Tesla helped kick off the EV wave with successful vehicles like the Model S, Model 3, Model Y, and Model X. While there is an onslaught of new and upcoming electric cars from competitors, Tesla is still the dominant electric vehicle automaker. Let’s see what Elon Musk and Tesla have in store for the 2022 Tesla model lineup. Are there any surprises for the new models?

2022 Tesla technology changes for model lineup: Over-the-air updates and Tesla mobile app

For the 2022 model year, Tesla has some changes on the technology front, as detailed by J.D. Power. The automaker continuously provides over-the-air updates. This includes updates for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The FSD is controversial not only for its deceptive name but also for how drivers misuse it, resulting in fatal accidents. One of the updates for FSD is to enable it to record video if a Tesla car gets into a collision. 

Another technology upgrade is the Tesla mobile app. This includes waypoints for the navigation system, as well as the addition of the Tidal streaming music app. 

Beyond the technology changes, all 2022 Tesla models will likely have new paint color options, including Abyss Blue Multicoat, Mercury Silver Metallic, and Deep Crimson Multicoat. These added paint colors are notable, for Tesla models typically have a limited number of color options.

Now, let’s look at the changes for specific 2022 Tesla models.

What are the changes for the 2022 Tesla Model 3?

For a new 2022 Tesla Model 3 compact sedan, electric vehicle buyers have a choice of three trims: dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) Long Range and Performance trims, and a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Base trim level. The driving range of the Base and Long Range trims might have a slight increase. Currently, Tesla lists a driving range of 272 miles and 358 miles for these trims, respectively.

What are the changes for the 2022 Tesla Model S?

The Tesla Model S flagship luxury sedan has a simplified trim lineup for the 2022 model year. Electric car buyers have two trim options for a new 2022 Model S: a dual-motor Base trim and a three-motor Plaid trim. With the available 19-inch wheels, the 2022 Model S Base trim provides a driving range of 405 miles, which is the same as the 2021 Model S Long Range trim. Also, the 2022 Model S Plaid features an all-new computer similar to the one already utilized in the Model 3 and Model Y. 

What’s new for the 2022 Tesla Model Y?

For the 2022 model year, Tesla offers two trims for the Model Y compact crossover SUV: Long Range and Performance trims. Both of these trims have a dual-motor AWD system. In the United States, the automaker will discontinue the Model Y RWD Standard Range trim. Also, the driving range of the 2022 Model Y Long Range might slightly decrease. Tesla currently lists it as 318 miles.

What’s new for the 2022 Tesla Model X?

For a new 2022 Tesla Model X midsize crossover SUV, electric vehicle buyers have a choice of two AWD trims: a dual-motor Base trim and a three-motor Plaid trim. For Model X vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels, the driving range increases. Tesla currently lists it as 351 miles. Also, like the 2022 Model S Plaid, the 2022 Model X Plaid adds the same computer as the one in the Model 3 and Model Y.

Will the Tesla Cybertruck be released in 2022?

The most anticipated news from Tesla is when it will release the Tesla Cybertruck. It’s still a mystery, for the automaker keeps pushing back the release date of the Cybertruck. Elon Musk stated that the production of the Cybertruck will begin at the end of 2022. However, given the numerous delays already, that is not a guarantee.

As you can see, there are not many big surprises for the 2022 Tesla model lineup. The most significant changes are on the technology front, with new features for the Tesla mobile app, as well as over-the-air-dates for the controversial Full Self-Driving system.

Stay tuned for any new information from the world of Elon Musk and Tesla.