On March 13th, 2020, Tesla delivered its first Model Y to a customer. The Model Y has rapidly climbed the auto industry's ranks. In 2022, the Model Y became the best-selling vehicle in California and the best-selling EV in the US.
The Tesla Model Y offers highly competitive range, power, and overall capabilities, rivaling options that cost thousands of dollars more. Even in the least expensive trim produced, the 2021 Model Y Standard Range RWD could accelerate 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and travel 244 miles on a single charge, per the EPA.
Besides the performance attributes, the Model Y is a highly connected vehicle. With phone-as-a-key and mobile application features that work flawlessly, Tesla products are known for cutting-edge yet reliable technology. In addition, all Model Ys come with the base Autopilot features, which utilize adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, allowing the car to drive itself along a lane.
The Tesla Model Y is also relatively spacious, providing seating space for up to seven if equipped with third row seats. It also features an expansive glass roof, making the Model Y's cabin feel open and airy, with plenty of headroom.
However, trying to find and select the right Tesla Model Y from the second-hand market can feel like a daunting task. Unlike many other automakers, Tesla tends to change its lineup without notice. This means that two 2021 Tesla Model Ys might differ from each other across a number of dimensions, depending on the particular trims, options, and other variance.
Below, we will review each available model year and explain the differences between available trims. If you would like to check which trim and options a particular Tesla Model Y is equipped with, you can use the vehicle's touchscreen:
1. Click the vehicle icon to open settings
2. Navigate to the "Software" tab
3. Click "Additional Vehicle Information"
What Tesla Model Y Model Years Are Available?
2020 Tesla Model Y
For the Model Y's initial model year, the Silicon Valley-born crossover was available in two trims: Long Range and Performance. Both variants had EPA range estimates of over 300 miles and 0-60mph times of under 5.0 seconds. All 2020 Model Ys come with Tesla's Premium interior, featuring a melodic 14-speaker audio system (incl. a subwoofer), heated front and rear seats, and a wireless charging tray in the center console.
Features
- Premium Interior
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- Long Range AWD (316 miles of range, 4.8 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (315 miles of range, 3.5 seconds to 60 mph)
2021 Tesla Model Y
Tesla's perhast most confusing model year for its Model Y crossover was 2021. In early 2021, Tesla introduced a lower-priced RWD variant. Later in 2021, Tesla decided to eliminate the very same Model Y Standard Range RWD variant - the first and only non-AWD Model Y available stateside - and made some notable changes to the Model Y interiors. In late 2021, Tesla began delivering Model Ys with updated interiors featuring a redesigned center console, ditching the glossy black one and optional third-row seating.
Features
- Premium Interior
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- Standard Range RWD (244 miles of range, 5.3 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (326-330 miles of range, 4.8 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (303 miles of range, 3.5 seconds to 60 mph)
2022 Tesla Model Y
Tesla remained somewhat more composed with its 2022 lineup for the Model Y. Interestingly, starting prices for new Model Ys reached new peaks at $65,990, well exceeding $70,000 when factoring for buyer-selected options and destination fees. In addition to the familiar Long Range AWD and Performance trims, Tesla started to offer an Austin-built AWD version with a shortened range. Despite somewhat high prices in 2022, Tesla posted record Model Y sales in 2022.
Features
- Premium Interior
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- AWD (279 miles of range, 5.0 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (330 miles of range, 4.8 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (303 miles of range, 3.5 seconds to 60 mph)
2023 Tesla Model Y
In 2023, Tesla altered its Model Y prices significantly, dropping the Model Y's entry point by over $10,000. In addition, Tesla started to accept online orders for its Austin-built, LFP-powered Model Y AWD. This is also the first year the Model Y qualified for the federal tax credit. All three 2023 trims are be eligible for the full $7,500 new EV tax credit.
Features
- Premium Interior
- Autopilot
Available Trims
- AWD (279 miles of range, 5.0 seconds to 60 mph)
- Long Range AWD (330 miles of range, 4.8 seconds to 60 mph)
- Performance (303 miles of range, 3.5 seconds to 60 mph)
How Tesla Model Y Trims Differ in Practice?
Standard Range RWD
The Model Y Standard Range RWD was the lowest-priced Tesla crossover ever made. Accompanying the lower price was an EPA range rating of 244 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. Despite being a Standard Range variant, this trim still offered Tesla's Premium Interior, featuring all the goodies of the more expensive variants.
AWD
After dropping the Standard Range RWD trim in 2021, Tesla released a new entry-level model. Equipped with AWD this time, Tesla's new base model Y features all the amenities of the more premium models, but comes with a shortened range. With 19'' wheels, the Model Y can travel 279 miles on a single chanrge, per the EPA. Accelerating 0-60 mph takes just 5.0 seconds.
Long Range AWD
Tesla's longest-range Model Y is the Long Range AWD variant, with a solid EPA range estimate of 330 miles. Despite its solid range figure, the Long Range can accelerate 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. For most buyers, this trim level tends to be the sweet spot in terms of price, options, and performance.
Long Range AWD Performance
The Performance variant of the Model Y packs a serious punch. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds and 303 miles of range, the Model Y Performance is a paradigm for performance and usability. It also comes equipped with 21" premium wheels.
