Imagine you’ve just landed at O’Hare, the Chicago wind is whipping across the tarmac, and you’re looking for a ride that doesn’t just get you to your hotel in River North but actually enhances the experience. You’ve decided on a Tesla. It’s the logical choice for a city that’s increasingly EV-friendly. But as you browse the Frontier Tesla fleet, you hit a fork in the road. Should you go with the Base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or spring for the Long Range with the "Premium" interior?
It’s a common dilemma. Many of our clients ask if the "Base" model feels like a compromise. Others wonder if the extra cost for a "Premium" trim is just marketing fluff. Here’s the thing: while both cars look nearly identical from the outside, the cabin experience varies in ways that can make or break a long weekend in the Windy City.
In this guide, we’re going deep into the Tesla Model 3 interior features rental options. We’ll break down the materials, the tech, and the specific hardware you’ll find in our Chicago-based fleet. By the end, you’ll know exactly which configuration fits your itinerary.
Does the Base Model 3 Rental Include the Glass Roof?
One of the most frequent questions we get at our downtown pickup locations is about the "view from the top." People see those stunning photos of the Chicago skyline through a transparent ceiling and worry that the entry-level model skips this feature.
The short answer? Yes. Every Tesla Model 3 in our rental fleet, including the base Rear-Wheel Drive model, comes standard with the full tinted glass roof.
Tesla didn't gatekeep this feature behind a higher price tag. Whether you’re driving the base model or the top-tier Performance trim, you get that expansive, open-air feeling. The glass is heavily tinted and infrared-protected. According to Tesla’s 2024 specifications, the roof blocks 99% of UV rays. This is crucial during a humid Chicago July when the sun is beating down on Lake Shore Drive. You get the view without the greenhouse heat.
I’ve found that for many renters, the glass roof is the "wow" factor that justifies the switch from a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car. It makes the cabin feel significantly larger than it actually is. If you’re stuck in traffic on the Kennedy Expressway, looking up at the skyscrapers through the roof makes the delay a lot more tolerable.
Understanding the "Partial Premium" vs. "Full Premium" Divide
To choose the right rental, you need to understand Tesla’s naming conventions. For several years, Tesla divided the Model 3 interiors into "Partial Premium" (found on the Base/RWD models) and "Premium" (found on Long Range and Performance models).
While the layout is identical, the "Full Premium" package adds a layer of luxury that frequent travelers appreciate. Here’s what changes when you step up:
- Audio System: This is the biggest differentiator. The Full Premium interior features a 13-speaker system with a dedicated subwoofer and two amps. The Partial Premium (Base) uses an 8-speaker setup with no subwoofer.
- Floor Mats: Believe it or not, the base model from the factory often doesn't include carpeted floor mats. At Frontier Tesla, we provide them for all rentals, but in a standard retail environment, this was a "Premium" perk.
- Ambient Lighting: The Full Premium interior includes footwell lights and door pocket lighting that the Base model lacks.
- Rear Heated Seats: In older base models, the rear seats were physically capable of heating but were software-locked. In our newer Chicago fleet, we ensure these features are active, but it’s a point of distinction in the broader market.
Seat Material Showdown: Premium vs. Partial Premium
When you’re sitting in a car for three hours exploring the suburbs or driving out to the Botanic Garden, seat comfort is everything. This brings us to a point of confusion: what is the difference in seat material between the premium and partial premium trims?
Actually, the material itself is identical. Both the Partial Premium and Full Premium interiors use Tesla’s proprietary "100% Vegan" synthetic leather.
Tesla moved away from real leather years ago to improve sustainability and durability. What we’ve learned from managing a high-turnover rental fleet is that this material is incredibly resilient. It’s softer than most automotive vinyl but tougher than genuine leather. It doesn't crack as easily in the freezing Chicago winters, and it’s remarkably easy to wipe down if you spill a bit of Intelligentsia coffee.
