Tesla Model Y Ground Clearance
The Model Y comes standard with a ground clearance of 6.6 inches and no option to upgrade—it’s not a vehicle designed for off-roading.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Tesla Model Y has a base ground clearance of 6.6 inches on both the Performance and Long Range AWD trim levels.
When looking at an SUV, there are several metrics to consider—comfort, accessibility, cargo, and off-road capabilities. But there’s another factor that can make or break a potential purchase: ground clearance. Whether you’re looking for a more commanding view of what’s ahead or better off-road abilities, checking out the ground clearance of your SUV before you buy is important.
Curious how the Tesla Model Y fairs in ground clearance? We're giving you all the details on the ground clearance for this SUV and helping you find the best savings on your
car insurance
.
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2022 Tesla Model Y ground clearance
The Tesla Model Y comes into two range options: Performance and Long Range AWD. The ground clearance for both trims is the same:
- Model Y Performance: 6.6 inches
- Model Y Long Range AWD: 6.6 inches
The Model Y doesn’t have an air suspension option to upgrade to higher ground clearance. If you’re looking for a Tesla that is off-road equipped, consider the
Model X
, which has a ground clearance ranging from 5.7 inches to 8.1 inches.Tesla Model Y ground clearance over the years
If you’re driving around a new Model Y thinking the ground clearance is higher than previous generations, think again. With only three years under its belt, the Tesla Model Y's ground clearance has not changed since its release in 2019:
- 2020 Model Y: 6.6 inches
- 2021 Model Y: 6.6 inches
- 2022 Model Y: 6.6 inches
Although Tesla does offer more than one trim level of the Model Y, the ground clearance remains the same between the Performance and Long Range AWD.
MORE: The 10 best SUVs for towing
What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?
If you’ve never given a second thought to a vehicle’s ground clearance, you’re probably wondering what it is and why you should care. For one thing, knowing the ground clearance is crucial if you plan to take your vehicle off-roading. Ground clearance is a measurement of the distance between the lowest end of your vehicle’s body and the ground—simply put, ground clearance is the space between your car and the ground.
That said, it’s important to remember that most vehicle specifications of ground clearance don’t include passengers or cargo, so the ride height is always lower than specified when the car is running.
Having a higher ground clearance means that your vehicle can drive over rugged terrain without having to worry about damaging the undercarriage. Depending on what kind of obstacles you want to tackle, it’s generally recommended to have a ground clearance of between 8.8 inches to 10.8 inches or more if you plan to take the path less traveled.
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Is the Tesla Model Y a good off-road vehicle?
With a ground clearance of just 6.6 inches—well below the industry standard of 8.5 inches—you’re not likely going off-roading in your Model Y.
When you look at the wheel articulation and suspension travel, the Model Y isn’t technically built for off-roading—but that doesn’t mean it can’t. Since the Model Y is designed as a family-friendly crossover SUV, not a rugged and burly off-roader, its off-road features may come as a surprise.
The vehicle combines power, capability, and dual-motor AWD with its off-road assist to help you conquer almost any terrain. Adjust the traction control to Slip Start to maximize off-road performance and improve torque delivery.
Overall, if you’re looking to take your vehicle through challenging terrain, there’s probably a better option that has better off-road capabilities and safer ground clearance.
Guard against accidents with the best Model Y insurance
Whether you’re planning to take your Model Y on an epic off-road adventure or cruise down the open highways, ensure you’ve got a solid insurance policy to keep your Tesla protected. But insuring a luxury car doesn’t come cheap—in fact, the average cost to insure a Tesla is about $2,104 each year. When you shop with
Jerry
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.As the top-rated car insurance app, Jerry scans quotes from over 55 top insurers to find you the best customized rates within your budget. All you have to do is download the app, answer a few questions, and browse through the most competitive quotes.
Once you find the right policy at the most affordable rate, connect with a Jerry agent to finalize the details. There’s no paperwork, no phone calls, no emails—it’s the easiest way to save time and money on car insurance.
And the best part? You could save more than $800 a year on car insurance by shopping with Jerry!
“Jerrysaved me $80 a month! I have a Tesla Model Y and really wanted to lower my rates. And they did! I really recommend you give this a shot!” —Nick M.
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