Last week, Tesla sent the Model YL to me for five days to test, evaluate, and use for journalistic purposes. It’s always a pleasure to receive a multimedia vehicle and I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tesla and Ford on hands-on reviews of their products.
This was exceptionally exciting for several reasons: first, because it’s the car I own, but bigger, so I was really excited to see if it was worth it; and secondly, because my fiancée (only 18 days until she officially becomes my wife!!!) and I plan on filling a car with kids in the near future, so it was really nice to test drive a car that could be in our driveway in a few years.
I did a full 10 minute video review of the Model YL, which I will post at the bottom of this more condensed written version. If you prefer to look at a review, go ahead and scroll to the bottom.
For those who prefer to write, I’ll break down the great things I noticed about the Model YL, focusing on the big addition/difference this car has over the Model Y: the third row. Tesla also added small but powerful changes to the YL that I really wish were on my Model Y Premium, so I’ll be sure to mention those as well.
What makes it different from the Model Y?
Credit: TESLARATI
The first thing to note is that the interior of this vehicle, when viewed from the front row, is generally the same. It really feels like you’re in the exact same car with a slightly different seating arrangement. Of course, Tesla interiors look like that, at least with the Model 3 and Model Y, but there are no drastic differences between the Model YL and Model Y from the front row.
This should be expected, so definitely don’t go into it thinking you’ll know you’re in a different car. It’s a very Model Y-like experience.
Tesla Model YL: New features that make it better than the standard Model Y
The real differences come from the last two rows. The only real difference from the front is the addition of a new dynamic function that comes under the “Ride & Handling Priority” menu, which now allows you to adjust the suspension damping to prioritize a comfortable ride for everyone or a noticeably better one from the rear two rows. In terms of ride comfort, the front rows are definitely affected; There’s a noticeable and much firmer difference in the driver’s seat with this setting aimed at giving priority to rear occupants.
What changes from an engineering point of view between these two settings @elonmusk @larsmoravy?
There is a very noticeable difference in driver seat comfort between these two settings pic.twitter.com/KFP12jleHj
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) September 14, 2026
There are also a number of small improvements, such as the taillight now facing the spoiler, which must be a strategy to make the rear glass actually useful in the YL compared to the regular Y.
It’s really crazy how different the rear windshield is compared to the Model Y
Not even close in size pic.twitter.com/IjNbWwMBcS
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) September 14, 2026
Some other small changes are the addition of little magnets for the trunk lid, which is a great addition and something I’d like to do in my Model Y; I feel like the Model YL’s tailgate motor is less whiny than my Model Y’s; and all three rows of climate control are controllable from the front touchscreen.
I talk about it in a short video here:
🚨 Five things you might not know about the new Tesla Model YL! pic.twitter.com/I42VTQoS5R
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) September 14, 2026
Second and third row legroom
The Model YL’s main feature is the third row, and Tesla has done a great job of making it roomy enough for more than just your nine-year-old grandson. It actually has adequate legroom for adults, but it depends on how tall the people are in the first- and second-row seats in front of you.
This is where I’ve caught some slack from those who have also sat in the Model YL and believe there is enough room for anyone of any height. I certainly believe that those who don’t complain could sit there for a multi-hour drive and not complain. I’d like to sit in the last row because I think it’s comfortable; The air vents are positioned perfectly on the C-pillars for comfort, and I found there was enough room for me back there. I’m 5′ 8″, so I’m definitely not tall. However, I found I had more than enough legroom:
Credit: TESLARATI
The photo above is one where my fiancée could sit comfortably in the second row in front of me, and she is 5′ 1″ tall. There’s a lot of give and take with these places and I think most bands could make it work. In this position she was comfortable in the front seat of the second row and, as you can see, I have plenty of room. It could easily go back a few inches and I would still be comfortable.
This is where I think people would really benefit from seeing for themselves what the space is like in this car. For me I found it more than suitable for going out with a group of friends and making everyone feel comfortable. There might be some strategy if you have taller friends, but it’s definitely doable.
Overall, the YL’s space in the rear two rows is excellent: the second-row Captain’s Chairs have mechanical armrests that automatically lower when you get out of the car, and raise themselves when you return. The second row also has ventilated seats; you will only have the heating option in the third row.
Credit: TESLARATI
General thoughts
It really was a great five days with the Model YL and I think it’s a great car for families. I don’t think it’s the perfect one. This is truly a great option for those who can make do with what is truly a compact crossover stretched to make room for a third row. However, I think more families simply want something large, like the Tahoe or Expedition large, and the YL model doesn’t necessarily answer that call.
I think it’s more than reasonable for a family of six to have this car and run it. It’s safe, it has full self-driving, which I think will be non-negotiable for me moving forward with a car purchase; and it’s relatively affordable, with the Launch Edition coming in at $61,990 before options. Not going to a gas station in the last year has really been a lifesaver for me, especially since home charging has saved us so much money.
Tesla will have to have an answer for families who want something like a Cyber SUV or just something that qualifies as a full-size SUV. I really don’t think every family will consider this enough space, and I think that’s understandable. If someone wanted to take an overnight trip with their four kids, I don’t know if it would be the easiest loading situation because without the third row folded down, trunk space is limited to just 14.8 cubic feet. I couldn’t bring four kids and a wife to Ocean City for a week with the use only the trunk space. We should probably get creative and I think that’s what a lot of families want to avoid.
For comparison, a Tahoe offers 25.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is still tight, but much more manageable and forgiving.
That said, the YL model is still a great option and I would be willing to overcome the loading issues due to FSD and the safety of Tesla vehicles in general. For our full review, watch the video below:
