2026 Tesla Model Y

Overview

A familiar sight on American roadways after five years on the market, the Tesla Model Y SUV offers a spacious interior and good driving range. It shares its underpinnings with the Tesla Model 3 sedan, but the fastback SUV offers more cargo space and rear-seat room. A styling refresh for 2026 includes new fascias and illumination elements front and rear. The interior updates include more comfortable front seats, a redesigned dashboard, and new ambient lighting styles. A new entry-level base trim has also been added to the lineup. These changes, along with an upgrade in overall material quality, strive to help the Model Y rise to the standards set by other similarly-priced electric crossovers such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Volkswagen ID.4. Like other Teslas, the Model Y’s quirky, touchscreen-based interface will appeal to some drivers and irk others. Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue with the Model Y’s EV competencies, including fast charging times, the Performance model's scorching acceleration, and driving range estimates that exceed 300 miles per charge.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#4 in Best Electric Compact SUVs

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

10/10

STARTING AT: $68,000

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2

Hyundai Ioniq 5

10/10

STARTING AT: $36,600

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3

Kia EV6

9.5/10

STARTING AT: $39,445

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4

Tesla Model Y

9/10

STARTING AT: $41,630

SHOP Model Y

5

Rivian R2

9/10

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6

Ford Mustang Mach-E

8.5/10

STARTING AT: $39,840

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What's New for 2026?

Tesla’s most popular SUV has received a styling makeover for 2026 that aligns it with its platform-mate, the Model 3 sedan, which was updated for the 2024 model year. The Model Y’s new narrow headlamps are now connected by a full-width light bar along the front end. The 2026 Model Y also has received interior updates similar to those on the Model 3, including richer interior materials, more sound deadening, available ventilated front seats, and a rear-seat passenger display.

A new entry-level base trim also joins the Model Y lineup. The base Model Y costs $5000 less than the newly renamed Premium RWD trim (previously called the Long Range RWD) as a result of some interior de-contenting and changes to its battery back and electric motor. The base mode cuts some interior niceties, such as front ventilated seats, rear heated seats, and the rear-seat climate control touchscreen, and features a single 300-hp electric motor. With a slightly lower-capacity battery pack, the base model has an estimated maximum range of 321 miles.

C/D Expert Tip:

If this year's model is largely unchanged and you're comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it'll cost less than buying new.

C/D RATING:7.5/10

2025 Tesla Model Y

C/D RATING:7.5/10

2024 Tesla Model Y

C/D RATING:7.5/10

2023 Tesla Model Y

Pricing and Which One to Buy

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Tesla hasn’t clarified the power output of the rear-wheel-drive models, but they likely produce somewhere in the range of 295-300 horsepower. All-wheel-drive models get two motors—one in the front and one in the rear—which combine for 375 horsepower. A Performance variant is also offered and features upgraded suspension, a widened track, and unique 21-inch wheels.

During our test drive of an all-wheel-drive model, we noted the updated Model Y's improved driving dynamics and quieter cabin compared with before. However, the ride may still be too firm for some, and we prefer the Model 3 sedan's more engaging driving experience overall. Acceleration is smooth and brisk, and the Model Y's regenerative braking system is easy to get used to due to its linear operation.

0–60-MPH Times

At our test track, a Model Y Long Range AWD (now called Premium AWD) got to 60 mph in a swift 3.9 seconds. A less-powerful Long Range RWD model jogged to 60 mph in an impressive 5.1 seconds. Tesla says the Performance trim can hit 60 mph in as little as 3.3 seconds, but based on our recent drive of the 2026 Model Y Performance, we're betting it will be a hair quicker.

