2026 Tesla Model S Test Drive Review: What’s New and Is It Worth the Price?
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! I’m thrilled to bring you our first test drive review of the 2026 Tesla Model S. If you’ve been scouring YouTube for Model S reviews, you might have noticed there’s not much out there yet. Tesla didn’t send this one out to the usual suspects for reviews, but thanks to Nick, we’ve got a detailed written review and some exciting insights to share. Let’s dive into what’s new with the 2026 Model S, how it drives, and whether it’s worth the price bump over older models.
A Familiar Model S with Subtle Upgrades
At first glance, the 2026 Model S is pretty much the same car we know and love, but Tesla has added a few nice touches to bring it in line with the rest of their fleet. There’s a noticeable improvement in ride quality and cabin quietness, which are always welcome changes for a luxury EV like this. However, if you’re expecting a dramatic overhaul, you might be a little disappointed—unless we’re talking about the Plaid variant, which could be a different story altogether.
Speaking of Tesla, I happened to be at a Tesla Supercharger recently where they had two models available for test drives: the new Model Y Juniper and the Model S Long Range. I’m curious to see if they’ll bring out the Plaid for test drives as well, but for now, let’s focus on the Long Range updates.
Key Updates and Features in the 2026 Model S
Here’s a rundown of the new features and improvements Nick noted during the test drive:
- Blind Spot Indicator: Now located on the steering column for better visibility.
- Front Bumper Camera with Washer: A handy addition for parking and tight maneuvers.
- Driving Dynamics Indicator: Displays your driving mode (Chill, Standard, or Hurry) for quick reference.
- Cabin Video at Highway Speeds: Integrated into the front dash area, allowing you to monitor the left and right sides of the vehicle.
- Cabin Noise Reduction: Nick reports the cabin is noticeably quieter—about 20% quieter compared to the 2021 Model S (though this wasn’t measured with a meter).
- Improved Suspension: The ride is significantly smoother with less vibration reaching the cabin. Expansion joints, bolts, and dots are far less jarring, with Nick estimating a 30% comfort increase. This mirrors the jump in comfort from a legacy Model 3 to the Highland Model 3, which I’d personally rate between 30-50%.
- Suspension Noise: While there’s some new suspension noise, it’s minimal. The loud air spring noise from large bumps in previous Model S versions is completely gone.
The Not-So-Great: Persistent Interior Rattles
Unfortunately, not everything is perfect with the 2026 Model S. One of the bigger disappointments is the interior rattles, which remain largely unchanged from older models. Nick points out that all the usual suspects are still present, including:
- Rear seat latches with poor tolerance.
- Resonance in the center console.
- The same glove box door setup.
- The same front speaker grills.
For a supposed “refresh,” this feels more like a minor update with a front bumper camera add-on rather than a comprehensive revamp. If you were hoping for a completely rattle-free cabin, you might need to temper your expectations.
Is the 2026 Model S Worth the Price Increase?
In summary, if you’re looking for the familiar Model S with a bit more comfort, less road noise, and the latest features like the bumper camera and blind spot indicators, the 2026 version might be for you. Check out the interior shots and photos Nick provided for a closer look (linked below).
However, here’s the big question: Is it worth the $10,000 to $12,000 price increase over the previous version? I’m not so sure. Especially when you consider how much Model S (and Model X, and even Cybertruck) prices have crashed in the used market. You can likely snag a 2022 or 2023 Model S for nearly half the price of a new one, given how much Tesla has hiked the cost of new models.
If I had to recommend a variant, I’d lean toward the Plaid Model S. It seems to have more substantial exterior styling changes compared to the rest of the lineup. I’m on the hunt for a Plaid to test drive myself, so stay tuned for that!
Bonus: Tesla Model X Plaid in Frost Blue Metallic
Nick also shared a photo thread of a Model X Plaid in the stunning Frost Blue Metallic color. If you’re into eye-catching EVs, you’ll want to check those photos out as well.
Must-Have Tesla Accessories from Jowua
Now that you’ve bought your Tesla (or are about to), did you know it comes with zero accessories? Not even a phone mount! Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered with some must-have accessories for every Tesla owner. Here are a few of my favorites from our partner, Jowua:
- Phone Mount: Keeps your phone secure during those quick accelerations.
- Center Console Organizer: Prevents you from losing small items in the abyss.
- Invisible Underscreen Station Mount: Perfect for storing sunglasses or other essentials.
I personally use all of Jowua’s products, so I can vouch for their quality. Plus, they offer more than just the basics—think wireless game controllers that fit in the glove box, portable air compressors for long road trips, and even electric scooters to save you the walk from Superchargers or Level 2 chargers.
Use our promo code in the description below to save money and support the channel. Orders over $120 also get free shipping, so definitely check out the link below. A big thanks to Jowua for partnering with us!
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Tesla Model S brings some welcome improvements in comfort and cabin quietness, along with a few modern features to keep it competitive with the rest of Tesla’s lineup. However, persistent interior rattles and a significant price increase make me question whether it’s the best value for your money—especially with used Model S prices being so attractive right now.
What do you think? Are the updates enough to justify the cost, or would you stick with a discounted older model? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more Tesla content. Until next time, this is DennisCW signing off!
Stay charged, friends!
Note: Links to interior shots, photo threads, and Jowua accessories are in the video description on my YouTube channel.
Dennis CW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.