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Tesla has updated the Model 3 ordering pages for the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, introducing a larger touchscreen, upgraded performance numbers, and extra range for some trims — all while keeping the previous price points intact. The changes arrive after Tesla launched a very similar refresh in China, but the North American version doesn’t include every feature from that market. The updated lineup is available now, with no increase in starting prices.
The most visible change is inside the cabin. Every Model 3 in the U.S. now comes with a 16-inch center touchscreen, up from the previous 15.4-inch unit. Tesla says the display also has a higher resolution. This isn’t limited to the top trims; even the cheapest rear-wheel-drive Model 3 gets the larger screen as standard.
The move brings the Model 3 closer to the display sizes offered by newer luxury EVs, and it’s a meaningful upgrade for anyone who spends a lot of time using Tesla’s built-in apps, navigation, and media controls. Because the screen is standard across the lineup, buyers don’t have to move up to a more expensive trim just to get it.
Tesla didn’t stop at the screen. The Model 3 Performance variant now offers 316 miles of estimated range, up from 309, and 528 horsepower, up from 510. It also picks up a black headliner as standard equipment, giving the cabin a slightly more aggressive look.
The Model 3 Premium AWD also gets quicker. Its 0-60 mph time drops from 4.2 seconds to 3.8 seconds. That’s a fairly large jump for a mid-cycle refresh, and it gives the Premium AWD a stronger selling point against other fast electric sedans in the same price range.
Despite those additions, Tesla didn’t raise prices. The Model 3 lineup in the U.S. starts at:
All of those prices are before destination charges, taxes, and any optional extras. The fact that Tesla added more standard equipment and improved performance without changing the price makes this a more compelling value than the 2025 model in many cases.
Tesla first showed this update in China, and most of the changes made their way to North America. But there are some notable differences between the two markets.
In China, the Model 3 now includes vehicle-to-load, or V2L. That lets owners use the car’s battery to power small appliances, laptops, camping gear, and other electronics. That’s a feature that’s become increasingly common in the EV market, especially on Chinese-built models. Tesla’s U.S. website, however, doesn’t mention V2L anywhere in the Model 3 spec list.
The other difference is interior color choices. China offers a new light gray interior option, while buyers in the U.S. can only choose between black and black-and-white. Neither omission is a dealbreaker for most shoppers, but the V2L difference stands out because competing EVs such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Hyundai Ioniq 5 already offer similar capability in the American market.
This update comes at a time when Tesla is working to keep its place at the front of a crowded EV market. The Model 3 is the brand’s most affordable sedan, and it competes directly with the Hyundai Ioniq 6, BMW i4, Polestar 2, and Nissan Ariya. Many of those rivals have added large displays, vehicle-to-load, and faster charging features over the last couple of years.
By refreshing the Model 3 with more equipment and better numbers while holding the line on price, Tesla is trying to make the car more attractive without cutting into its margins. The improved acceleration especially helps the Premium AWD trim, which now feels noticeably quicker than before without costing more.
That said, the missing V2L feature is worth watching. Tesla has often introduced software and hardware features in China first, then rolled them out to other markets later. Nothing about the U.S. update suggests V2L is permanently off the table, but there’s also no confirmation that the hardware is present. Buyers who want the ability to power external equipment may want to compare the Model 3 with rivals that offer the functionality today.
Tesla’s range figures are preliminary estimates, and the official EPA numbers for the updated Model 3 could be slightly different once the agency publishes its ratings for the 2026 model year. The same goes for the horsepower and acceleration figures, which Tesla lists based on its own testing.
The ordering pages already reflect the new configuration, and Tesla says the updated Model 3 is on sale now. In the past, changes to the online configurator have been followed by customer deliveries within a matter of weeks. Anyone looking to order one should also check whether they qualify for federal or state EV incentives, since those rules can change depending on battery sourcing and final assembly location.
The bottom line: Tesla gave the Model 3 a meaningful upgrade without changing the price, and the largest update is one that every buyer will notice from the driver’s seat. The only real question is whether the absence of V2L in the U.S. will become a bigger issue as more competitors include it as standard.
