Tesla Launches 7-Seat Model Y in US, Bigger Screen, Dark Badging and Headliner, New Wheels

While China received the exclusive Model Y L last year — a stretched, six-seat version of the world’s best-selling vehicle — Tesla has taken a different route for North America. Instead of producing the Model Y L at Giga Texas, as planned for Giga Berlin in Europe, Tesla has reintroduced a seven-seat option on the standard-wheelbase Model Y.

The third-row option is offered as a $2,500 upgrade on the Premium AWD variant only, and is available with both black and white interiors.

Tesla has quietly refreshed the interior, removing the previous mismatched accents and applying the darker, premium aesthetic found on the Performance trim across both Premium and Performance models.

7-Seat Solution

The return of a third row gives US buyers a different choice from the global market. The Chinese Model Y L uses captain’s chairs and a lengthened body for added comfort, while the US seven-seater maximizes passenger capacity within the existing vehicle footprint.

For $2,500, buyers receive a power-folding third row, making the Model Y the only electric SUV in its segment to offer seating for seven without moving up to a full-size SUV. The option targets families who need occasional extra seats without the everyday bulk of a larger vehicle.

As with earlier seven-seat Model Y configurations, this layout is most suitable for families with growing children.

Dark Mode Now Standard

The long-requested change has arrived: the grey headliner has been replaced. Tesla has made the black headliner standard across all Premium and Performance trims after years of owner feedback.

Previously, the light grey headliner was the sole choice for non-Performance trims and was often criticized for clashing with darker interiors and feeling less premium.

Model Y Performance with the new black headliner on FSD. pic.twitter.com/XrYHqN1Gzh

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 13, 2026

Paired with new matte black exterior badging replacing the chrome Tesla T and model name, the standard Model Y presents a stealthier, more upscale appearance from the factory.

16" Screen and Darker Wheels

The Premium AWD and Premium RWD trims also receive a hardware upgrade: the center display has been increased to the 16-inch screen used in the Model Y Performance, up from 15.4 inches. The display in this configuration is a QHD panel rather than the previous Full HD panel.

Completing the update are new 20" Helix 2.0 wheels, available as a $2,000 option. These dark grey, turbine-style wheels contribute to the stealth-oriented factory look that previously required aftermarket changes.