View Exterior Photos

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

With its smaller battery pack, Tesla rates the base Model Y for 321 miles of range on its factory 18-inch wheels and 303 miles on the optional 19s. The company says that the Premium RWD should deliver up to 357 miles of driving per charge on the standard 19-inch wheels. Upgrade to the larger 20-inch rollers, and the range estimate drops to 344 miles. The all-wheel-drive version checks in with 327 miles of range with the 19s and 303 miles with the 20-inchers. Tesla says the Premium RWD can add up to 182 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes, while the AWD version can add 169 miles in the same 15-minute time period. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the Model Y Long Range RWD model delivered 270 miles of driving.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

According to the EPA, the base Model Y returns 138 MPGe, the Model Y Premium RWD returns 125 MPGe, the AWD version sits at 117 MPGe, and the Performance AWD returns 104 MPGe, all in combined driving. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. We'll update this section with real-world results when we get a Model Y to test in-house.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Model Y doesn't come with the larger Model X crossover's complicated Falcon Wing doors; its interior is largely free of buttons and relies mostly on a large infotainment display positioned at the center of an uncluttered dashboard. A heavily tinted, all-glass roof lends an airy ambiance to the cabin. In the base trim, the glass roof is still present, but a headliner and soundproofing material prevent passengers from seeing out of it. Faux leather upholstery covers the seats and niceties such as a power-adjustable steering column, heated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control. The Model Y comes standard with seating for five, but a third row can be ordered on Premium AWD models for an additional $2500, which adds an additional two seats in the wayback. In our testing, we fit seven carry-on suitcases in the Model Y's cargo area. With the second row folded, we fit a total of 19, and the frunk fit one extra suitcase.

View Interior Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

Accessing almost every function of the Model Y—from the climate controls to the speedometer—requires users to interact with the large, 15.4-inch infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard. The Model Y offers the same entertainment functions as the Model 3, including embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps, as well as video games, all perfect for killing time while waiting for the battery to charge at the public charging station. Don't worry, Tesla locks drivers out of using these distractions while the vehicle is moving. Rear-seat riders have access to an 8.0-inch display mounted to the back of the center console; the screen is replaced with physical climate controls in the base model.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

A driving-assist system comes standard on the Model Y, and Tesla's Full Self-Driving tech is available too. Despite its name, Full Self-Driving is not the self-driving feature the company would have you believe. All Model Ys still require the driver's attention and possible intervention. Still, these systems are useful for reducing fatigue on long highway drives. For more information about the Model Y's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The warranty coverage for the Model Y mirrors that of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X models. This means four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $50,630/$55,630

POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: induction AC, 117 hp, 124 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 280 hp, 265 lb-ft
Combined Power: 397 hp
Combined Torque: 389 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 80 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 250 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive 

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Hankook Ion Evo AS SUV
255/40R-20 101V TO

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 in
Length: 188.6 in
Width: 75.6 in
Height: 63.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/49 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 71/29 ft³
Curb Weight: 4421 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.9 sec
100 mph: 9.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.3 sec @ 115 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 1.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 127 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 174 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g 

Interior Sound
Idle: 31/1 dBA/sone
Full Throttle: 69 dBA
70-mph Cruising: 66/21 dBA/sone

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 79 MPGe

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined: 113 MPGe
Range: 303 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

2026 Tesla Model Y Premium RWD
Vehicle Type: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $46,380/$56,380
Options: Full Self-Driving, $8000; Quicksilver paint, $2000

POWERTRAIN
Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Power: 326 hp
Torque: 325 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 80 kWh
Peak Charge Rate, AC/DC: 11.5/250 kW
Transmission: direct-drive

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion MS
255/45R-19 104V M+S Elect PNCS T0

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 in
Length: 188.6 in
Width: 75.6 in
Height: 63.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/49 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 71/29 ft³
Frunk Volume: 4 ft³
Curb Weight: 4178 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.1 sec
100 mph: 11.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.5 sec @ 107 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 125 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 372 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g

Interior Sound
Idle: 30 dBA/1 sone
Full Throttle: 71 dBA
70-mph Cruising: 68 dBA/23 sone

C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
75-mph Highway Range: 270 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 85 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 44 min 

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 134/144/123 MPGe
Range: 357 mi

More Features and Specs