2018 Tesla Model 3 Interior Review: A Modern Cabin Built for Innovation and Comfort
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has been a game-changer in the electric vehicle (EV) world. With its sleek design and revolutionary electric drivetrain, it’s garnered widespread attention. But what really sets it apart is its interior design. It's a space where minimalism meets technology in a unique way. In this article, we'll dive deep into the details of the Model 3’s cabin and highlight both the features that make it stand out and areas where it might fall short. And since nobody wants a sales pitch, we'll also mention what could be improved. You’ll get a comprehensive look that will help you decide if the 2018 Tesla Model 3 interior is the right fit for you.
First Impressions of the Tesla Model 3 Cabin
Clean and Simple Design
The first thing you'll notice when you step inside the 2018 Tesla Model 3 is just how simple it is. There are no complicated buttons or knobs cluttering the dashboard like you’d see in a traditional car. Instead the Model 3 relies heavily on its 15-inch touchscreen in the center. It controls almost everything from the air conditioning to navigation and even the music.
The minimalistic dashboard has nothing but a flat slab of wood running across its length which gives the cabin an ultra-modern feel. There are no dials behind the steering wheel which might seem odd at first. All of the essential driving information including your speed and battery range is displayed on the central touchscreen.
"Driving the Model 3 is almost like stepping into the future. You sit down and you’re immediately struck by how open and uncluttered the space feels" said Alex Collantes a Tesla owner who has been driving the Model 3 since 2018.
While the simplicity of the interior is refreshing it’s also polarizing. Some people love the clean look while others miss having physical controls for important functions. If you’re someone who likes turning dials or quickly adjusting settings without needing to look at a screen you might find this design a bit challenging.
Pros:
- Minimalistic and futuristic design
- High-tech touchscreen that controls most functions
- Spacious and airy cabin
Cons:
- Lack of physical buttons may frustrate some users
- Reliance on the touchscreen could be distracting while driving
Interior Materials and Build Quality
Premium Feel with Room for Improvement
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 offers a mix of materials inside its cabin. The seats are upholstered in vegan leather which is both comfortable and eco-friendly. Tesla has made a conscious effort to ensure that no animal products are used in the interior of the Model 3. The vegan leather feels soft and supple and offers great comfort even during longer drives.
While the seats are generally praised the quality of some other materials has been questioned. The wood trim on the dashboard looks great but the plastics used in some areas of the cabin don't feel as premium as what you’d find in luxury competitors like Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Some owners have reported rattles or creaks especially in early production models.
"The seats are incredibly comfortable and I love the fact that they are made from vegan leather" said Collantes. "But I did notice that the plastic on the doors doesn’t feel quite as high-end as the rest of the car."
Pros:
- Eco-friendly vegan leather seats
- Comfortable seating for long drives
- Stylish wood trim adds a nice touch
Cons:
- Some plastics feel cheap
- Early models may have issues with rattles
Seating Comfort and Space
Spacious Front Cabin but Tight Rear Seats
The Model 3 excels in providing ample space for front passengers. Both the driver and passenger seats are comfortable and provide plenty of legroom. The front seats are power-adjustable and offer lumbar support making long journeys more bearable.
However the back seats don’t offer quite the same level of comfort. The sloping roofline of the Model 3 eats into headroom for rear passengers especially if they are over six feet tall. Legroom is decent but not exceptional.
For a small family or those who don’t regularly transport tall passengers in the back the rear space might be acceptable. But if you plan to use the Model 3 to frequently carry four or five adults it might feel a bit cramped in the back.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable front seats
- Power-adjustable seats with lumbar support
Cons:
- Rear headroom is limited due to the sloping roofline
- Rear seats can feel cramped for taller passengers
Technology and Infotainment
Centerpiece of the Interior: The 15-Inch Touchscreen
When it comes to technology the 2018 Tesla Model 3 sets itself apart from almost every other car on the market. The 15-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard is the hub for all controls. From climate control to navigation it’s all controlled through this large display.
