Tag: Model Y

May 9, 2026

Tesla Model Y Gains New Colors and Safety Features Amid Old Hue Retirement
Key Takeaway
1. Tesla has discontinued the Deep Blue Metallic color for the Model Y and Model 3 in the US, replacing it with Marine Blue (for Premium trims) and Frost Blue Metallic (for Performance trims).
2. Marine Blue is a deeper, more intense shade available in North America for the first time, while Frost Blue Metallic is now exclusive to high-performance trims, inheriting it from older models.
3. The Model Y produced after November 12, 2025, became the first vehicle to pass the NHTSA’s expanded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) criteria, indicating a significant safety milestone.

Tesla Discontinues Deep Blue Metallic for US Models

Tesla has decided to stop offering the Deep Blue Metallic color for the Model Y and Model 3 in the United States. This hue, which has been an option since 2017 and a favorite among many, is now retired. It was once amongst the most popular paid choices on Tesla’s configurator, but now buyers must choose differently. The move marks a shift in Tesla’s color lineup and reflects changing preferences and options available for their vehicles.

New Blue Shades Available for Different Trims

Replacing Deep Blue, customers are now presented with two different shades of blue depending on the trim level. The Marine Blue, a darker shade arriving from international markets like Europe and Asia-Pacific, is now available for the Premium AWD and RWD versions. Meanwhile, Frost Blue Metallic, a lighter, icy hue, is now exclusive to Performance models of both the Model 3 and Model Y. The latter hue first appeared last year during facelift updates and has a visual appeal that suits Tesla’s high-performance trims.

Details on New Blue Options and Pricing
- Marine Blue: Originates from Tesla’s global markets, previously available outside North America.
- Availability: First time in the US and Canada, costs $1,000 as an upgrade.
- Frost Blue Metallic: Debuted on Model X and Model S, retained for Model 3 and Y Performance trims.
The Marine Blue option offers a richer, more intense blue that’s close to black with a metallic finish, providing a more striking look compared to the now-discontinued Deep Blue. The Frost Blue, on the other hand, imparts a lighter, more airy feel, which aligns with the visual identity of the higher-end Performance trims. Interestingly, some enthusiasts lament that the Marine Blue isn’t available on Performance versions, as Frost Blue is often seen as a less aggressive hue, favoring aesthetics over sportiness.

Model Y Achieves a Major Safety Milestone

Post November 12, 2025 production, Tesla’s Model Y has become the first vehicle to meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) newly expanded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems standards. It achieved a perfect score by passing all eight criteria, which includes four newly introduced categories such as pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, and blind spot intervention. These enhancements go beyond the original four ADAS tests the vehicle already excelled at, representing a significant upgrade in safety technology.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

This feat is notable because Tesla’s relationship with NHTSA has sometimes been turbulent, making this safety accolade a landmark achievement. Competitors are now eager to meet or exceed similar standards, though whether they will succeed remains to be seen. NHTSA’s administrator, Jonathan Morrison, highlighted that “by successfully passing these new tests, the 2026 Tesla Model Y demonstrates the lifesaving potential of driver assistance technologies and sets a high bar for the industry,” emphasizing that such advancements could shape future vehicle safety benchmarks.
Sources
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Tags: Blue Color Options, Model 3, Model Y, Safety Certification, Tesla
February 18, 2026

Tesla Model Y Robotaxi Accidents Rise Above Human Driver Rate

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla is operating around 500 self-driving Model Y robotaxis in Austin and San Francisco, far fewer than Waymo’s 3,000 in six U.S. cities.

2. Tesla’s robotaxis, equipped with FSD software, have reported five incidents in Austin last month, an increase compared to nine incidents from the previous year.

3. The frequency of new incidents for unsupervised FSD operation is about one every 57,000 miles, contrasting with Tesla’s claim of being “6x safer than humans.”

