For years, you were buying a Tesla because it was a Tesla. For most of the company’s history, it had only one model to sell at a time. That changed with the introduction of the Tesla Model X SUV. You had choices, but it was either large sedan or large SUV. Now you have more nuanced choices: small sedan or large sedan, small SUV or large SUV. With the recent introduction of the Tesla Model Y small SUV in the market’s hottest segment, we’re taking a look at which all-electric Tesla SUV is right for you based on the data.
Model X Price vs. Model Y Price
There are many large numerical differences between the compact Model Y and the midsize Model X, but the largest and for many the most important is the price tag. The Model Y is far and away the more affordable option with a starting price of $54,190 for the Long Range model compared to the Model X Long Range Plus at $81,190. What’s more, Tesla intends to offer an even cheaper Model Y trim level in the future for just $40,200. If you’re on a budget, the comparison is a no-brainer, but for the purpose of this analysis, let’s pretend you can afford a Model X but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice over the Model Y.
Model X Range vs. Model Y Range
Despite their size differences, which we’ll get to shortly, the Model X and Model Y have similar driving range. The Model Y can travel between 280 and 316 miles on a charge (Performance trim with Performance Upgrade package and Long Range trim, respectively). The Model X, despite being larger and heavier, fits a larger battery and can travel between 305 and 351 miles per charge (Performance and Long Range Plus trims, respectively; adding 22-inch wheels to the performance model drops its range to 272).
Model X Passenger Space vs. Model Y Passenger Space
Both the Model X and Model Y come standard with seating for five, but that’s just a starting point. The Model X can be ordered with six seats—two in each of the three rows—or seven seats in a two-three-two layout. The Model Y will be available with a seven-seat option sometime in the future in the same two-three-two layout. Adding additional seating will cost you, with the seven-seat configuration requiring an extra $3,500 on the Model X and the six-seat feature a $6,500 option. The Model Y’s third row, meanwhile, will cost $3,000.
Being a larger vehicle, the Model X has more passenger space than the Model Y. In the front row, this means an extra 0.7 inch of head room and 4.3 inches of shoulder room in the Model X. However, the Model Y offers more front-row legroom by 0.6 inch.
It’s a similar situation in the second row. The taller, longer Model X offers an extra 1.5 inch of head room over the Model Y and 2.8 inches of extra shoulder room. Here again, the Model Y offers more second-row legroom, an extra 2.1 inches compared to the Model X.
The extra legroom in the first and second rows will likely come at a price for the Model Y’s third row. Tesla is not currently building three-row Model Ys and has not released any dimensions for the rearmost seats. Based on photos released by Tesla, it appears the third row will only be large enough for children. The Model X’s third row is already a tight fit for adults, with 2 fewer inches of head room than the Model Y’s already pinched second row.
Model X Cargo Space vs. Model Y Cargo Space
Tesla does not provide traditional breakdowns of cargo capacity with space available behind the third row, behind the second row (with the third row folded or not installed), and behind the first row (with the second row folded and the third row folded or not installed). In fact, Tesla provides different breakdowns depending on the model. For the Model X, Tesla lists between 77.3 and 87.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume depending on seating configuration and including the 6.6-cubic-foot “frunk” under the hood and the 12.6 cubes in the rear sub-floor trunk (which is contrary to the SAE standards). With both the second and third rows folded (or with no third row installed), Tesla lists between 70.7 and 81.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row. Tesla also lists 12.7 cubic feet of space behind the third row but does not list cargo space behind the second row when the third row is folded or not installed.
By contrast, the Model Y is listed as having 68.0 cubic feet of “total enclosed cargo volume,” which presumably includes the undisclosed space in rear sub-floor trunk and in the frunk (which will be slightly greater than the estimated 2.0 cubic feet in the similar but less deep Model 3 frunk).
Regardless of how it’s presented, the Model X has significantly more total cargo space than the Model Y and, more important, space inside the vehicle for larger objects. It’s also worth noting the Model X’s Falcon Wing doors and larger rear hatch will make loading both people and larger, bulkier items easier than in the Model Y . On the other hand, its conventional rear doors allow the Model Y to be fitted with a roof rack to accommodate larger items.
Model X Dimensions vs. Model Y Dimensions
Much of the difference in passenger and cargo space comes down to the difference in size between the Model X and Model Y. Additionally, external dimensions could determine whether your new Tesla fits in your garage. The Model X is of course larger in every dimension, with a 2.9-inch-longer wheelbase for starters. At 198.3 inches long, it’s 11.3 inches longer than the Model Y and at 78.7 inches wide, 3.1 inches wider. The two are more similar in height, with the Model X being between 1.1 and 4.3 inches taller depending on how each is configured (the air-suspended Model X measures 67.6 inches standing on its tippy toes, before those Falcon doors go up).
