Tesla surprised early access members with Full Self-Driving v14.2.1.25 alongside the Holiday Update. The new version addresses key shortcomings from v14.2.1, particularly in speed profiles, lane changes, and speed limit recognition. Testing shows significant improvements in highway performance.
Tesla rolled out Full Self-Driving v14.2.1.25 on Friday night to members of its Early Access Program, pairing it with the Holiday Update in software version 2025.44.25.5. This release came unexpectedly and targets refinements identified in the prior version, v14.2.1, which had introduced regressions in several areas.
In v14.2.1, Speed Profiles were overly adjusted, making Hurry Mode unusable as it capped speeds at 10 MPH over the limit on freeways, often holding up traffic. Lane changes were timid or unnecessary, frustrating drivers who sometimes needed to intervene. Speed Limit recognition also faltered, with the system mistaking signs like a Route 30 marker for a 30 MPH limit, causing sudden decelerations on highways, or ignoring relevant signs such as a 15 MPH posted on private property.
The update brings notable fixes. Speed Profiles are now significantly improved; Hurry Mode travels with the flow of traffic without the 10 MPH cap, enhancing comfort and reducing interventions during highway driving. Lane changes exhibit greater confidence, occurring at appropriate times and in the correct manner, with effective decisions for exits. For instance, the system no longer requires nudges and avoids misplaced maneuvers.
Speed Limit handling relies less on signage and more on map data or nearby traffic behavior. In one test, despite the display showing 30 MPH from a Route 30 sign, the vehicle maintained speed, likely due to contextual awareness. These changes made highway operation one of the best-performing in recent memory, with perfect speed, maneuvering, lane switching, routing, and aggressiveness.
However, parking remains a weak point. During testing, the system swung wide into a spot and stalled, requiring intervention after 10 seconds. Overall, v14.2.1.25 marks a substantial step forward, especially for highway use, as Tesla continues to iterate on its autonomous driving suite.
