Best Tesla Model 3 Floor Mats: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide (2024 Highland)

Model 3 Highland (2024) Floor Mat Buying Guide

This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from materials and fit to maintenance and extra features.

Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a busy parent, or simply someone who values a clean car, we’ll help you find the perfect floor mats to match your lifestyle and keep your Highland looking its best.

Material Matters: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Tesla Model 3 Highland Lifestyle

The floor mats you choose for your Model 3 Highland are more than just accessories; they’re a defence against the elements and the wear and tear of daily use. Selecting the right material is crucial, as it directly impacts comfort, noise levels, and ease of maintenance.

TPE Model 3 Floor Mats (Thermoplastic Elastomer): The Premium Choice

Often hailed as the top choice for car floor mats, TPE strikes a balance between comfort and functionality. It’s a soft, rubber-like material that’s surprisingly durable, resisting scuffs, stains, and extreme temperatures. TPE mats are also typically waterproof, making them ideal for all-weather protection.

XPE Model 3 Floor Mats (Cross-linked Polyethylene Foam): The Lightweight Choice

XPE is a lightweight foam known for its cushioning. It’s closed-cell, meaning it won’t absorb water, making it a decent option for occasional spills. However, XPE is less durable than TPE and more prone to wear and tear over time.

Rubber Model 3 Floor Mats: The Classic Option

Traditional rubber mats are known for their ruggedness and all-weather capabilities. They can handle heavy-duty use and are easy to clean, making them a popular choice for those who frequently encounter mud, snow, or other harsh conditions.

Carpet Model 3 Floor Mats: The Luxurious Touch

Carpet mats offer a plush, upscale feel and can add a touch of luxury to your Model 3 Highland’s interior. They’re often treated for stain resistance and can provide decent protection against dry debris.

Which is the best material for Model 3 floor mats

Your Model 3 Highland will likely arrive with carpet mats. While these are fine for everyday use, cleaning them can be a hassle, especially if they frequently get wet.

For the best overall protection and ease of maintenance, we recommend either TPE or XPE all-weather mats. Choose XPE for a softer, more cushioned feel underfoot or TPE for unmatched durability and resilience. Both options will keep your Model 3 Highland’s floor clean and protected from the elements.

Precision Fit Floor Mats: A Non-Negotiable for Your Model 3 Highland

Let’s be real – those factory carpet mats your Model 3 Highland came with? They’re not going to cut it. Sure, they fit the contours of the floor, but they slide around like a hockey puck on ice. You don’t want your driver’s side mat creeping up under the brake pedal, do you? That’s a recipe for disaster.

Many Tesla Model 3 owners have reported a common issue with the original carpet mats, where the driver’s side footrest piece tends to come loose or slide around. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous distraction while driving. Here is a Reddit discussion on this issue.

Generic mats are even worse. Don’t even get me started on those. They’re a one-way ticket to a messy floor and a potential safety hazard. You need a mat that’s going to stay put no matter how hard you brake, accelerate or move around.

That’s where custom-fit TPE or XPE mats come in. These babies are like a second skin for your Model 3 Highland’s floor. They hug every nook and cranny, preventing any unwanted movement. Plus, they often come with anti-slip backing for a stable fit. Trust me, once you go custom-fit, you’ll never look back.

It’s crucial to note that the 2024 Tesla Model 3 refresh (Highland) has a slightly different interior design than the original Model 3. This means that floor mats designed for older models won’t fit perfectly in the Highland. To ensure a snug fit and optimal protection, be sure to purchase mats specifically designed for the 2024+ Model 3 Highland.

Remember, a floor mat is more than just a way to keep your carpet clean. It’s a safety feature. Don’t compromise on the fit. Go for custom TPE or XPE and drive confidently, knowing your mats won’t shift a mm.

Effortless Upkeep: Choose Floor Mats that are Easy to Keep Clean

Let’s face it: who has time for endless vacuuming and scrubbing? When choosing floor mats for your Model 3 Highland, prioritize those that are easy to clean and maintain. Your future self will thank you.