Model X Performance vs. Model Y Performance
With its larger batteries and more powerful motors, the Model X is the quicker SUV despite its extra size and weight. We’ve recorded a Model X hitting 60 mph from a stop in as little as 3.2 seconds and as much as 5.5 seconds depending on configuration. Tesla claims those times have been improved upon since we last tested a Model X and are now down to 2.6 and 4.4 seconds; however, those times have not been independently confirmed. Tesla also says the Model Y will hit 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds and as much as 4.8 seconds depending on configuration, which we also haven’t yet tested. The Model Y can also be fitted with the no-cost Performance Upgrade package, which features a lowered suspension, larger wheels, stickier tires, and higher-performance brakes. These features will no doubt increase its cornering ability, but we haven’t been able to perform instrumented testing yet to quantify the difference.
Model X Towing vs. Model Y Towing
As with a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle, towing with an electric vehicle hurts your efficiency and driving range. While Teslas have the ability to charge quickly at the company’s many Supercharger stations, most stations are not set up to charge vehicles with trailers attached. Should you need to tow with your Tesla SUV, though, the Model X can pull up to 4,960 pounds depending on the trim. The Model Y, by contrast, can only pull 3,500 pounds regardless of trim.
Model X Equipment vs Model Y Equipment
In terms of options and equipment, Tesla models offer most of the same features. Autopilot can be installed on any model and can be upgraded to the Full Self-Driving package, which promises fully autonomous driving capability at some point in the future. Both cars also come with heated front seats and second-row seats, but while the Model X comes with heated third-row seats, Tesla hasn’t announced whether the Model Y’s third row will be heated. Either car can be ordered in one of the same five colors. Both offer three wheel choices, though one of the Model Y’s wheel choices is only available with the no-cost Performance Upgrade package.
The more expensive Model X does offer some features the Model Y doesn’t, though. In addition to the Falcon Wing rear doors, the Model X can also open and close its front doors automatically. The Model X comes with a heated steering wheel and a HEPA air filter for the cabin. The Model X also has a panoramic windshield that extends over the front row and two smaller sunroofs over the second row to the Model Y’s single panoramic sunroof for both rows.
There’s also the matter of how the features are laid out. The Model X has a more conventional dashboard with an all-digital instrument cluster and a separate, portrait-oriented infotainment screen. The Model Y features a radically simple dashboard with a single, center-mounted, landscape-oriented screen that doubles as both the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Should You Buy the Model X or the Model Y?
Assuming you can afford it, the Model X offers greater driving range, more cargo space, greater towing capacity, higher performance, and more seating configurations than the Model Y. The smaller, lighter Model Y will fit in smaller garages, will likely prove a better handler, and goes nearly as far on a charge while offering more second-row legroom. For most buyers, the decision will come down to cost, but if you can easily afford the extra $27,000, the Model X offers more of everything. For everyone else, the Model Y is more than good enough.
| POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS | 2020 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor (Long Range AWD) | 2020 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor (Performance AWD w/PUP*) | 2020 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus | 2020 Tesla Model X Performance |
| DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT | Front + rear motor, AWD | Front + rear motor, AWD | Front & rear motor, AWD | Front & rear motor, AWD |
| MOTOR TYPES | Front: Induction; rear: Permanent-magnet | Front: Induction; rear: Permanent-magnet | Front: Induction; rear: Permanent-magnet | Front: Induction; rear: Permanent-magnet |
| POWER (SAE NET) | 384 hp (comb) | 456 hp (comb) | 275-hp front, 259-hp rear; 534 hp comb (est) | 275-hp front, 503-hp rear; 640 hp comb (est) |
| TORQUE (SAE NET) | 375 lb-ft (comb) | 497 lb-ft (comb) | 309-lb-ft front, 247-lb-ft rear | 309-lb-ft front, 531-lb-ft rear |
