Follow us today…
There’s no better way to find out how an older generation car feels compared to a new one than by driving both back-to-back, and that’s exactly what happened when Anhtuan Nguyen brought in his Tesla Model Y Juniper for service and was given a Model 3 loaner. That short handover set the stage for a side-by-side look at the subtle and not-so-subtle changes between two of Tesla’s most popular models, leading directly into what stood out most. Here’s Anhtuan sharing the difference he felt in the “Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club” Facebook group:
“Got my loaner older Model 3 this morning because my new Juniper Y is going in to fix panel gaps. Just thought I would share a quick impression between the two. The new Y is a lot quieter, has less road noise, and music is also better with a much stronger subwoofer that I had to turn down. I like the control buttons and how they shift on the screen better. It’s just faster for me but maybe because I didn’t spend enough time with this yet. The front camera is pretty useful on the Juniper for pulling in a tight parking spot. Seating position is lower on the 3 but I kind of like that sportier feel and position. I’m only 5 foot 5. The 3 feels a lot more like my former Lexus ISF. Both the Y and 3 are plenty fast for everyday driving. The 3 feels like it can hit the Twistie roads faster and also feels more planted but I don’t have the chance to test that. The steering adjustment motor on the new Y is smoother. So yes, just a quick impression of what I noticed on a short 7 mile drive. Update: I put around 120 miles more on the loaner 3 before returning it. My back was starting to feel the lower seats. (I have back problems.) After picking up my Juniper I pretty much confirmed what I said above. I’m floating on clouds.”
Right away, Anhtuan’s feedback highlights how far Tesla has come in cabin quietness and audio quality, something many owners notice when they upgrade from an older Model Y to a newer one. The Juniper’s front camera deserves a special mention too because for tight parking situations, it’s a small but game-changing feature. Combined with smoother steering adjustment and more intuitive control ergonomics, it shows Tesla’s steady refinement over time.
Performance and Handling Differences
Anhtuan’s take on the Model 3’s lower, sportier seating position matches what many have said about the Tesla Model 3’s agility on winding roads, with its lower center of gravity lending it a planted feel. He even compared it to his former Lexus ISF, which speaks volumes about the 3’s sedan-like engagement. However, after 120 miles, that lower seat began causing back discomfort, which is a reminder of why the higher seating position in the Model Y can feel more supportive on long trips.
Interestingly, this shift in preference mirrors stories from long-time Tesla owners who found their newer vehicles, like the 2026 Model Y Juniper RWD that’s more efficient and refined than the earliest Model Ys.
Community Reactions
The post sparked a discussion in the group, with fellow owners chiming in to share their own experiences and perspectives.
Jacob Vazquez commented, “The amount of information you were able to pick up just within a 7 mile drive is quite impressive.”
While simple, it truly is. Short drives can reveal a lot when you know what to look for.
Mark F Chinsky added, “Yea, the older Model 3 has a brutal ride.”
This aligns with the reality that Tesla has been gradually smoothing out ride quality over the years, even in models known for their sportiness.
Lee Reddick shared, “Funny, I did the same thing. I got to use a Cybertruck when my Model Y was in the shop and then the next time I got to use the old Model Y too. The new Y is impressive to me!”
Advertising
That sentiment echoes what many seasoned Tesla owners have told me. Even after test-driving or owning other Tesla models, there’s something about the newest Model Y that feels like home, delivering the kind of day-to-day comfort and usability that keeps them coming back.
Aldwin James asked, “How much is it to fix panel gaps?” Anhtuan responded, “Tesla warranty covers it as my Juniper is brand new, but it seems like Tesla service sucks so I might have to do it myself.”
While it’s comforting to know warranty coverage is there, Tesla service experiences don’t always follow the same script as seen in Anhtuan’s situation. Still, it’s stories of other owners who’ve had flawless warranty repairs that serve as a nice reminder that exceptional service can and does happen, even if some cases fall short.
Why This Comparison Matters
This isn’t just about two models, it’s about evolving priorities. The Juniper emphasizes comfort, quietness, and convenience features while the older Model 3 delivers sharper handling and a sportier seating feel. But as Anhtuan found, what feels exciting at first can be outweighed by long-term comfort needs.
It’s a perspective worth remembering, especially when factoring in other ownership realities like charging costs, which can sometimes make drivers question assumptions about EV savings.
I think what makes this story compelling is the back-to-back nature of the experience. It strips away brochure stats and reveals what actually matters when you live with these cars. Seat comfort, control layout, noise insulation, you name it. These aren’t all the glamorous talking points, but they dictate long-term satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- Quietness: Cabin quietness, audio improvements, and convenience features stand out as just some of the major upgrades in the Tesla Model Y Juniper.
- Handling: The Model 3’s sportier handling comes with trade-offs in ride comfort, especially on longer drives.
- Evolution: Tesla’s evolution shows a clear shift toward balancing performance with everyday comfort.
- Warranty: Coverage helps with build issues like panel gaps, but service satisfaction can vary.
- Real-world comparisons: Comparing vehicles under your own driving conditions offers insights specs alone can’t provide.
So, Which One Do You Prefer?
Is the higher, more comfortable seating of a Model Y better? Or is the sportier feel of a Model 3 much better to have in your opinion?
And if you’ve made the jump between Tesla generations, what changes stood out to you the most?
Let us know in the comments below, as your perspective helps paint a clearer picture of what real-world owners value most.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club” public Facebook group and Tesla’s gallery, respectively.
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
