People May Have Enough Legroom But Headroom Is Not Really Adequate For Anybody Other Than Kids Below A Certain Height
Tesla definitely added a third row of seats in the Model Y with the clear idea that only children or people who are not tall at all can travel back there. Sure, its nice that a relatively compact and coupe-like crossover like the Model Y even has a third row, but if taller passengers would ever be there when the car was in an accident, chances are theyd be subjected to massive head trauma.
Youve probably seen videos showing just how little room for your head there is in the rear of a Model Y – most peoples heads touch the glass on the hatch, yet if they move their head forward, they will hit the hatch itself. Now imagine that in the event of a frontal collision, your head would hit that ridge causing massive injuries.
In the event of a rear end collision, taller passengers heads would probably break the rear glass and then hit the rear edge of where the glass used to be. None of these scenarios are particularly rosy and the main problem is Tesla chose a fastback-style rear end that impedes on headroom.
Had the Model Y been a more conventional crossover, with a more straight roofline that allowed for actual headroom in the back, the third row would have been a safe place for adults. As things stand, if you are an adult of at least moderate height, then you will be extremely vulnerable if you are caught sitting there in an accident. Kids or anybody whose height allows their head to clear the roof and not hit it should be fine, though.
More on the Model Y’s third row
Fuel Economy And Real
The EPA estimates that the Long Range model is good for 131 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model’s fuel economy estimates are 115 MPGe city and 106 MPGe highway. The Long Range model that we tested over our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route recorded just 94 MPGe and an estimated highway driving range of 220 miles, while the Performance model delivered a result of 98 MPGe and 230 miles of driving range. For more information about the Model Y’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
How Much Room For Adults In The Third Row
From the time the Model Y was unveiled, everyone has wondered if adults would be able to comfortably fit in the third row especially given the slanted roofline of the electric SUV. According to the TMC user, who is 57, not only was the legroom was very narrow, but his head was almost hitting the glass.
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He also noted despite the second row seat sliding forward and tilting up, it was still a narrow fit to get into the back of the Model Y.
The user said the third row would be perfect for his kids, aged 7 and 9, but would not recommend anyone taller than 52 sitting in the third row.
According to the Tesla employee in the store, the automaker actually recommends against adults sitting in the third row.
As is the case with all three-row SUVs, taller passengers will be most comfortable in the first and second rows. Rare customers who expect to frequently have taller passengers riding in the third row may want to explore the surprising affordability of model X, which offers more space in its third row thanks to its larger overall size.
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Tesla Model Y Big Family Test: Mostly Good But There Might Be One Death Startype Weakness
I noticed recently that El Paso, Texas, got a Tesla showroom. This is good news for the whole region, because youd previously have to drive to Phoenix, Dallas, or Denver to check one out in person. The city has had a service center for a long time, but adding a showroom made it a lot easier for around 2 million people in Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua to get an in-person look at the cars.
Ive been wondering for a while whether a larger family like mine could fit in the Model Y, and with the recent opening, its a lot easier to test this. With other manufacturers, Id talk to a press contact and get a car to review for a week or two, but Tesla now has nobody to ask about that because it has completely dissolved its PR department. So, going in like a customer to take a 30-minute test drive is about all one can do .
So, on Friday, thats what I did. I found a lot to like, and one thing that scares me.
Tesla Model Y Avatar Now Shows Forward Facing Third Row Seats
Tesla has been pretty quiet regarding the optional 7-seat configuration for the Model Y. In June, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said it would likely ship in early Q4 2020.
Musk followed up on that timeline a few months later in October, saying production would begin in November, and the first deliveries would happen in early December.
We are now already in the second half of December, and customers with reservations for the 7-seat Model Y have yet to receive any updates on impending deliveries.
In a sign that they could begin any day now, Tesla has updated the in-car visuals to display the elusive third row seats. First spotted by Brian and confirmed by Drive Tesla reader @kkvr2823, you can clearly see the separation between the two pieces of the third row seat backs that are folded flat. It also matches exactly what Tesla shows in a video on the Model Y section of their website .
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Based on what we can tell, the new visuals likely appeared in the 2020.48.XX series of software updates.
