CARVSLABFeel the physics before you buy

Matchup

Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model X

The 2026 Model Y Premium AWD against the 2026 Model X All-Wheel Drive, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.

Last checked Sep 28, 2026. Every figure links to its source.

Open this matchup in the 3D lab

2026 Tesla Model Y2026 Tesla Model X

The short answer

  • In the trims shown, the Model Y costs $50,000 less: $51,630 against $101,630 for the Model X, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedEdmunds
  • The Model Y is rated 123 MPGe by the EPA, 18 MPGe better than the Model X (105 MPGe). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
  • The Model X is rated to tow 1,500 lb more: 5,000 lb against 3,500 lb. PublishedEdmundsPublishedEdmunds
  • The Model X has 8.1 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 37.1 cu ft against 29.0 cu ft. TestedCar and DriverPublishedTesla

At a glance

Model YModel X
Starting price, this trim$51,630PublishedTesla$101,630PublishedEdmunds
PowertrainPermanent-magnet rear + induction front motor · Dual motor AWDPermanent-magnet front and rear motors · Dual motor AWD
0–60 mph, tested or claimed3.9 sTestedCar and Driver3.6 sTestedCar and Driver
Braking 70–0 mph, tested174 ft (53.0 m)TestedCar and Driver177 ft (53.9 m)TestedCar and Driver
EPA efficiency123 MPGePublishedEPA105 MPGePublishedEPA
EPA range327 mi (526 km)PublishedEPA352 mi (566 km)PublishedEPA
Cargo behind the second row29.0 cu ft (821 L)TestedCar and Driver37.1 cu ft (1,051 L)PublishedTesla
Large suitcases, packed5Simulatedfrom Car and Driver6Simulatedfrom Tesla
Seats5PublishedEdmunds5PublishedTesla
Crash ratingsNHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+NHTSA rollover 5★ only · no crash test yet

Acceleration

The Model X makes 273 hp more: 670 hp against 397 hp.

Model YModel X
Power397 hp (296 kW)PublishedCar and Driver670 hp (500 kW)PublishedCar and Driver
Torque389 lb-ft (527 Nm)PublishedCar and Driver644 lb-ft (873 Nm)PublishedCar and Driver
0–60 mph, tested or claimed3.9 sTestedCar and Driver3.6 sTestedCar and Driver
0–60 mph, our simulation3.9 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver3.6 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Passing, 50–70 mph1.7 sTestedCar and Driver1.9 sTestedCar and Driver
Quarter mile12.3 sTestedCar and Driver11.5 sTestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Shove

Braking and stopping distance

No meaningful gap between the Model Y and the Model X on what we can measure here.

Model YModel X
Braking 70–0 mph, tested174 ft (53.0 m)TestedCar and Driver177 ft (53.9 m)TestedCar and Driver
Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction360 ft (109.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver365 ft (111.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction277 ft (84.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver280 ft (85.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction167 ft (50.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver169 ft (51.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Watch it in The Stop

Rollover

No meaningful gap between the Model Y and the Model X on what we can measure here.

Model YModel X
NHTSA rollover rating5★ · 8.6% riskTestedNHTSA5★ · 9.3% riskTestedNHTSA
Sideways slide that trips it into a roll13 mph (21 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs13 mph (21 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs
Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height)1.40Simulated, estimated inputs1.38Simulated, estimated inputs
Watch it in The Tipping Point

Efficiency and running costs

The Model Y is rated 123 MPGe by the EPA, 18 MPGe better than the Model X (105 MPGe).

Model YModel X
EPA efficiency123 MPGePublishedEPA105 MPGePublishedEPA
EPA range327 mi (526 km)PublishedEPA352 mi (566 km)PublishedEPA
Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year$753/yrDerivedEPA$882/yrDerivedEPA
Steady 75 mph, our simulation29 kWh/100 mi (18.3 kWh/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs31 kWh/100 mi (19.3 kWh/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver
Drag coefficient0.22PublishedEVSpecs0.24PublishedEVSpecs
Watch it in The Invisible Wall

Grip, snow and maneuvering

The Model Y held 0.88 g on the skidpad against 0.85 g for the Model X.

Model YModel X
Skidpad grip, tested0.88 gTestedCar and Driver0.85 gTestedCar and Driver
Cornering grip, our simulation0.88 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver0.85 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Pulling away on packed snow0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Turning circle39.7 ft (12.1 m)Estimate40.3 ft (12.3 m)PublishedEdmunds
Ground clearance6.6 in (17 cm)PublishedEdmunds6.6 in (17 cm)PublishedTesla
TiresHankook iON evo AS SUV all-season · 255/45R19TestedCar and DriverContinental CrossContact RX all-season · 265/45R20 · 275/45R20TestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Grip Budget

Space, luggage and fit

The Model X is rated to tow 1,500 lb more: 5,000 lb against 3,500 lb.