4. Tesla does not provide detailed data on autonomous miles by driver-assist software type, leading to confusion about their safety statistics.

5. The company plans to expand its robotaxi fleet to more U.S. cities this year, introducing new models like the Cybercab, which features no steering wheel.

Elon Musk has stated that Tesla is currently running around 500 self-driving Model Y robotaxis in Austin and San Francisco, which is significantly less than Waymo’s more than 3,000 operating in six U.S. cities.

Robotaxis and Incidents

These Tesla robotaxis are essentially standard 2026 Model Y vehicles equipped with a specialized FSD software that allows them to operate without human oversight. However, they are accumulating incidents at an increasing rate.

According to the latest report on crashes involving self-driving cars, which Tesla must file with the NHTSA, the robotaxis recorded five incidents in Austin just last month. This is a contrast to the nine incidents reported last year when Tesla’s Robotaxi service began in that area. It’s important to note that Tesla only started allowing its Model Y robotaxis to transport passengers without a human safety monitor in January.

Safety Concerns

It’s uncertain if the increase in incidents is related to the removal of the safety monitor from Tesla’s robotaxis. Meanwhile, the company has been expanding its ride-share fleet. The data shows that the frequency of new incidents with vehicles operating on unsupervised FSD is about one every 57,000 miles. This is quite different from the “6x safer than humans” claim Tesla makes for its Autopilot incident statistics, as it actually aligns more with ten times the human average of one incident every approximately half a million miles.

Tesla does not provide a breakdown of its autonomous miles by the type or version of driver-assist software used, which adds to the confusion about their safety claims. For example, using Autopilot on a clear highway presents a different risk level compared to an autonomous ride without a safety monitor during busy traffic in downtown Austin. Tesla reports that most accidents involving its robotaxis resulted in “property damage,” especially when backing up in parking lots, though there have been some hospitalizations as well.

Future Expansion

The EV manufacturer is gearing up for a significant expansion of its robotaxi ride-share fleet in additional U.S. cities later this year. This includes the unique Cybercab two-seater, which lacks a steering wheel, making it interesting to see if the accident rate will increase correspondingly.

Source:
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Tags: Model Y, robotaxis, Tesla
February 16, 2026

Tesla Offers 0.99% APR Financing on Model Y Amid Sales Drop

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla is facing a significant sales slump, with a 17% decrease in US car deliveries in January compared to last year.
2. The company has introduced zero APR financing for the affordable Model Y Standard RWD to boost sales, but it hasn’t had the desired effect.
3. Tesla is offering a new AWD Model Y that is $7,000 less expensive than the Premium version, along with five different trim options.
4. The financing rates for the Premium RWD and Premium AWD trims have been reduced to 0.99% from 2.99%, aiming to stimulate interest.
5. Monthly payments for the Premium AWD trim are $674, while the base AWD version is $557 with zero-interest financing, which may complicate sales of the base trims.

Faced with a huge slump in sales and the first yearly revenue decline after the federal tax credit ended last year, Tesla is hastening its incentives program in an effort to improve its situation.

In January, Tesla delivered 17% fewer cars in the US than during the same month last year. The electric vehicle manufacturer is now rolling out an APR financing offer for its top-selling Model Y vehicle to create some excitement before it potentially reports another lackluster quarter that could threaten its high stock valuation.

New Financing Offers

When Tesla noticed that the affordable Model Y Standard RWD version was not performing as expected, it began providing it with zero APR financing in December. However, this strategy didn’t significantly boost holiday sales, as consumers were not inclined to purchase the stripped-down Model Y Standard, which has over 20 fewer features compared to its Premium counterpart, along with a considerably shorter driving range per charge.

Increased Options

In response, Tesla launched an AWD Model Y that is $7,000 less expensive than its long-range Premium version and is currently offering five different trims of the Model Y in the US.