There was some early speculation the third row seats may be rear facing after automotive industry expert Sandy Munro proposed the idea during his Model Y teardown. These new visuals, along with video on Teslas website, confirm once again the third row will be forward facing.
Have any 7-seat Model Y reservation holders received a delivery update recently? Let us know in the comments below.
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How Do The Tesla Model X And Model Y Compare Now That The Smaller Crossover Offers An Optional Third Row
There has been a myriad of comparisons between the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, but few including the Model X. This made sense since, until recently, the Model Y didn’t offer third-row seats. However, now, for an extra $3,000, you can opt for a 7-seat Model Y. Is it worth it?
The Model Y with the optional third row starts at $53,990. The Model X comes standard with five seats, just like the Model Y. You can choose to outfit the Model X with either six seats or seven seats. A 6-seat Model X starts at $96,490. The 7-seat model is actually cheaper, at $93,490.
We’ve seen plenty of reports of the Tesla Model Y’s available third-row seats. It seems no matter who you talk to, they’ll tell you the seats are certainly not spacious, which is the case with most compact and midsize SUVs with a third row. In fact, there are only a few midsize SUVs on the market with spacious accommodations in the rearmost seats.
With that said, smaller and shorter people have said that the Model Y’s third row is workable, even for adults, though it’s a bit tight back there. Some taller and larger folks have proven they can access the seats, and even fit back there. However, their head may nearly touch the hatch, and depending on the position of the second-row seats, their knees may contact the seatbacks.
The Model X’s rearmost row is more spacious than the Model Y’s. However, according to many car reviews and reports, the third-row seats are cramped for adults.
First Official Look At The Tesla Model Y Third Row Seats
Tesla surprised everybody earlier today when they added the Standard Range Model Y to the Design Studio after CEO Elon Musk said it wouldnt be offered. Along with the new variant, Tesla also enabled the option to select the 7-seat interior.
Ever since it was announced, questions have been asked about how much space the third row seating will actually provide. Early pictures showed very little leg room, leading some to speculate the third row could even be rear facing.
With deliveries of the first 7-seat Model Ys just 2-5 weeks, we now get our first official look at the third row seats.
UPDATE: Tesla has released the first official image showing the third row.
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The photos were revealed on the Tesla Daily podcast hosted by Rob Maurer. According to the video description they are unreleased photos and with the exception of one appear to be from an upcoming support video to be released by Tesla.
In the second photo below we see how the second row seat pushes forward to allow for easy entry into the third row. We also see the third row has adjustable headrests .
We also get to see the third row folding flat, matching what we saw last month Tesla .
The Design Studio also notes the second row seats are sliding. With the ample legroom in the current 5-seat Model Y, this should hopefully be able to provide a little extra leg room for third row passengers.
You can check out the full video where Maurer discusses the photos below.
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Cost To Drivecost To Drive Estimates For The 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr Suv Awd And Comparison Vehicles Are Based On 15000 Miles Per Year And Energy Estimates Of $012 Per Kwh For Electricity And $468 Per Gallon Average In North Dakota
The Y debuted for 2020 as a pioneer of the all-electric small SUV class. It’s similar to Tesla’s Model 3 small sedan but provides a roomier interior for both people and cargo. It even has an option for a third-row seat, albeit a tiny one. When it comes to providing a pleasing mix of space, range and performance for an EV, the Y is a standout.
For 2022, Tesla is making some small changes to the Model Y. These range from a new, lighter 12-volt lithium-ion battery to laminated rear windows to better insulate the cabin from noise. But more significant changes are also rumored to be coming for the Y. Specifically, Tesla could be changing the design of the Y’s main battery pack to a structurally integrated design known as 4680. How this new battery pack will influence the Y’s capability or performance is yet to be determined, but we’ll update this section as we learn more.
In the meantime, the Model Y faces off against fresh competition. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID.4 have all debuted recently, and each one has appealing qualities that might win you over. Check out our test team’s full Expert Rating below to help you decide which EV is going to be best for you.
How Big Is The Model Y
The 2021 Tesla Model Y is a mid-size SUV. It has 68.0 cubic feet of cargo space and a small front trunk for extra room. Just for a quick comparison, the Mazda CX-9 has 70 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Toyota Highlander has 84 cubic feet.