Model YModel X
Seats5PublishedEdmunds5PublishedTesla
Large suitcases, packed5Simulatedfrom Car and Driver6Simulatedfrom Tesla
Carry-ons in the space left3Simulatedfrom Car and Driver2Simulatedfrom Tesla
Cargo behind the second row29.0 cu ft (821 L)TestedCar and Driver37.1 cu ft (1,051 L)PublishedTesla
Cargo, seats folded71.0 cu ft (2,010 L)TestedCar and Driver91.6 cu ft (2,594 L)PublishedTesla
Front trunk4.0 cu ft (113 L)TestedCar and Driver6.0 cu ft (170 L)TestedCar and Driver
Towing3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedEdmunds5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedEdmunds
Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver+1.7 in (4 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds+2.2 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla
Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver+3.9 in (10 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds+4.5 in (12 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla
Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver+6.8 in (17 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds+7.5 in (19 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla
Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger+2.2 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds+3.7 in (10 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla
Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in+4.4 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds+3.3 in (8 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla
Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in−0.4 in head · +0.1 in kneeSimulatedfrom Edmunds+1.2 in head · −1.0 in kneeSimulatedfrom Tesla
Front head room, published41.0 in (104 cm)PublishedEdmunds41.7 in (106 cm)PublishedTesla
Rear head room, published39.4 in (100 cm)PublishedEdmunds41.0 in (104 cm)PublishedTesla
Rear leg room, published40.5 in (103 cm)PublishedEdmunds38.7 in (98 cm)PublishedTesla
Watch it in Live In It

Cabin noise

At 70 mph the Model Y is quieter inside: 66 dBA against 68 dBA for the Model X, a noticeable difference.

Model YModel X
Cabin sound at 70 mph66 dBATestedCar and Driver68 dBATestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Quiet Test

Visibility

From the driver’s seat the Model Y’s hood hides the first 11 ft of road; the Model X’s hides 19 ft.

Model YModel X
Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver11 ft (3.2 m)Simulated, estimated inputs19 ft (5.7 m)Simulated
Ground visible within 33 ft ahead65%Simulated, estimated inputs39%Simulated
Watch it in Can You See Me?

Headlights and night stopping

No meaningful gap between the Model Y and the Model X on what we can measure here.

Model YModel X
IIHS headlight ratingGoodTestedIIHSno data
Low beams, straight road (right edge)332 ft (101.1 m)TestedIIHSno data
Fastest you can stop inside the low beams70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHSno data
High beams, straight road (right edge)442 ft (134.7 m)TestedIIHSno data
Watch it in After Dark

Crash safety

No meaningful gap between the Model Y and the Model X on what we can measure here.

Model YModel X
NHTSA overall5★TestedNHTSAno data
IIHS small overlap frontGoodTestedIIHSno data
IIHS moderate overlap front (updated)GoodTestedIIHSno data
IIHS side (updated)GoodTestedIIHSno data
IIHS award2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHSno data
Curb weight4,421 lb (2,005 kg)TestedCar and Driver5,219 lb (2,367 kg)TestedCar and Driver
Watch it in The Impact

Where each one wins

Tesla Model Y

  • In the trims shown, the Model Y costs $50,000 less: $51,630 against $101,630 for the Model X, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedEdmunds
  • The Model Y is rated 123 MPGe by the EPA, 18 MPGe better than the Model X (105 MPGe). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
  • From the driver’s seat the Model Y’s hood hides the first 11 ft of road; the Model X’s hides 19 ft. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
  • Drivers see 65% of the ground within 33 ft of the Model Y’s nose and 39% in the Model X. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
  • At 70 mph the Model Y is quieter inside: 66 dBA against 68 dBA for the Model X, a noticeable difference. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
  • Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +4.4 in of knee room in the Model Y and +3.3 in in the Model X. Simulatedfrom EdmundsSimulatedfrom Tesla
  • The Model Y held 0.88 g on the skidpad against 0.85 g for the Model X. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver

Tesla Model X

Weigh them by what matters to you in the lab’s verdict

Other trims

Keep comparing

Sources

  1. Tesla: Model Y design studio: US prices, destination and order fee (2026-09)
  2. Edmunds: 2026 Tesla Model X pricing (MSRP $99,990 + $1,390 destination) (2026-09)
  3. US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Tesla Model Y ratings (2026-09)
  4. US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Tesla Model X AWD ratings (2026-02)
  5. Edmunds: 2026 Tesla Model Y trims and specifications (Tesla data) (2026-07)
  6. Edmunds: 2026 Tesla Model X specs and features (Tesla data) (2026-09)
  7. Car and Driver: 2026 Tesla Model Y review and instrumented tests (Premium RWD, Long Range AWD) (2026-09)
  8. Tesla: Model X Owner’s Manual: specifications (2024 edition) (2024-06)
  9. Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Tesla Model X Still Wows (AWD, six seats) (2025-11)
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Tesla Model Y SUV AWD (VehicleId 22140) (2026-09)
  11. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Tesla Model X SUV AWD (VehicleId 22074): rollover only (2026-09)
  12. EV Specifications: 2026 Tesla Model Y North America trim comparison (Tesla data) (2025-10)
  13. EV Specifications: 2025 Tesla Model X specifications (Tesla data) (2025-06)
  14. Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (2025-08)
  15. IIHS: 2026 Tesla Model Y ratings (applies to 2026–27 models) (2026-09)
  16. IIHS: Two additional models garner Top Safety Pick+ awards (Sep 3, 2026) (2026-09)

Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.