 |
| 5 seat vs 7 seat Model Y interior layout. |
Tesla has begun deliveries of its updated 2026 Model Y in the United States, officially bringing a long-requested feature to market: a third row of seats. However, the launch has sparked as much disappointment as excitement among the EV community, revealing a split in Tesla's global strategy.
The new 7-seat configuration is now available to order for U.S. customers, but with significant caveats. It costs an additional $2,500 and is exclusively offered on the highest-end Model Y Premium AWD trim. This option places two small, rear-facing jump seats in the cargo area, a layout carried over from previous model years rather than an all-new design.
This announcement notably dashes hopes for American families awaiting the Tesla Model Y L (for "Large"). That model, which features a longer wheelbase, taller roof, and a more functional three-row SUV design, remains exclusive to China. Elon Musk has publicly suggested that with the future arrival of a dedicated robotaxi fleet, Tesla would not need to produce a larger Model Y for other markets.
The reasoning, however, is doing little to placate buyers who need space today. Tesla's robotaxi vision, while advancing, is far from mainstream. The Model Y-based robotaxi service is still in a limited pilot phase in select U.S. cities, and the radical, steering-wheel-free Cybercab is only beginning its initial testing on public roads. For many, the decision feels like being told to wait for a future solution to a present-day need.
The financial reality of choosing the 7-seat setup is also drawing attention. The base cash price of the Premium AWD trim starts at $51,490 with the third-row addition. Furthermore, Tesla is now equipping Premium trims with new standard 20-inch graphite Helix wheels wrapped in all-season tires—a $2,000 value. For a customer wanting both the new seats and these wheels, the total easily reaches $53,490 before any other additions. Thrifty shoppers might note that similar aesthetic upgrades can be achieved with aftermarket wheel covers and hubcap kits available from retailers like Amazon.
It's not all contentious news, however. The 2026 refresh does bring meaningful interior upgrades to the Premium trim, mirroring changes recently seen in China. The previously grey headliner is now replaced with a more premium-looking black version, and the high-resolution 16-inch display from the Performance model is now standard. These changes lend a more stylish and cohesive feel to the cabin. Tesla has confirmed these are now standard features for the Premium and Performance trims, but notably, the company is not offering any retrofit options for owners of earlier vehicles.
The Bottom Line:
Tesla's U.S. 7-seat Model Y is here, but it arrives as a compromised offering for those who held out for a truly spacious, family-focused electric SUV. While the Premium trim receives welcome interior enhancements, the core third-row option remains an expensive addition to an already pricey configuration, fundamentally unchanged from its cramped predecessor. For now, American buyers seeking a genuine three-row Tesla will have to look to the larger Model X or await the uncertain future of autonomous ride-hailing.
 |
| Model Y Premium with black headliner. |
 |
| The new 20-inch Helix wheels. |
 |
| The new 7-seat Model Y keeps the same dimensions with two child seats in the trunk. |
 |
| New Model Y Premium 16-inch high-res display. |