Those factory carpet mats that came with your car might look nice at first, but they’re notorious for trapping dirt, spills, and stains. Cleaning them can feel like a never-ending battle, especially if you live in a rainy climate (or Melbourne, where we have four seasons in a day).

Instead, consider opting for materials designed with practicality in mind. TPE and rubber mats are both excellent choices, as they repel water and grime. A quick rinse or wipe is usually all it takes to keep them looking their best. Taking them out while washing your car and hosing them down is all it takes.

XPE mats are also easy to clean, but remember that they’re a bit more delicate than their TPE or rubber counterparts. They’re a good option if you mainly encounter dry debris and light spills.

Floor Mats with Raised Edges: A Small Feature with a Big Impact

When spills happen in your Tesla Model 3 Highland (and let’s be honest, they will), you want a floor mat that acts as a fortress for your car’s carpet. That’s where raised edges come in. This seemingly minor detail can make a world of difference in protecting your interior from liquids and debris.

Imagine you’re rushing out the door with your morning coffee, only to accidentally knock it over as you slide into the driver’s seat. Without raised edges, that coffee would spill onto your carpet, leaving a stubborn stain and a lingering odour. But with a raised edge, that spill is contained within the mat, preventing it from seeping into the fibres of your car’s floor.

The same principle applies to other common spills like mud from those weekend adventures, rainwater tracked in on your shoes, or even your child’s spilled milk. The raised edge acts as a barrier, keeping those messes off your carpet and making cleanup a breeze.

When choosing your Tesla Model 3 Highland floor mats, prioritize those with a pronounced lip or raised edge like the Novark Mat Set. This feature is especially crucial for the driver’s side mat, as it’s the most prone to spills and wear and tear. Look for mats with edges that extend at least half an inch above the floor to ensure maximum protection.

Don’t underestimate the power of this simple feature. Raised edges offer invaluable peace of mind, knowing that your car’s interior is safeguarded against unexpected spills and messes common to the Australian climate and lifestyle.

Full Set vs. Partial Set: Which Floor Mat Combo is Right for You?

When shopping for Tesla Model 3 Highland floor mats, don’t just consider the material; think about coverage. Basic sets typically include three or four mats – one for the driver, one for the passenger, and one or two for the rear footwells. While these offer essential protection, they leave other areas vulnerable.

Higher-end sets often include a boot (trunk) mat, shielding the cargo area from spills, dirt, and wear and tear. However, the truly comprehensive options go a step further, adding mats for the sub-trunk (the compartment beneath the main trunk floor) and the frunk (the front trunk).

Now, you might be thinking, “Why do I need a sub-trunk mat?” Trust me, you do. As someone who’s had a bottle of milk leak in that hidden compartment after a grocery run, I can attest to the value of this extra layer of protection. It’s far easier to remove and clean a rubber mat than it is to scrub a stained carpet.

So, when choosing your floor mats, consider your lifestyle and how you use your Model 3 Highland. If you frequently haul cargo or groceries, investing in a full set with sub-trunk and frunk mats could save you from headaches down the road.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Floor Mats for your Lifestyle and Needs.

Choosing the right floor mats for your Tesla Model 3 Highland involves more than just picking a material. It’s about finding the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and practicality to suit your lifestyle and driving habits.

While the factory carpet mats may seem like a convenient option, they often fall short when it comes to protection and ease of cleaning. For the best all-around performance, we highly recommend opting for custom-fit TPE or XPE all-weather mats such as the X-Car mats we reviewed. These materials not only provide superior protection against spills, debris, and wear and tear, but they’re also easy to maintain, ensuring your Highland’s interior stays pristine.

Don’t forget the often-overlooked areas like the sub-trunk and frunk. Investing in a comprehensive set that covers these areas will save you from headaches later on. Trust me, a leaky milk bottle in the sub-trunk is not a pleasant surprise!

Remember, your floor mats are an investment in the longevity and enjoyment of your Model 3 Highland. Choose wisely, prioritize quality and fit, and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.