The "Premium" distinction in the seating isn't about the fabric—it’s about the functionality. In a Full Premium interior, you are guaranteed heated seats in both the front and the back, along with a heated steering wheel. In some older "Partial Premium" base models, the rear heating was an optional paid upgrade. At Frontier Tesla, we prioritize the "Cold Weather Feature" package for our Chicago rentals because, let’s face it, a Tesla without a heated steering wheel in January is a tough sell.
The Tech Heart: AMD Ryzen in the Windy City
If you’re a tech enthusiast, this is the section you’ve been waiting for. A common question from our more informed clients is: Do all Chicago rentals come with the latest AMD Ryzen infotainment processor?
The answer depends on the "birth date" of the car. In late 2021 and early 2022, Tesla transitioned from the Intel Atom processor to the much more powerful AMD Ryzen chip for the MCU (Media Control Unit).
The difference is night and day. The Ryzen chip allows the 15-inch center touchscreen to respond with the fluidity of a modern iPad Pro. Maps zoom instantly. Netflix and YouTube (available while parked at a Supercharger) load in seconds rather than minutes.
At Frontier Tesla, we have aggressively updated our Chicago inventory. Over 90% of our Model 3 rentals in the city now feature the AMD Ryzen processor. If you are specifically looking for the fastest possible interface, we recommend requesting a 2022 or newer model during your booking process.
Why does this matter for a rental? Navigation. When you’re trying to navigate the complex multi-level streets of downtown Chicago (looking at you, Lower Wacker Drive), you need a map that doesn't lag. The Ryzen-powered units handle the rendering of 3D buildings and real-time traffic data with ease, ensuring you don't miss that critical turn.
Audio Performance: The 13-Speaker Experience
Let's talk about the soundtrack to your trip. If you’re a music lover, the Tesla Model 3 interior features rental choice becomes very simple: you want the Full Premium interior.
The 13-speaker system in the Long Range and Performance models is widely considered one of the best factory audio systems in any car under $100,000. It includes:
- One subwoofer in the trunk for deep, punchy bass.
- Two amplifiers for high-fidelity sound.
- Immersive sound settings that create a wide soundstage.
The Base model’s 8-speaker system is "fine." It’s better than the base system in a Toyota Camry or a Ford Fusion. But it lacks the "thump" and the clarity at high volumes. If you’re planning a road trip from Chicago to Galena or down to Springfield, the Full Premium audio system makes the miles fly by. It turns the car into a mobile concert hall.
Winter Readiness: Heated Everything
Chicago is famous for its "Chiberia" moments. When the temperature drops below zero, the interior features of your rental become a matter of survival—or at least, extreme comfort.
In the Full Premium interior, the "All Black" or "Black and White" cabin is equipped with a heat pump (in models 2021 and newer). This is a game-changer for efficiency. Older EVs used resistive heating, which drained the battery rapidly in the cold. The heat pump is much more efficient, meaning you can keep the cabin at a toasty 72 degrees without watching your range vanish.
Furthermore, the Full Premium interior includes:
- Heated Front Seats: Standard.
- Heated Rear Seats: Standard.
- Heated Steering Wheel: Standard.
- Heated Side Mirrors: Standard.
When you pick up your car from our downtown Chicago location, we often have the "Defrost" mode running via the app before you arrive. You’ll walk into a warm cabin with a clear windshield, regardless of the snow outside.
The Minimalist Aesthetic: Love it or Hate it?
Regardless of the trim, the Model 3 interior is an exercise in minimalism. There are no buttons. No knobs. No traditional air vents.
Everything is controlled via the 15-inch touchscreen. This can be polarizing. I’ve found that it takes about 15 minutes of "playtime" for most renters to get comfortable. The air direction is adjusted by dragging your fingers across a digital representation of the airflow on the screen. It feels like something out of a sci-fi movie.
The "Base" and "Premium" models both feature the same minimalist dash, usually accented with a wood grain strip (in the Black interior) or a sleek white strip (in the White interior). The wood is real open-pore walnut, which adds a touch of organic warmth to the high-tech cabin.
Visibility and Safety: Navigating Lake Shore Drive
Driving in Chicago requires high situational awareness. The Model 3’s interior design aids this through its low cowl and expansive glass.
