Model Y (2020–2024): Specs & Capacities

Tesla lists Model Y at about 187 in (4,751 mm) long and 64 in (1,624 mm) high, with a 113.8 in (2,890 mm) wheelbase. Width is 83.8 in (2,129 mm) with the mirrors unfolded, 77.9 in (1,978 mm) with the mirrors folded and 75.6 in (1,921 mm) without mirrors. Ground clearance with two passengers is 6.8 in (172 mm), or 6.2 in (157 mm) on Performance. Tesla notes the figures are approximate and vary with options.

On a 5-seat Model Y, Tesla lists 30.2 cu ft (854 L) behind the second row and 72.1 cu ft (2,041 L) behind the first row with it folded, plus a 4.1 cu ft (117 L) front trunk, up to 76.2 cu ft (2,158 L) in total. 7-seat cars have 12.8 cu ft (363 L) behind the third row, 26.6 cu ft (753 L) behind the second row and up to 72 cu ft (2,040 L) in total.

With up to 3 people aboard, Model Y tows 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) on 19, 20 or 21 inch wheels. With 4–5 people: 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) on 19 or 21 inch wheels, 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) on 20 inch. Seven-seat cars with 6–7 people: 1,800 lbs (816 kg) on 19 inch, 1,200 lbs (544 kg) on 21 inch, none on 20 inch. Tongue weight must not exceed 10% of trailer weight. Limits assume GVWR is not exceeded.

Trailer Mode must be on whenever we tow. It turns on by itself when we plug in the trailer's connector in Park, but does not turn off when unplugged; we set it in Controls > Dynamics > Trailer Mode. Some Self-Driving features and rear parking sensors may be unavailable. A hitch accessory carrier, like a bike rack, may carry up to 160 lbs (72 kg), including its own weight. Tesla warns not to fit one without the tow package.

Tesla prints the limit on the Tire and Loading Information label on the center door pillar, as the combined weight of occupants and cargo. To find our cargo allowance: 1) Read that limit. 2) Add up the weight of the driver and passengers. 3) Subtract it from the limit; the rest is for cargo and luggage. Towing a trailer reduces it further. Tesla warns that overloading hurts braking and handling, and never to exceed the GVWR or either GAWR.

Tesla says to use only Tesla-approved roof rack systems, installed with the Tesla mounting accessory, because other systems can cause significant damage. The manual's Vehicle Loading section lists no separate roof weight limit, so roof cargo counts toward the total load of occupants and cargo shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. Tesla warns that overloading affects braking and handling, and never to exceed the GVWR or either axle rating (GAWR).

The VIN is in four places: 1) On the touchscreen under Controls > Software. 2) On a dashboard plate, seen through the windshield. 3) On the Vehicle Certification label on the door pillar, with the driver's door open. 4) On cars built at Gigafactory Shanghai, stamped on the floor under the carpet after moving the front right seat back. The Emission Control label is on the liftgate opening, or inside the hood from model year 2022.

Model Y has either a lead-acid or a lithium-ion low voltage battery. To check ours, we touch Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Tesla says cars built at Gigafactory Shanghai before about October 2021, or at the Fremont Factory before about December 2021, have lead-acid; later cars have lithium-ion. The type matters for jump starting, because the connection points differ. Tesla warns that Model Y cannot be used to jump start another vehicle.