What’s New With 2026 Tesla Cars: Model S Gets Refreshed—Again
One of the oldest cars on sale gets treated to some updates this year.
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.
2026 Tesla Model 3
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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2026 Tesla Model S
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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