The “L” stands for more than just a longer wheelbase; it represents a significant rethink of the vehicle’s versatility. While the standard Model Y is a masterclass in space efficiency, the YL stretches the formula to accommodate a dedicated six-seat configuration.
Key updates across the 2026 range include:
- A “Juniper” Refresh: A sleeker, more aerodynamic front fascia featuring a full-width lightbar, heavily inspired by the Cybertruck’s bold aesthetic.
- The Big Stretch: The YL features a nearly 5-metre total length (4,969mm), providing genuine legroom for the new third row and a cavernous 2,539 litres of total cargo space.
- Cabin Quietness: Tesla has finally addressed the “boominess” of earlier models with a 20% reduction in wind and road noise through improved seals and acoustic glass.
- Interior Tech: A massive 16.0-inch main touchscreen up front, paired with a new 8-inch rear display for middle-row passengers to handle their own climate control and streaming.
- Upgraded Warranty: It’s now a 5-year/unlimited km basic vehicle warranty, bringing Tesla closer to the peace of mind offered by its rivals.
It’s clear that the Model YL isn’t just a bigger Y—it’s a play for the hearts (and driveways) of larger New Zealand families who previously had to look toward other brands or internal combustion SUVs to get the job done.
This review is more of a look at the new 6-seat car; if you want to read a fuller review of the Model Y, check out our recent review of the Performance model, or of the Standard model.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2026 Tesla Model YL
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| New 6-seat versatility Suspension refinement Cabin serenity Cabin space Tech ecosystem Performance efficiency Storage capacity Price/features | Rearward visibility/no rear wiper Braking feel Auto wipers Tyre noise on coarse chip |
What’s In The 2026 Tesla Model Y Range?
The 2026 lineup for New Zealand sees the Model Y range maturing into four distinct flavors. While the “Juniper” facelift has brought a unified look with that Cybertruck-style front light bar and improved interior materials across the board, the choice now really comes down to how much range you need and how many people you’re planning to haul over the hill.
The Entry Point: Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
The range kicks off with the Model Y RWD, priced from $67,900. This remains the “sensible” choice for city dwellers and most daily commutes. It utilises a single rear motor producing 220kW and 420Nm of torque, drawing power from a 64kWh battery. Despite being the base model, it’s no slouch, hitting 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. With a WLTP range of 466km, it’s more than capable of the Wellington-to-Taupo run with a single quick stop, and it retains the classic five-seat configuration.
The Distance Runner: Model Y Long Range AWD
Moving up to the Long Range AWD at $77,900, you gain a second motor on the front axle for all-wheel-drive security—essential for those frosty mornings in the central plateau. This variant boosts the battery capacity to roughly 82kWh, offering a significantly improved WLTP range of 600km. The dual-motor setup provides a combined output that drops the 0–100 km/h sprint to just 4.5 seconds. It’s the sweet spot for those who do regular long-distance touring but don’t need the extra physical length or extra seat of the “L.”
The New Heavyweight: Model YL Premium AWD
The big news for 2026 is the Model YL, starting at $83,900. This is the one I’ve been living with this week. It’s stretched by 177mm (with 150mm of that in the wheelbase) to accommodate a unique six-seat interior featuring second-row captain’s chairs.
Interestingly, the extra room has allowed for a slightly larger NMC battery pack, giving it a massive 681km WLTP range—the highest in the lineup. It produces 378kW and 590Nm, taking 5.0 seconds to reach 100 km/h. It also features the new continuous variable damping as standard, which helps manage the extra weight (2,088kg) on our undulating B-roads.
The Apex: Model Y Performance AWD
Finally, for those who want to beat a Porsche away from the lights, there is the Model Y Performance at $100,900. This five-seater focuses entirely on speed and handling, featuring a combined output of approximately 461kW. It will rocket to 100 km/h in a staggering 3.3 seconds.
While it shares the battery of the Long Range, the larger 21-inch wheels and stickier rubber drop the range slightly to 514km. It’s lower, firmer, and comes with upgraded brakes and a dedicated “Track Mode” for the weekend enthusiasts.
