I have experienced numerous versions of Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) in my 2019 Model 3 with Hardware 3 (HW3) for almost seven years, up to FSD V12. Elon Musk promised every year that all Tesla owners with HW3 would see Level 4 autonomous driving—but reality was different: HW3 reached its limits. Now, after two weeks with a 2026 Model Y equipped with Hardware 4 (HW4) and the latest FSD V14, I can say: The leap is enormous.
First Impressions: HW4 vs. HW3
The most obvious difference lies in the hardware. HW4 offers higher computing power, improved cameras, and better sensor data processing. While HW3 often hesitated in complex urban traffic scenarios, HW4 feels more confident and smoother.
FSD V14: The Software That HW4 Needs
FSD V14 is the first version specifically optimized for HW4. The differences from V12 on HW3 are significant:
- Smoother cornering: The system now holds its lane even in tight curves without jerky steering corrections.
- Better pedestrian detection: In a test drive, the system avoided a dummy at 72 km/h—a reaction that Tesla calls "superhuman."
- Improved traffic light and stop sign recognition: No more unnecessary stops at roundabouts or green lights.
Comparison Table: HW3 vs. HW4
Real-World Experience
In urban mixed traffic, HW4 shows its superiority. Here is an example from my test drive:
However, the system now handles routine maneuvers like lane changes on highways, turning at intersections, and merging onto main roads almost perfectly. The improved neural network architecture of V14 also detects unusual obstacles like trash cans or animals more reliably.
Links to Related Articles
- First Tesla Data on FSD Supervised in Netherlands Shows Safety Improvement
- Tesla FSD Avoids Dummy at 72 km/h
- Tesla FSD Supervised Launched in Belgium
Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
If you still own an HW3 vehicle, you should seriously consider upgrading to an HW4 model. The improvement