The effectiveness of this new AWD Model Y is still uncertain since Tesla somewhat undermined it by introducing a 0.99% APR financing option for the Premium RWD and Premium AWD trims, down from a previous rate of 2.99%. This new financing offer applies to all terms except for the 84-month option, which remains at over 6% APR.

Monthly Payments

With the latest Model Y APR financing promotion, buyers can now obtain the Premium AWD trim for $674 per month after making a $3,300 down payment over a 72-month period at the 0.99% interest rate. In contrast, the least expensive AWD version costs $557 per month with its zero-interest financing, making the Premium Model Y seem more accessible, but this might complicate the sales of the base trims.

Tags: APR financing, Model Y, Tesla
February 3, 2026

Tesla Launches $7,000 Cheaper Model Y AWD with Under 300-Mile Range

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla now offers seven trims of the Model Y globally, including a new short-range Model Y AWD in the US.
2. The Model Y trims in the US range in price from $39,990 to $57,490, providing more options for customers.
3. The new Model Y AWD has the shortest range of all Model Y versions and is the only Tesla model with less than a 300-mile range.
4. The Model Y AWD is positioned as a budget-friendly option with a $7,000 price difference from the Premium AWD trim.
5. Choosing the AWD model means sacrificing luxury features and color options for a more affordable price, with only a slight difference in driving range.

Tesla has recently expanded its offerings with seven different trims of the Model Y available worldwide. Following the launch of a long-range Model Y RWD in Europe, the company has now introduced a short-range Model Y AWD in the United States. Additionally, the Model Y Standard has been rebranded as the Model Y RWD to steer clear of any negative connotations related to affordability.

Expanded Choices for Customers

Currently, Tesla presents five Model Y trims for consumers in the US, with prices ranging from $39,990 to $57,490. This variety gives customers more options after the removal of the Model S and Model X from the lineup, ensuring there is truly something for everyone.

Price and Performance Adjustments

The new Model Y AWD trim, which includes an additional motor on the base RWD version while maintaining the same battery capacity, has the least range of all Model Y versions available in the US. It is also unique as the only Tesla model that offers less than a 300-mile range.

Initially, a $7,000 price gap compared to the Premium AWD trim makes the new Model Y AWD an attractive budget-friendly choice. The Standard RWD version was not performing well in sales, prompting Tesla to enhance its entry-level lineup.

Trade-offs for Affordability

However, opting for the AWD model means buyers will miss out on several luxury features, including vented and motorized leather seats, a light bar, panoramic glass roof, HEPA filter, matrix LED headlights, acoustic glass, and a superior sound system. There is also a more limited selection of colors available. In terms of driving range, the difference is only about 30 miles, so the lack of design elements and some comforts might not deter those looking for a more affordable AWD option at a $7,000 lower cost.

Source:
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Tags: AWD, Model Y, Tesla
January 29, 2026

Tesla Moves 4680 Battery Supply from Cybertruck to Model Y

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla plans to use its own 4680 batteries in the 2026 Model Y after previous issues with energy density and repairability.
2. The company is shifting focus to improve the 4680 battery’s performance and has faced challenges with low sales of the Cybertruck.
3. Tesla aims to produce 4680 batteries more cheaply using a dry electrode method, but they still have thermal inefficiency compared to Panasonic’s 2170 cells.
4. The new approach allows for individual cell repairs by integrating 4680 cells into non-structural battery packs, improving repairability.
5. Specific Model Y versions equipped with 4680 batteries are yet to be announced, raising curiosity about their charging performance.

Tesla is once again planning to use its own 4680 batteries in the 2026 Model Y. The first attempt at this didn’t go very well, as the initial structural battery pack that was integrated into the chassis was not able to be repaired. Additionally, the first generation of 4680 batteries had low energy density and a poor charging curve.

New Developments

Due to these issues, Tesla decided against using 4680 cells in the Model Y and instead focused on creating a second version of the battery that would have better energy density for the Cybertruck. However, the electric pickup hasn’t been selling well, leaving Tesla in a tough spot. They even had to stop production on two of their other premium models, the S and X, which saw a 50% drop in sales in 2025.

