2027 Tesla Model Y L

The 2027 Tesla Model Y L is a long-wheelbase version of the hugely popular Model Y. It was previously available only in international markets, but has at last arrived in the U.S. Stretching out seven inches longer than the Model Y, the Model Y L has a proper 3-row layout that can fit up to six adult passengers. It has more potent motors and a slightly larger battery than the Model Y, giving it an estimated 325-mile range and a zero-to-60 sprint of 4.4 seconds. The second-gen adaptive suspension and better build quality make this not only a larger version of the Model Y, but a better one.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs, including the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model Y L. 

The Model Y L costs $3,500-$12,000 more than the Model Y AWD, depending on how you option it. The sole Launch Series trim is well equipped, with second-row captain’s chairs that are heated and ventilated. Even third-row passengers get heated and power-folding seats. A 16-inch touchscreen spans the dash horizontally, and the second row has an 8-inch touchscreen nested in the back of the armrest console. Acoustic glass throughout and an updated adaptive suspension keep the ride quiet, or you can turn up the impressive 19-speaker sound system. It rolls on 19-inch wheels, but more stylish 20-inch wheels are available at the cost of a few miles of range. It also has Tesla’s class-leading semi-autonomous Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, but it’ll cost $99/month.  

Those features and their price keep it competitive with other electric 3-row SUVs, which include the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. It’s more budget-friendly than the Lucid Gravity, Rivian R1S, Volvo EX90, and Cadillac Vistiq.

Shifting the Model Y L to drive or reverse requires input on the touchscreen if the auto-shift function doesn’t behave, which can make for an occasionally frustrating parking-lot experience. But once in motion, complaints are few and far between. 

Driving comfort was a focus in developing the Model Y L. While adaptive suspension is not new to the Model Y, it’s been revised for the Y L to allow maximum comfort, and even features a “Rear Comfort” bias, optimizing damping settings for rear passengers.  

NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) improvements were also made throughout the cabin, including the addition of noise-isolation materials and acoustically treated glass. All of that in tandem results in a riding and driving feel that approaches luxury.  

One-pedal driving is mandatory but adjustable, and power is ample, with dual motors pushing nearly 500 horsepower. The larger 20-inch Uberhelix wheels provide slightly more precise, agile handling, while opting for the smaller 19-inch Machina 2.0 wheels add a subtle increase in comfort due to the added tire sidewall.  

Powertrain

At launch, there is only one powertrain for the Model Y L: the dual-motor AWD system, with a slightly higher power output and a larger battery than the other Model Y variants. Like those models, we expect other single-motor powertrain options in the future. 

The Model Y L might be Tesla’s most functional 3-row SUV yet. It simplifies the complexities of the Model X and has better headroom than both the Model X and the Model Y. With a 6-inch longer wheelbase in its 7-inch longer body vs. the Model Y, it is altogether roomier and more comfortable for six 6-foot passengers. There’s 31 inches of third-row legroom, which is only one inch less than in the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9.

The second row features heated and ventilated seats with power-raising armrests and deep recline for maximum comfort. They also carry smart-electric folding capabilities, dynamically moving the front row forward when the second row starts folding into it. This tech extends to the power-folding third row, dynamically moving the second row forward as needed to create space for proper folding.

Behind the third row is 14.8 cubic feet of space, which is slightly below average for the midsize SUV class. Power-fold the rear seats down for 38 cubic feet behind the second row, or up to just under 85 cubes behind the front seats, which is about 15 cubic feet more than the Model Y. A 4.1 cubic-foot frunk (front trunk) holds charge cords, groceries, or even a carry-on. 

The technology stack of the Model Y L, or any Tesla for that matter, is certainly a top-ranking feature. Phone-as-a-key works flawlessly for access and driving, and it can be shared with other drivers securely for temporary or permanent access. The 16-inch center display in the front of the cabin houses everything, including driving information. It’s quick, responsive, and fully featured. Even the climate control is adjusted here. While many drivers may prefer physical vent controls, a benefit of digital climate is the ability to save each preference to various users, beneficial for those who share a car.

Smart mobile app
The Tesla mobile app also provides ample controls and monitoring for climate, Pet Mode, Camp Mode, and live camera views for Sentry Mode (security system), and even allows you to summon the car from a distant parking spot to the door of the restaurant or grocery store. Though that feature is bundled with the fairly expensive FSD Full Self-Driving (Supervised) subscription, at $99/month. 

19-speaker audio
The sound system is also improved from the already-fantastic Model Y setup, expanding to 18 speakers plus a subwoofer. It features a center channel in the rear, a rare feature in cars, plus four ceiling speakers for a spacious and full sound regardless of seat in the cabin. Subwoofer capability has been retuned for some of the deepest bass of any Tesla, putting the overall experience on par with or beyond that of much more expensive luxury competitors.  

FSD (Supervised)
If you opt to pay for that monthly subscription, you can use Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Tesla’s hands-free, semi-autonomous Level 2+ driver assistance system. It’s the only full point-to-point, hands-free driving system currently available, providing perhaps the biggest competitive edge for the Model Y L. It navigates traffic, intersections, construction, navigation, and even pulls into the charging stall at each stop on a road trip. However, being Level 2, it requires driver observation and supervision at all times. Being camera-only, with no radar or LiDAR, it can sometimes struggle in severely adverse weather conditions.