Matchup
Tesla Model Y L vs Tesla Model Y
The 2027 Model Y L Premium AWD against the 2026 Model Y Premium AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 1, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the Model Y costs $12,000 less: $51,630 against $63,630 for the Model Y L, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedTesla
- The Model Y L has 9.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 38.0 cu ft against 29.0 cu ft. PublishedTeslaTestedCar and Driver
- The Model Y is rated 123 MPGe by the EPA, 9 MPGe better than the Model Y L (114 MPGe). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- The Model Y L makes 99 hp more: 496 hp against 397 hp. PublishedCar and DriverPublishedCar and Driver
Who each one suits
The Model Y L is the same car with 150 mm more wheelbase and a taller rear roof, and that buys a sixth seat, 38.0 cu ft behind the second row against 29.0 (85.6 against 71.0 with the seats folded) and more second-row head room: +4.7 in for a 5-ft-11 passenger against +2.2. It also stopped from 70 mph in 170 ft against 174.
The Model Y costs $12,000 less in these trims, is rated 123 MPGe against 114, gets to 60 mph in 3.9 s against 4.2 and gives a 5-ft-11 rear passenger a little more knee room (+4.4 in against +3.7). It has an NHTSA 5-star rating and a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+; neither agency has rated the Model Y L yet.
At a glance
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $63,630PublishedTesla | $51,630PublishedTesla |
| Powertrain | Induction front + permanent-magnet rear motor · Dual motor AWD | Permanent-magnet rear + induction front motor · Dual motor AWD |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 4.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 3.9 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 174 ft (53.0 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA efficiency | 114 MPGePublishedEPA | 123 MPGePublishedEPA |
| EPA range | 328 mi (528 km)PublishedEPA | 327 mi (526 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 38.0 cu ft (1,076 L)PublishedTesla | 29.0 cu ft (821 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Large suitcases, packed | 5Simulatedfrom Tesla | 5Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Seats | 6PublishedTesla | 5PublishedEdmunds |
| Crash ratings | No safety rating yet · new for 2027 | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The Model Y L makes 99 hp more: 496 hp against 397 hp.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 496 hp (370 kW)PublishedCar and Driver | 397 hp (296 kW)PublishedCar and Driver |
| Torque | 405 lb-ft (549 Nm)PublishedMotorTrend | 389 lb-ft (527 Nm)PublishedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 4.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 3.9 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 4.1 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 3.9 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 1.7 sTestedCar and Driver | 1.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 12.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 12.3 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The Model Y L stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 4 ft shorter than the Model Y (174 ft).
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 174 ft (53.0 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 121 ft (36.9 m)TestedMotorTrend | no data |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 354 ft (108.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 360 ft (109.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 273 ft (83.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 277 ft (84.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 164 ft (50.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 167 ft (50.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Model Y on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | no data | 5★ · 8.6% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 13 mph (21 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 13 mph (21 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.39Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.40Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
The Model Y is rated 123 MPGe by the EPA, 9 MPGe better than the Model Y L (114 MPGe).
