Tesla is the one name that comes to mind every time electric cars are mentioned. Tesla is the pioneer of futuristic electric vehicle technology and focuses on creating vehicles that fit different requirements.
The Tesla Model X and Model Y are two of Tesla’s most popular electric vehicles. Both the EVs are all-drive electric SUVs, offering impressive ranges.
What is the difference between a Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y?
The main difference between the two is that the Tesla Model X is a more luxurious SUV with a greater number of notable specifications and a higher price.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y is a slightly cheaper compact SUV that targets a wider customer base due to its affordable price.
Continue reading to learn about the Tesla Model X SUV and Model Y SUV and what makes the two SUVs different. Moreover, the article will also highlight tips for taking care of both of these electric SUVs.
Read How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Walgreens?
The Basic Similarities between the Tesla Model X and Model Y
Tesla’s advanced technology and superior mechanisms have allowed the company to retain a high position of authority in the common consumer’s mind.
Every electric vehicle model that Tesla introduces successfully manages to exceed consumer expectations and attain high sales.
In order to create an electric automobile for every kind of consumer out there, Tesla has invested in designing sedans, SUVs, trucks, and sports cars.
Both the Tesla Model X and the Tesla Model Y are four-wheel-drive SUVs designed to maintain their stability, speed, and performance over ranging terrains and changing slopes.
Moreover, both the Tesla Model X and the Tesla Model Y have seven passenger seats and a spacious cabin storage space for loading luggage.
The electric SUVs come with several different built-in features that make them two of the most desirable SUVs in the electric vehicle market.
Both the Tesla Model X and Model Y are available in different colors and can be customized to reflect the owner’s unique preference and style.
Furthermore, an interested owner has the choice to purchase the two electric SUVs directly from a Tesla showroom, a private electric vehicle showroom, Tesla’s official website, or even from a second-hand source.
Despite the many similarities in their appearance and size, both electric SUVs have different prices, specifications, and qualities and cater to different kinds of consumers.
Let’s get started on the main differences to decide which Tesla electric SUV is the right fit for you.
Read How Many Batteries Are in a Tesla Electric Car?
Tesla Electric Car Model X versus Model Y: Which is the Better Electric Vehicle?
Tesla Electric Car Model X Versus Model Y: Which Came First?
Ever since its commercial launch in 2003, Tesla has graced the world with its technologically-advanced electric automobiles.
One of its most valued electric SUVs, a consumer favorite since 2015, is the Tesla Model X.
Ever since its launch, the Model X has been a strong contender in the luxury electric SUV market and has attracted impressive sales in many countries, such as the USA and China.
Just one year after its commercial launch, the Tesla Model X was ranked number seven on the list of the world’s best-selling plug-in cars (“plug-in cars” is another name for electric cars).
The Tesla Model Y came four years after the Model X and was formally launched in March 2019. However, it was not until March 2020 that people had their Model Y SUVs delivered.
Tesla Electric Car Model X versus Model Y: Basic Overview
The Tesla Model X’s launch shortly followed the Tesla Model S’s commercial success. The Tesla Model X was built on the Model S design, and both the electric vehicles by Tesla share 30% of the same design characteristics; however, the Model X SUV is 10% heavier than the Model S sedan.
The Model Y was designed to cater to the consumer base that could not afford the Tesla Model X but still wanted a high-performance all-drive electric SUV.
This electric SUV is smaller and lighter and has a slightly narrower cabin storage space than the Model X. Moreover, the Tesla Model X currently comes in two variants; the Long Range and the Plaid edition.
On the other hand, although four different Model Y variants were designed for launch, only two made it to the market. These two variants are the Long-Range AWD and the Performance model.
The other two variants were canceled by Elon Musk himself as their ranges, performances, and other specifications were not acceptable to him.
Continue reading to learn about the main design differences between the two electric SUVs.
Read Why are Tesla Electric Car Tires More Expensive than Regular Vehicle Tires?
Tesla Model X Design
The Tesla Model X is loved for its modern design that caters to multiple different customers’ needs and offers an unparalleled driving experience.
Its panoramic windshield gives the driver an open view of the road and reduces the chances of blind spots and road accidents that arise from these blind spots.
The Tesla Model X is designed to be one of the safest and most reliable electric SUVs you can buy.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, himself swears by the Model X being the brand’s safest SUV when it comes to side and frontal impact crashes.
Just like many other Tesla electric vehicles, the Model X luxury SUV also comes with the autopilot feature while also providing drivers with a complete self-driving optional system.
Moreover, the Model X SUV’s design includes a built-in collision avoidance system that reduces the risks of collision and accidents by using autonomous emergency brakes and a side-directed ultrasound detection system.
Another noticeable design element is the Tesla Model X’s double-hinged falcon-wing doors, which are designed to open upward.
Tesla has designed these doors to improve accessibility to their SUVs, which they claim is better than the traditional gull-wing doors.
The built-in wide-band radar feature ensures that the falcon-wing doors do not hit anything when opening.
Furthermore, the Model X includes seats for seven adult passengers, arranged in three rows. Because of its spacious design, the Tesla Model X was deemed the largest electric SUV of 2021.
