Tesla Model 3 Highland Test Drive – What’s New in 2025 Australia Version?

The Next Evolution of Tesla's EV Gamechanger

Tesla’s Model 3 has long been the poster child for electric mobility, blending sharp design, rapid acceleration, and futuristic tech in a (relatively) affordable sedan package. But in 2025, it’s not just about staying relevant — it’s about raising the bar again.

Enter the 2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland — a significantly updated version of the brand’s best-selling sedan that now boasts over 50 improvements. We took it for an extensive test drive on Australian roads to uncover if the Highland is merely a cosmetic refresh or a genuine next-gen leap.

Let’s break down everything from its revised exterior design, upgraded interior, improved ride quality, new tech, and what Aussie drivers can expect.

Exterior Design: Sharper, Sleeker, More Grown-Up

Tesla has always walked a fine line between minimalism and futurism. The 2025 Model 3 Highland continues that theme but refines it to feel more premium and aerodynamically efficient.

Key Exterior Changes:

• Slimmer Matrix LED headlights with a more piercing, aggressive look.
• Re-sculpted front bumper to improve aero and reduce drag (coefficient now down to 0.219).
• Smoother rear end with redesigned tail lights and integrated lighting signature.
• New 18-inch Photon Aero Wheels (standard) or 19-inch Nova Wheels for added visual punch.
• Enhanced underbody shielding to improve airflow and reduce road noise.

Overall, the design changes are subtle but impactful. It looks more European than ever — sleeker, quieter, and classier — appealing to both tech-savvy buyers and traditional sedan lovers.

Interior Overhaul: From Spartan to Sophisticated

Step inside, and the Highland’s most noticeable changes become immediately apparent.

Major Cabin Improvements:

• Completely reworked dashboard with ambient lighting strip running across its width.
• New vegan upholstery and improved soft-touch materials throughout the cabin.
• Ventilated front seats (finally!) — a welcome feature for Aussie summers.
• Redesigned rear seats with better cushioning and new recline functionality.
• Rear passengers get an 8-inch touchscreen for climate, entertainment, and seat settings.
• Quieter cabin thanks to improved insulation, laminated rear windows, and acoustic glass.

While the minimalist philosophy remains (still no gauge cluster), the refinement levels are up. The quality now feels less like a tech prototype and more like a proper luxury EV sedan.

Infotainment & Tech: Tesla’s OS Remains King

Tesla’s infotainment system continues to be the benchmark, and in the 2025 Model 3 Highland, it gets more responsive and more useful.

Central Touchscreen:

• Still a 15.4-inch landscape display — thinner bezels and higher contrast.
• Upgraded UI responsiveness with faster chip and smoother transitions.
• New customisable app dock and better integration of phone features.
• Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, arcade games — all present and updated.

Rear Passenger Screen:

• A new 8-inch rear touchscreen, something not even the Model Y offers yet.
• Allows media control, seat heating, air conditioning, and streaming.

Other Notables:

• Phone key remains standard — no physical keyfob.
• Enhanced voice controls, particularly good for Aussie accents.
• Tesla Vision (camera-only ADAS) continues to be refined with over-the-air updates.

Tesla’s infotainment ecosystem is still in a class of its own. No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but most users don’t miss them.

Driving Impressions: Smoother, Quieter, Still Quick

Tesla has fine-tuned the Model 3 Highland to deliver a better ride and driving experience — especially important for Australia’s mix of coarse-chip highways, potholes, and twisty coastal roads.

Suspension & Ride Comfort:

• Recalibrated adaptive dampers for better comfort on bumpy roads.
• Improved ride isolation through stiffer bushings and subframe enhancements.
• Far quieter at highway speeds — the acoustic improvements are real.

Acceleration:

• RWD Highland (Single Motor): 0–100 km/h in ~6.1 seconds.
• Long Range AWD Highland (Dual Motor): 0–100 km/h in ~4.4 seconds.

Power delivery remains linear and immediate. The Highland doesn't reinvent the wheel but enhances the driving polish, especially for those commuting daily or doing long weekend drives.