Elon Musk hinted during the Q4 earnings call that the Cybertruck might be remodeled as an autonomous vehicle for work. Meanwhile, Tesla might have enough production capacity for the 4680 batteries, made using the more affordable dry electrode method, to begin fitting “some Model Ys with our 4680 cells.” The company blames supply chain issues due to tariffs for this change.

Performance Concerns

While Tesla may be able to produce the 4680 batteries more cheaply now, they still suffer from thermal inefficiency and a less favorable charging curve compared to Panasonic’s 2170 cells. This could leave potential buyers feeling uncertain about the news of the 4680 batteries returning to the Model Y lineup.

On the bright side, there are some positives regarding the switch back to Tesla’s own 4680 cells, even if they are not as good as the 2170 packs in long-range Model Y versions. According to Tesla’s CFO, their engineers are working on resolving supply issues by incorporating 4680 cells into non-structural battery packs.

Repairability Improvement

This means that Tesla is now placing 4680 cells into the trays of the 2170 pack housing, which could allow for repairs by replacing only the individual cells that fail. Earlier, Tesla utilized a cell-to-pack method where the large 4680 battery was part of the Model Y’s structure, using a large amount of adhesive that made it impossible to remove individual cells. This setup meant that the entire battery would need to be replaced once it failed.

Tesla hasn’t disclosed which specific versions of the Model Y will come equipped with 4680 batteries, but curious customers will find out shortly and will likely test the charging curve to see if Tesla has remedied the previous charging speed problems seen in the Cybertruck and the first generation of Model Y 4680 cells.

Source:
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Tags: 4680 batteries, Model Y, Tesla
January 28, 2026

Uber vs Lyft vs Waymo vs Model Y: Ride Share Price & Wait Time Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla has launched its Robotaxi service in cities like Austin and San Francisco, offering significantly lower prices compared to competitors.
2. Tesla’s fares are often two to three times cheaper than established ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, with rides in San Francisco averaging only $8.
3. Waymo’s pricing has improved, reducing the gap with Uber from 40% to just 13%, but Tesla’s rates remain considerably lower.
4. Tesla’s estimated wait time for a ride is about 15 minutes, while Waymo and Lyft have shorter average wait times of just over five minutes.
5. Tesla is rapidly expanding its Model Y robotaxi fleet and plans to increase the number of unsupervised rides, addressing challenges related to vehicle availability and wait times.

Tesla has launched its new Robotaxi ride-sharing service in cities such as Austin and San Francisco, using the 2026 Model Y vehicles. This service has significantly reduced prices, undercutting competitors by two to three times.

Competing with Established Brands

This pricing advantage extends to established companies like Uber and Lyft, as well as fully autonomous rides from Google’s Waymo. Although Waymo has historically been pricier than Uber or Lyft, its rates are quickly decreasing. The price gap between Waymo and Uber has shrunk from as much as 40% to just 13%, and it’s only 2% for rides under six miles.

Unmatched Pricing from Tesla

Tesla’s Robotaxi fares are unmatched, with rides in San Francisco costing less than ever before. The average fare for a Tesla ride there is only $8, while Lyft charges double that amount. According to a study on average ride share prices, Tesla charges $1.99 per kilometer ($3.20 per mile), while Waymo’s rates are nearly three times higher. This data comes from an analysis of 94,348 rides, which includes both trip costs and waiting times.

Wait Times Compared

While Tesla excels at pricing, the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for a Model Y is about 15 minutes when requested. In contrast, Waymo, the other player focused on robotaxis, has an average wait time of just over five minutes, similar to Lyft’s ETA.

It’s important to note that Tesla has far fewer robotaxis operating than Waymo, with around 156 Model Y units in the Bay Area using the FSD (Unsupervised) software. Waymo boasts over a thousand automated vehicles, which naturally leads to shorter wait times.

