Minnesota Driver Praises Tesla Model 3 RWD as Best Value Amidst Online Debate

A Minnesota Tesla enthusiast is making waves online by advocating for his 2025 Model 3 Highland Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) as the premier choice in the Tesla lineup, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and the advantages of the latest refresh. This perspective, however, has ignited a lively discussion among fellow Tesla aficionados, particularly concerning the RWD model's performance capabilities compared to its all-wheel-drive (AWD) counterparts.
Minnesota Owner Defends Model 3 RWD Amidst Performance Debate
In a recent TikTok video posted on October 1st, a Tesla owner from Minnesota, identified as @saintzabi.live, passionately argued that his 2025 Model 3 RWD Highland represents the best investment from Tesla. He highlighted its accessible price point, asserting that it performs on par with the more expensive AWD versions and benefits from exclusive upgrades introduced in the 2024-2025 Highland refresh. The video quickly gained traction, accumulating over 26,300 views by Friday.
The owner's primary contention is that his RWD model is \"literally the cheapest car you can get from Tesla,\" a statement that holds true since Tesla discontinued the even more budget-friendly \"Standard Range\" Model 3 in late 2024. Currently, the RWD Highland model starts at approximately $42,490, excluding destination charges, making it significantly more affordable than the Long Range and Performance variants.
However, the owner's claim about RWD performance matching AWD models has met with skepticism. He stated in his video, \"The reason why I didn't get the All-Wheel Drive is because they perform the exact same,\" even recounting an experience driving through a severe Minnesota snowstorm where his Tesla outperformed his Honda Accord. Yet, many commenters swiftly pointed out that the AWD version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.0 seconds, nearly a full second faster than the RWD's 4.9 seconds. Beyond acceleration, the dual-motor AWD system offers superior traction and control in adverse weather conditions, challenging the notion of identical performance.
Regarding the Performance specification, the Minnesota owner acknowledged its higher cost but suggested its extreme speed might be unnecessary for most drivers. He shared an anecdote from a friend, stating, \"His guy's car is so fast. It's so fast that you don't even need it.\" While the Performance model undeniably offers greater speed and a higher price tag, the value proposition remains a subjective decision based on individual preferences.
A key aspect of the owner's argument in favor of the 2024 and 2025 Model 3s, often referred to as \"Highland\" models, is the comprehensive design overhaul they received. These updates include sleeker headlights, revised taillights, a noticeably quieter cabin, an upgraded suspension system, and a redesigned interior featuring touch controls that replace traditional steering column stalks. These enhancements are exclusive to newer models, differentiating them significantly from earlier 2022 or 2023 versions.
This ongoing online debate underscores the varied perceptions and priorities among Tesla owners, particularly concerning the balance between price, performance, and the latest technological advancements.
This discussion highlights the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, where consumers weigh cost-effectiveness against performance and advanced features. The Minnesota owner's video, despite its contentious claims, sparks an important dialogue about what constitutes the 'best buy' in the rapidly changing EV market. It reminds us that personal experiences and priorities play a significant role in vehicle satisfaction, even as objective performance metrics are readily available for comparison.