Range and Efficiency: Better Aero, Same Great Economy

Tesla hasn't drastically changed the battery tech for the Highland, but its improved aerodynamics and software tuning have made a difference.

Range Estimates (WLTP):

• RWD Model 3 Highland: 513 km (up from 491 km)
• AWD Long Range Highland: 629 km (up from 602 km)

Real-World Range (Test Drive):

• In mixed suburban and highway driving, the RWD version delivered ~470–490 km.
• The AWD version returned around 580+ km with a light foot and regen on max.

The efficiency gains are welcome — Tesla’s range anxiety buffer remains class-leading.

Autopilot & Safety Tech: Still Leading, But Watch This Space

Tesla’s Autopilot hardware has moved entirely to the Tesla Vision camera-based system (no radar or LiDAR). This has both fans and critics.

Features:

• Basic Autopilot (lane centering + adaptive cruise) standard.
• Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self Driving (FSD) packages optional.
• Parking assist, summon, and Smart Summon available (depending on market).

Safety Ratings:

• Expected to retain 5-star ANCAP safety rating, based on structural improvements and software upgrades.
• Includes 8 external cameras, ultrasonic sensors removed in favour of camera-only system.

Tesla’s active safety systems are good, but rivals like Hyundai and Mercedes are catching up — especially in blind spot visibility and lane tracing precision.

Charging: Still a Strong Network Advantage in Australia

Tesla’s Supercharger network remains a massive advantage for Model 3 Highland buyers.

Charging Stats:

• Type 2/CCS2 charging port.
• DC Fast Charging up to 250 kW (Supercharger V3) — ~10–80% in 27 minutes.
• AC charging via home wallbox: ~7.2 kW (single-phase) or 11 kW (three-phase).

With 120+ Superchargers in Australia and more being opened to non-Tesla EVs, infrastructure remains Tesla’s trump card.

Pricing in Australia: Competitive, But No Longer Budget-Friendly

Tesla has edged the Model 3 Highland pricing upward, reflecting its premium push.

2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland Australian Pricing (Est.):

• Model 3 RWD: From ~$61,900 (before on-roads)
• Model 3 Long Range AWD: From ~$71,900 (before on-roads)

While no longer the most affordable EV, it still delivers top-tier performance, tech, and efficiency for the price.

Ownership & Maintenance: Minimal Fuss, OTA Fixes

Tesla’s ownership experience remains streamlined, with minimal servicing needs.

Service Intervals:

• No set service schedule — condition-based.
• Key areas: brake fluid checks, cabin air filter, tyre rotation, and software updates.

Warranty:

• 4 years / 80,000 km vehicle warranty.
• 8 years / 160,000–192,000 km battery and drivetrain warranty (depending on variant).

Tesla’s mobile service is convenient, and OTA updates can improve functionality long after purchase.

Rivals in the EV Sedan Space

Closest Competitors in Australia 2025:

• Hyundai Ioniq 6 – More distinctive styling, excellent range, cheaper.
• BMW i4 eDrive35 – More premium feel, better dynamics, more expensive.
• Polestar 2 – Scandinavian charm, Android-based OS, similar pricing.

Tesla still wins on infotainment, efficiency, and brand allure — but it’s no longer a one-horse race.

Is the 2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland Worth It?

Absolutely — if you want a mature, comfortable, and high-tech EV sedan with a strong real-world range, the 2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland remains a top pick.

It’s not a revolution, but it doesn’t need to be. Tesla has smartly refined what already worked and fixed areas that previously drew criticism — particularly cabin quality, ride comfort, and noise insulation.

For Australian buyers, the Highland makes the Model 3 feel more like a polished European EV, and less like a quirky startup tech experiment.

Key Pros:

• Sleeker design, quieter cabin
• Excellent range and charging network
• Improved ride quality and seat comfort
• OTA updates and class-leading infotainment
• Rear screen adds practicality

Cons:

• Still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Pricing has crept upward
• Vision-only safety system still under scrutiny
• No head-up display or gauge cluster