Rapid Expansion of Tesla’s Fleet

Tesla is rapidly increasing its Model Y robotaxi fleet and has begun offering unsupervised rides in Austin, much like Waymo. According to Tesla’s AI chief, as time goes on, the proportion of unsupervised rides will grow, along with the fleet size, and this process has already been initiated.

In summary, Tesla is providing unbeatable prices for ride-sharing to encourage quicker adoption of its Robotaxi app and services, similar to how Uber and Lyft did when they started. This strategy aims to counteract the common challenges faced by new entrants, such as a limited number of vehicles leading to longer wait times. A survey of respondents indicates that robotaxis are already becoming a norm in the Bay Area, as nearly half expect one to arrive after a ride share request, which is promising for the future of autonomous car-sharing services.

Source:
Link

Tags: Model Y, Tesla Robotaxi, Waymo
January 23, 2026

Tesla Ends Free Autopilot and Raises FSD Subscription Price

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla has removed the free Autopilot feature and now charges $99 per month for the Autosteer function.
2. New Tesla vehicles come with a basic Traffic-Aware Cruise Control but may lead to unexpected braking incidents.
3. Elon Musk is promoting FSD subscriptions to boost future revenue, especially before a challenging sales meeting.
4. After February 14, the FSD purchase option will be removed, leaving only the subscription model for new FSD features.
5. The subscription model may pose risks, as Tesla could take years to profit, and customers might switch brands or use FSD only when necessary.

The free Autopilot feature that Tesla has been providing with its cars for some time is no longer available. Tesla is putting all its chips on future revenue from FSD subscriptions and has removed the Autopilot option from the free driver-assist features.

New Features and Pricing

Now, all new Tesla vehicles come equipped with a basic speed adjustment feature called Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, which can lead to unexpected braking incidents. This means that customers will need to pay $99 per month if they want the Autosteer function, which was previously included at no charge.

In comparison, a RAV4, which is priced about twenty thousand dollars less than the Premium Model Y, includes Toyota’s Safety Sense. This package offers a wide range of driver-assist features, such as autosteer, plus pedestrian and road sign detection.

Future Revenue Strategy

Elon Musk, who is set to face a challenging Q4 sales and 2025 revenue results meeting on January 28, might be trying to soften the blow of potential bad operating income news by promoting future earnings. Tesla has recently launched fully unsupervised Model Y robotaxi operations in Austin, eliminating the need for a safety monitor in the vehicle. This announcement comes just before the quarterly results meeting, and now Musk has mentioned that owners will have to pay more for this new type of driver-assist software than what they currently pay for the FSD (Supervised) option. “The huge value jump is when you can relax and use your phone or even sleep during the ride,” Musk states.

Until February 14, Tesla will still offer the $8,000 FSD purchase option along with the $99/month subscription plan. However, after Valentine’s Day, those wishing to use FSD will only have the subscription option, which could increase in price when the FSD (Unsupervised) version becomes available for newer Teslas equipped with the HW4 computer.

Potential Risks

This clear attempt to boost revenue could backfire, as Tesla may require seven years to begin profiting from a subscription compared to a one-time purchase at current rates. Many Tesla owners might choose to switch brands or vehicles within that time frame, or they might opt to pay for FSD only when they need it for longer trips. Therefore, it’s uncertain whether this subscription-only approach will be beneficial for Tesla after the planned FSD price hike.

Source:
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Tags: FSD Subscription, Model Y, Tesla
January 22, 2026

First Unattended Model Y Robotaxi Rides: Passengers Can’t Take Control

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla is launching unsupervised rides in Model Y robotaxis, starting in Austin and San Francisco.
2. The unsupervised FSD software is different from the supervised version available to regular Tesla owners, with plans to merge them later this year.
3. Texas’s lack of clear regulations on self-driving cars allows Tesla to operate without a safety monitor in the vehicle initially.
4. Passengers cannot touch the steering wheel during rides; if they do, the vehicle will stop.
5. Tesla is collaborating with insurers to offer lower premiums for rides using its FSD software compared to human-driven trips.

