The annual Tesla Holiday Update has arrived, and while earlier versions highlighted major new integrations, the 2025 release is centered on smarter navigation and practical everyday features.
The most significant change is the new role of the Grok artificial intelligence system as a driving assistant. Previously, Grok functioned only as a chatbot running on the car’s computer. Now it can interact directly with vehicle functions.
When Grok’s personality is set to “Assistant,” drivers can use natural voice commands to add or edit navigation destinations. For example, a driver can simply say, “Grok, take me to the nearest available coffee shop,” and the AI will handle all the navigation setup automatically.
Smarter Navigation and Route Planning
The 2025 update introduces several improvements to navigation and route planning. Drivers can now reorder their favorite destinations on the map and easily set home or work locations by dropping a pin anywhere, instead of relying solely on a fixed street address.
The navigation system can also suggest destinations based on recent trips and established driving habits. For those who regularly use carpool lanes, a new option lets the system automatically choose high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when allowed. It considers the time of day, current location, passenger count, and specific road rules to determine whether using HOV lanes is appropriate.
Enhanced Charging Information and Controls
The charging experience has been upgraded with a more detailed visual overview. When navigating to certain Supercharger stations, drivers can tap “View Site Map” to see a 3D layout of the location. Upon arrival, the car shows which stalls are available, occupied, or out of service, helping drivers choose the best spot and avoid unnecessary delays at busy charging sites.
On the technical side, the system now allows drivers to save a specific charge limit for the location where they are currently parked, such as home or the office. The vehicle will remember that limit and automatically apply it the next time it is charged at the same place.
Updated Toybox: Dog Mode and Photobooth
While the focus is on practical features, Tesla has also expanded its playful “Toybox” collection. Pet owners benefit from Dog Mode Live Activity, which shows a Live Activity feed on an iPhone. This feature periodically sends cabin snapshots and provides live updates on cabin temperature, battery level, and climate control status, giving owners peace of mind when leaving pets in the car under Dog Mode.
A new Tesla Photobooth app lets passengers take selfies using the interior camera. Users can apply filters, stickers, and emojis to the photos and then share them through the Tesla app.
Festive Visuals, Light Shows, and Customization
The update refreshes several entertainment features as well. Santa Mode receives a new 3D visual upgrade with animated snowmen, holiday trees, and a special festive lock sound. The Light Show feature adds a new song called “Jingle Rush,” and owners can now control interior lighting and design longer, more elaborate custom shows.
Vehicle personalization also gets a boost. Through the “Paint Shop” section of the Toybox, drivers can customize the on-screen vehicle avatar with Custom Wraps and License Plates. They can choose from built-in designs or upload their own graphics via a USB flash drive.
New Game and Safety Reminder Features
Gamers gain a new title: the SpaceX ISS Docking Simulator. This 3D game uses controls modeled on real NASA docking interfaces, giving players a taste of what it is like to dock with the International Space Station.
On the safety and convenience side, the update adds a “Phone Left Behind Chime.” A few seconds after the doors close, the car will sound a chime if it detects a phone key or a phone on a wireless charger left inside, while no occupants remain in the vehicle.
Software as a Core Part of EV Ownership
This latest update for Tesla’s electric vehicles emphasizes smarter, more efficient interaction between driver and car. By integrating Grok into navigation, refining charging information, and enhancing both practical and fun features, Tesla continues to demonstrate how over-the-air software updates can significantly shape and improve the modern EV ownership experience.
