The glass front and rear roof of the Model 3 from Tesla is a cool feature that makes the interior of the closed car feel open. But the roof is anything but cool when the sun is beating down on you while you drive. The solution is to install a sunshade. Tesla sells one, but it is really expensive. We’ve done some research and found the best sunshade for Tesla Model 3. Our top pick is by SUMK (>>> Find on Amazon). We also found several other popular choices that give you options to compare.
- SUMK Sunshade Set
- TopLight Sunshade 64641
- Basenor Sunshade
- TopLight Sunshade
- Arcoche Sunshade
- Temai Sunshade
Best Sunshade for Tesla Model 3 – Top Picks:
| SUMK Sunshade Set | TopLight Sunshade 64641 | Basenor Sunshade | TopLight Sunshade | Arcoche Sunshade | Temai Sunshade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| OEM Part Number | Model3sunshade02 | 64641 | CA130-N | 41646 | M3-SunShade-6PCS | TMY-302 |
| Material | Glass | Nylon | Polyester, Alloy Steel | Nylon | Polyester | Glass |
| Model Years | 2021 | 2021-2022 | 2021-2022 | Until 2020 | 2017-2021 | 2020 2021 |
| Dimension | 26 x 21 x 0.1 inches | 21 x 20 x 2 inches | 26 x 21 x 1 inches | 26.5 x 21 x 1 inches | 22 x 18 x 0.5 inches | 19.69 x 15.75 x 2.76 inches |
| Blocking harmful UV Rays | 99% | No data | 99% | No data | 99% | 99% |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
These sunshades are designed to fit the newest 2021 & 2022 Model 3 vehicles. There are slight differences between the early vehicles and newer ones, so you’ll want to make sure you order the right shade for your car.
SUMK Sunshade Set
The set of sunshades from SUMK are designed to specifically fit 2021 and 2022 Model 3 vehicles. The sunshade is made from a fine mesh to effectively filter out bright light and reduce the interior temperature of the car. This is a two-piece sunshade that clips into place using included hardware easily in just a few minutes.
This kit consistently gets good reviews from buyers because of the perfect fitment and high-quality materials. The sunshade can be collapsed and placed in an included storage bag when not in use. The design makes it simple to store the shade and pop it into place on hot days.
Pros
- High-quality materials make this one of the best options around
- Easy to install in minutes and it fits perfectly
Cons
- Care should be taken when collapsing the frame to prevent bending
TopLight Sunshade 64641
TopLight produces this set of sunshades for the Model 3. The suhades use a fine mesh to block out most of the heat and sunlight, while an included reflective cover can also be installed to block nearly 100-percent of the heat and light. This is an updated design that specifically fits the 2021 and 2022 Model 3 cars. The front and rear set fit easily and can be used as a temporary shade when you park the car in the sun or the sunshades can be affixed using the included trim clips. When not in use, the sunshade can fold and collapse into a space-saving design.
Buyers like the way this shade fits and functions. The shade is durable and will last through many summers. Owners report that the shade doesn’t droop and fits tightly right to the edge of the tint without obstructing the view looking out the back window.
Pros
- Fits well and provides excellent protection
- Included reflective cover is nice
Cons
- Installation can be tricky if trying to use all of the included clips
Basenor Sunshade
Basenor builds this set of sunshades to perfectly fit the glass roof of the Model 3. This newly redesigned set features high-quality encrypted mesh fabric to provide the ultimate in shading and appearance. The mesh is fine enough to appear almost solid, but it will still allow light to pass. The set also includes a pair of covers that are coated with a reflective material to offer superior heat and light protection.
Owners of this shade point out that it does a great job of blocking heat and light, but the rear of the sunshade does sit lower than the window. A few people reported issues with missing parts and damage when folding and unfolding the shade. Versions are also available for older Model 3 vehicles.
Pros
- One of the nicest looking mesh shades
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- Rear of shade doesn’t line up with tint
- Shade cover straps are poor quality
Sunshades for 2017-2020 Model 3 Vehicles
These are sunshades that will fit the earlier models that have a slightly different shape than the newer cars. Make sure that you order the correct product for the year of your Model 3 to get the correct fit.
