Should the Tesla Model 3 Opt for the 19-inch Wheels?
4 Answers
Tesla Model 3 is not recommended to opt for the 19-inch wheels. Although the wheels look good, they increase noise and reduce range. Here are some details about the Tesla Model 3: 1. Vehicle Positioning: The Model 3 is a mid-size electric vehicle with a wheelbase of 2875 mm, and its length, width, and height are 4694 mm, 1850 mm, and 1443 mm, respectively. 2. Powertrain: The Model 3 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. The all-wheel drive version features dual motors, while the rear-wheel drive version has a single motor. The all-wheel drive Model 3 has a total motor power of 340 kW and a total torque of 639 Nm. The rear-wheel drive version has a maximum motor power of 202 kW and a maximum torque of 404 Nm. 3. Battery: The Model 3 uses ternary lithium batteries across the entire lineup, which offer higher energy density and are lighter in weight.
When it comes to whether to choose the 19-inch wheels for the Tesla Model 3, I believe it depends on your daily needs. During my commute with the Model 3, I tried the 19-inch ones and found that while they do look cooler and give off more of a sports car vibe, the trade-off is reduced comfort—bumps on rough roads are noticeably more pronounced. The key issue is the increased energy consumption, which can drop the range by about 5%, leading to more frequent charging, especially during long-distance drives, where the need for extra stops can be quite annoying. As for tires, the 19-inch ones are more expensive to replace, costing several hundred more per tire, and they wear out faster, adding up to significant extra costs over a few years. All things considered, if you mainly drive in the city and occasionally want to make a style statement, the 19-inch wheels might be fine. But if comfort and hassle-free driving are your priorities, the 18-inch wheels are more practical. They lower maintenance costs and provide a smoother ride, making them the smarter choice without unnecessary extra expenses.
I think choosing 19-inch wheels mainly depends on whether you're someone who pursues driving feel. On my Model 3, I opted for 19-inch wheels, and the handling did improve significantly—better grip when cornering, more stable lane changes, and that precise feedback was exhilarating for someone like me who enjoys a bit of speed. Visually, the larger wheels make the car look sharper, and paired with Tesla's minimalist design, the overall vibe is elevated. However, the downside is the noticeable increase in weight. You can feel a slight drag when accelerating, with an efficiency impact of about 6%, meaning more frequent charging runs, and shorter tire lifespan—replacing them can be tough on the wallet. My advice: unless you often drive on highways or mountain roads and crave that thrill, saving money with 18-inch wheels is more than enough—they're still agile and fun to drive.
When it comes to opting for 19-inch wheels, my advice is don't make an impulsive purchase. I initially paid extra for the aesthetics, but ended up regretting it because they're not just expensive upfront—they also increase daily costs. The tire replacement cycle shortens, costing a few hundred more each time, and the reduced range means more frequent charging, adding up over time. 18-inch wheels are perfectly adequate for most scenarios, providing a noticeably softer ride with less harshness over speed bumps. The visual difference is minimal, and the money saved could be better spent on winter tires or insurance coverage.
