How Big Is the Tesla Model Y Compared to the Model 3?

With the first Tesla Model Y deliveries reportedly beginning this month, there’s more and more information about the electric SUV surfacing on the internet. Now, thanks to the officially released owner’s manual, we know the upcoming crossover’s exterior and interior dimensions. Let’s take a look at how in compares with its Model 3 sedan sibling and othe EV competitors.

We’ve long known that the Model Y shares about 70 percent of its parts with the Model 3, leading many reservation holders to assume that the two will be very similar in size. However, these new measurements actually point to some notable differences.

Externally, the Y is larger than the Model 3 in all three dimensions: 2.2 inche longer, 2.8 inches wider, and 7.2 inches taller, while it ascends to the crossover class via 1.1 inches more ground clearance (rising from 5.5 to 6.6 inches). Being taller and wider, though, can be detrimental to handling, so it’s no surprise that the Model Y’s front and rear tracks are both increased by 2.2 inches. What’s more surprising is that its wheelbase stretches by 0.6 inch, because that might require altering the platform.

Inside, second-row room is the Model Y’s star attraction, with 1.7 inches more headroom and a vast 5.3 inches of legroom compared to the Model 3—a boon to second-row sitters who might have found the Model 3’s rear bench too confining. Some of that extra rear leg-stretch apparently comes via a slight subtraction from the fronts, though its front row offers a smidge more headroom. The transition from a sedan to a crossover adds 344 pounds to the Model Y’s curb weight.

Although it’s unlikely that anybody will cross-shop the Model Y against Jaguar’s I-Pace, they’re conceptually similar. Meanwhile, Ford’s obviously got the Tesla in its crosshairs with the upcoming Mach-E. In terms of exterior dimensions, all three of these are within shouting distance—though the I-Pace deserves special mention for having height-adjustable suspension that can elevate its ground clearance to 9.1 inches (initially, at least, Tesla isn’t offering air suspension with the Model Y as it does with the Model X). Inside, the stand-out dimension of these three is the Model Y’s significantly greater rear legroom and biggest-of the-bunch cargo volume. Tesla plans to offer a seven-seat option for it in 2021, and it certainly looks like the Model Y has been prepared for it spacially. One potential hurdle for that third-row option, however, is the rear load floor’s max weight rating of just 130 pounds and the lower trunk compartment’s 285-pound weight limit. Then again, it’s possible the seven-seat version will have a different weight spec.

What with the Model Y’s first wave of deliveries rumored to be happening between March 15 and March 31, it’s only a matter of time before we get behind the wheel for a First Test. In the meantime, if there’s something about the Model Y you’re interested to learn more about, reach out to testing director Kim Reynolds with your questions. We’ll snoop around and see what we can find out.

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