Tesla Unreal Engine upgrade: What’s changing?

Tesla’s in-car graphics for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving visualizations could be getting a major boost with a switch to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. Evidence of this upgrade was reportedly discovered in Tesla’s 2025.20 firmware for Model S and Model X vehicles equipped with AMD chips. Currently, Tesla uses the Godot engine for these visualizations, but the move to Unreal Engine suggests the company aims to deliver more realistic, immersive, and responsive graphics for drivers.

Why Unreal Engine matters for Tesla drivers

Unreal Engine is widely recognized for powering visually stunning video games, but in recent years, it has expanded into the automotive world. By using this advanced engine, Tesla could create richer real-time rendering for driver-assist displays, enhancing both usability and visual appeal. This would put Tesla in the same league as other automakers like Rivian, Ford, GMC, Volvo, and Lotus, who already integrate Unreal Engine into their vehicles’ infotainment and driver visualization systems.

How the upgrade could impact Autopilot and Full Self-Driving

If Tesla adopts Unreal Engine, drivers may notice more detailed road models, smoother animations, and faster system responsiveness when using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving features. Such improvements could make the driving experience more intuitive by offering clearer visual cues and better situational awareness. This change could also future-proof Tesla’s in-car graphics for upcoming software features.

What’s next for Tesla’s in-car graphics

While Tesla and Epic Games have not officially confirmed the switch, past collaborations between the two — such as Tesla’s Cybertruck appearing in Fortnite — make the partnership plausible. As automotive software becomes more advanced, Unreal Engine could help Tesla maintain its competitive edge, offering drivers not only cutting-edge autonomous features but also a visually polished, engaging interface that feels like a next-gen driving experience.