With just 26.5 inches of legroom, the Tesla Model Y’s third row of seating isn’t the most comfortable spot in this otherworldly electric SUV. That said, the Model Y remains a compelling, stylish, and fast electric vehicle.

The Tesla Model Y offers third-row seating, but it might not be the most comfortable ride for a car full of adults.
There’s 34.6 inches of headroom and 26.5 inches of legroom in the third row.
Many luxury SUVs and crossovers have limited space in their third row, but the Model Y offers less back seat space than many competitors in its class.

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Tesla Model Y 3rd row: overall review

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, the Tesla Model Y can seat up to seven passengers with the optional third row of seats you can add to this electric SUV.

The Model Y’s third-row seat configuration might make you feel like you're bunking on a nuclear submarine (that is, it’s very tight), but it's suitable for small children on a road trip. It can accommodate your gangly teenagers or your full-sized adult friends, but—for their sake—keep the trip short.

Your third row comes at a cost: As mentioned, the third row of seating for a Tesla Model Y is optional. You can get the added seating for $3,000 extra.

Tesla Model Y 3rd row: space and comfort

The Model Y’s third row of seats features softer-than-leather vegan leather, so that’s definitely a plus. But make no bones about it—you’ll be cramped if you draw the short straw and are stuck in the seven-seater Model Y’s third row.

Of course, comfort is in the eye of the beholder. Your kids and dogs will love the third row of seats, as they’ll be able to conspire against you with relative ease.

Here are the measurement specs for the Tesla Model Y’s legroom, headroom, and passenger volume:

Seating row	Legroom	Headroom
Third row	26.5 inches	34.6 inches
Second row	41.6 inches	38.7 inches
First row	41.7 inches	41 inches
Total passenger volume	N/A	N/A

If you’re sitting in the third row of a Tesla Model Y as an adult or a tall teenager, you will probably not be comfortable. This is the case for most other luxury SUVs with third rows, though the Model Y offers less third-row space than most due to its sleek, streamlined design.

Here’s how some competitors stack up against the Model Y in terms of third-row space:

Model	Starting price (2023)	Third-row legroom	Third-row headroom	Total passenger volume
Tesla Model Y	$52,630	26.5 inches	34.6 inches	N/A
Lincoln Navigator	$81,620	36.1 inches	37.3 to 37.4 inches	172.1 cubic feet
JeepGrand Wagoneer	$89,995	36.6 inches	39 inches	179 cubic feet
Cadillac Escalade	$82,690	34.9 inches	38.2 inches	168.4 cubic feet
Lincoln Aviator	$54,735	29.2 inches	36.9 inches	144.7 cubic feet
Volvo XC90 Recharge	$72,995	31.9 inches	36.3 inches	103.8 cubic feet

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Is the Tesla Model Y good for big families?

Depending on the size of your family, the Model Y offers the same seating capacity as your average minivan, so it may be able to chauffeur you around in style and comfort.

The Model Y’s front seats are arguably the most comfortable—but when it comes to the rear seat, a trip for more than four adults is really pushing it in terms of comfort—especially if you plan on a long trip.

The Tesla Model Y’s third row will suit your family for longer road trips with up to three adult passengers in the second row and kids in the third row, though finding enough cargo space for your luggage might be an issue.

Besides its optional third row, the Model Y does have a lot to offer if you’re hauling the family around in it:

Best-in-class safety features: The Model Y was tapped as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2022 and received

5 stars from the NHTSA

for safety excellence.

Electric (kool-aid) road trips: With the Model Y, you’ll never have to worry about how expensive gasoline is—you won’t need it with the dual electric motors!

The bottom line: At the end of the day, it's up to you whether the Tesla Model Y provides enough space to haul your family around—and whether splurging for that third row of seats is worth it.

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