TopLight Sunshade
Everything that makes the TopFlight shade a great pick for the newer Model 3 vehicles also makes it an ideal choice for the older models. This is a two-piece set for the front and rear of the 2017-2021 vehicles. It has a fine mesh that blocks light and heat to help keep the cabin cool and reduce the amount of energy you need to run the AC. The frame flexes and folds to allow the sunshade to fit easily in storage areas.
Most people think this is a great sunshade for the price, but several people have commented that the rear of the sunshade doesn’t hold tight to the roof of the car. There are limited instructions describing how to align the two panels, leading to some issues with fitment.
Pros
- Good option for blocking sunlight without being expensive
- Quality materials are built to last
Cons
- Can be difficult to install in the correct direction
- Some droop in both front and rear panels
Arcoche Sunshade
The design of this sunshade covers the front and rear glass and doesn’t block the view out the rear of the vehicle. In addition to the fine mesh screen sunshades, this one also includes a reflective cover. To make it even better, the package includes shades for the rear windows to maximize the reduction in heat and light.
People who have bought and used this sunshade say that it is an excellent purchase that significantly reduces heat in the car. They say the sunshade is easy to install and folds up for easy storage. The sunshade fits the early cars perfectly.
Pros
- Shades top and rear windows
- Fit is ideal for a secure installation
Cons
- Trim clips are weak and can be difficult to install
Editor’s Pick: Temai Sunshade
This one is available for early or late Model 3 cars. The material is color matched to perfectly blend in with the factory colors in your Tesla. The vinyl material is heavy-duty and high-quality. A layer of LRC polymer that pushes heat and light away to reduce temperatures. This sunshade installs easily in minutes and folds for storage when you don’t need it.
This one is a little more pricey than some of the others on the list, but the majority of buyers say that it is worth every penny. The color looks correct with the interior of the Tesla unlike the black mesh covers that stand out.
Pros
- The best looking option on the market
- Easy to install and remove when necessary
Cons
- Frame can bend when mishandled
Solving Common Problems
Many people have common issues when installing a sunshade in their Model 3. We found that most problems can be fixed by adjusting the installation. Here are some tips so that you’ll know what to look for if you have trouble installing a sunshade.
- Sunshade doesn’t line up- This is a common problem that happens frequently. The solution is typically to try and rotate the shade. Some products don’t indicate which side is up and the shade won’t line up if it isn’t rotated to the correct position.
- Sunshade is drooping- Some designs droop more than others, but all mesh designs will have some droop. One of the causes of excessive drooping is actually installing too many clips. The clips force the frame to arc, causing the sunshade to sag. Try removing some of the clips to solve the problem.
How Well Does a Sunshade Work?
A sunshade will make a big difference in the amount of heat you feel. The larger the mesh, the less heat and light is blocked, so you’ll want one that has a fine mesh to get the best results. You can expect that a sunshade will lower the interior temperature of your car by up to 15-degrees.
The major advantage of using a sunshade over tinting the glass is that the sunshade is not permanent and won’t damage the interior or the glass. A sunshade is likely to be more efficient than even a very dark window tint.
Conclusion
Sunshades are essential for enjoying the Model 3. They allow the temperature control systems in the car to function better because the system won’t have to work as hard. The glass roof in the Model 3 gives the driver an unparalleled view and offers an unobstructed vision, but it also creates a hot environment. Sunshades are a perfect solution when you have to park the car outside in the hot sun to reduce temperatures that can affect electronics and damage interior surfaces.
The glass that Tesla uses prevents UV rays from penetrating, but it doesn’t reflect heat and light. A sunshade keeps you cooler and lets you keep the awesome views. Sunshade sets that include a reflective cover are great for hot weather and bright sunshine, but also work well in cold weather to insulate the interior of the car and help keep it warmer.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Best Sunshade for Tesla Model Y – Buyer’s Guide
- Best Floor Mats for Tesla Model 3
- Round-Up Review of the Best Sunshades for Tesla Model 3