You’ve probably seen the headlines. Tesla is supposedly "fixing" the Model 3 again. It’s funny, honestly, how a car that basically defined the modern EV era is still undergoing such radical surgery nearly a decade into its life. But here we are in January 2026, and the latest news about Tesla Model 3 is actually... well, it's a lot.
The big story right now isn't just about a bigger battery or a new paint color. It’s about Tesla admitting—subtly, of course—that maybe some of their "innovations" were just annoying.
The Return of the Indicator Stalk (Yes, Really)
If you bought a Model 3 in the last year or so, you probably spent the first week accidentally honking at people while trying to signal a left turn. Tesla removed the physical stalks and replaced them with haptic buttons on the steering wheel. It was "minimalist." It was also widely hated.
The latest 2026 Model 3 units rolling off the line have officially brought back the physical indicator stalk. It’s a small victory for common sense.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a tactile click when you’re navigating a roundabout. Relying on a tiny touch-sensitive button while the wheel is upside down was a nightmare. Along with the stalk, Tesla has also tweaked the front camera system. It now has a wider field of view and—this is the smart part—a dedicated heater and washer. If you live somewhere where it actually snows, you know that a "blind" Autopilot system is just a fancy cruise control. This should fix that.
466 Miles? Let’s Talk About the New Battery Tech
Tesla just introduced a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant that is putting up some pretty wild numbers. We’re talking about a claimed WLTP range of up to 750km in some markets, which translates to roughly 466 miles.
💡 You might also like: Memphis Doppler Weather Radar: Why Your App is Lying to You During Severe Storms
How?
They didn't just stuff a massive, heavy battery in there. Instead, they’re using a refined Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry. It’s more energy-dense than the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) packs found in the base models.
But there’s a catch you should know about.
- The 466-mile figure is based on the 18-inch wheels.
- If you opt for the prettier 19-inch Nova wheels, your range drops to about 430 miles.
- The RWD Long Range is actually slower than the old All-Wheel Drive version because it loses the front motor to save weight and energy.
It’s a trade-off. You’re trading 0-60 mph thrills for the ability to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and halfway back without stopping. For most people, that’s a win.
The FSD V14 Shakeup and the End of "Buying" Software
The software side of the news about Tesla Model 3 is getting a bit spicy. Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla will stop selling the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package as a one-time purchase after February 14, 2026.
📖 Related: LG UltraGear OLED 27GX700A: The 480Hz Speed King That Actually Makes Sense
From that point on, it’s subscription-only.
If you already paid $8,000 or $12,000 for it, you’re "grandfathered" in, but the community is currently in an uproar about whether that license will finally be transferable to a new car. Right now, FSD v14 is the shiny new toy. It uses a neural network that is reportedly 10 times larger than the previous version.
In real-world testing, v14 is much smoother at "unparking" itself and handling complex merges. It feels less like a nervous teenager and more like a cautious adult. However, if your Model 3 has the older Hardware 3 (HW3) computer, you aren't getting the full v14 experience yet. You’re likely running "v14 Lite," which lacks some of the high-fidelity environmental processing found in the newer AI4 (Hardware 4) cars.
Pricing: The 2026 Reality Check
Despite the upgrades, Tesla is fighting a brutal price war with Chinese manufacturers like BYD. In the U.S., the Model 3 RWD starts at roughly $38,990 before any tax credits.
The new Long Range RWD is sitting around $46,000.
👉 See also: How to Remove Yourself From Group Text Messages Without Looking Like a Jerk
Wait times have stabilized, usually landing between one to two months for most trims. Interestingly, the Performance model (now frequently called the "Ludicrous" trim in enthusiast circles) is seeing the highest demand. People want that 2.9-second 0-60 mph time, even if it means "only" getting about 350 miles of range.
What This Actually Means for You
If you’re sitting on the fence, here is the expert take. The 2026 Model 3 is the most "complete" version of this car we’ve ever seen. By bringing back the stalks and upgrading the battery chemistry, Tesla has addressed the two biggest complaints: usability and highway range.
If you do a lot of road tripping, the new Long Range RWD is the obvious choice. The efficiency is staggering. If you’re a tech nerd, make sure the car you’re buying has the AI4 computer so you don't get left behind on the FSD v14 updates.
Keep an eye on the February 14th deadline for the FSD purchase option. If you prefer owning your software rather than paying a monthly "rent" to Tesla, you have a very narrow window to lock that in.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local inventory for "Demo" vehicles equipped with the new AI4 hardware; these often see price cuts of $2,000 or more while still qualifying for the federal tax credit. If you're ordering new, stick with the 18-inch wheels to maximize that 466-mile potential—you can always swap the hubcaps later if you hate the look.