Model 3 Highland vs Legacy
The 2023 refresh changed far more than the headlights. Here's what you actually get for the extra money, and how to choose on the used market.
A buyer's guide from Tesla Inventory Europe · Updated October 2026
See used Model 3 Highland → See legacy Model 3 →
The Tesla Model 3 has had two clearly different generations in Europe. The original car — usually called the legacy or pre-facelift Model 3 — was delivered from early 2019 until 2023. Its successor, code-named Highland, was revealed in September 2023 and has been delivered in Europe since autumn 2023. On the used market both are common, and the price gap between them is often the deciding factor.
What changed with the Highland
Tesla describes the Highland as a refresh, but almost every part you touch or hear was reworked:
| Legacy Model 3 (2019–2023) | Highland Model 3 (2023+) | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Original nose and tail lights | Slimmer headlights, new bumper, C-shaped tail lights; drag coefficient reduced from 0.23 to 0.219 |
| Cabin noise | Double-glazed front windows on 2021+ cars only | Acoustic glass all round plus extra sound insulation |
| Front seats | Heated | Heated and ventilated |
| Rear passengers | Air vents only | 8-inch rear touchscreen for climate and media |
| Controls | Indicator and gear stalks | Indicator buttons on the steering wheel; gear selection on the touchscreen |
| Interior | Wood-effect dash trim | Fabric and aluminium trim, adjustable ambient lighting |
| Charging & ports | USB-A / later USB-C | USB-C ports up to 65 W, two wireless phone chargers |
| Range (WLTP) | e.g. 491 km for a 2022–23 Rear-Wheel Drive | e.g. 513 km for the 2024 base RWD; up to 678 km for Long Range AWD; 702–750 km for the later Long Range RWD |
Figures from Tesla and leasing-company comparisons; exact range depends on wheels, battery and model year.
The Highland also has a revised suspension tune that makes it noticeably more comfortable over broken roads. The Highland Performance, launched in 2024, adds adaptive dampers and is a big step up from the old Performance in ride comfort.
Legacy Model 3: the details that matter
Not all legacy cars are equal. Cars built from late 2020 onwards (sold as 2021 model year in most markets) gained a heat pump, which noticeably improves winter range, plus a powered boot lid and double-glazed front windows. If you are shopping for a legacy Model 3, a 2021–2023 car is usually the sweet spot: you get the efficient heat pump and modern hardware at legacy prices. Earlier 2019–2020 cars are the cheapest way into a Model 3, but check the battery warranty dates carefully — the 8-year battery warranty runs from first registration.
Used prices right now
These are live figures from the official Tesla used inventory we track across 23 European countries (euro markets only for the price column):
| Legacy | Highland | |
|---|---|---|
| Used cars listed | 416 | 113 |
| Median price (€ markets) | €30,300 | €37,400 |
| Median mileage | 53,778 km | 25,238 km |
| Model years | 2020–2023 | 2024–2026 |
Snapshot as of 2026-10-31. Updated daily from Tesla's own used-car listings.
Remember that the median hides a lot: a high-mileage early Highland can cost about the same as a low-mileage 2023 legacy car. Compare like for like — same trim, similar mileage — and check each car's price history before deciding.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose a Highland if you do long motorway trips, carry passengers in the back, or plan to keep the car for many years. The quieter cabin and better ride are the biggest real-world improvements.
- Choose a late legacy car (2021–2023) if you want the best value. It has the heat pump and is mechanically very similar, for less money.
- Try before you buy if you're unsure about the Highland's stalk-less controls — some drivers love them, others don't.
- Check the warranty dates on any car: battery and drive-unit cover lasts 8 years from first registration (see our Tesla warranty guide).
How to find the right car
On Tesla Inventory Europe you can filter Model 3 listings by generation (Legacy or Highland), trim, drivetrain, mileage, price and country, and see each car's price history. With a PRO account you can also compare cars side by side, see deal scores and set alerts for when a matching car appears or drops in price. If you're also considering an SUV, read our Model Y Juniper vs Legacy guide or compare Model 3 vs Model Y.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tesla Model 3 Highland?
Highland was Tesla's internal code name for the refreshed Model 3 revealed in September 2023. In Europe the first Highland cars were delivered from autumn 2023, so most Highland cars on the used market are 2024 model year or newer. Everything before it is usually called the legacy or pre-facelift Model 3.
How can I tell a Highland from a legacy Model 3 in a listing?
Look at the trim name and the trim code. Highland trims are often labelled "Premium" (for example Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive), and their Tesla trim codes start at MT35x and above, while legacy cars use codes from MT30x to MT34x. On Tesla Inventory Europe every listing shows its generation, and you can filter by Legacy or Highland directly.
Is the Highland worth the extra money?
If you drive long distances or carry rear passengers, the quieter cabin, ventilated front seats, rear screen and better ride make a real difference day to day. If price matters most, a late legacy Model 3 (2021–2023, with a heat pump) offers most of the core experience for noticeably less money.
Does the Highland Model 3 have indicator stalks?
No. The Highland moved the indicators to buttons on the steering wheel and drive selection to the touchscreen. Some drivers adapt quickly; others prefer the physical stalks of the legacy car, so it is worth trying one before you buy.
Guide by Tesla Inventory Europe (teslainventory.app), an independent site not affiliated with Tesla, Inc. Specifications, warranty terms and prices vary by market and change over time; always confirm current details with Tesla before buying.