A visit to a Tesla dealership in Superior, Colorado, gave a CleanTechnica writer the chance to drive the Model YL and Model Y Standard and look over the Model 3 Standard. The main surprise was how much more usable the YL’s third row was compared with the regular Model Y, although it still fell short of the space offered by minivans and larger three-row SUVs.
The Model YL’s second row was described as comfortable, with heated and ventilated seats, adjustable headrests and ample room. The third row has heated seats and vents for heating and air conditioning. The writer, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, found enough headroom and said the seats could work for adults on a long trip, but noted that access was awkward: passengers must move between the second-row seats rather than slide the row forward.
The reviewer considered the YL’s space broadly comparable to the Model X, but not to a minivan, Toyota Grand Highlander or Chevrolet Tahoe. The launch edition was listed at $61,990, with about $11,000 in options included. Based on a comparison with a similarly equipped Model Y Premium, the writer estimated the YL could cost around $53,000 after the launch edition ends. The dealer reportedly said customers should not expect deliveries until March 2027, and the writer said the 2026 allocation was sold out.
On the road, the YL’s handling and acceleration felt similar to those of a dual-motor Model Y Premium, while its electronically controlled dampers delivered a softer ride. The writer also found it difficult to distinguish the YL from the standard Model Y at a glance.
The Model Y Standard felt similar to the writer’s daughter’s 2024 rear-wheel-drive Model Y, but was noisier and rode less smoothly than the Premium version. It lacks ventilated seats and premium audio, while its 18-inch wheels offer more tire sidewall and, according to the review, help improve range. The reviewer said the $6,000 price gap could make the Standard a better fit for some buyers, while others may prefer the Premium’s added features. Seat adjustments are made through the screen rather than controls on the seats.
The writer did not drive the Model 3 Standard. Its starting price is $36,990, with a stated range of 321 miles and a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.8 seconds. The article compared those figures with the original Model 3’s 2016 launch promises of at least 215 miles of EPA range and acceleration to 60 mph in under six seconds, arguing that the Standard offers more range and similar acceleration at a lower relative price than the original model.
Sources: CleanTechnica.