2026 Tesla Model Y Colour Range
The big news for the Model YL specifically is the introduction of a new flagship colour, Cosmic Silver, which is exclusive to the larger six-seater and the Performance variant.
Here is the breakdown of the current colour options and their additional costs in New Zealand:
| Colour | Additional Cost |
| Stealth Grey | $2,300 |
| Pearl White Multi-Coat | Included |
| Deep Blue Metallic | $1,700 |
| Diamond Black | $2,500 |
| Ultra Red | $3,000 |
| Cosmic Silver | $3,000 |
For a full list of specs and options available for the 2026 Tesla Model YL, head on over to Tesla’s New Zealand website.
NOTE: The video is a DriveLife review of the Model Y Standard.
How Does The 2026 Tesla Model Y L Compare To Its Competition?
The arrival of the 2026 Model YL has essentially created a “market of one” in New Zealand. While the EV landscape is currently crowded with mid-sized five-seat SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, and Hyundai IONIQ 5, none of these direct rivals offer a three-row configuration.
Previously, Kiwi families needing more than five seats in an EV had to look at significantly larger and more expensive options, such as the Kia EV9 (starting at $110,790) or the Volvo EX90 (pushing $150,000). At $83,900, the Model YL occupies a strategic “middle ground”—offering that crucial third row and premium captain’s chairs for almost thirty thousand dollars less than its closest six-seat competitor.
In the broader market context, the Model YL serves as Tesla’s defensive “stretch.” With Chinese brands like BYD and GWM aggressively undercutting the standard Model Y on price, Tesla has shifted its focus toward versatility and refinement that the budget entrants can’t yet match.
By providing a dedicated 2-2-2 seating layout in a footprint that’s still manageable for a Wellington multi-storey car parks, the YL positions itself as the ultimate “Goldilocks” solution: more practical than a standard SUV, more affordable than a luxury flagship, and currently unrivaled in its specific niche.
| Make/ Model | Battery Capacity kW-hr | Power/ Torque kW/Nm | Seats | 0-100km/h seconds | Range (WLTP), km | Boot Space, litres | Price |
| Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD | 84 | 239 / 605 | 5 | 5.2 | 522 | 480 | $115,070 |
| Polestar 4 Long Range Single Motor | 100 | 200 / 343 | 5 | 7.1 | 610 | 526 | $99,990 |
| Skoda Enyaq Sportline | 82 | 210 / 545 | 5 | 6.7 | 545 | 585 | $89,000 |
| Tesla Model YL Premium AWD | 84 | 378 / 590 | 6 | 5 | 681 | 420 | $83,900 |
| VW ID.4 GTX AWD | 82 | 250 / 545 | 5 | 5.4 | 519 | 543 | $76,990 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD | 73 | 198 / 430 | 5 | 6.1 | 470 | 402 | $74,990 |
| BYD Sealion 7 Premium | 82.5 | 230 / 360 | 5 | 6.7 | 542 | 500 | $72,480 |
| Tesla Model Y RWD (Standard) | 64 | 220 / 420 | 5 | 5.9 | 466 | 854 | $67,900 |
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2026 Tesla Model Y L
Approaching the Model YL in the flesh, the first thing you notice is that it’s no longer just a “tall Model 3.” The extra 150mm in the wheelbase and the 179mm of total added length give it a more substantial, almost limousine-like stance.
Tesla has cleverly redesigned the roofline and C-pillar to accommodate the extra row, and while it looks a bit “heavier” from the rear three-quarter view, the new Cosmic Silver paint on our test unit does a brilliant job of catching the light and hiding the bulk.
The new “Machina 2.0” 19-inch wheels with their staggered tyre setup (wider at the rear for better traction) further signal that this isn’t just a budget people-mover.
What’s The Interior Like In The 2026 Tesla Model Y L?
If the exterior of the Model YL is a subtle evolution, the interior is a complete rethink of how a Tesla should accommodate a family. Having spent a week living in this cabin, I’ve poked into every corner to see if that “L” badge really justifies the price jump.
