TESLA FULL SELF DRIVING VS FREE AUTOPILOT: IS IT WORTH THE UPGRADE?

EV Channels Review

This video provides a comprehensive comparison between Tesla's standard Autopilot and the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, aiming to determine if the $10,000 upgrade is justified. The reviewer explains that standard Autopilot offers enhanced cruise control with lane-keeping and distance maintenance, which is highly effective for highway driving and traffic. The FSD package, however, adds features like automatic lane changes, navigation on highways, auto park, summon, and traffic/stop sign control. While FSD's 'Navigate on Autopilot' and 'Auto Lane Change' are praised for reducing driver fatigue on long trips, the 'Auto Park' feature is described as glitchy and unreliable, requiring multiple attempts. 'Smart Summon' is deemed a 'party trick' with too many close calls. The reviewer emphasizes that despite its capabilities, FSD is not truly 'full self-driving' and requires constant driver supervision, citing instances of phantom braking and the need to override the system. The 'steering nag' is a point of contention, with the reviewer finding it intrusive and often accidentally disengaging Autosteer when trying to avoid it, resorting to a steering wheel counterweight for relief, though cautioning against its misuse. Ultimately, the reviewer suggests the subscription model as a more accessible way to try FSD, and while FSD significantly improved their road trip experience, the high cost and current limitations, particularly with Auto Park, make a definitive recommendation challenging.