So, the Model Ys cargo space is about average. The five-seat model variant offers two storage cubbies under the cargo floor. One is deep and the other shallow for extra storage versatility. Because the second and third-row fold completely flat, you can fit tons of cargo in the back.
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The 2021 Model Y feels large inside. The seats have a tall ride height for that SUV feel. The second row feels incredibly spacious thanks to the glass roof that provides ample headroom. Also, in the second row, your legs can slide beneath the front seats to stretch out.
However, if three adults sit in the second row, it may feel cramped. There isnt enough shoulder space. Also, the coup-like shape of the Model Y can reduce headroom when you recline the second-row seats.
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With just 26.5 inches of legroom, the Tesla Model Yâs third row of seating isnât the most comfortable spot in this otherworldly electric SUV. That said, the Model Y remains a compelling, stylish, and fast electric vehicle.Jerrycar insurancesuper appTesla Model Yexact measurements for all three rowsFind insurance savings
Tesla Model Y Third Row Shows Off Its Versatility In Detailed Walkthrough
Ever since it was first announced, questions have been asked about how useful a third row in the Tesla Model Y would actually be. From the slanting roofline to the lack of legroom, speculation even arose that the third row would be rear facing.
The first deliveries of the seven seat Model Y havent begun quite yet, but were still learning a lot about the new configuration. The latest video from Two Bit da Vinci gives us a detailed walkthrough showing it is more versatile than people thought it could be.
As a parent of young children, the host Remi shows off a few scenarios that all other parents were wondering about. With the third row seats up, he attempts to put a full-size stroller in the trunk. Unfortunately the only way it could fit was with the sub-trunk cover removed, and the stroller sitting inside of it.
We also get to see Remi, who is about 6 tall and his editor at about 52 tall try out the third row for legroom. With the seats pushed forward the taller host has enough legroom to be comfortable for a short drive. His editor on the other hand has plenty of legroom, showing once again the third row is perfect for families with young children.
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As we have seen from other people who have tried out sitting in the back, the railing from the second row is quite obtrusive and makes it difficult to find a comfortable spot to place your feet.
Check out the full video below to learn more about the seven seat Tesla Model Y.
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Adding 3rd Row To Used Y
TheRev said:On same boat here, wanted a SR7 but when it was discontinued, I had no choice but to order what i could find, a 5 seater. I tought the same thing as OP, and here is what I know so far, the mounting points on a 7 seater are the same as 5 seater, there is actually a braket where the seat sits, so technically it os possible, but as it was mention the center seat would also have to be put on the sliders or better yet the whole seat with sliders would have to be changed as the entry way is only possible with that seat. Also the plastic panels on the rear qtr panel are different on 7 seater could probably do without them tho. Looking at teslas parts website there is a diagram with all the parts needed, but they are restricted and not for sale. So the best bet is going to be a wrecked 7 seater, but given the amount of parts it wont be cheap, also im not sure if the wiring for the center seat is the same so that it works. I dont think this has been done, but would love to see someone do it, as im interested myself
Video Shows Off Access To Third Row In 7
As more and more people venture out to Tesla Showrooms this weekend, we are getting a better idea of how functional the third row in the Tesla Model Y is.
On Thursday we showed you a series of pictures that showed the amount of legroom and headroom with the second and third row in various positions. Now Jason Chang, a 7-seat Model Y reservation holder has shared a video showing what its like to get in and out of the third row.
The video, taken at the Fremont factory showroom, kicks off with the second row pushed forward and up to allow access into the third row. As you can see, there is ample room when compared with other similar 7-seat configuration SUVs.
The video continues with Chang, who is 57 tall, trying out the various seating positions, also showing off the amount of legroom and headroom. We also get a good demonstration from the Tesla Sales Advisor on how to slide the second row out and put it back in position.
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In what we have seen so far of the 7-seat configuration, it appears to be a great upgrade for the price . This is especially the case for families with young kids, freeing up space in the second row for adults.
We also shared with you yesterday the ingenious design trick that allows for a flat rear cargo area with the third row folded down.
Check out the full video below. Will you be ordering a 7-seat Model Y? Let us know in the comments below.
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