The Tesla Model 3, since its initial release, has undergone numerous refinements and updates, making each model year distinct. The 2018 Tesla Model 3 marked the beginning of mass production for this groundbreaking electric vehicle, setting the stage for Tesla’s dominance in the EV market. For those considering a pre-owned electric car, understanding the specific features of the 2018 Model 3 is crucial. This article delves into the details of the 2018 Model 3, comparing it with the 2020 model year to highlight the key differences and advancements Tesla introduced in a relatively short time. Whether you’re a prospective buyer, current owner, or simply an EV enthusiast, this guide offers a comprehensive look at what the 2018 Model 3 brought to the electric car revolution and how it stacks up against later iterations.
Key Upgrades and Modifications Across Tesla Model 3 (2018 vs. 2020)
Tesla’s iterative design philosophy means continuous improvement, and the Model 3 is a prime example. Between the 2018 Model 3 and the 2020 version, several changes were implemented across all trim levels, enhancing the vehicle’s overall appeal and functionality. These modifications, while sometimes subtle, collectively represent a significant evolution in the Model 3’s design and features.
What Was Removed or Streamlined in Later Models
While Tesla added many features, some elements were removed or simplified in the 2020 Model 3 compared to the 2018 Model 3. These changes often reflect cost optimization or design streamlining based on early owner feedback and production efficiencies.
Notable Feature Modifications
Several features underwent changes between the 2018 Model 3 and 2020 models. These modifications range from minor aesthetic tweaks to more functional improvements impacting the driving experience.
Additions and Enhancements Introduced in 2020
Tesla added several new features and enhanced existing ones in the 2020 Model 3, many of which were not present in the 2018 Model 3. These additions aimed to improve safety, convenience, and overall user experience.
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Pedestrian Safety Enhancement: Noise Emitter. A key safety upgrade in the 2020 Model 3, not found in the 2018 Model 3, is the inclusion of a noise emitter. Designed to alert pedestrians, this system activates at speeds below 18 mph and in reverse, addressing safety concerns related to the quiet operation of electric vehicles. This feature became standard in models produced from September 2019 onwards, in anticipation of NHTSA mandates.
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Standard Autopilot Features. Autopilot became a standard feature in the 2020 Model 3, a significant shift from the 2018 Model 3 where it was an optional upgrade. This inclusion brought features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer to every Model 3, enhancing driver assistance capabilities right out of the factory.
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Standard Traffic Aware Cruise Control. As part of the standard Autopilot suite, Traffic Aware Cruise Control was also made standard in the 2020 Model 3, unlike the 2018 Model 3 where it was bundled within optional packages. This system automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead, improving safety and convenience in highway driving.
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Refined Rear Seat-Back Latch Trim. A minor but noticeable change is the slightly enlarged plastic trim around the rear seat-back latch in the 2020 Model 3. While seemingly cosmetic, this refinement adds a touch of polish to the interior and is visible when accessing the trunk from inside the cabin.
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Sealed Trunk for Cabin Noise Reduction. One of the more functional improvements in the 2020 Model 3 over the 2018 Model 3 is the sealing of the trunk from the cabin. Initially, the 2018 Model 3 had a large opening under the rear trunk deck. This was first replaced by a glass-weave fabric in early 2019 and then fully sealed with solid metal by mid-2019. This change significantly reduces road noise intrusion into the cabin, particularly benefiting rear-seat passengers.
The 2018 Tesla Model 3’s trunk deck underside, revealing a significant opening, impacting cabin sound insulation.
The 2020 Tesla Model 3’s trunk deck underside, now sealed with metal, enhancing cabin quietness and reducing road noise. -
Trailer Hitch Ready Bumper. Starting around June 2019, the Model 3, including the Standard Range Plus, gained an under-bumper cut-out designed for a trailer hitch. This feature, absent in the 2018 Model 3, adds versatility for owners who need to tow light loads.
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Standard Rear License Plate Holder. A seemingly minor but practical addition to the 2020 Model 3 is the standard inclusion of a plastic rear license plate holder. While not a visually striking change, it provides a more finished and convenient mounting solution for the rear license plate compared to the 2018 Model 3.
Model Specific Changes: 2018 LR AWD vs. 2020 SR+
Moving beyond the general year-over-year changes, significant differences exist when comparing specific trims. The comparison between a 2018 Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD) and a 2020 Standard Range Plus (SR+) reveals changes driven by model positioning and target market. Notably, stepping down from the Premium Interior of the LR AWD to the Partial Premium Interior of the SR+ accounts for some of these differences.
Reductions and Differences in SR+ Compared to 2018 LR AWD
The Standard Range Plus model, while more affordable, understandably comes with a few reductions compared to the premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive 2018 Model 3. These differences primarily focus on performance, range, and some luxury features.
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Drivetrain Configuration: Front Motor Removal. The most significant difference between the 2018 Model 3 LR AWD and the 2020 SR+ is the drivetrain. The LR AWD boasts a dual-motor setup, including a front AC induction motor optimized for power and a rear Permanent Magnet Switched Reluctance Motor (PMSRM) focused on range. The 2020 SR+, in contrast, is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, eliminating the front motor entirely. This change impacts acceleration and all-weather traction capabilities.
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Battery Capacity Reduction. Reflecting its “Standard Range” designation, the 2020 SR+ features a smaller battery pack compared to the 2018 Model 3 LR AWD. The battery capacity decreased from 72kWh in the LR AWD to approximately 50kWh in the SR+. This reduction directly affects the vehicle’s range, a key differentiator between the two models.