| WEIGHT TO POWER | 11.4 lb/hp | 9.7 lb/hp | 10.5 lb/hp (est) | 8.9 lb/hp (est) |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 sec (mfr est) | 3.5 sec (mfr est) | 4.4 sec (mfr est) | 2.6 sec (mfr est) |
| TRANSMISSIONS | 1-speed automatic front/rear | 1-speed automatic front/rear | 1-speed automatic front/rear | 1-speed automatic front/rear |
| FINAL DRIVE RATIO | 9.00:1 | 9.00:1 | 9.33:1/9.33:1 | 9.33:1/9.73:1 |
| SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR | Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar | Control arms, air springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, air springs, anti-roll bar | Control arms, adj air springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, adj air springs, anti-roll bar | Control arms, adj air springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, adj air springs, anti-roll bar |
| STEERING RATIO | 10.3:1 | 10.3:1 | N/A | N/A |
| TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| BRAKES, F; R | 14.0-in vented disc; 13.2-in vented disc, ABS | 14.0-in vented disc; 13.2-in vented disc, ABS | 14.0-in vented disc; 14.4-in vented disc, ABS | 14.0-in vented disc; 14.4-in vented disc, ABS |
| WHEELS, F; R | 9.5 x 20-in; 9.5 x 20 cast aluminum | 9.5 x 21-in; 10.5 x 21-in cast aluminum | 9.0 x 20-22 in; 9.5-10.0 x 20-22 in cast aluminum | 9.0 x 20-22 in; 9.5-10.0 x 20-22 in cast aluminum |
| TIRES, F; R | 255/40R20 101Y; 255/40R20 101Y M+S Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric 5 | 255/35R21 98W; 275/35R21 103W Pirelli P Zero Elect | 265/45R20 108V (M+S); 275/45R20 110V (M+S) Continental CrossContact LX Sport | 265/35R22; 285/35R22 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric |
| DIMENSIONS | ||||
| WHEELBASE | 113.8 in | 113.8 in | 116.7 in | 116.7 in |
| TRACK, F/R | 64.4/64.4 in | 64.8/65.2 in | 67.1/67.3 in | 67.1/67.3 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 187.0 x 75.6 x 63.9 in | 187.0 x 75.6 x 63.3 in | 198.3 x 78.7 x (65.0-67.6) in | 198.3 x 78.7 x (65.0-67.6) in |
| TURNING CIRCLE | 39.8 ft | 39.8 ft | 40.8 ft | 40.8 ft |
| CURB WEIGHT | 4,367 lb | 4,419 lb | 5,600 lb (mfr) | 5,700 lb (mfr) |
| WEIGHT DIST, F/R | 50/50% | 50/50% | N/A | N/A |
| SEATING CAPACITY | 5-7 | 5-7 | 5-7 | 5-7 |
| HEADROOM, F/M/R | 41.0/39.4/NA in | 41.0/39.4/NA in | 41.7/40.9/37.1 in | 41.7/40.9/37.1 in |
| LEGROOM, F/M/R | 41.8/40.5/NA in | 41.8/40.5/NA in | 41.2/38.4/32.7 in | 41.2/38.4/32.7 in |
| SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R | 56.4/54.0/NA in | 56.4/54.0/NA in | 60.7/56.8/40.0 in | 60.7/56.8/40.0 in |
| CARGO VOLUME BEH F/M/R | 68.0/NA/NA cu ft | 68.0/NA/NA cu ft | (70.7-81.2) /NA/12.7 cu ft (6.6 cu ft front trunk) | (70.7-81.2) /NA/12.7 cu ft (6.6 cu ft front trunk) |
| CONSUMER INFO | ||||
| BASE PRICE | $54,190 | $62,190 | $81,190 | $106,690 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $57,190 | $70,190 | N/A | N/A |
| STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes |
| AIRBAGS | 8: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee | 8: Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, front knee | 8: Dual front, f/r curtain, f/r side, front knee | 8: Dual front, f/r curtain, f/r side, front knee |
| BASIC WARRANTY | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 4 yrs/50,000 miles |
| POWERTRAIN WARRANTY | 8 yrs/120,000 miles (includes batteries) | 8 yrs/120,000 miles (includes batteries) | 8 yrs/150,000 miles | 8 yrs/150,000 miles |
| ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 4 yrs/50,000 miles | 4 yrs/50,000 miles |
| BATTERY CAPACITY | 75 kW-hrs | 75 kW-hrs | 88 kW-hrs | 88 kW-hrs |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON | 127/114/121 mpg-e | 129/112/121 mpg-e* | 99/93/96 mpg-e | 80-90/77-89/79-90 mpg-e |
| ENERGY CONS, COMB | 28 kW-hrs/100 miles | 28 kW-hrs/100 miles | 34/36 kW-hrs/100 miles | 37-42/38-44 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CHARGING RATE, LEVEL 2/LEVEL 3 | 11.5 kW/250 kW | 11.5 kW/250 kW | 11.5 kW/200 kW | 11.5 kW/200 kW |
| EPA EST RANGE | 316 miles | 280 miles | 328 miles | 272-305 miles |
| RECOMMENDED FUEL | 120, 240 & 400-volt electricity | 120, 240 & 400-volt electricity | 120, 240 & 400-volt electricity | 120, 240 & 400-volt electricity |
| *The Performance Upgrade Package is a no-cost option that lowers the suspension, adds 21-inch wheels and summer tires, and performance brakes and increases top speed to 155 mph (note: Tesla acknowledges that the PUP reduces range from 315 to 280 but does not provide revised EPA numbers for this package). |
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