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The short version: for most families with one or two kids, the regular five-seat Model Y is the better buy: it costs much less, keeps a full trunk, and almost every accessory fits it. The six-seat Model Y L earns its price if you need a third row: three kids, grandparents along, or carpools.
Model Y L floor mats: 3W’s new Model Y L set sold out within days of launch and is temporarily off 3W’s site. Tesla’s own liners are the sure fit in the meantime, and we’ll update the moment 3W restocks. See what fits now →
We drive a five-seat 2026 Model Y Premium with our son. We haven’t owned a Model Y L, so for the L we’re working from Tesla’s specs and published reports.
Side by side
| Model Y | Model Y L | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (US) | $39,990 (Standard RWD) | $61,990 (Launch Series) |
| Seats | 5 | 6 (2-2-2) |
| Second row | Bench seat | Two captain’s chairs |
| Third row | No | Yes, with child-seat anchors |
| Max cargo, seats folded | 75.5 cu ft | 89.7 cu ft |
| Trunk with every seat in use | 29.0 cu ft behind the rear seats | 14.8 cu ft behind the third row |
| Accessories | Huge selection | Still limited; many five-seat parts don’t fit |
Prices are Tesla’s US starting prices as reported in October 2026 and change often.
Size and space, in Tesla’s numbers
These come straight from Tesla’s Model Y owner’s manual, which lists both cars side by side.
Outside
| Model Y (5-seat) | Model Y L (6-seat) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.6″ | 195.6″ (+7.0″) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8″ | 119.7″ (+5.9″) |
| Height | 64.0″ | 65.5″ (+1.5″) |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 78.0″ | 78.0″ |
The L is longer and a touch taller, but no wider, so it fits the same garage width and parking spaces as a Model Y.
Room by row
| Room by row | Model Y: 1st / 2nd | Model Y L: 1st / 2nd / 3rd |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom | 41.0″ / 39.4″ | 41.6″ / 41.9″ / 38.1″ |
| Legroom | 41.8″ / 40.5″ | 41.8″ / 39.7″ / 31.0″ |
| Shoulder room | 56.4″ / 53.2″ | 56.4″ / 54.5″ / 42.9″ |
| Hip room | 54.0″ / 50.5″ | 53.9″ / 51.9″ / 37.0″ |
The L’s second row actually has more headroom than the Model Y’s. The third row is the compromise: 31 inches of legroom is fine for kids and OK for adults on shorter trips.
Cargo
| Cargo (cu ft) | Model Y | Model Y L |
|---|---|---|
| Front trunk | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Behind the last row of seats | 29.0 (behind row 2) | 14.8 (behind row 3) |
| Behind row 2 with row 3 folded | — | 38.0 |
| Behind row 1, all rear seats folded | 71.4 | 85.6 |
| Maximum, driver and front passenger only | 75.5 | 89.7 |
| Maximum with every seat occupied | 33.1 (5 people) | 18.9 (6 people) |
This is the number that surprises people: with every seat in use, the Model Y L has less cargo space than the Model Y (14.8 vs 29.0 cubic feet), because the third row takes the trunk. Fold the third row and the L opens up to 38.0 cubic feet, and with everything folded it beats the Model Y by about 14 cubic feet.
One or two kids: the Model Y
Two car seats fit in the outboard rear seats, which have lower anchors, and you keep the whole trunk for a stroller and bags. It’s also the car nearly every accessory is made for. Our car seat guide covers what fits.
Three kids, grandparents or carpools: the Model Y L
The L adds a third row and swaps the second-row bench for two captain’s chairs, which gives older kids their own seats and a walkway to the back. The trade-offs: it costs over $20,000 more than the base Model Y, the trunk is small with all six seats in use, and car seats fit differently on the captain’s chairs, where some seat makers have raised concerns about top tethers. Our Model Y L guide for families goes deeper, and the third-row car seat notes cover fit.
Accessories: the hidden difference
The L’s floor, trunk and roof are different, so many five-seat Model Y parts don’t fit. As of October 2026, established mat brands haven’t caught up and Tesla’s own liners are the main option. Here are the Model Y L accessories that actually fit.
Thinking about buying a Tesla?
Tesla’s current referral offer: a free month of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) when you use our referral link. It works for new buyers and for eligible current Tesla owners. Offers change, so check the current terms on Tesla’s page.
Disclosure: we also receive a referral credit if you use it.
Shop this list on Amazon
Model Y L (six-seat) accessories →
2025–2027 Juniper must-haves →
Our Amazon storefront lists, with the same picks and fit notes. Affiliate links.
Comparing running costs? Our free Tesla charging cost calculator uses your state’s electricity rate and your miles to show your monthly cost, what you’d spend on gas, and how fast a home charger pays for itself.
Want the actual cargo numbers? Our Model Y L trunk space guide covers how much fits with all six seats up and with the third row folded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bigger is the Model Y L than the Model Y?
Per Tesla’s specs, the Model Y L is 7.0 inches longer (195.6 vs 188.6 inches), 1.5 inches taller and has a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase, but it’s the same width, so it fits the same garage and parking spaces.
How much trunk space does the Model Y L have?
Tesla lists 14.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 38.0 cubic feet behind the second row with the third row folded, and 89.7 cubic feet maximum with all rear seats folded. The five-seat Model Y has 29.0 cubic feet behind its rear seats and 75.5 maximum.
Is the Model Y L worth it over the Model Y?
If you regularly need more than five seats, it’s the only Model Y with a third row. If you don’t, the five-seat Model Y costs far less, keeps a bigger trunk in everyday use, and has many more accessories that fit.
Can the Model Y L fit three car seats?
The Model Y L spreads seats across three rows, with captain’s chairs in the second row and child-seat anchors in the third. How many car seats fit, and where, depends on your seats; follow each seat maker’s guidance for the Model Y L, Tesla’s manual, and get a free check from a certified technician.
Do Model Y accessories fit the Model Y L?
Some do and many don’t. Screen protectors for the 16-inch screen and some storage carry over, but mats, liners, trunk organizers and roof shades need to name the Model Y L.
