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It’s not every day you see a story that feels like a glimpse into the future of driving, but one stood out to me this evening. On X, Sawyer Merritt described an experience with Full Self-Driving on his Tesla Model Y that sounded less like a beta test and more like science fiction coming to life.
He wrote: “Today, my Model Y drove me 325 miles (5.5 hours) across three states, from New Hampshire to Upstate New York, on @Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) v13.2.9, with no interventions the entire way even through rain. So, basically, I pressed ‘Start,’ and then a robot drove me for 5.5 hours.”
What Merritt experienced showcases the growing capability of Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) system even if it still requires driver oversight by law. Tesla fans have long debated whether these types of results prove FSD is nearing readiness for wider rollout, or if stories like this are just the exception.
A Big Step Compared to Mixed Experiences
Not every driver has shared such flawless stories, as some reports are just the opposite. I wrote about a driver who described their Tesla Model Y’s FSD as almost useless throughout a 2,000-mile road trip when lane selection and interventions became constant headaches. So stories like these highlight the inconsistency that has defined FSD so far. Some users see magic while others see frustration.
That’s why Merritt’s story stands out to me. A journey of over 300 miles without a single manual correction shows the potential of FSD when conditions, updates, and driver expectations all align. It’s a glimpse into what the future of long-haul driving could look like if Tesla continues refining the system.
Community Reactions
As expected, Merritt’s post drew a wide range of responses from other Tesla owners and skeptics alike. The variety of comments reflect just how divisive FSD remains.
One user, @ShotzbyMike, fired back skeptically: “Not a chance. FSD can’t even get me to the grocery store without help.”
His words echo the frustrations of those who still encounter rough edges in city navigation and tight suburban environments, where unpredictable human drivers often expose the weaknesses of automation.
Another voice, @Shim_Diggy, raised an interesting psychological point: “Is it relaxing to drive this way? I would think you’re more stressed having to keep track of surrounding cars AND worry about what yours will do. I just can’t see it being worth it because of the risk, but you also can’t do much with that spare time because you have to supervise.”
This hits on something bigger as autonomous driving isn’t just about safety or convenience. It’s about trust. Even if the car technically does the job, if drivers remain tense or unable to relax, the benefit of FSD feels diminished.
Then there was @Darren76780228, who asked a question many wonder about: “Serious question: does it drive the speed limit (or as close as it can depending on traffic) the whole way? Because that would annoy me.”
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This touches on an area where Tesla has drawn both praise and criticism. Unlike human drivers who push 5-10 mph over on highways, FSD tends to drive more conservatively unless the driver adjusts settings. For some, that means safety is the top priority. But for others, it could mean feeling stuck leading to growing frustration that the car isn’t matching the natural flow of human drivers.
Comparing Past Test Drives
It’s worth noting that Tesla has worked hard to convince skeptics. A recent trial let people take a 48-hour FSD test drive in the Model Y after years of skepticism, offering firsthand experience instead of just YouTube videos. Many came away surprised at just how capable it was in real-world traffic.
On the flip side, industry studies have questioned how safe and consistent FSD really is, though Tesla often defends itself by pointing to data. One analysis made it clear: when you question Tesla FSD’s safety after the latest report, the numbers don’t lie and the picture isn’t always as negative as critics expect.
Where Does This Leave Us?
Merritt’s 325-mile drive is a milestone example of what’s possible, but it doesn’t erase the mixed track record Tesla still faces. One user’s magic trip can be another user’s frustration. That’s the reality of a technology that’s still in supervised testing, and the broader story is that Tesla is building the foundation for something that could redefine what road trips even mean in the next decade.
We’ve already seen how real-world Tesla FSD highway performance in bad weather has improved, but it’s equally clear that questions remain about urban driving, driver stress, and safety verification. It’s that tension that keeps stories like Merritt’s so important to watch.
I think what makes Sawyer Merritt’s experience fascinating is not just that the technology worked, but how it reframes the idea of a road trip. Pressing “Start” and having the car carry the weight of 5.5 hours of driving sounds like something we would only be able to see in the movies. But I also see the other side that if the system can’t deliver that consistency to everyone, then Tesla still has work to do. The truth probably lies somewhere in between: a technology that is breathtaking when it works, but still unpredictable enough to spark caution.
Key Takeaways
- FSD progress is undeniable: Trips like Merritt’s prove Tesla is moving closer to reliable long-range autonomy.
- Experiences still vary widely: What works flawlessly for one driver may frustrate another, especially in dense or unpredictable environments.
- Driver psychology matters as much as tech: Even if the car can drive itself, comfort and trust are key to making FSD valuable.
- The future is already here, just unevenly distributed: While some enjoy robot-driven road trips today, others are waiting for the day when it works just as well for everyone.
Your Turn
Would you trust a Tesla to handle a 325-mile trip completely on its own if you only had to supervise?
And if you’ve tried FSD yourself, what’s the furthest you’ve let it take you without an intervention?
I’d love to hear about your story in our comments below.
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: Screenshot from @SawyerMerritt’s public X post and Tesla’s gallery, respectively.
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Source: torquenews.com
