas in NJ is because they were "protecting" gas attendant jobs.

[@dustintravis8791]

EFOPEC - that tag is awesome.

[@unknownchannel3141]

This is a good detailed video

[@RobertLindabury]

Measuring the trunk opening from the ground doesn't provide an accurate measurement difference. You'd have to measure from the bottom of the trunk opening to the top. Using the ground takes into account the vehicle stance which may be different on a model 3 with 19" low-profile tires and, potentially, older suspension that's sitting lower.

[@Quick--]

This example would make sense if the 2019 wasn't higher, so I think his point still stands

[@zbyszanna]

I'm with you on the new aero wheels.

[@FSEVENMAN]

My 2020 model 3 has a factory in stalled wireless charger, metal scroll wheels, thank you very much Whistledick, :-) But seriously nice job on the video thank you

[@krzysztofcwik5347]

Great job!

[@samv02]

Well explained 👌👍

[@MRIMan]

Wow great video!

[@johnwxyz3395]

BRO WHAT ARE THOSE they look so clean

[@jamescreekmore3855]

Just got my m3p post Aug 2021. No panel gaps. New headlights and external speaker. Love the chrome delete.

[@armandoj4560]

I believe the dash trim is now extended to both doors, sort of wraps the front cabin on the newer M3s. Great video. Thanks

[@ahu747]

That panel gap in the trunk is unforgivable, yikes!

[@zammO74]

It’s absolutely incredible! Still can’t build cars for sh1t!

[@ourtvchannel]

Funny, a Rocket company, a world leader in electric cars, state of the art self drive and he can't make a modern car with panels that fit, amazing. If this was a 1970s car it would be poor and yet you still reward Tesla with sales.

[@Anonymouslyme1]

I don't have that defect on my 2021 Model 3

[@archigoel]

@@zammO74 Do you know what 'building' cars entail? Just a panel gap does not mean bad car. Ferraris were notorious for panel gaps. These things are skin deep, with 0 relevance to actual drivability of car. No doubt, panel gaps look bad, but that does not mean Tesla is a great car.

[@archigoel]

@@ourtvchannel Yes, because any real engineer knows that panel gaps are mostly a cosmetic issue. The important stuff in car is Battery, drivetrain, electronics, software, suspension.

[@MrMaui38]

Amazing video!!

[@emmanuelabreu4207]

I haven't seen other videos mention the heated steering wheel yet, I'm from jersey too so getting in the car and have warm hands is definitely a nice touch.

[@freedomfighter5222]

Excellent video! You have instantly become my # 2 Tesla YT channel (Bjorn Nyland aka TeslaBjorn is #1).

[@TravisONiPhone]

Super detailed

[@Luke_Donald]

Maybe the best comparison I've seen so far. Thanks Tom. One additional difference I noticed in my Model 3 LR 2021: You are no longer able to switch from standard regeneration to low. This slide is missing in the 2021 drive folder, at least here in Germany. Please check :-)

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Thanks. Yes, but that was taken away just before the 2021 model year came out.

[@douglaswilliams8838]

Great video. I’m buying a model 3 and it will definitely be a 21 my. Thanks.

[@fullyelectric]

Tom, wow .. wow .. the best overview video on:the 2021 Tesla model 3 on the net! Truly like the style of your reviews, very honest and show it as it is .. like that about you allot! .. watching this video really made me feel a bit better about Tesla knowing they have really improved the model 3 over the older one I got .. Tom, if you can get 323 miles of range out of the 353 EPA numbers going avg. 70 mph.. that would truly restore my confidence in Tesla EPA numbers .. with my previous model X and current model 3 I just don’t get close to the amazing EPA numbers that I truly want to experience .. Once again great 👍 review.. can’t wait for the range test video to drop .. Tom if you can do one in winter and summer to see the difference with the heat pump would be perfect.. Keep up with the great content Tom..

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Thank you. I'm definitely going to do a winter range test and then one once it gets up over 70°.

[@jdhwpbmbca]

Yes, I’m having the seal problems on both sides of my 2021 Model 3. The wind noise is not just bad for an EV, it’s bad for anything. I certainly didn’t have that problem on any of my previously non-Tesla cars. In general, I love the car though, but there are still some of these cosmetic fit and finish issues they need to address. Another recent change. The car stores panic videos on onboard memory, so it remains unclear if stealing the USB drive would even hide the intrusion.

[@kelseymarie38]

This is making me soooo happy that I didn’t buy Pre-Owned and so excited for my delivery! I ordered my model 3 a few days ago and am hopefully finalizing the payment within the next few days. 😊🤞🏼

[@Chyapoppyseed]

You get your Tesla yet? Lol

[@kelseymarie38]

@@Chyapoppyseed haha yes!!! I actually received it in June!

[@Chyapoppyseed]

@@kelseymarie38 ahhh good for you. I reserved one in early September and just couldn’t wait so I bought a used 2020 a few weeks ago. I don’t mind my decision but would love to experience the new Tesla buying experience.

[@kelseymarie38]

@@Chyapoppyseed that’s actually what I was going to do as well, but I ended up getting a better interest rate buying a new one. I loved the experience!!

[@Chyapoppyseed]

@@kelseymarie38 did you get the 2.49 apr through Tesla? If you don’t mind. Me asking. Wondering how their process worked.

[@skyworks1621]

I have a new Model 3 long range for 5 days. I did not notice the gap on the rear, and I also like the standard plastic rim covers and all black insted of chrome. Grettings from Europe/Slovenia.

