Tesla rolls out FSD v14 to New Zealand

Tesla has begun rolling out version 14 of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software to New Zealand, marking the most significant update to the system since it launched locally in September 2025.

The new build, v14.3.3, arrives as part of vehicle software update 2026.16.6. Tesla confirmed the release for New Zealand and Australia simultaneously, with the first compatible cars beginning to receive it on Friday 19 June. It is the first time local vehicles have moved off the v13 software they have run for the past nine months.

Hardware 4 only for now

The update is limited to vehicles fitted with Hardware 4, which covers the current Model Y and the Model 3 Highland. Owners of older Hardware 3 cars are excluded for now.

Tesla says it is developing a slimmed-down “v14 Lite” build for Hardware 3 vehicles, but has not provided a release date for right-hand-drive Hardware 3 cars.

What’s new in v14

Tesla says v14 reacts approximately 20 percent faster than the previous version, the result of an upgraded neural network that reads traffic signs more accurately. The company says drivers can expect smoother behaviour through roundabouts, fewer unnecessary lane changes, and improved handling of complex intersections and roadworks. Response to emergency vehicles is also said to improve, along with the system’s ability to detect small animals.

The update introduces a new Speed Profile called Sloth, which drives more slowly and selects lanes more conservatively than the existing Chill, Standard and Hurry modes. Tesla says the differences between all profiles are now more pronounced.

Several interface and monitoring changes accompany the release. The Full Self-Driving (FSD) app now displays the driver’s longest period without intervention, and the in-cabin camera has been improved to better read drivers wearing sunglasses or in low-light conditions. Navigate on Autopilot has been renamed Navigate on Autosteer.

Model Y L excluded, NZ build differs from US

The six-seat Model Y L, which arrived in New Zealand earlier this year, is excluded from the rollout despite using the same Hardware 4 package. Tesla says no market has run v14 on that model before, and it requires further validation before activation. Affected owners will receive the update automatically once testing is complete, the company says.

The local release also differs from the version launched in the United States. The New Zealand build omits a higher top speed for Smart Summon and the unification of the Summon, FSD and Robotaxi models — both of which feature in the North American release.

Subscription only as purchase option closes

Pricing for FSD (Supervised) is unchanged. Tesla ended outright sales of the system on 31 March, and it is now available on subscription only, at $159 a month in New Zealand.

The rollout follows the confirmation of two Tesla Cybercabs in New Zealand for cold-weather testing, as reported last week.