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One of the oldest cars on sale gets treated to some updates this year.
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Tesla has never followed the convention of rolling out new vehicles and updates for a particular model year, instead quietly making iterative changes over time. Sometimes, though, there’s something significant enough that the company makes an announcement.
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Both approaches are present among Tesla’s cars for 2026, as the Model 3 carries on and the Model S gets another refresh. Hardware aside, expect Tesla to continue providing frequent over-the-air software updates throughout the year.
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Following the substantial Highland update made for 2024, the Model 3 has gone mostly unchanged. Some sources indicate that it might soon get a camera in the front bumper and an actual turn signal stalk instead of steering wheel buttons. Both of those features are found in the recently updated Model Y Juniper SUV, so Tesla could bring them over to the Model 3.
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Now in its 15th year on sale, the Model S gets updated yet again for 2026. Light Frost Blue paint is introduced, along with new 19- and 21-inch wheel styles. The Model S Plaid’s front and rear bumpers are altered for a subtly aggressive look. These exterior changes combine for slightly longer range. A front bumper camera also becomes standard.
Inside, multicolor ambient lighting is added around the cabin, and the front seats are said to have been made more comfortable. Additional sound-reduction measures were taken, including revisions to the active noise cancellation.
Tesla also updated the chassis for further refinement. With these recent changes, the ancient Model S could still stick around for a few more years.
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Nope, Tesla’s reinvented sports car isn’t here yet. Maybe next year.
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Alex’s earliest memory is of a teal 1993 Ford Aspire, the car that sparked his automotive obsession. He’s never driven that tiny hatchback—at six feet, 10 inches tall, he likely wouldn’t fit—but has assessed hundreds of other vehicles, sharing his insights on MotorTrend as a writer and video host.
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