The screen is responsive and offers sharp graphics making it easy to read and interact with. Tesla’s infotainment system is one of the best in the industry thanks to over-the-air software updates that constantly improve its functionality. You can even stream Netflix or play video games while the car is parked which is a nice touch if you’re waiting to charge at a Supercharger station.
However relying so much on the touchscreen for basic functions can be frustrating for some users. Simple tasks like adjusting the air vents require you to dive into menus which can be distracting while driving.
Pros:
- Large 15-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics
- Over-the-air software updates keep the system up to date
- Ability to stream Netflix or play video games when parked
Cons:
- Some may find it frustrating to control everything through a touchscreen
- Lack of physical buttons for important functions
Cargo Space and Storage Solutions
Innovative Storage Solutions but Limited Trunk Space
One of the best things about the Model 3 interior is how innovative Tesla has been with its storage solutions. There’s a good amount of space under the center console where you can store small items like your phone or wallet. The large glass roof also makes the cabin feel more open and spacious than it actually is.
The front trunk or “frunk” offers extra storage space in addition to the rear trunk. The frunk is particularly useful for storing smaller items like groceries or a backpack.
However the rear trunk space is somewhat limited compared to traditional sedans. The sloping roofline which gives the Model 3 its sporty look also means that the trunk opening is smaller than what you’d get in cars like the BMW 3 Series. This makes it more difficult to load large or bulky items.
Pros:
- Innovative storage solutions including a front trunk
- Plenty of small storage compartments inside the cabin
- Large glass roof makes the cabin feel open and airy
Cons:
- Rear trunk space is limited due to the sloping roofline
- Smaller opening in the rear makes it hard to load bulky items
Sound System and Audio Quality
Immersive Sound Experience but Could Be Better
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 comes with a premium sound system that offers an immersive audio experience. The system has 14 speakers which provide clear and crisp sound throughout the cabin. Whether you're listening to your favorite tunes or a podcast the audio quality is excellent.
However some audiophiles have noted that the bass could be stronger especially compared to other premium sound systems in the market. If you’re someone who really cares about audio quality you might feel that the system falls just short of luxury-car standards.
Pros:
- 14-speaker sound system offers great audio quality
- Clear and crisp sound throughout the cabin
Cons:
- Bass could be stronger
- Falls slightly short of luxury-car audio systems
Potential Drawbacks of the Model 3 Interior
Even though the 2018 Tesla Model 3 interior is highly innovative it’s not without its flaws. Here are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
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Touchscreen reliance: Some users might find it difficult to adapt to controlling all vehicle functions through the central touchscreen.
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Limited rear space: The sloping roofline makes the rear seats less comfortable for taller passengers and limits headroom.
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Material quality: While the vegan leather is great some of the plastic materials feel cheap for a car in this price range.
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Audio system: Though good the audio system doesn’t quite measure up to premium competitors in terms of bass and overall sound quality.
Conclusion
The 2018 Tesla Model 3 interior offers a modern and minimalist experience unlike any other vehicle on the market. Its 15-inch touchscreen and innovative storage solutions are definite standouts. However the heavy reliance on the touchscreen may not be for everyone and some materials feel below par for a vehicle in this price range.
If you're someone who appreciates cutting-edge technology and minimalist design you'll likely fall in love with the interior of the Tesla Model 3. But if you value physical controls and more luxurious materials it might not be the perfect fit for you.
"The interior is definitely one of the things that makes the Model 3 feel like it’s from the future but it’s not perfect" Collantes mentioned. "I do miss having some physical buttons for certain things but overall I’ve been really happy with it."
Final Pros and Cons Summary:
Pros:
- Minimalist and modern design
- Spacious front seats
- Innovative storage solutions
- Cutting-edge technology with over-the-air updates
Cons:
- Rear headroom is limited
- Reliance on touchscreen for basic functions
- Some materials feel cheap
This in-depth look at the 2018 Tesla Model 3 interior gives you all the info you need to decide if it’s the right car for you. While the interior may not be perfect it's a refreshing take on what the future of car cabins might look like.