[@Maverick5588]

Great video

[@ddiannit]

#4. - I changed the spring in the locking mechanism in my 2018 M3 and the hood is way easier to close now. I also replaced the struts so it lifts automatically.

[@machon0112]

This is incredibly useful! I am looking to get a SR+ soon and was curious of the changes.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Really excellent video, Tom! I have not seen anyone else's video that is as complete as yours. Will the black color over metal trim start to scratch off over time? I was really worried about this when I first saw it. It would be crazy if people had to chrome delete their chrome deleted cars over time! Thank you so much for your awesome videos, Tom!

[@evgrandpa365]

Great video Tom. I’m trading in my LR 2020 Model 3 for a 2021 Performance Model 3. Waiting on delivery now. Can’t wait to enjoy these new features.

[@metoo3918]

4 of those fixes that definately get a hand-clap from me: Chrome deleted, power trunk, satin finish console, heated steering wheel (tba). Yes, the efficiency bumps is awesome too. Now if only the headliner could be dark. So far I will stick with my plans to get a less efficient Mach-E GT. If the YP gets gets a display in front of the steering wheel and dark headliner before then, I may consider it.

[@ninomendoza627]

Nice review

[@schofieldgallery]

I’m stoked. Ordered my long range 3 on 7/13. Never sat in one and wanted to at least do that. Salesperson told me “Sure you can do that. Want to drive it?” I should have known better. 20 minutes later it was game over. 10 - 16 weeks. The wall charger is on the way, and my electrician was here today. I repeat: stoked.

[@TheTrueWelshIdiot]

Should be any day now then... Ordered mine last week...

[@swasho2939]

Good comparison, you can tell it's from a previous year model 3 owner by the specific differences pointed out..

[@thenoisyneighbour3705]

great video

[@cordawg89]

I have a blue 3 and I like the chrome on it. I think the chrome / no chrome debate really depends on the color and finish of the car

[@eduardoforneck3335]

The panel gap in the trunk is kind of a dealbreaker for me.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

To each his own. It should be fixed on Monday when I bring it in to be adjusted.

[@archigoel]

Seriously? So a minor panel gap is more important in class leading drivetrain efficiency, performance & software? Is what's on surface so important for you?

[@brandonc9706]

@@archigoel Imagine you didn't want your $40K car to look like a toddler built it.

[@Gizmodus]

Easy, just don't accept delivery if you notice any gaps when you pick your car up and have Tesla fix it first. The trunk gap isn't an intentional design feature.

[@timbrown0909]

Mine doesn't have that gap in the trunk

[@tomasvidziunas5543]

Double glass is more for efficiency (less heating needed) not noise isolation.

[@rahulp2288]

It's actually for noise. It's suppose to reduce road noise. My Mercedes has on all 4 glass and I'm sure it's not for being more efficient.

[@tomasvidziunas5543]

@@rahulp2288 maybe in ICE car ir would be used for that. In this case there is no noticeable difference, most of the noise comes from wheel arches. Look up Tesla Bjorn he did compare 2019 and 2021 Model 3. It is for heat isolation. I also changed my 2019 TM3 to 2021. No difference at all. Though I used mobile app to compare them.

[@danielvanced5526]

@@tomasvidziunas5543 what Bjorn forgets is the front windows have a constant stream of hot air blowing on them to demist them. They have no frost (compared with the rears) because of that. There may be some slight improvement, but considering all the front door and rear glass is already laminated, I can't imagine it would make much difference.

[@FSXgta]

It is both really. Turns out insulating sound and heat is done almost the same way

[@tomasvidziunas5543]

@@FSXgta Check Tesla Bjorn, he tested both cars, with and without double glass, no difference. If you did test or have seen some one doing that and got different results then it would be interesting to see.

[@krimstix]

I'm buying this new model 3 for sure!

[@drewsid]

just get one i got mine its a 2020 quarter 4 of the year i have alot of similar addons the 2021 has

[@MisterCee41510]

So I just spoke to a Tesla salesmen and asked him if he could give me an overview of the changes. He text me the link to this video. True story!

[@tashamoff-walk8782]

Mines will be delivered March 31 I can’t wait

[@smakersify]

Good job bud, these changes do make sense or justification if you want to upgrade.

[@Smartis1985]

The seat adjusters got a refresh as well 🙂

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Yeah, mentioned that.

[@davidc-l9174]

The new headlights are definitely in the U.S. I know of two people who have them on cars delivered in the last few weeks. And that panel gap on the trunk 😳 Holy crap that is ridiculous, and I’m not talking overly-critical Tesla critiques, I’m talking huge and completely unacceptable. Wow.

[@Amuzic_Earth]

that's not a panel gap. that's a gap. Hope they fix it soon.

[@jh2ks2k]

How quaint that after 8 years of producing automobiles Tesla still cannot find a way to address the sub par panel fitment.

[@HT__00]

That gap should be illegal how could that pass QC? Are those guys on the line drunk?

[@aaronalter2000]

I wonder what will happen during a rain or snowstorm with that gap.

[@tilted4fun805]

Agreed, and I have yet to see any of the new headlights in person yet. Wondering if heated steering wheel / rear seats upgrade could be the concession for 2021 model owners who did not get the new headlights. We didn’t get them in our ‘21 Model 3 :/

[@alandrumo]

Got mine delivered 21 Dec 2020 in UK. Panel gaps fine on trunk.

[@manas7654]

The seal on our new 2021 model on the rear seat window was not fitted properly, luckily we noticed it in the dealership itself and got it fixed there itself.

[@thenoisyneighbour3705]

good job