Tesla Introduces FSD Speed Profiles and Sets "Sloth" as the Default
Tesla's updated Owner's Manual for software release 2025.44 (the 2025 Holiday Update) indicates that the default Speed Profile for new vehicles—and for drivers enabling Full Self-Driving (FSD) for the first time—is now set to "Sloth."
The updated Owner’s Manual for software update 2025.44 (the 2025 Holiday Update) sets the default Speed Profile for new vehicles—and for vehicles activating Full Self-Driving (FSD) for the first time—to Sloth Mode.
Previously, new vehicles defaulted to Standard. With changes in FSD v14 causing Chill and Standard to drive above the speed limit, Tesla now defaults first-time users to Sloth, which the manual explicitly defines as “drives under the speed limit.” Tesla also provides formal definitions for each Speed Profile for the first time.
Why Sloth is the default
Shifting new vehicles to a Speed Profile that drives below the speed limit appears designed to ease new users into FSD. First-time users can be unsettled if the car initially drives faster than expected; starting slower helps build confidence before they switch to more aggressive profiles. It may also reduce the risk of early regulatory scrutiny. As before, when you change the Speed Profile it will remain selected the next time you enable FSD, allowing drivers to start conservatively and adapt at their own pace.
Speed Profiles (as described in the manual)
- Sloth: Model Y drives under the speed limit.
- Chill: Model Y stays in slower lanes and makes minimal lane changes.
- Standard: Model Y drives at normal speed and adjusts to match the flow of traffic.
- Hurry: Model Y drives faster and performs more frequent lane changes.
- Mad Max: Model Y drives more quickly than Hurry and executes even more frequent lane changes.
Aside from these clarifications, the majority of the FSD-related content in the updated Owner’s Manual remains unchanged. The new profile descriptions provide clearer guidance than the previously brief definitions found in release notes.
Previously, new vehicles defaulted to Standard. With changes in FSD v14 causing Chill and Standard to drive above the speed limit, Tesla now defaults first-time users to Sloth, which the manual explicitly defines as “drives under the speed limit.” Tesla also provides formal definitions for each Speed Profile for the first time.
Why Sloth is the default
Shifting new vehicles to a Speed Profile that drives below the speed limit appears designed to ease new users into FSD. First-time users can be unsettled if the car initially drives faster than expected; starting slower helps build confidence before they switch to more aggressive profiles. It may also reduce the risk of early regulatory scrutiny. As before, when you change the Speed Profile it will remain selected the next time you enable FSD, allowing drivers to start conservatively and adapt at their own pace.
Speed Profiles (as described in the manual)
- Sloth: Model Y drives under the speed limit.
- Chill: Model Y stays in slower lanes and makes minimal lane changes.
- Standard: Model Y drives at normal speed and adjusts to match the flow of traffic.
- Hurry: Model Y drives faster and performs more frequent lane changes.
- Mad Max: Model Y drives more quickly than Hurry and executes even more frequent lane changes.
Aside from these clarifications, the majority of the FSD-related content in the updated Owner’s Manual remains unchanged. The new profile descriptions provide clearer guidance than the previously brief definitions found in release notes.
