Tesla has added an actual, reasonable third row of seats to its Tesla Model Y. The automaker brought a long-wheelbase variant of the Model Y electric SUV to its US lineup, shoring up a gap in its fleet and bracing the brand against new electric SUV competition. 

The Model Y L Premium Launch Series quietly opened for order at Tesla's website and dealerships last week, priced at $61,990 for the new six-seat configuration. 

This longer Model Y isn't exactly new to the world -- it originally debuted as a Chinese exclusive model in mid-2025 -- but this is the first time it'll be available in North America.

Why now?

Earlier this year, Tesla announced its intent to discontinue its three-row Model X electric SUV alongside the Model S sedan, refocusing its Fremont, California, factory on the development of its Optimus humanoid robot. Sunsetting the Model X leaves Tesla with nothing to challenge the Rivian R1S,  Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Cadillac Vistiq in the highly lucrative full-size, three-row SUV class. Meanwhile, Rivian's new R2 just pulled up into the midsize electric SUV space, ramping up deliveries to customers last month and boasting more space for people and cargo than Tesla's Model Y.

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Bringing the existing long-wheelbase Model Y L here, to Tesla's home market, allows the automaker to shore up the shortcomings on two fronts (both a true three-row and midsize SUV) with one car, without incurring outsized R&D costs and with minimal factory retooling. Beyond a mild facelift, the Model Y chassis hasn't been updated significantly since its 2019 debut, so this isn't the most exciting move for those hungry for the next new thing from Tesla.

What's different from the standard Model Y

The L stretches the Model Y platform in three dimensions. Overall, the EV is around 7.6 inches longer than the now-familiar SUV at 195.9 inches bumper-to-bumper and 1.7 inches taller (65.7 inches). More difficult to tell from the curbside, the Model Y L is also around 212 pounds heavier, tipping the scales at around 4,600 pounds. Most significantly, the EV's wheelbase grows by 5.8 inches to 119.7 inches between the axles.

That extra wheelbase opens up a proper third row for passengers and more room for cargo (89 cubic feet vs. 76 for the standard wheelbase. This longer Y isn't much wider, so rather than a cramped seven-seat bench configuration, Tesla went with a 2+2+2, six-seat layout with second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows have heated and ventilated seats. The second row gets its own 8-inch touchscreen, while the front display grows to 16 inches, matching the updates that came to the Model Y Performance earlier this year.

The new third-row seats are a bit more economy class than the rest, lacking temperature-controlled surfaces or access to a screen. Still, I'd reckon they're a step up over the optional (and uncomfortable) jump seats that fold out of the standard model's cargo floor. At the very least, wayback riders now get their own dedicated speakers -- with 18 drivers overall now versus the standard model's 15 speakers -- and air vents.

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Under the hood, so to speak, the Model Y L Launch Series is a Premium AWD model with a little extra around the midsection. Its dual-motor setup outputs an estimated 514 hp and 435 pound-feet of torque (590 Nm) and is powered by the same roughly 80-kilowatt-hour battery as its smaller sister. Tesla and the US EPA estimate a range of 325 miles. That's only around 2 miles less than the standard Model Y Premium AWD. Oddly, the Y L claims a 4.4-second 0-60 mph sprint, which is about two-tenths quicker than the standard Model Y AWD despite the added mass. Weird.

The Y L continues to differentiate itself from the standard Y with the inclusion of vehicle-to-load bidirectional power (120V/20A AC when used with its charge port outlet adapter) and an electronic continuously variable suspension, which promises a more premium ride than the standard passive dampers. Owners will also be able to try out Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver aid tech for 12 months instead of the normal 1-month trial. (Though the $99 per month thereafter is the same.) It's unclear, however, whether these equipment and feature differences are specific and unique to the debut or will be carried through to future non-Launch Series examples.

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Fighting on two fronts

The $61,990 Launch Series Model Y L also arrives with special badging and graphics, inside and out, unique puddle lights, door-sill plates and suede dashboard trim. Even with these touches and the aforementioned extra equipment, the price is steep compared to the standard Model Y Premium AWD ($49,990). This initial batch will likely be followed by less expensive Standard and Premium configurations, but Tesla hasn't announced these post-Launch Series Model Y L models or how much they will eventually cost.

For $57,990, the new Rivian R2 Launch Package undercuts the Model Y L on price while offering similar range and features. Over the coming months, the R2 lineup will be joined by even more affordable trim levels, eventually reaching as low as $48,490 for the R2 Standard in 2027. That said, the Tesla Y L is also a larger three-row family hauler that doesn't necessarily directly compete with the R2 -- it slots in somewhere between the R2 and larger R1S ($83,990) in most dimensions and specs.

That makes cross-shopping the Tesla with other three-row EVs a bit more complicated, but it also means shoppers have a wider range of choices when choosing the right-size vehicle for their needs.