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA efficiency | 114 MPGePublishedEPA | 123 MPGePublishedEPA |
| EPA range | 328 mi (528 km)PublishedEPA | 327 mi (526 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $812/yrDerivedEPA | $753/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 30 kWh/100 mi (18.8 kWh/100 km)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 29 kWh/100 mi (18.3 kWh/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.22PublishedC/D Japan | 0.22PublishedEVSpecs |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Model Y on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.87 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.88 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.87 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.88 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.27 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 41.0 ft (12.5 m)PublishedCarExpert | 39.7 ft (12.1 m)Estimate |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in (17 cm)PublishedTesla | 6.6 in (17 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Tires | Hankook iON evo AS SUV all-season · 255/40R20 · 275/40R20TestedCar and Driver | Hankook iON evo AS SUV all-season · 255/45R19TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
The Model Y L has 9.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 38.0 cu ft against 29.0 cu ft.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6PublishedTesla | 5PublishedEdmunds |
| Large suitcases, packed | 5Simulatedfrom Tesla | 5Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 5Simulatedfrom Tesla | 3Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Cargo behind the second row | 38.0 cu ft (1,076 L)PublishedTesla | 29.0 cu ft (821 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Cargo, seats folded | 85.6 cu ft (2,424 L)PublishedTesla | 71.0 cu ft (2,010 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Front trunk | 4.1 cu ft (116 L)PublishedTesla | 4.0 cu ft (113 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedKBB | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedEdmunds |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +2.6 in (7 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +1.7 in (4 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +4.7 in (12 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +3.9 in (10 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +7.5 in (19 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +6.8 in (17 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +4.7 in (12 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +2.2 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +3.7 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +4.4 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +2.1 in head · −0.6 in kneeSimulatedfrom Tesla | −0.4 in head · +0.1 in kneeSimulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Front head room, published | 41.6 in (106 cm)PublishedTesla | 41.0 in (104 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Rear head room, published | 41.9 in (106 cm)PublishedTesla | 39.4 in (100 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Rear leg room, published | 39.7 in (101 cm)PublishedTesla | 40.5 in (103 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Model Y on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 67 dBATestedCar and Driver | 66 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Model Y on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 11 ft (3.2 m)Simulated | 11 ft (3.2 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 65%Simulated | 65%Simulated, estimated inputs |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Model Y on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 332 ft (101.1 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | no data | 70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 442 ft (134.7 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Model Y on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | no data | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 4,673 lb (2,120 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,421 lb (2,005 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Tesla Model Y L
- The Model Y L has 9.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 38.0 cu ft against 29.0 cu ft. PublishedTeslaTestedCar and Driver
- The Model Y L makes 99 hp more: 496 hp against 397 hp. PublishedCar and DriverPublishedCar and Driver
- The Model Y L stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 4 ft shorter than the Model Y (174 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +4.7 in of head room in the Model Y L and +2.2 in in the Model Y. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulatedfrom Edmunds
- The Model Y L seats 6; the Model Y seats 5. PublishedTeslaPublishedEdmunds
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +2.6 in between head and headliner in the Model Y L and +1.7 in in the Model Y. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulatedfrom Edmunds
Tesla Model Y
- In the trims shown, the Model Y costs $12,000 less: $51,630 against $63,630 for the Model Y L, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedTesla
- The Model Y is rated 123 MPGe by the EPA, 9 MPGe better than the Model Y L (114 MPGe). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- The Model Y gets to 60 mph 0.3 s sooner: 3.9 s against 4.2 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Other trims
- Model Y L Premium AWD · on this page
Keep comparing
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- All the Tesla Model Y figures
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- Tesla Model Y vs Honda Prologue
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- Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model X
Sources
- Tesla: Model Y L Premium specifications and price (US) (2026-10)
- Tesla: Model Y design studio: US prices, destination and order fee (2026-09)
- Tesla: Model Y Owner’s Manual: Dimensions (Model Y L 6-seater exterior, interior and cargo) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Tesla Model Y review and instrumented tests (Premium RWD, Long Range AWD) (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2027 Tesla Model Y L (20in Wheels), id 50862 (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Tesla Model Y ratings (2026-09)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2027 Tesla Model Y L Reinvents the Station Wagon (Premium AWD Launch Series) (2026-10)
- Edmunds: 2026 Tesla Model Y trims and specifications (Tesla data) (2026-07)
- MotorTrend: 2027 Tesla Model Y L First Test: Better Ride, Bigger Trade-Offs (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Tesla Model Y SUV AWD (VehicleId 22140) (2026-09)
- Car and Driver Japan: Tesla Model Y L first drive (Cd 0.216) (2026-07)
- EV Specifications: 2026 Tesla Model Y North America trim comparison (Tesla data) (2025-10)
- CarExpert: 2026 Tesla Model Y L Premium Long Range dimensions (turning circle, tracks) (2026-10)
- Kelley Blue Book: 2027 Tesla Model Y L specs (towing, curb weight) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (2025-08)
- IIHS: 2026 Tesla Model Y ratings (applies to 2026–27 models) (2026-09)
- 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.