Tesla Introduces the 7-Seat Model Y in the U.S.: Featuring an Expanded Display, Sleeker Dark Badging and Headliner, Along with New Wheel Options.
Last year, China introduced the exclusive Model Y L, a spacious six-seat variant of the world’s top-selling vehicle. In contrast, Tesla seems to have opted for a different strategy for the North American market. Rather than pursuing a similar model...
Last year, China received the exclusive Model Y L, a stretched 6-seat variant of the world’s best-selling vehicle. However, Tesla has opted for a different approach in North America. Instead of producing the Model Y L at Giga Texas, as planned for Giga Berlin to serve the European market, Tesla is reintroducing the 7-seat configuration for the standard wheelbase Model Y.
This third-row option is available for a $2,500 upgrade on the Premium AWD variant and comes in both black and white interior options.
Additionally, Tesla has made subtle updates to the vehicle's interior by eliminating the previously mismatched accents and standardizing a darker, premium aesthetic across both the Premium and Performance models.
**7-Seat Solution**
The reinstatement of the third row provides a unique choice for U.S. customers compared to the global market. While the Chinese Model Y L features captain’s chairs and an extended body for enhanced comfort, the U.S. 7-seater optimizes utility within the existing dimensions.
For $2,500, buyers can enjoy a power-folding third row, making the Model Y the only electric SUV in its class to offer seven seats without stepping up to the full-size SUV price range. This strategic decision aims to attract families that occasionally require extra seating without the daily bulk of a larger vehicle.
Like previous iterations of the legacy Model Y with 7 seats, this option is particularly well-suited for families with growing children.
**Dark Mode Now Standard**
One of the most anticipated aesthetic updates has finally arrived—the grey headliner has been removed. Tesla has responded to years of customer feedback by standardizing the black headliner across all Premium and Performance trims.
Previously, the light grey headliner was the sole option for non-Performance trims, often criticized for its incompatibility with the black interior and for appearing less premium.
The Model Y Performance now features the new black headliner alongside the full self-driving capability.
Accompanying this change is the introduction of matte black exterior badging, replacing the chrome Tesla T and model names, giving the default Model Y a significantly stealthier and more upscale appearance straight from the factory.
**16” Screen and Darker Wheels**
The Premium AWD and Premium RWD trims are also benefiting from significant hardware upgrades. The center display has been enhanced to a 16-inch screen, now matching the Model Y Performance. This upgrade increases the screen size from 15.4 inches to 16 inches, with a QHD display replacing the previous Full HD option.
Completing these updates are the new 20” Helix 2.0 wheels, available as a $2,000 option. These dark grey turbine-style wheels enhance the stealthy look, providing a factory aesthetic that previously required aftermarket modifications.
This third-row option is available for a $2,500 upgrade on the Premium AWD variant and comes in both black and white interior options.
Additionally, Tesla has made subtle updates to the vehicle's interior by eliminating the previously mismatched accents and standardizing a darker, premium aesthetic across both the Premium and Performance models.
**7-Seat Solution**
The reinstatement of the third row provides a unique choice for U.S. customers compared to the global market. While the Chinese Model Y L features captain’s chairs and an extended body for enhanced comfort, the U.S. 7-seater optimizes utility within the existing dimensions.
For $2,500, buyers can enjoy a power-folding third row, making the Model Y the only electric SUV in its class to offer seven seats without stepping up to the full-size SUV price range. This strategic decision aims to attract families that occasionally require extra seating without the daily bulk of a larger vehicle.
Like previous iterations of the legacy Model Y with 7 seats, this option is particularly well-suited for families with growing children.
**Dark Mode Now Standard**
One of the most anticipated aesthetic updates has finally arrived—the grey headliner has been removed. Tesla has responded to years of customer feedback by standardizing the black headliner across all Premium and Performance trims.
Previously, the light grey headliner was the sole option for non-Performance trims, often criticized for its incompatibility with the black interior and for appearing less premium.
The Model Y Performance now features the new black headliner alongside the full self-driving capability.
Accompanying this change is the introduction of matte black exterior badging, replacing the chrome Tesla T and model names, giving the default Model Y a significantly stealthier and more upscale appearance straight from the factory.
**16” Screen and Darker Wheels**
The Premium AWD and Premium RWD trims are also benefiting from significant hardware upgrades. The center display has been enhanced to a 16-inch screen, now matching the Model Y Performance. This upgrade increases the screen size from 15.4 inches to 16 inches, with a QHD display replacing the previous Full HD option.
Completing these updates are the new 20” Helix 2.0 wheels, available as a $2,000 option. These dark grey turbine-style wheels enhance the stealthy look, providing a factory aesthetic that previously required aftermarket modifications.