Front Seats and Seating Position
Sliding into the driver’s seat, the first thing you notice is the 14-way power-adjustable “Comfort” chair. For 2026, Tesla has added an electrically adjustable thigh support—a godsend for taller drivers on long hauls down State Highway 1. The seating position remains “commanding”; you sit significantly higher than in a Model 3, giving you that quintessential SUV view over the bonnet. The seats are now both heated and ventilated, and while the bolstering is soft, it’s supportive enough to keep you from sliding around during a spirited drive.
Rear Seats and Headroom
The middle row is where the “L” really earns its keep. The two heated and cooled captain’s chairs are a masterclass in packaging. Because the car is 44mm taller than the standard Y, headroom is generous even for six-footers. These chairs slide fore and aft, allowing you to prioritise either limo-like legroom in the middle or vital knee room for the back. Speaking of the third row: it’s surprisingly habitable. Thanks to the gap between the captain’s chairs, third-row passengers can stretch a leg forward. It’s still a “knees-up” position for adults, but for kids, it’s a genuine sanctuary with its own heated seat bases and dedicated USB-C ports.
Due to the captain’s chairs layout, the second row doesn’t tip forward; instead, those headed for the third row will need to walk between the second row seats.
Infotainment and Tech
The dashboard is dominated by a new 16.0-inch horizontal touchscreen. It’s crisper than the old 15.4-inch unit and arguably the snappiest interface in the business. It sits centrally, which still means no traditional instrument cluster behind the wheel—a polarising choice that remains a Tesla hallmark. I think a lot of potential buyers will be shocked that with the central screen – and therefore a central speedo – there is still no head-up display.
For those in the back, a new 8-inch display is mounted to the rear of the centre console. This allows middle-row passengers to adjust their own climate, seat heating, and even stream Netflix or YouTube while you’re charging at the Supercharger.
Rear View and Feeling of Space
The feeling of space is amplified by the massive panoramic glass roof, which now features improved UV coating to stop the cabin from becoming a greenhouse in the Kiwi summer. The Zen Grey interior trim option (as seen in our test car) makes the cabin feel incredibly light and airy compared to the standard black, and would certainly be my choice of interior colour.
Storage and Qi Charging
Tesla has addressed the “sliding phone” syndrome. The dual Qi wireless charging pads are now angled more steeply and finished in a high-friction faux-suede material. Even under heavy acceleration, your phone stays put.
Storage up front is immense: the centre cubby is deep enough to swallow a medium-sized handbag, and the “floating” console provides a large open bin underneath for snacks or tablets. The glovebox is still electronically released via the screen (which remains a minor annoyance) and is relatively small, mostly occupied by the car’s manual and the Sentry Mode USB drive.
Boot Configuration and Practicality
The boot is a “double-height” affair. With all six seats up, you have a modest 420 litres, but lifting the floor reveals a deep underfloor bin—perfect for stowing charging cables or muddy hiking boots.
- Configuration: You can power-fold the third row flat to open up 1,076 litres, or drop all four rear seats for a cavernous 2,539 litres.
- Loading Height: The load lip is relatively low and flush with the floor, making it easy to slide in heavy items.
- Extras: There is a 12-volt socket located in the left-hand boot wall, along with two decently sized side bins for loose items.
- Spare Wheel? In typical EV fashion, there is no spare wheel. You get a tyre repair kit (sealant and a 12V compressor) tucked into one of the side cubbies.
Fit and Finish
Finally, a word on quality. The “Juniper” update has seen a marked improvement in materials. The dashboard is now wrapped in soft-touch fabrics rather than the old hard plastics, and the panel gaps on our test car were remarkably consistent—a far cry from the early American-built models. There were no “Wellington rattles” even on the roughest chip-seal, suggesting that the build quality from the Shanghai factory is now firmly on par with its European rivals.
What’s The 2026 Tesla Model Y L Like To Drive?
Tesla hasn’t just stretched the chassis; they’ve finally given the Model Y the road manners it deserved from the start.
Drivability and Power
Living with the YL is a lesson in effortless momentum. With 378kW and 590Nm on tap, the “L” moves with a grace that belies its 2,088kg kerb weight. In traffic, it’s smooth and docile, but plant your foot coming off a roundabout and it hits 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds flat. There is zero “engine” noise—just a faint, futuristic hum from the dual motors—leaving you with a pure, linear surge of power that makes overtaking slow-moving trucks on the Desert Road a total non-event.
