Are Tesla Model 3 Seats Comfortable? (Explained)
One of the most important factors that affect the driving experience is how comfortable the seats are.
The comfort a car seat provides affects how long you can drive it and the driving experience.
So if you want a Tesla Model 3, you must have wondered how comfortable its seats are. Keep reading, and you’ll find out real soon.
The Tesla Model 3 seats are comfortable enough for long-distance travel. Their seats have luxury features like a heated backrest and a nearly 180-degree inclination that can convert them into a temporary bed. You must know that the Model 3 has two generations of seats called Gen 1 and Gen 2, and the latter is more comfortable than the former.
In this article, I will describe the features that make Tesla Model 3 seats comfortable. You’ll also learn about the two generations of Model 3 seats.
Does the Tesla Model 3 have Comfortable Seats?
Current iterations of the Tesla Model 3 have comfortable seats, but earlier versions were not as comfortable.
The Model 3 debuted in early July 2017 with a lot of praise and positive reviews, but as with all new products, there were a few complaints, and one was the lack of comfort.
Around the time of release, there were multiple complaints about the Gen 1 seats of the Model 3 being uncomfortable and unsuitable for long journeys.
Some were due to problems with the chair’s design, while others were due to incorrect chair settings.
If you own a Tesla Model 3 and the seats are uncomfortable, it will be very helpful to learn why so you can find fixes.
So, here are some reasons why the Tesla Model 3 seat is uncomfortable.
#1. Poor Headroom
The model 3 is a 4-door sedan with attractive curves and styling that isn’t just eye candy but reduces aerodynamic drag and increases efficiency.
The problem with such styling is that the model 3 has a very low ceiling, making it difficult for tall people to enter, exit, and drive the model 3.
#2. Short Seat Length
The Model 3 feels shorter than other cars because it lacks extra padding and isn’t angled properly.
You can adjust the feel of the seat length by adjusting the seat profile till you find one angled enough to slide you into the backrest.
#3. Unadjustable Angled Headrest
Another problem with the model 3 seats is the headrest which is angled forward too much and unadjustable.
The curved headrest induces a slouching pose on drivers/passengers of the Model 3 and can trigger back pain and other musculoskeletal problems.
#4. Poorly Ventilated Seats
Tesla uses synthetic leather for their seats which is durable and smooth but doesn’t breathe like cotton.
The lack of seat ventilation is especially bad when going on long summer trips. Sweaty backs can drench your clothes with sweat and ruin your outing plans.
How can I make my Tesla Model 3 Seats more Comfortable?
Short of changing the entire seat of your Model 3, you can make your seat more comfortable by changing your seating profile, using seat extenders, and adding extra cushioning.
First Gen Tesla Model 3 seats are not so comfortable and require much tweaking to maximize comfort.
If your seats are first-gen, you can purchase an upgraded Gen 2 seat or opt for cheaper solutions like the ones below.
These are the methods you can employ to make your Model 3 seats more comfortable.
#1. Change Seating Profile
The first thing you should do to make your seat more comfortable is to adjust the profile of your seat.
You can customize the position of your seat in model 3, the angle of the backrest, and the seat’s height.
No universal setting is comfy for everyone; you’ll have to experiment to find your preferred settings.
#2. Seat Extenders/Cushions
Users complaining about the Tesla Model 3 Seats usually got immediate relief after purchasing and installing seat extenders.
Seat extenders and cushions remove discomfort by adding extra padding to the chair’s base and increasing length.
You can get high-quality car seat extenders today to increase your comfort while driving your Tesla Model 3.
What is the Best Car Seat for a Tesla Model 3?
The best seat for the Tesla Model 3 is the new generation seat, also known as Gen 2 seats.
Tesla frequently updates the interior design of their vehicles with every release, and their seats are not left behind.
Model 3 has two official generations of seats: generation one (Gen 1) and generation two (Gen 2). Notably, the latter is far better than the former.
So, let’s explore the features and properties of these seats.
#1. Gen 1 Seat
The Tesla Model 3 generation one or Gen 1 seats were the first ones with the Model 3.