The door pocket of a 2020 Tesla Model 3 SR+, lacking the ambient light LED assembly present in the 2018 LR AWD model, showcasing interior trim differences.
Minor SR+ Specific Additions
Despite being a more budget-friendly model, the 2020 SR+ did see a few minor additions or changes compared to the 2018 Model 3 LR AWD, often related to optimization or updated standards.
- Increased Tire Pressure. The recommended tire pressure was slightly increased from 42 psi in the 2018 Model 3 LR AWD to 45 psi in the 2020 SR+. This adjustment, indicated on the B-pillar sticker, likely aims to optimize rolling resistance and efficiency for the SR+ model.
Feature Parity
Despite the trim level and model year differences, some features remained consistent or functioned similarly between the 2018 Model 3 LR AWD and 2020 SR+. It’s worth noting these similarities to understand what core Tesla experiences were maintained.
Visual and Media Resources
For a more dynamic understanding of these differences, visual and video resources are invaluable. The original article mentions a video showcasing “30 differences between my Tesla Model 3 2018 & 2020 model years and between LR AWD & SR+ trim levels,” which can be a helpful supplement to this written comparison. Searching for “Tesla Model 3 2018 vs 2020 comparison video” on platforms like YouTube will likely yield numerous helpful visual guides.
Feature Details from Tesla Management Pages
Examining the feature lists directly from Tesla’s online management pages for each vehicle provides a clear, official comparison. For the vehicles discussed in the original article:
2018 Model 3 Dual Motor All Wheel Drive:
Exterior: Midnight Silver Metallic Paint, 18’’ Aero Wheels
Interior: All Black Premium Interior
Options: Premium Interior, Enhanced Autopilot, Full Self-Driving Capability
Supercharging Status: Free Supercharging (limited time)
Premium Connectivity: Subscription
2020 Model 3 Standard Range Plus:
Exterior: Pearl White Paint, 18’’ Aero Wheels
Interior: All Black Partial Premium Interior
Options: Partial Premium Interior, Autopilot
Supercharging Status: Pay Per Use Supercharging
Premium Connectivity: Subscription
This feature breakdown highlights the shift from optional Autopilot in 2018 Model 3 to standard in 2020, and the interior trim level differences between Premium and Partial Premium.
Window Sticker Insights
Window stickers, or Monroney labels, offer another layer of detailed comparison. They provide official specifications, pricing, and importantly, parts content information, which saw a slight shift between 2018 Model 3 and 2020 models.
2018 Model 3 Long Range AWD Window Sticker Highlights:
A segment of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD window sticker, pointing out the initial 5-STAR safety rating status and parts content origin.
2020 Model 3 Standard Range Plus Window Sticker Highlights:
A portion of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus window sticker, showcasing completed 5-STAR safety ratings and updated parts content percentages.
The 2020 sticker shows completed 5-STAR safety ratings and a slight increase in US/Canadian and Mexican parts content compared to the 2018 Model 3.
VIN Decoding for Model Year Identification
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are crucial for definitively identifying a vehicle’s model year and specifications. Decoding the VIN of a 2018 Model 3 versus a 2020 Model 3 reveals key manufacturing details.
Key VIN Digits for Model Year and Trim:
- Digit 10 (Model Year): ‘J’ denotes 2018, and ‘L’ denotes 2020.
- Digit 8 (Motor/Drive Unit): ‘B’ indicates Dual Motor (Standard) for the 2018 LR AWD, while ‘A’ signifies Single Motor (Standard) for the 2020 SR+.
An excerpt from the VIN decoder for a 2018 Tesla Model 3, highlighting the model year and motor/drive unit designations.
An excerpt from the VIN decoder for a 2020 Tesla Model 3, contrasting the model year and motor/drive unit codes with the 2018 model.
Utilizing online VIN decoders, like the TeslaTap VIN Decoder mentioned in the original article, can provide a comprehensive breakdown of a specific 2018 Model 3‘s features and manufacturing details.
Specifications Side-by-Side
Comparing specifications from Tesla’s official website and the US Department of Energy (EPA) provides a clear quantitative comparison between the 2018 Model 3 LR AWD and the 2020 SR+.
Tesla.com Specification Comparison
Tesla’s website provides a concise comparison of key specifications, though details may vary slightly over time as models and information are updated.
EPA Fuel Economy Data
The EPA’s fuel economy website offers detailed efficiency ratings, including MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), providing insights into the energy consumption of different Model 3 variants. The 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus notably achieved recognition as the most efficient electric car sold, according to some sources.
EPA comparison table showcasing efficiency metrics for the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD and 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, alongside other vehicles for context.
Conclusion: The Evolution from 2018 to 2020 Model 3
The 2018 Model 3 was a pivotal vehicle, launching Tesla into broader market appeal. Comparing it to the 2020 model reveals Tesla’s rapid refinement process. The 2020 models gained standard safety and convenience features like the pedestrian noise emitter and Autopilot, while the Standard Range Plus offered a more accessible entry point to Model 3 ownership, albeit with some feature and performance trade-offs compared to the original Long Range All-Wheel Drive 2018 Model 3.
For buyers considering a used Tesla Model 3, understanding these distinctions is key. A 2018 Model 3 still offers a compelling EV experience, especially the Long Range AWD variant for those prioritizing range and performance. However, newer models boast enhanced standard features and noise reduction, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to continuous improvement in the dynamic electric vehicle landscape.
