HW3 vs HW4

Autopilot Hardware 3 and Hardware 4 are different computers and different camera sets. A used Tesla with HW3 can still drive well. It is not the same platform Tesla is shipping on 2024+ Highland Model 3.

HW3 is the pre-refresh computer on 2017–2023 Model 3 (this tool treats that span as HW3, with a caution on the earliest 2017–2018 cars) and on 2020–2023 Model Y. Cabin and fender cameras, older front camera housing, HW3 infotainment board.

HW4 is the Highland-era stack: 2024+ Model 3, generally 2025+ Model Y, and most 2024+ S/X. Wider cameras, different front camera cluster, higher-bandwidth computer. If you want FSD on the current computer, this is the one that matters.

HW Check does not invent a listing's hardware from a photo. It applies year/refresh rules and says uncertain when the year is a known mix — especially 2024 Model Y.