Tesla is taking a bold step by launching truly unsupervised rides in its Model Y robotaxis on the Robotaxi platform for the first time.

Unsupervised FSD Software

The fully autonomous Model Y robotaxis are operating in cities such as Austin and San Francisco. These vehicles use a special software version that Tesla refers to as unsupervised FSD, distinguishing it from the supervised model that is accessible to regular Tesla owners. While plans to merge the two software branches are set for later this year, allowing 2026 Model Y owners equipped with HW4 to rent out their cars and generate some income, currently, the unsupervised rides are exclusively available in Austin.

Texas Laws and Ride-Sharing

Texas does not have any clear regulations regarding self-driving cars, which is why Tesla is rolling out ride-sharing services without a safety monitor in the passenger seat in this state first. At the beginning, there will be a combination of both unsupervised and supervised rides, but as time goes by, the company plans to increase the proportion of fully autonomous trips where only passengers are present in the vehicle.

Safety Measures and Insurance

Tesla is extremely confident in the safety of its FSD technology, to the point where passengers are not permitted to touch the steering wheel of the Model Y or take control of the vehicle. If someone touches the wheel too many times, the Model Y robotaxi will simply pull over and stop. Moreover, Tesla has shared its FSD safety data with external insurers like Lemonade, which is introducing a specialized insurance product for autonomous vehicles. This product offers 50% lower premiums for every mile driven using Tesla’s FSD software instead of by a human driver.

Source:
Link

Tags: Model Y, Robotaxi, Tesla
January 14, 2026

Tesla Ends Free FSD Transfer, Impacts HW3 and AI4 Subscription Prices

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla’s free Full Self-Driving (FSD) transfer promotion will end on February 14, affecting Model Y owners who previously benefited from transferring FSD to new vehicles.
2. Starting February 15, Tesla will no longer sell FSD outright for $8,000, shifting to a subscription model with a monthly fee of $99 for new and existing owners.
3. The subscription model presents challenges for Tesla as vehicle sales decline, pushing the company to seek new revenue streams in a weak EV market.
4. New Model Y owners wishing to join the Robotaxi fleet will need to pay for FSD subscription and give Tesla 20% of their earnings from ride-sharing.
5. Future pricing for FSD subscriptions remains uncertain, with potential tiered pricing based on vehicle capabilities and whether owners choose to participate in the Robotaxi platform.

Tesla’s well-liked free FSD transfer promotion will be ending after February 14, as stated by Elon Musk, who has been quite open about the situation recently.

Changes for Model Y Owners

Previously, owners of the Model Y who bought the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature outright at its various prices over the years (currently set at $8,000) could transfer this highly sought-after feature to a new Model Y or any other Tesla vehicle they purchased. The free FSD transfer had almost become a regular offer, with Tesla frequently extending it, having only a couple of quarters in the last two years where it wasn’t available as a purchase incentive.

Subscription Model Introduction

Instead of continuing to sell the FSD option for $8,000, Tesla will cease all sales starting February 15. Moving forward, the only way for existing and future Tesla owners who haven’t purchased FSD will be to subscribe and pay the monthly fee set by Tesla. The current subscription price for FSD is $99 per month. This means that for those who bought it outright, it would take around eight years to recover their investment, which is about the lifespan of their Model Y. However, they could have transferred it to a new Model Y under the free transfer deal, or whatever Tesla provides at that time, allowing them to utilize it for years without any additional costs.

