While China received the exclusive Model Y L last year - a stretched, 6-seat version of the world’s best-selling vehicle - Tesla appears to have chosen a different path for North America. Instead of building the Model Y L at Giga Texas, as they intend to do at Giga Berlin for Europe, Tesla is re-introducing the 7-seat option on the standard wheelbase Model Y.
The third-row option is available for a $2,500 upgrade on the Premium AWD variant only, but in both black and white interiors.
Tesla has silently refreshed the vehicle's interior, removing the mismatched accents of the past and standardizing the darker, premium aesthetic of the Performance trim across the Premium and Performance models.
7-Seat Solution
The return of the third row offers a distinct choice for US buyers compared to the global market. While the Chinese Model Y L features captain’s chairs and a lengthened body for increased comfort, the US 7-seater maximizes utility within the existing footprint.
For $2,500, buyers gain a power foldable third row, making the Model Y the only electric SUV in its class to offer seating for seven without jumping to the full-size SUV price bracket. It’s a calculated move to capture families who need the occasional extra seats, but don’t want the full physical bulk of a larger vehicle every day.
Just like previous versions of the legacy Model Y with 7 seats, this option is best suited for families with growing children.
Dark Mode Now Standard
Perhaps the most requested aesthetic change is finally here - the grey headliner is gone. Tesla has listened to years of owner feedback and standardized the black headliner across all Premium and Performance trims.
Previously, the light grey headliner was the only option for non-Performance trims, often criticized for clashing with the black interior and feeling less premium.
Model Y Performance with the new black headliner on FSD. pic.twitter.com/XrYHqN1Gzh
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 13, 2026
Combined with the new standard matte black exterior badging (replacing the chrome Tesla T and Model names), the default Model Y now looks significantly stealthier and more upscale right from the factory.
16” Screen and Darker Wheels
The Premium AWD and Premium RWD trims are also receiving a major hardware trickle-down. The center display has been upgraded to the 16-inch screen found in the Model Y Performance. This changes the screen size from 15.4 inches to 16 inches, but comes with a QHD display rather than a Full HD one.
Rounding out the changes are the new 20” Helix 2.0 wheels, now available as a $2,000 option. These dark grey turbine-style wheels complete the full stealth look, offering a factory aesthetic that previously required owner modification.
