Imagine you’re merging onto I-94, heading from downtown St. Paul toward Minneapolis. The traffic is typical—a rhythmic crawl of commuters and the low hum of tires on pavement. In a standard car, this is where you’d crank the volume to drown out the world. But in a Tesla, the experience is different. It’s a mobile sanctuary.
At Frontier Tesla, we’ve spent thousands of hours behind the wheel of every iteration of the Model 3. We’ve picked up guests at our downtown hubs and watched their faces light up when they realize that "renting a car" can actually mean "upgrading your lifestyle" for a weekend. But lately, one question dominates our inbox: "Is the audio in the new Model 3 Highland actually better, or is it just marketing hype?"
If you’re an audiophile—or just someone who values a crisp podcast during a 45-minute slog on 35W—the answer matters. We’re diving deep into the Tesla Model 3 vs Model 3 Highland audio debate to help you decide which Twin Cities rental deserves your playlist.
The Hardware Evolution: From 14 to 17 Speakers
To understand why the Highland (the 2024+ refresh) sounds different, we have to look at the "Legacy" Model 3. For years, the Model 3 Premium Audio system was widely considered the best factory sound system in any car under $100,000. It featured 14 speakers, one subwoofer, and two amplifiers. It was punchy, clear, and immersive.
Then came the Highland.
Tesla didn't just tweak the EQ; they re-engineered the environment. The new Model 3 Highland Premium Audio system boasts 17 speakers, including two subwoofers and two amplifiers. But more speakers don't always mean better sound. In this case, however, the placement is the secret sauce. Tesla moved the speakers to better align with the human ear, particularly the up-firing speakers in the pillars that create that "spatial" feel.
Is the Audio in the New Model 3 Highland Better Than the Previous Version?
The short answer is a resounding yes. According to internal testing and early 2024 reviews from acoustic engineers, the Highland update provides a more balanced frequency response across the spectrum.
Here is why the Highland wins:
- Dual Subwoofers: While the legacy model had one powerful sub in the trunk, the Highland uses two. This creates a more "omnipresent" bass. You don't just hear the kick drum; you feel it in the seat without it being muddy or overwhelming.
- Improved Tweeters: The high-end frequencies are crisper. If you’re listening to jazz or acoustic tracks, the "shimmer" of a cymbal is more distinct.
- Power Efficiency: The new amplifiers are more efficient, meaning they can maintain high fidelity at higher volumes without the distortion that sometimes crept into the older models at 90% volume.
The Silent Killer of Good Audio: Road Noise (NVH)
You could put $20,000 speakers in a cardboard box, and they’d still sound terrible. The same logic applies to cars. The biggest enemy of your "acoustic experience" isn't the speaker quality—it's the wind and tire noise.
This is where the Highland truly pulls ahead for Twin Cities drivers. St. Paul roads aren't always kind. Between the expansion joints on the Ford Bridge and the rougher pavement near the Capitol, road noise is a constant battle.
Tesla addressed this in the Highland update with 360-degree acoustic glass. In the older Model 3, acoustic glass was typically reserved for the windshield and sometimes the front side windows. In the Highland, every single piece of glass is double-paned. Furthermore, Tesla added more sound-dampening material in the wheel wells and doors. According to a 2024 report by Car and Driver, the Highland is significantly quieter at highway speeds than its predecessor, showing a 20% reduction in wind noise. When the cabin is quieter, the music doesn't have to fight for your attention.
Which Tesla Model 3 Should I Rent for the Best Acoustic Experience in St. Paul?
If you are booking through Frontier Tesla and your priority is the music, you should specifically look for the Model 3 Highland Long Range or Performance.
Here’s the catch: the "Standard Range" (Rear-Wheel Drive) models in both the legacy and Highland versions come with a "Partial Premium" audio system. This system disables several speakers and removes the dedicated subwoofers. While it still sounds better than a standard rental sedan, it’s not the "concert on wheels" experience we’re talking about here.
For the best acoustic experience in St. Paul, we recommend the Highland Long Range. Why? Because the Long Range includes the full 17-speaker array. When you’re cruising down Summit Avenue, the combination of the silent drivetrain and the immersive spatial audio makes you feel like the artist is sitting in the passenger seat.
Does the Highland Update Make a Difference for Twin Cities Commuters?
If your commute involves the "spaghetti junction" or the long haul from Woodbury to Minneapolis, the Highland update is a game-changer. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the fatigue.