Revenue Challenges for Tesla

This situation is not ideal for Tesla, especially since their vehicle sales are on the decline, and they need to find ways to generate revenue in a somewhat weak EV market. Moreover, Tesla is preparing to roll out the unsupervised FSD version that will operate its robotaxis through an over-the-air update. This would enable owners of the 2026 Model Y to add their vehicles to the Robotaxi ride-share fleet whenever they choose and earn money when they aren’t using their cars.

This additional revenue opportunity could be thrilling for many Tesla vehicle owners. However, it poses a challenge for those who already purchased FSD outright, as they can continue to benefit from it for many years. After February 14, new Model Y owners who wish to contribute their vehicles to the Robotaxi fleet will not only have to pay for a monthly or yearly subscription for FSD (Unsupervised), but they will also need to give Tesla about 20% of their revenue for managing the ride-share platform and processing payments. In essence, Tesla will halt the sale of FSD 14 just as their Robotaxi service goes public, aiming to boost revenue through this more profitable subscription-only model.

Future Pricing Uncertainty

It’s uncertain whether the monthly fee for FSD will stay the same or if Tesla will introduce a tiered subscription model. There might be one price for the upcoming simplified FSD 14 Lite for HW3 vehicles and a different price for the complete FSD available on newer models equipped with HW4. Those who don’t want to list their vehicles on the Robotaxi platform could stick with a less expensive version of FSD (Supervised), while those looking to profit as robotaxis may face higher costs for the unsupervised edition, and so forth.

Source:
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Tags: FSD, Model Y, Tesla
January 13, 2026

Tesla Launches 7-Seat Model Y in US with Upgraded Features

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla has launched a 7-seat variant of the refreshed 2026 Model Y in the US, available only in the Premium AWD trim for an additional $2,500.

2. The taller and longer Model Y L is not offered in the US, and there are no plans for a 3-row Tesla SUV due to the focus on robotaxis.

3. Model Y robotaxis are currently in pilot testing in select US cities, with the Cybercab also undergoing early testing on public roads.

4. The Premium trims now include new 20″ graphite Helix wheels for an extra $2,000, bringing the total cost of the 7-seat Model Y to $53,490 if purchased together.

5. Standard upgrades for the Premium trim include a high-resolution 16-inch display and a new black headliner, following recent interior updates, but no retrofits are available for older models.

Tesla has finally introduced the 7-seat variant of the refreshed 2026 Model Y to customers in the US. This 7-seat Model Y comes at an additional cost of $2,500 and is exclusively available with the top-tier Premium AWD trim.

Not the Larger Model

Regrettably, this release does not include the taller and longer Tesla Model Y L (for Large) that is only offered to customers in China. Elon Musk has stated that with the rise of robotaxis, there is no plan to launch a proper 3-row Tesla SUV for the US market.

Robotaxis in the Pilot Phase

Currently, the Model Y robotaxis are still undergoing pilot tests in a few US cities. The Cybercab, which lacks pedals and a steering wheel, is just beginning its testing phase on public roads before it can join the fleet. As a result, many Tesla enthusiasts are disappointed that the Model Y L won’t be available in the US.

Instead, they are left with the earlier 7-seat Model Y configuration, which includes two small child seats that are somewhat awkwardly placed in the trunk for an extra $2,500. This bumps the price of the Premium AWD trims up to $51,490.

New Features and Options

Additionally, the Premium trims now feature a new set of 20″ graphite Helix wheels paired with all-season tires, which cost $2,000. So, for those looking to purchase the new 7-seat Model Y along with these wheels, they would be spending a total of $53,490. Alternatively, buyers can achieve a similar appearance by selecting a new wheel cover and hubcap kit available on Amazon.

At least, the upgraded high-resolution 16-inch display from the Performance trim and a sleek black headliner replacing the old gray one will now be standard in the Model Y Premium. This update follows the interior refresh that recently appeared in China. While it looks more modern, Tesla does not provide any retrofits, meaning that these two free upgrades are now exclusive to the Premium and Performance trims.

Source:
Link

Tags: 7-seat version, Model Y, Tesla