A couple weeks back we had two first generation Tesla Model 3s and to our surprise had UP-RW wheels scheduled for install. This was perfect timing because it allowed us to show how the difference between a 19-Inch and 20-Inch UP Forged UP-RW Road Warrior upgrade. Below you will find a Green Tesla Model 3 Performance with a set of a 20-inch UP-RW square setup and a bright yellow Tesla Model 3 with a 19-inch UP-RW squared setup. Same wheel design, two diameters, and a clear look at how each choice can look when installed.
19-Inch vs 20-Inch: The Visual Difference in Stance and Presence
Let’s start with the look. The 20-inch Road Warrior on the green Performance brings a sharper, more aggressive attitude. The wheel face reads larger, the tire sidewall looks tighter, and the car takes on a more track-ready posture. It is the option for owners who want maximum visual impact and a crisp, responsive feel.
The 19-inch Road Warrior on the yellow Model 3 hits the OEM plus sweet spot. You still get the forged look, clean spoke geometry, and modern motorsport character, but with a bit more tire sidewall. That sidewall can help with ride comfort and real-world protection on rough pavement.
Aero Efficiency That Protects Range
Now the part most Model 3 owners care about: range. UP-RW aka Road Warriors are engineered to be aero efficient, helping your Model 3 stay within the range behavior you expect. In development testing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data validated that the UP-RW wheel nearly matched Tesla’s lowest drag production wheel, the 18” Photon Aero Covered wheel, with the UP-RW coming within 0.010 Cd. The RW is one of the most aerodynamic wheels ever produced. As the RW combines aerodynamic design with light-weight forged 6061-T6 construction, the RW has efficiency benefits at highway speeds as well as stop and go city driving.
Forged Strength and Real Curb Protection
Strength is the next pillar. UP-RW is forged, and forging matters because it produces a dense, high-integrity structure designed to handle repeated loads and real impacts. This is the foundation behind the Road Warrior reputation as an indestructible wheel. It is built for daily life, freeway miles, rough roads, and the moments you cannot avoid.
On top of that, UP-RW incorporates curb protection to help defend the rim edge during tight parking and city driving. This detail is easy to overlook until it saves you, and it is one of the reasons Road Warrior makes sense for owners who drive their cars hard and often.
OEM Tire Compatibility: Upgrade Without Buying New Tires
The best part is that none of this requires a tire overhaul. Road Warrior is designed so the factory tire size works with these wheels, which means you can swap your OEM tires over with confidence. You avoid the cost and complexity of buying new tires immediately, and you reduce the risk of choosing a tire size that changes ride quality, speedometer behavior, or efficiency. It is a cleaner upgrade path and it keeps the decision simple: pick your diameter and build your look.
Built as a System: How These Cars Showcase the UP Ecosystem
These two cars also show what happens when you build within the Unplugged Performance ecosystem. The green Model 3 Performance is equipped with our front and rear ASCENSION-R bumpers plus our Rear High Efficiency Spoiler Wing, proving how cohesive the car can look when aero and wheels are designed to complement each other.
The yellow Model 3 runs our Mild level Dual Rate Lowering Springs, pairing the Road Warrior wheels with a clean, purposeful drop that tightens the stance while staying daily friendly. Both builds highlight the same idea: customers do not just buy a single part, they build a complete vision, and UP components are designed to work together.
Wheel Trade In Program: Up to $1,000 Off with Your OEM Wheels
Ready to upgrade? Our Wheel Trade In Program can get you up to $1,000 off when you trade your OEM wheels toward UP wheels. It is one more way to make the move practical, not just aspirational, especially if you want to transition into a forged setup while keeping your budget focused.
Need Help Choosing Your Setup? We’ll Build the Vision With You
If you want help choosing 19 versus 20, confirming fitment, planning an OEM tire swap, or building a complete vision for your Model 3, reach out anytime(We even offer UP-RW in 18-Inch). We are always here to answer questions, share recommendations, and help you dial in a setup that looks right, drives right, and fits how you use your Tesla every day.