High-frequency road noise—that constant hiss of tires on the freeway—actually contributes to driver fatigue. By lowering the noise floor of the cabin, the Highland makes your commute less draining. We’ve found that our guests who rent the Highland for business trips arrive at their meetings feeling more refreshed.
And let’s talk about phone calls. The Highland features improved microphones. If you’re taking a Zoom call (audio only, please!) while parked downtown or driving through the Lowry Hill Tunnel, the person on the other end will hear you much more clearly. The combination of better microphones and a quieter cabin makes the Model 3 Highland a superior mobile office.
Comparing the Specs: Legacy vs. Highland
| Feature | Legacy Model 3 (Premium) | Model 3 Highland (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Count | 14 | 17 |
| Subwoofers | 1 | 2 |
| Amplifiers | 1-2 | 2 |
| Acoustic Glass | Front Only (Mostly) | 360-Degree (All Windows) |
| Sound Processing | Tesla Custom DSP | Upgraded Spatial Audio DSP |
| Road Noise | Moderate | Low (20% reduction) |
The "Spatial Audio" Factor
Tesla has been aggressive with software updates, recently integrating native support for Apple Music’s Spatial Audio and Tidal’s Hi-Fi tracks. While the legacy Model 3 received these updates, the Highland hardware is better equipped to handle them.
Spatial audio relies on the "bounce" of sound off interior surfaces. The Highland’s interior uses more fabric and soft-touch materials on the dash and doors compared to the wood and plastic of the older version. These materials absorb unwanted echoes, allowing the DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to place sounds more accurately in the 3D space of the cabin. It’s the difference between hearing a song "in front of you" and feeling like you’re "inside the song."
Practical Advice for Your Next Frontier Tesla Rental
When you’re ready to experience this for yourself, here is how to get the most out of the Tesla Model 3 vs Model 3 Highland audio:
- Check the Version: When browsing our fleet, look for the "2024+" designation or the "Highland" tag.
- Use High-Quality Sources: Don't rely on basic Bluetooth. Use the built-in Tesla apps (Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music) to get the highest bit-rate. Bluetooth compresses the audio, which negates the benefits of those 17 speakers.
- Adjust the EQ: Tesla’s default EQ is quite flat. We recommend bumping the "Sub" and "Bass" sliders up by +1.5 and the "Immersive Sound" to "Standard" or "High" to really feel the Highland’s dual subwoofers.
- Pick Up Downtown: We make it easy. Pick up your car in downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis, and you’ll be on the freeway testing the acoustic glass within minutes.
Addressing Common Objections: Is it "Too Quiet"?
Some drivers tell us they actually prefer a bit of road noise—it helps them feel "connected" to the road. If that's you, the Highland might actually feel a bit eerie at first. It is remarkably isolated. However, we’ve found that after about 20 minutes, most skeptics are won over by the clarity of their music. You realize you haven't been "connecting" with the road; you've just been tolerating noise.
Key Takeaways for the Audiophile Renter
- The Highland is a major leap: It’s not just a minor refresh. The 17-speaker system and dual subs provide a richer, more physical bass response.
- Silence is the secret: The 360-degree acoustic glass is the real MVP, lowering the noise floor so the audio can shine.
- Rent the "Long Range": To get the premium audio, ensure you aren't booking the RWD "Standard" model.
- Perfect for the Twin Cities: The insulation makes a massive difference on Minnesota’s noisy, winter-worn freeways.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your Soundtrack for the North Star State
The legacy Model 3 is still a fantastic car with a sound system that beats almost anything in the traditional rental market. If you’re on a budget, you won't be disappointed. But if you want the absolute pinnacle of EV technology and acoustic engineering, the Highland is the clear winner.
At Frontier Tesla, we believe the journey should be as good as the destination. Whether you’re heading to a show at First Avenue or just exploring the Grand Avenue shops, the right soundtrack makes the drive. Book a Highland today at one of our downtown locations and hear the difference for yourself.
Sources
- Tesla Official Model 3 Specifications (2024) - Technical data on speaker counts and interior materials.
- Car and Driver: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland Review - Data on NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) and decibel testing.
- MotorTrend: Tesla Model 3 Audio Deep Dive - Analysis of the 17-speaker spatial audio system.
- Journal of Acoustic Engineering (2023 Study) - General principles of automotive acoustic glass and sound dampening.