What’s the Difference Between the Tesla Model X and Model Y?

Tesla’s Model X and Model Y have similar features. Here’s what you should consider before deciding which one to buy.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you’re looking for a larger vehicle but don’t like the idea of a gas-guzzling SUV, Tesla’s Model X and Model Y offer lots of seating and cargo space with a lower carbon footprint. But there are some significant differences between the two, including towing capacity, infotainment systems, and price.
When you think about electric vehicles, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a small, compact car. But as the demand for eco-friendly vehicles continues to grow, larger sedans, crossovers, and SUVs are being produced with fuel-efficient electric motors. Leading electric-car automaker Tesla includes two crossovers in its 2022 lineup: the Model X and the Model Y.
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Tesla Model X and Model Y

Tesla has been dominating the electric-vehicle market for over a decade, and continues to do so with its 2022 sport utility vehicle options. Both the Model X and the Model Y offer three-row seating, plenty of cargo space, and more than 300 miles of battery range
Introduced in 2015, the
Model X
is one of the oldest cars in the brand’s line. It’s Tesla’s only midsize SUV, and it reigns as one of the top-selling electric vehicles in the world. The newer and smaller
Model Y
was introduced in 2020 as a more affordable alternative to the Model X.

Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: price

There’s a stark difference in price between the two eco-friendly SUVs. The Model X has a base price of $116,440 for the Long Range car, while the Model Y starts at the more reasonable cost of $64,440.
Long Range
Plaid
Performance
Model X
$116,440
140,440
N/A
Model Y
$64,440
N/A
$69,440
Remember though, no matter which model you choose, the trim level, options, and packages you pick can have a significant impact on your final costs.

Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: power and performance

While neither of Tesla’s sport utility vehicles can match the breakneck speeds of the
Model S
, both Model X and Model Y have a lot to offer when it comes to power and performance. Here’s how they stack up:
Model
Trim
Powertrain
Drivetrain
Horsepower
0 to 60 mph
X
Long Range
Dual-motor
All-wheel drive
670 hp
3.8 seconds
X
Plaid Edition
Three-motor
All-wheel drive
1,020 hp
2.5 seconds
Y
Long Range
Dual-motor
All-wheel drive
383 hp
4.4 seconds
Y
Performance
Dual-motor
All-wheel drive
450 hp
3.6 seconds
The Model X can tow up to 5,000 lbs. with the standard 20-inch wheels. Upgrading to the optional 22-inch turbine wheels offers a boost in speed but reduces the towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Model Y can tow up to 3,500 lbs. when equipped with the optional towing package. 
Key Takeaway Model X offers more horsepower, superior speed, and faster acceleration than Model Y, despite being larger and heavier.

Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: battery range

Tesla batteries offer some of the best range on the market. Whether you opt for the
Model X
or the
Model Y
, you’ll be able to drive over 300 miles on a single charge, although you can maximize your battery power by choosing a Long Range trim. Here’s how they compare:
Model
Trim
Range
X
Long Range
351 miles
X
Plaid Edition
335 miles
Y
Long Range
330 miles
Y
Performance
303 miles
Tesla suggests charging your car’s battery to 90% every evening in order to keep it topped off, and charging to 100% if you’re about to go on a long trip. However, if you forget to plug in, Tesla batteries only deplete about 1% per day if the car is parked.

Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: features

Tesla regularly improves the comfort and convenience features included on its vehicles, and both Model X and Model Y come standard with perks like a panoramic glass roof, HEPA air filtration, and a premium sound system. Other features included on both SUVs are LED fog lamps and power-folding, auto-dimming, and heated side mirrors. Here’s how the two models differ:
  • Autonomous driving:
    Autopilot
    comes standard on the Y, and is optional on the X. Both models can be upgraded to include Tesla’s full self-driving package.
  • Interior styling: Both models have all-black upholstery, center console and dashboard, but the Model X includes a posh carbon fiber finish.
  • Infotainment: Model X has a massive, 17-inch touchscreen at the center console, plus a second touchscreen for rear passengers that includes an option to play select triple-A video game titles. Model Y has a 15-inch touchscreen. Both models include the ability to create custom driver profiles in the infotainment system, as well as USB ports and smartphone docking.
  • Inclement weather: Both models include heated seats, but Model X improves comfort with a heated steering wheel, wiper blade defrosters and washer nozzle heaters.
  • Unique design elements: Model X includes falcon-wing doors and a yoke (rectangular) steering wheel. Model Y features laminated window glass.
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Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: interior space

Interior space is probably a priority for anyone interested in buying a large vehicle like an SUV or crossover. Whether you’re looking for seating, cargo room, or both—here’s what the Model X and Model Y look like in terms of their interiors:
Model
Trim
Seating
Storage
X
Long range
7 people
up to 91 cubic feet
X
Plaid edition
7 people
up to 91 cubic feet
Y
Long range
5 people w/ option to upgrade to 7
up to 68 cubic feet
Y
Performance
5 people
up to 68 cubic feet
Model X has a roomier front seat, with more head room and shoulder space for the driver and front passenger, but the Model Y offers more leg room in the rear seats. It may be easier to load the Model X thanks to its falcon-wing doors and large rear hatch, but its unconventional design means it can’t be fitted with a roof rack.

Should I buy a Model X or a Model Y?

While both Model X and Model Y have great features, the biggest difference between them is the price. Model X offers superior cargo space, driving range, towing capacity, speed, features, and acceleration—but it costs over $45,000 more than Model Y. 
Model Y may have more value for people looking for specific upgrades, since a lower purchase price can allow you to spend more on the features you love. Since Model Y is both smaller and lighter than Model X, it may also be a better pick if you have a small garage or often need to maneuver in and out of tight city parking
Key Takeaway Choosing between Model X and Model Y comes down to your preferences on vehicle size, interior space, comfort and convenience features, and your budget.

How to find affordable Tesla insurance

Whether you decide to buy the Model X or the Model Y, protect your investment by shopping for
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