EVs have become very popular, but no company can come close to matching Tesla’s estimated 50 percent market share. While its range has grown over the years, the company’s SUVs remain some of its best-selling models, especially the Model Y, yet the older, bigger, and more expensive Model X is also still popular.
But what are the key differences between the Tesla Model X and Model Y? The latter may be closing in on becoming the world’s best-selling vehicle, but the Model X could still be right for you.
Let’s examine these two crossovers to see which one is right for you.
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: The Price
The Tesla Model X and Model Y share many design similarities, making the wide price gap between the cars one of the most obvious differences at first glance. The base price for the Tesla Model X is $98,490, while the Tesla Model Y is much cheaper, starting at $49,490, and the lower price goes some way towards explaining the booming popularity of the Model Y.
These price differences reflect genuine differences in the specifications of each of the cars. Neither of these models isTesla’s cheapest option.
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: Top Speed and Range
Range is an incredibly important factor when choosing an electric car, and this is where the Tesla Model X and Model Y start to look quite different. The Tesla Model X has a battery capacity of 100 kWh, yielding a range of 348 miles for the standard Dual Motor variant. The cheapest Tesla Model Y features a relatively small 60 kWh battery, enabling the car to achieve a 279-mile range; the Model Y Long Range bumps that up to 330 miles, almost matching the X.
Alongside range, top speed is also important to some drivers, even if both cars can drive well above the legal limit for most of the world’s roads. The Tesla Model X can reach speeds up to 155 mph with its 670 horsepower maximum output, while the Model Y tops out at 135 mph with a total power of 351 horsepower.
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: Charging Speed
The Tesla Model X and Y have very similar charging capabilities, but the X has a larger battery. Both cars support AC charging at up to 11 kW and 250 kW DC fast charging, so they are quick, but notthe quickest-charging EVs on the market.
This means that you can charge your Tesla Model X to full in just over 10 hours from a Level 2 home charger. The Tesla Model Y charges to full faster, with home charging times of 6 hours and 30 minutes. The Model X charges in 30 minutes at a fast charger, while the Model Y takes just 25 minutes.
It’s always worth learning about the charging options you have for an EV before you buy it. Thankfully, if you get a Tesla, you will have access tothe best network of fast chargers, the Supercharger network, and there are alsoslower destination chargersas well as other types of chargers that you will be able to use (for some of them, you will need an adapter).
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: Drivetrain
The base Tesla Model Y is a rear-wheel drive SUV. This is a common format for SUVs on today’s roads, and it helps to lower the overall weight and cost of the vehicle without harming day-to-day performance. You can get a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration in the Model Y, but you will have to pick one of the more expensive variants.
Unlike the Model Y, the Tesla Model X features all-wheel drive as standard, much like a more traditional SUV. This makes it better at driving off-road (especially given that it has variable-height air suspension, which the Y doesn’t have), but it also increases the costs that come with building the car.
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: Dimensions and Space
Space is one of the main reasons that people buy SUVs; these vehicles tend to offer more space than similarly sized alternatives. As you might expect, the Tesla Model X is the larger of the two cars, with a length of 5,057 mm and a width of 1,999 mm. The Model Y has a length of 4,751 mm and a width of 1,921 mm.
The cargo volume of both cars is a little trickier to illustrate. As standard, the Model X has a relatively small cargo capacity of 425 liters, while the Model Y has a generous 854-liter capacity. This applies to the Model X in its standard seven-seat configuration, which is also available for the Model Y but for an added cost.
The total cargo volume, with all seats down, is 2,158 liters in the Tesla Model Y, and 2,614 liters in the Model X, so it’s the latter that has the more cavernous interior.
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: Design
The design differences between the Tesla Model X and Model Y are relatively small from a distance, but they are more obvious up close. One of the largest exterior differences between the two cars are their rear doors. The Tesla Model X has butterfly doors at its rear (which Tesla calls “falcon wing doors”), while the Model Y has traditional doors.
The Model X also features a more interesting front end design than the Y, with a small grill-like area around the car’s badge and more aggressive styling overall. Both cars are attractive and sleek SUVs that follow Tesla’s popular design standards, and both stand out when parked alongside rivals.
The interiors of both cars are also quite similar. The Model X features more seats as standard and a pair of screens (a small driver’s display and larger infotainment). The Model Y starts off with just five seats and comes with a single central screen that also displays your speed and other bits of driving information.
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y: Frequently Asked Questions
As you can see from this specification breakdown, the Model X and Model Y both present very appealing options to those looking for a modern electric SUV. You may still have some questions about the cars, though.
Is the Tesla Model X or Model Y Better for Large Families?
Both of these cars are great options for families, with loads of space and excellent safety ratings. For families with five or fewer members, the standard Model Y has enough seats for everyone. If you have up to seven members in your family, though, you may prefer the Model X or the Model Y with the additional seat package.
Does the Tesla Model X or Model Y Have Better Ground Clearance?
Ground clearance is important for an SUV, especially if you intend to take it on rough terrain. The Tesla Model X has a maximum ground clearance of 206mm, while the Tesla Model Y has a maximum ground clearance of 172mm. It’s worth noting that the Model X can also be much lower at 146mm thanks to its adjustable suspension.
Do the Tesla Model X and Model Y Have Autopilot?
Both the Tesla Model X and Model Y support Tesla’s self-driving Autopilot technology. You have to pay to be able to enable this feature on your car, as well as be willing to follow a strict set of rules while you use it. You need to have a certainTesla Safety Scoreto gain access to this highly publicized feature.
Which is Better? Tesla Model X vs. Model Y
Both the Model X and Model Y are extremely capable electric SUVs with modern safety features, excellent range, and performance that will make even a car enthusiast happy. It’s impossible to say which is objectively better, as they both serve different use cases and are aimed at different buyers.
Price, performance, range, cargo space, safety, seats, and style are some of the most important factors that go into choosing a car. As such, it’s worth considering all of them when you pick your Tesla, regardless if it’s a sedan or a crossover.
