I finally got to see the new Tesla Model YL, Model Y Standard, and Model 3 Standard in person a few weeks ago and wanted to give my thoughts on the three models. I drove the two Model Ys and just looked at the Model 3 Standard. I was visiting relatives in Colorado and visited the Tesla dealer in Superior, Colorado (a very progressive part of Colorado). The dealer was very busy, but not quite as busy as I saw when the tax credit was expiring last year.
๐ The Core Development
As I mentioned in this article 4 months ago , Iโve been a fan of the Model YL since it was announced in China, and finally in the US recently. As a parent of 3 kids and an owner of a series of 3 minivans over 30 years, Iโm well aware of the criticism that Tesla doesnโt make a car suitable for large families. The Model X was a partial solution to this problem, but had two large flaws in my opinion.
So, I wanted to see if the Model YL solved these two issues with the Model X. The short is answer is that it solved the price issue but not the space issue. The premium launch edition at $61,990, with about $11,000 in free options, is plenty affordable โ although, still a bit more than a minivan or a Grand Highlander. In fact, I optioned up a Model Y Premium with similar features (including the 3rd row) and it came out to about $60,000! So, this suggests the Model YL will be available for about $53,000 or approximately a $3,000 upcharge once they stop selling the Launch Edition (similar to the price difference in other global markets). On space, the Model YL is pretty similar to the Model X. Good enough for many families, but not as spacious as minivans, the Grand Highlander, or the Chevy Tahoe. You can see from the screenshot below that the Model YL is sold out for 2026, and the dealer was telling people to not expect them until March 2027.
๐ Background & Sector Context
I thought it would look more different than the regular Y. I found it difficult to tell the difference at a glance.
The second row was very comfortable, with heated and cooled seat and plenty of room and adjustable headrests. A significant upgrade to the second row of the regular Y!
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
The third row was a mixed bag. The seats are heated, but not cooled. It does have vents for both air conditioning and heat. Itโs not as spacious as the first and second rows, but at 6โฒ 2โณ, I was comfortable and would be fine on a long drive. I did find it challenging to get to the 3rd row, since the second row didnโt slide forward like it does in many vehicles (including the regular Model Y). You are expected to sneak between the two seats in the second row, which works for most people, but older folks like me donโt like it.
Benchmark Telemetry & EV Fuel Savings
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
Leg room was adequate (not not generous), but I was more comfortable putting one leg in the middle as shown. Had I moved up the second row, I would have had plenty of room, but then it would have been crowded. I was setting all three rows as best I could for 6-feet-tall people in all 3 rows. This is MUCH better than the 3rd row in the regular Model Y, which is only appropriate for children and small adults.
I was amazed I had an inch or two of space above my head in the 3rd row. I forgot to take any pictures of the first row. It does have an extra thigh support adjustment that is nice, but is mostly just like all of the other Model Y (great, but nothing new). Handling and accelerations were about the same as a Premium Model Y dual motor. The ride was a little softer (the YL has electronically controlled dampers, tuned for comfort) than the 2026 Model Y Premium (frequency dependent passive controlled dampers, tuned for a balance of comfort and handling) and much improved over my 2021 Model Y (conventional passive shock absorbers, great for handling but gives a harsh ride) and the 2026 Model Y Standard (retuned conventional passive shock absorbers, a balance between handling and ride). Full Self Driving (Supervised) was promoted by the sales advisor and was perfect on the short test drive.
