How to Upgrade Your Tesla Model 3 Sound System

Upgrade your Tesla Model 3 audio system by opting for the Long Range or Performance trims, or investing in compatible aftermarket upgrades.
Written by David Ghanizadeh-Khoob
Edited by Pat Roache
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The Tesla Model 3’s Long Range and Performance trims each feature an upgraded 15-speaker premium sound system package. Model 3 owners can invest in aftermarket equipment to get a completely customized car audio experience.
  • The base Tesla Model 3 comes with a standard eight-speaker audio package, while the Model 3 Long Range and Performance trim levels include a premium 15-speaker package.
  • You can improve your Tesla’s sound system by adding aftermarket speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers, but they may strain your electric car’s battery.
  • Aftermarket audio upgrades should be installed by a professional automotive mechanic who is familiar with Tesla vehicle electronics.

Tesla Model 3 sound system

The sound system in your Tesla Model 3 depends on your trim level:
Sound system
Description
Trim levels
Tesla Model 3 RWD standard audio (2017-present)
Eight speakers including a woofer in each of the front doors, a mid-range driver in each of the rear doors, three mid-range drivers in the front dash, and one tweeter in the center of the dash
Base
Tesla Model 3 AWD premium audio (2017-present)
15 speakers with all of those mentioned above plus a tweeter by each of the side mirrors, two mid-range drivers in the headliners, two speakers on the rear parcel shelf, and a subwoofer in the trunk
Long Range, 
Performance
The Model 3 premium sound system was improved in 2021 with the addition of “Immersive Sound” audio engineering for a three-dimensional surround sound experience. Comparatively, the current base model has “Limited Immersive Sound”.
Expert review: The base sound system is pretty exceptional compared to most factory set-ups, but it definitely has room for improvement. Adding a better speaker system, subwoofer, or amplifier can
boost the audio experience
in your Tesla, especially if you own one of the older models.

What to consider before upgrading your Tesla Model 3 sound system

Before you buy aftermarket upgrades for a Tesla Model 3 sound system, consider the limitation on what you can (or should) install:
  • Power demand: Increasing your sound system’s power will add strain to your electric vehicle’s battery, potentially reducing your
    Model 3’s driving range
    .
  • Speaker options: The center dash speakers and headliner speakers in your Model 3 cannot be replaced without damaging your Tesla, while others like the door speakers and parcel shelf speakers are incredibly difficult to access.

Aftermarket speaker upgrades for a Tesla Model 3

Upgrading your speakers is the simplest way to get better sound quality in your Model 3. We recommend starting with the following speaker locations—especially if you plan on doing the installation yourself:
Speaker location
Upgrade
Recommendation
Front door woofers
Two 8” woofers—4-ohm, 80W each
Alpine S-S65C
($139.95)
Corner dash drivers
Two 4” mid-range drivers—3-ohm, 33W each
Front door tweeters
Two 1” tweeters—4-ohm, 25W each
It’s up to you whether you shop for coaxial speakers (which are typically cheaper) or component speakers (which usually deliver a clearer sound quality).
Keep in mind: Most aftermarket speakers will require you to splice or solder speaker connectors to connect them to the harness in your Tesla. You may want to hire a professional if you aren’t prepared for some disassembly, wiring, and small modifications to the speakers’ housings.

Aftermarket subwoofer upgrades

The premium Tesla sound system comes with a dual voice coil subwoofer at 2x4-ohm and 2x80W mounted in an enclosure in the trunk, while the standard sound system (in the Model 3’s base trim level) does not.
Proceed with caution: Adding a big subwoofer box to your Model 3 is not recommended because of the power draw. Your best bet is to replace the factory subwoofer or add a smaller sub if your model didn’t come with one. 
Here are a few aftermarket subwoofer options to consider:
The base package has plenty of space to add a sub, but you will have to do some fairly complex wiring to hook it up.
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