If your Model 3 VIN is under 14xxxx thousand, your seats are probably Gen 1s. You can check the inside of your vehicle windshield to know your VIN.
Gen 1 seats had flatter and broader backrests that could be flattened completely for extra loading space.
The Gen 1 seats are not the worst by any shot, but they aren’t among the best because of some design flaws.
Gen 1 seats are mostly flat with less contouring, which can be a problem for bigger occupants.
The lack of contouring doesn’t provide adequate side support while driving, making it riskier to move left and right while steering.
Thankfully, Tesla listened to all the complaints about the Gen 1 seats on the Model 3, then redesigned and released the Gen 2 with their recent models.
#2. Gen 2 Seats
The slope and contouring are among the biggest changes to the Tesla Model 3 Gen 2 seats.
Gen 1 seats had more centralized slope lines and a flatter backrest, but Tesla upgraded the Gen 2 seats with multiple slope lines and more cushioning.
The Gen 2 seats have good thigh support, and it has padding that is higher than previous generations.
Better contouring of the seat allows users to fit snugly into the seat, with both sides hugging and leaving you in the center.
There is also less driver sway when taking high-speed turns and sharp corners, which is a big plus and an upgrade from the previous versions.
If you are not sure what generation of seat your model 3 has, you can check your vehicle VIN, and if it starts with either 14xxx or 15xxxx upwards, it is a Gen 2.
You can also take your Tesla to your dealer and request a seat upgrade if you are unhappy with your Gen 1 seat. However, it will cost you a few hundred or thousand dollars.
The table below compares the Tesla Model 3 Gen 1 and 2 seats.
| Gen 1 Seat | Gen 2 Seats |
|---|---|
| Flat contours on the seat. | Angled contours |
| Average padding. | It has robust padding, which increases comfort. |
| Flatter slope on the seat. | +Y inclined seats for better drivability. |
| Good customization support. | Full customization support. |
| Average driver and passenger body support. | Inclined contours provide outstanding support. |
Which Tesla Model Has the Most Comfortable Seats?
Over the years, Tesla has released multiple generations of seats for the Model S,3, and X, but the model with the most comfortable seat is the Tesla Model S, equipped with Gen 4 seats.
The first-generation model S seats did not have enough padding and weren’t suitable for long rides, but they improved these problems in subsequent generations.
With over 4 generations of seats, the Model S is the most customized and improved Tesla model today.
Unlike other models, the Model S’s front seats are breathable, so you can enjoy rides in hot weather without soaking your clothes with sweat.
You also get the best bolstering that prevents you from sliding around while cornering.
If you are also a fan of premium features, you will be glad to hear that the model S has heated seats, and you don’t have to pay a subscription to access it, unlike some other manufacturers.
The initial generations of Model S seats didn’t possess the advanced features available today.
So, let’s assess the various upgrades and changes in the 4 generations of Tesla Model S seats.
#1. Gen 1
- A short headrest allows for better rear visibility.
- Lighter padding that supports a variety of body types.
#2. Gen 2
- Thicker padding to prevent body movement from sharp turns and acceleration.
- Taller headrests that are nice looking but impede the driver’s view of the rear.
- It has an angled headrest which is okay for short and average drivers but uncomfortable for taller ones.
#3. Gen 3
- The angle of inclination of the headrest is lower, and its height is smaller.
- Some versions of the rear seats had thick bolsters with pronounced outlines.
- It had a more sporty look compared to the two previous generations.
- It has the best hugging capacity of all the seat generations.
#4. Gen 4
- Due to complaints about the Gen 3 Seats being uncomfortable for some body types, Tesla reduced the side bolsters.
- Gen 4 seats are thinner and allow for better legroom for both front and rear users.
- Its angles are less harsh and provide comfort on long drives.
From the points above, you can see that the Gen 3 and 4 seats of the Model S offer unique advantages.
The Gen 3 seats provide a more aggressive and sporty look and cushioning, while the Gen 4 seats are a hybrid of the Gen 2 and Gen 3 seats.
If you race and drive your Model S hard, you are better off getting one with a Gen 3 seat due to its rigidity and superior anti-slide properties.
However, long-distance drivers looking for comfort should opt for the newest Gen 4 seats.
