Does the Model 3 summon feature need to be purchased?
3 Answers
No, the Model 3 comes with the summon feature. Introduction to the summon feature: 1. There is a distance range limit: Currently, the smart summon has a distance range limit, allowing the owner to summon the vehicle from a maximum distance of 60.96 meters (200 feet). If the selected point is too far from the vehicle, beyond this range, summoning cannot be performed. 3. Obstacle recognition: During the use of smart summon, the Model 3 can effectively recognize obstacles and determine whether they are living beings, moving objects, or stationary objects. When encountering stationary objects, it can avoid and go around them. When encountering pedestrians, bicycles, etc., it will stop and yield actively. It will also turn on the turn signals when making turns and stop to give way when encountering moving vehicles.
As a seasoned Tesla Model 3 owner, I must say the Summon feature is indeed a handy tool, but don't expect it to be free. The standard Model 3 comes with basic Autopilot out of the factory, and Summon requires the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package to unlock—this package typically costs several thousand dollars, sometimes available through installment plans or subscriptions. Hardware like cameras and sensors are already installed, but the software comes at a price—Tesla activates it via OTA updates. If you don't purchase FSD, the Summon option in the mobile app simply won't work, leaving you to manually park in tight spots or garages. The feature shines in scenarios like avoiding rain or extracting the car from tight spaces, which is incredibly useful. However, be aware that Tesla's system has blind spots and may falter in complex environments, so assess how often you'd actually use it before buying. Balancing budget and convenience, I find it most worthwhile for urban commuters, but for daily suburban driving, it's not worth the cost.
Whether the Summon feature is worth buying entirely depends on personal needs. I personally use it frequently in crowded shopping malls or on rainy days—the car slowly drives up to me, saving me from getting wet or squeezing through crowds, which is a fantastic experience. However, it's bundled in the Full Self-Driving package and isn't included in the standard Model 3, requiring an additional payment for the upgrade. You can subscribe or make a one-time purchase for several thousand dollars on Tesla's official website or app. If you're on a tight budget or your daily driving scenarios are simple, like just entering and exiting your home garage, there's really no need to spend this money—the basic Autopilot is sufficient. It's worth noting that software updates often bring minor improvements, but Summon might be unstable on slopes or in areas with many pedestrians. Before purchasing, I recommend checking review videos to see its actual performance. The money saved could be better spent on vehicle maintenance instead—don’t blindly follow trends.
