Tesla is taking a step back, removing a key driver-assistance feature from its popular Model 3 and Model Y vehicles! You might be wondering what this means for your next Tesla purchase. Well, it seems the days of getting lane-centering technology as a standard part of the Autopilot package are over for these models.
When you configure a new Model 3 or Model Y on Tesla's website today, you'll notice that Autosteer, the feature that keeps your car centered in its lane, is no longer listed as a standard inclusion. Instead, the final order page will only show Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC), which manages acceleration and braking based on surrounding traffic, along with a 30-day trial of Full Self-Driving (FSD).
But here's where it gets a little murky... While the configurator paints one picture, if you delve into the vehicle feature comparison matrix on Tesla's site, Autosteer is still listed as included for all trims except the Standard versions. This aligns with a change Tesla made back in October, when they first removed Autosteer from the more affordable Standard trims of the Model 3 and Model Y. For context, Autopilot traditionally comprises both TACC and Autosteer. So, without Autosteer, it's a bit like going back to a simpler time in car tech, where you're doing more of the steering yourself.
And this is the part most people miss... Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has chimed in on this development, not by directly addressing the removal of Autosteer, but by hinting at future price increases for Full Self-Driving. He stated that the cost of FSD will go up as its capabilities improve. This suggests that Tesla is strategically shifting its approach to how buyers access advanced driver-assistance features, leaning more towards a subscription model. In fact, FSD is slated to become subscription-only for $99 per month starting in February.
This move has already sparked considerable debate online. Many users on platforms like X and Reddit are expressing disappointment, with some calling the decision a step backward and even considering other car manufacturers. It's quite a contrast, especially when you consider that even some more budget-friendly vehicles, like the Toyota Corolla LE, are expected to offer lane-centering in their base trims by 2026.
Now, here's a point that could really get people talking: Some speculate that this change is a deliberate strategy to boost Tesla's take-rate for FSD. Reports from those who attended Tesla's Model Y Standard launch event suggest that Tesla employees indicated a desire to guide more buyers toward the FSD package. Could it be that by removing a popular feature like Autosteer from the standard offering, Tesla is nudging customers towards paying for the more advanced FSD capabilities? Furthermore, with Elon Musk's performance award tied to achieving a certain number of FSD subscriptions and vehicle deliveries, this strategy could be a way to drive demand for FSD, making it a more exclusive, paid feature.
What do you think about Tesla's decision to remove Autosteer from the Model 3 and Model Y configurator? Do you see it as a necessary step towards a subscription-based future for FSD, or a disappointing rollback of features? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
