2023 Tesla Model Y - Exclusive Ashburn New Car Discounts

Unlike nearly every other automaker in the industry, Tesla doesn’t follow a traditional model year schedule. So, it’s hard to say what’s in store for the 2023 Tesla Model Y. Tesla makes updates to its vehicles throughout the year and institutes those changes immediately.

We expect Tesla to formally introduce a new base Model Y with the automaker’s latest 4680 battery cells. The electric SUV should have a battery pack of 75-kWh and a range of up to 279 miles on a single charge. The vehicle isn’t available on Tesla’s website yet, but looking at the automaker’s list of used vehicles online shows that base Model Ys do exist.

Tesla continues to advertise two different Model Y trims: Long Range and Performance. The base Long Range trim starts at $56,380 and the Performance model costs $60,380 (including destination). Prices have gone down dramatically compared to last year, but they might not stick around for long.

Because of changes to the federal tax credit, Model Y is eligible for the federal tax credit, as well as local and state incentives.

Since we don’t have any official information on the new 279-mile Model Y’s powertrain, we’ll only cover the two that Tesla has information on. The compact all-electric SUV comes standard with dual-electric motors and all-wheel drive. Tesla doesn’t provide horsepower figures for its EVs, but the two powertrains are differentiated by range, fuel economy, and zero-to-60 mph times – the Long Range makes the sprint in 4.8 seconds, while the Performance trim cuts it down to 3.5 seconds.

While the Performance trim is the obvious choice for consumers that want extra performance, it requires a large hit in fuel economy. Curiously, the EPA does have fuel economy information on the new entry-level Model Y. The dual-motor base configuration is rated at up to 129 mpg city and 116 mpg highway. For most people, the Long Range trim will prove to be the best fit, offering one of the best ranges in the class and good performance.

Every Model Y has seating for up to five, but the Long Range can seat up to seven with an available third row that costs $4,000. Another important thing to remember with the available third row is that it decreases range by 4 miles for the Long Range trim.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Model Y has a front trunk and a traditional cargo area in the back. Between the two cargo areas, the electric SUV offers up to 68 cubic feet of total cargo space.

Tesla offers every Model Y with its Autopilot driver-assist suite. Standard features on the Model Y include pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, parking sensors, and automatic high-beam assist.

Shoppers can spec Enhanced Autopilot for $6,000, which brings a more advanced version of Autopilot and includes navigate on Autopilot, automatic lane change, automatic park assist, Summon, and Smart Summon.

Full Self-Driving Capability is available for $15,000 and includes traffic light and stop sign control and all of the features from Enhanced Autopilot. Autosteer on city streets will be available through an over-the-air software update soon. As Tesla comes out with more advanced safety features, drivers with the Full Self-Driving Capability package will be able to take advantage of them through updates.

The standout feature in the Model Y is its standard 15-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. In addition to being the infotainment system, it also acts as the central hub for all of the vehicle’s controls. Other standard features include a 14-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, four USB ports, navigation, and Bluetooth. One glaring omission of the Model Y’s infotainment system is that it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Model Y Long Range comes well-equipped with features that include dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, keyless entry, LED headlights, and a panoramic glass roof.

Beyond the seven-passenger upgrade, the Long Range trim doesn’t have many optional features. A tow hitch is $1,000, a black and white color scheme costs $1,000, and 20-inch wheels are a $2,000 upgrade. The 20-inch wheels reduce the range to 318 miles.

The main thing that the Performance trim brings over the Long Range model is the addition of more powerful motors. The SUV also comes with aluminum alloy pedals, lowered suspension, 21-inch wheels, and upgraded brakes.

Compare Model Y Trims Side-By-Side