Rank
Pros
Cons
What's New for 2024?
The Model Y carries over unchanged this year with a significant refresh on tap for 2025.
FAST FACTS
"(Editor's Note: We rank the pre-Juniper Model Y here because the Juniper refresh for 2025 does not yet offer a third-row seat.) Does the Model Y's optional third row have adult-friendly space? Absolutely not, but that's also not the point in this specialized segment. If you're shopping here, you probably want a third row for small children, or else for very occasional use by limber adults. That's where the Model Y's extra seats could really come in handy, obviating the need to drive a significantly larger SUV just to have three rows. Just be aware that the entry-level Long Range RWD is strictly a two-row SUV; if you want the third row, you'll have to step up to the Long Range AWD for a few grand more."—Ranked #1 out of 2 Compact Electric 3-Row SUVs
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2024 Tesla Model Y that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
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The base Model Y is essentially a taller, higher-riding version of the Model 3 Long Range RWD, and that's an appealing combination of attributes. Clearly, as the Model Y was the best-selling car in the whole entire world last year. The world! Anyway, for many shoppers this entry-level configuration will hit the spot, as it gives you the most range in the lineup along with decent power, full 250-kW charging capability and of course the lowest price. Keep in mind, though, that if you want the third-row seat, it's only available on the Long Range AWD, which is one step up.
Tesla tends to tempt you with a lot more speed for a little more money, and the Model Y Long Range AWD is a case in point. For a mere $3k more than the base Model Y, the LR AWD gives you acceleration on par with an E46 BMW M3, if you happen to remember the early 2000s. EPA-rated range remains impressive at 311 miles, so there are no compromises here. If you want the optional third-row seat, though, that'll be another $2k.
The Long Range AWD 3-Row is our Model Y pick because it gives you maximum versatility with no compromises. Yes, the third row is tiny, but so are many children, and having two extra seatbelts in your vehicle can be a very handy feature. It's not just about the extra seating, though; when you fold the third row down, as most owners will do most of the time, you can slide the second-row seats back to open up more legroom in that row. In the standard 2-row configuration, the second-row seats do not slide. In addition, you get swift all-wheel-drive acceleration and 311 miles of range. It's the ultimate Model Y for the widest range of shoppers.
The Model Y Performance is clearly not the one to have if you're looking to maximize range, but consider the MYP's credentials against those of the similarly speed-focused Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which taps out at 221 miles per the EPA. Your mileage may vary, as independent testing of various Teslas has shown, but that's an advantage of nearly 60 miles in the far cheaper Tesla's favor. And although the Hyundai is technically a smidge quicker, no one will get out of the MYP saying "Dang, I wish it had more power." This is a very impressive product, in other words, even if you'll have to stop and plug in sooner than you would in any other Model Y variant.
What are the different versions of the 2024 Model Y, and how much do they cost? Select a version below or just hit the button to see our full 2024 Model Y specs and model data.
| Version | Price | Fuel | Range | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD | $44,990 | Electric | 337 mi | 295 hp | 317 lb-ft |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | $47,990 | Electric | 311 mi | 384 hp | 375 lb-ft |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 3-Row ✅ our pick | $49,990 | Electric | 311 mi | 384 hp | 375 lb-ft |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance | $51,490 | Electric | 277 mi | 510 hp | 527 lb-ft |
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008. Prior to founding MotorDonkey, he spent 15 years shaping Edmunds' expert automotive content in various capacities, starting as an associate editor and ultimately serving as a senior editor before wrapping up with a five-year term as the company's first-ever director of content strategy. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has driven, compared and critiqued thousands of cars in his career. Helping people find their perfect car never gets old—seriously!
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