The table below demonstrates the different dimensions of the Tesla Model X electric SUV and highlights the respective curb weight of all the three Model Y variants.
| The Different Dimensions of Tesla Model X Electric SUV | The Measurements |
| Height of the SUV | 66.4 inches |
| Length of the SUV | 198.4 inches |
| Width of the SUV | 78.7 inches (This also includes both the side mirrors) |
| The Different Tesla Model X Electric SUV Variations | Total Curb Weight of the Electric SUV |
| Model X 60D | 5072 pounds or 2301 kgs |
| Model X 75D | 5140 pounds or 2336 kgs |
| Model X 90D | 5272 pounds or 2390 kgs |
| Model X Performance 90D | 5380 pounds or 2442 kgs |
| Model X 100D | 5425 pounds or 2461 kgs |
| Model X Performance 100D | 5531 pounds or 2509 kgs |
Read How to Put Tesla in Neutral?
Tesla Model Y Design
The Tesla Model Y is a compact SUV that shares 70% of its major design characteristics with the Tesla Model 3 sedan.
Just like the Model X, the Model Y also has seating space for seven adult passengers arranged in three rows; however, the overall interior space is small than the Model X’s.
The Model Y also has an autopilot feature and gives the driver the option to use the self-driving system.
As mentioned on Tesla’s official website, the Model Y SUV received the NHTSA 5-star safety rating for being one of the safest and most reliable electric SUVs in the market.
The dual-motor system in the Tesla Model Y gives the electric SUV better control over the torque to provide a smooth drive over wet, slipped, bumpy, and steep surfaces.
The two tables below demonstrate the different dimensions of the Tesla Model Y electric SUV and highlight the respective curb weight of all three Model Y variants.
| The Different Dimensions of Tesla Model Y electric SUV | The Measurements |
| Height of the SUV | 64 inches |
| Length of the SUV | 187.1 inches |
| Width of the SUV | 75.6 inches (this measurement includes both the side mirrors) |
| The Different Tesla Model Y Electric SUV Variations | Total Curb Weight of the Electric SUV |
| Model Y Standard Range AWD | 3920 pounds or 1780 kgs |
| Model Y Performance AWD | 4416 pounds or 2004 kgs |
| Model Y Long Range AWD | 4416 pounds or 2004 kgs |
Read How To Afford a Tesla Electric Car
Tesla Electric Car Model X versus the Model Y: Specifications
Which Electric SUV has the Higher Purchase Price?
The Tesla Model X electric SUV is a more luxurious SUV than the Model Y due to its greater number of features, stronger exterior, and more spacious exterior.
Hence, the price of the Model X electric SUV is higher than that of the price of the Model Y electric SUV. The Tesla Model X is priced at 114,990 USD, whereas the Model Y is priced at 62,990 USD.
However, these prices can vary with the addition of customizations, additional features, and import duty taxes.
Which Electric SUV Offers the Higher Range?
The range of an electric SUV shows how far the EV can travel in terms of miles in one single charge. The higher the electric SUV’s range, the farther the EV can travel without requiring additional charging.
Although one can use an approximated range to make the comparison, in reality, the actual range will vary according to the driving practices, landscape, condition of the tires, total weight of the SUV, battery condition, and external and internal battery temperature, etc.
Although heavier vehicles cannot offer higher ranges, the Model X is a fantastic exception that makes it a consumer favorite everywhere in the world.
The table below demonstrates the approximate ranges of different Model X variants.
| Tesla Model X Electric SUV Variants | Approximated Range on Flat Surfaces |
| Model X 60D | 200 miles |
| Model X 75D | 238 miles |
| Model X 90D | 257 miles |
| Model X Performance 90D | 250 miles |
| Model X 100D | 305 miles |
| Model X Performance 100D | 325 miles |
The table below demonstrates the approximate ranges of different Model Y variants.
| Tesla Model Y Electric SUV Variants | Approximated Range on Flat Surfaces |
| Model Y Standard Range AWD | 224 miles |
| Model Y Performance AWD | 303 miles |
| Model Y Long Range AWD | 326 miles |
To further improve the range of the Model X and Model Y SUVs, the driver should do the following:
- Drive the electric SUVs at steady speeds and refrain from accelerating too frequently.
- Avoid deliberately driving over arduous terrains and steep slopes.
- Maintain a battery level between 20% and 90%.
- Protect the battery from overheating or freezing.
- Use the Tesla-provided home charging as often as possible and leave the fast DC superchargers only for emergencies.
- Check the air pressure in the tires before hitting the road.
Final Thoughts
Tesla is a unique automobile brand that has managed to directly address different consumer needs in a way no other brand can.
As soon as the Model X SUV was launched, people began to send in their demands and suggestions to Tesla for a bigger, more luxurious, and strong SUV.
Hence, Tesla launched the Model Y SUV, which received great acceptance from the global EV consumer market. The Model Y is Tesla’s entry to the SUV market, and considering the sales it’s made so far, it’s safe to say that people have taken to it quite well.
However, whether the Model Y SUV is superior to the Model X SUV is not an easy debate as both the EVs bring different things to the table. In the end, it all comes down to a consumer’s budget and personal preferences.
You may like the following Tesla electric car articles:
- How to Check a Tesla Electric Car’s Battery Health
- How Much To Wrap Tesla Model 3
- What is the Purpose of Tesla Sentry Mode?
- How to Reboot and Restart a Tesla Electric Vehicle’s Screen?
- How Much to Rent a Tesla?
- What is Tesla Destination Charging?
- How to Become a Tesla Certified Body Shop
My name is Matthew, staying in Seattle, Washington. Electric Vehicles (Electric Cars & Electric bikes) caught my attention for the last few years and my love for electric cars and bikes is everlasting. I spend many of my weekends traveling to various places all over various cities with my electric vehicle (e-bike and electric car). Here I am sharing my expertise, experience, and invaluable information about electric cars and electric bikes. Check out more.