Range Tested: The 2027 Tesla Model Y L Goes Farther Than Any Model Y Has Gone Before

• What's new: The new Tesla Model Y L took its turn on the Edmunds EV Range Test.
• Why it matters: We observed 358 miles of real-world range — a big jump over Tesla's 320-mile estimate. 
• Edmunds says: This is the longest-range Model Y we've ever tested, further cementing our belief that the L is Tesla's best Model Y yet.

We set out with the Model Y L telling us it had 316 miles of range, but then it kept going and going and going ... all the way to an official result of 358 miles, more than 10% over its estimate. That means the Model Y L has the longest range of any Model Y we've tested.

How we range test

As a quick reminder, the Edmunds EV Range Test is designed to provide an accurate representation of a car's range in the real-world. We follow a strict set of testing criteria: a 60% city and 40% highway split with an average speed of 40 mph to better follow how people actually drive day-to-day. We also stay within 5 mph of all speed limits and turn the regen up to help put energy back into that battery. And even the climate control is standardized — 72 degrees on auto, with the ability to increase fan speed as needed if you get sweaty on a warm day.

How did it go?

Everything was stacked against the Model Y L putting up a big range number. On our scales, it weighed 300 pounds more than the Model Y Long Range Launch Series, and it also makes a lot more power, borrowing its rear motor from the Model Y Performance. More power and more weight are a bad combination for range, so how did the Model Y L overcome these drawbacks?

First, it's extremely slippery. With a coefficient of drag of just 0.216, it's even more aerodynamic than the regular Model Y, thanks to some body changes, the rear spoiler and wheels that fit more snugly to the tires. 

Another factor that is easy to underrate — but seems to have had a significant impact — is improved thermal management. Not for the battery and motors, but for the cabin itself. The glass roof allows in 30% less solar energy than before, according to Tesla. That allows the cabin to cool quicker and stay cool longer while using less energy. On a long drive, these savings can add up.

Finally, the battery has grown slightly to approximately 83 kWh (an increase of 4%). The Model Y L's longer wheelbase allowed Tesla to expand the battery footprint, and the module sizes were lengthened, allowing more cells to be added.

The previous range leader among the Model Ys was the Standard version, which we don't wholly recommend because of all the equipment that has been taken out. The Model Y Performance failed to meet its range expectation, and given that the Model Y L uses much of the same hardware, we were nervous about how it would do on our test.

There is one caveat: We still need to test a current-generation Model Y Premium in its single-motor configuration. With the smaller wheels, that SUV has an estimated range of 357 miles, so it could realistically best the Model Y L.

Against the competition

Looking at the rest of the three-row EV SUV landscape, the Model Y L doesn't stand out as much. Several contenders go further, notably the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Rivian R1S, which are both larger and have better third rows if you will be using those seats consistently.

The range king of this bunch is the Lucid Gravity, with a slight asterisk: We've only been able to test two-row versions of that vehicle to date, but we don't think adding the third row will knock off much range.

What's notable about the Model Y L, though, is how efficient it is compared to its rivals. These other vehicles accomplish those range figures by featuring giant batteries. In the case of the Rivian, its battery pack has nearly double the capacity of the Tesla's, which means it consumes a lot more energy to go similar distances and takes longer to charge.

This range test result is just a cherry on top for the Model Y L, a vehicle that impressed us from the get-go. There's little this three-row SUV can't do, and if your plans only include occasional use of the third row, it holds a ton of appeal.