If there was one takeaway from my week with the car, it’s the sheer refinement that has been achieved. Everything is smooth, effortless and absolutely spot on for what this car should be like. While some of the Chinese offerings are even more expensive than the Model Y L (cars like the Zeekr), they still cannot match the refinement of this car – yet.
If there’s one negative in the refinement, it’s the tyre noise. While road noise is extremely well controlled, tyre noise on coarse chip seal is still pretty damn loud. Other road surfaces are ok, though.
Ride Quality and Handling
For years, we’ve complained about the Model Y being too firm for New Zealand roads. The YL finally fixes this, with the longer wheelbase naturally settling the car over bumps, and while it’s still on the firmer side of the SUV spectrum, the “crashiness” of the old model is gone. It corners flat, feeling more like a planted sports sedan than a six-seat family hauler. Of course with all-wheel drive comes grip, and even at over 2-ton, the YL can really haul it through the bends.
New for the YL is continuous variable damping. You can choose from Comfort (where the rear seat passengers get the best ride) or Balanced, where it’s, well, balanced. Unfortunately, no one who rode in the rear of the car could feel any difference and as the driver, there was no difference to any driving dynamics. I was a bit disappointed about this, as generally adaptive suspension really alters a car’s persona in the handling department.
Brakes and Pedal Feel
Tesla’s regenerative braking remains the gold standard, allowing for true one-pedal driving once you get the hang of it. However, when you do need the physical brakes, the pedal feel is much improved. It’s less “wooden” than before, offering a more progressive bite, although decent pedal feel is still lacking. Under hard braking, the YL stays remarkably stable; there’s very little nose-dive, and the electronic brakeforce distribution keeps the car tracking straight, even if you’re shedding speed on a damp, greasy surface.
Steering and Driver Feel
The steering wheel is small, thick, and feels like something out of a video game. It’s very direct—almost twitchy at first—but it makes the large YL feel surprisingly nimble in tight spots.
Visibility and Safety Tech
Front visibility is vast, thanks to the low dash and large windscreen. However, rear visibility is the YL’s Achilles’ heel. The narrow rear glass, combined with the extra length, third-row headrests and no rear wiper means you’ll spend a lot of time looking at the blind-spot cameras that pop up on the screen when you indicate. The driver-assist tech is as sharp as ever; the “Autopilot” system handled the lane markings on the refurbished parts of SH1 with high confidence, though it still occasionally gets confused by the temporary roadworks markings we New Zealanders love so much.
I still have the same fun with the automatic wipers on all Tesla models, where they just don’t seem to kick in early enough. At times they are fine, other times, they don’t start when they should. At least there is the flash wipe button on the steering wheel to use when needed.
Infotainment and Efficiency
The 16-inch central screen is the nerve centre. It’s incredibly fast, responding to swipes and pinches with zero lag. All your “Fuel Economy” data is tucked away here—not that you’ll need to check it often. Even with the extra weight, I averaged about 17.5kWh/100km, which is stellar for a vehicle this size. With its 88kWh battery, a real-world range of well over 600km is entirely doable, effectively curing “range anxiety” for almost any trip within the North Island.
READ ON TO CHECK OUT OUR SUMMARY OF THE 2026 TESLA MODEL YL.
2025 Tesla Model YL – Specifications
| Specification Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $83,900 |
| Engine Type | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (Electric) |
| Engine Power/Torque kW/Nm | 378/493 |
| Transmission Type | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Spare Wheel configuration | No Spare Wheel (Tyre Repair Kit included) |
| Kerb Weight Kg | 2,088 |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4,751 x 1,921 x 1,624 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity Litres (seats up/seats down) | 854/2,158 |
| Battery capacity kWh | 75 (Usable) |
| Energy Economy kWh/100km | Stated: 16.9 (WLTP) Real World: 17.5 |
| Towing Capacity Kg unbraked/braked | 750/1,600 |
| Turning circle metres | 12.1 |
| Warranty | 4 years / 80,000 km (Vehicle) 8 years / 192,000 km (Battery & Drive Unit) |
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