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:
Click the vehicle icon to open settings
Navigate to the "Software" tab
Click "Additional Vehicle Information"
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 0-60 mph times of under 5.0 seconds. All 2020 Model Ys come with Tesla's Premium interior, featuring a 14-speaker audio system, heated front and rear seats, and a wireless charging tray.
Features: Premium Interior, Autopilot
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
The 2021 model year saw the brief introduction and discontinuation of a Standard Range RWD variant. Late in the year, Tesla updated the interior with a redesigned center console, replacing the original glossy black finish with a matte texture. Optional third-row seating also became available.
Features: Updated Center Console, Autopilot
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 added a new base AWD trim built in the Austin factory, utilizing the 4680 battery cells and a structural battery pack. This version offered a slightly shorter range compared to the traditional Long Range AWD but served as a more affordable entry point before prices peaked later that year.
Features: Introduction of 4680 cells (Austin builds), Autopilot
AWD (4680): 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
Tesla drastically lowered prices in 2023, and the Model Y became eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. This year also saw the introduction of an LFP-powered RWD variant in some markets, though hardware stayed largely consistent with the previous year's updates.
Features: New door cards, new RWD variants
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
2024 Tesla Model Y
The 2024 model year introduced the Long Range RWD, replacing the previous base model with a significantly more efficient configuration. This variant jumped to a 320-mile EPA estimate and improved DC fast charging to 250 kW. Most 2024 builds also transitioned to Hardware 4 (HW4).
Features: Introduction of Hardware 4, Matrix LED Headlights, and Stealth Grey paint
Standard RWD: 260 miles of range, 6.5 seconds to 60 mph
Long Range RWD: 320 miles of range, 6.5 seconds to 60 mph
Long Range AWD: 310 miles of range, 4.8 seconds to 60 mph
Performance: 285 miles of range, 3.5 seconds to 60 mph