Because there is no engine in the front, the dashboard is lower than in a traditional car. This gives you a commanding view of the road. In our Chicago fleet, every rental includes the "Autopilot" suite of cameras. While you’re driving, the center screen displays a real-time visualization of the cars, pedestrians, and cyclists around you.
This interior feature is a massive safety boost in a city with heavy pedestrian traffic like Chicago. It’s like having a second pair of eyes that never gets tired of looking for delivery drivers or scooters.
Storage Solutions for the Urban Explorer
One often overlooked interior feature is the storage. The Model 3 is a masterclass in space management.
- The Center Console: The latest 2021+ refresh features a massive center console with two wireless phone chargers and a deep storage bin.
- The Frunk: Since there’s no engine, you have a "front trunk." It’s perfect for a small carry-on or grocery bags from the Whole Foods in West Loop.
- The Sub-Trunk: Under the floor of the main trunk, there’s another deep well of space.
If you’re renting for a family of four, the Model 3 can handle more luggage than most mid-sized sedans. We’ve seen people fit an entire week’s worth of gear into these cars without breaking a sweat.
Key Takeaways for Chicago Renters
Choosing between the Base and Premium interior comes down to your priorities.
| Feature | Base (Partial Premium) | Long Range/Performance (Full Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Roof | Included | Included |
| Seat Material | Vegan Leather | Vegan Leather |
| Audio | 8 Speakers | 13 Speakers + Subwoofer |
| Processor | Intel (Older) / Ryzen (Newer) | Ryzen (Standard on 2022+) |
| Rear Heated Seats | Optional/Software Locked | Included |
| Ambient Lighting | Basic | Full Footwell/Door Lighting |
Choose the Base Model if: You’re doing short city hops, you’re on a budget, and you don't mind a "good" rather than "incredible" sound system. You still get the glass roof and the same comfortable seats.
Choose the Premium Model if: You’re a music lover, you have passengers in the back who will appreciate heated seats, or you’re planning longer drives where the extra range and faster Ryzen processor make the experience smoother.
FAQ: Your Tesla Rental Questions Answered
Q: Can I pick up my Tesla downtown? A: Absolutely. Frontier Tesla specializes in downtown pickups. We can have your car waiting near the Loop or River North, so you don't have to trek back to the airport.
Q: Is the white interior harder to keep clean? A: It looks intimidating, but Tesla’s vegan leather is incredibly stain-resistant. We’ve had people spill soda on the white seats, and it wipes right off. That said, the black interior is the "classic" choice for a reason.
Q: Do I need to bring my own charging cables? A: We provide everything you need. However, most of our Chicago renters find that they rarely need a wall outlet. The city is packed with Superchargers, including several downtown locations where you can get a full charge in about 30 minutes.
Q: Does the rental include Full Self-Driving (FSD)? A: Many of our Chicago units are FSD-capable. This allows the car to navigate city streets, stop at traffic lights, and handle lane changes. Check the specific listing when booking to ensure FSD is active on your chosen vehicle.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Chicago Experience
Renting a Tesla in Chicago isn't just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about experiencing the future of transportation in one of the world’s greatest cities. Whether you choose the Base model with its stunning glass roof or the Full Premium trim with its concert-grade audio, you’re in for a treat.
The Tesla Model 3 interior features rental options at Frontier Tesla are designed to cater to every type of traveler. From the minimalist dash to the lightning-fast Ryzen processor, every detail is engineered to make your drive more enjoyable.
Ready to see the Chicago skyline through a glass roof? Book your self-driving-capable Tesla today and pick it up downtown. Your Windy City adventure deserves a ride that’s as iconic as the city itself.
Sources:
- Tesla Model 3 Official Specifications - Details on glass roof UV protection and audio hardware.
- 2024 EV Reliability Study - Insights into the durability of vegan leather and synthetic materials.
- AMD Ryzen vs. Intel Atom in Tesla MCU - Technical breakdown of processor performance in Tesla vehicles.