After China received the exclusive Model Y L last year—a stretched, 6-seat version of the world’s best-selling vehicle—Tesla appears to be taking a different approach for North America. Rather than producing the Model Y L at Giga Texas (as it intends to do at Giga Berlin for Europe), Tesla is bringing back the 7-seat configuration on the standard-wheelbase Model Y.
The third-row option is offered as a $2,500 upgrade on the Premium AWD variant only, and it’s available with either black or white interior.
Tesla has also quietly updated the cabin, removing earlier mismatched accents and carrying over the darker, more premium look previously associated with the Performance trim to both Premium and Performance models.
7-Seat Solution
The return of a third row creates a clear distinction for U.S. buyers compared to the global lineup. While the Chinese Model Y L uses captain’s chairs and a lengthened body to improve comfort, the U.S. 7-seat setup focuses on fitting extra capacity within the existing footprint.
For $2,500, buyers get a power-folding third row, making Model Y the only electric SUV in its class to provide seven seats without moving into full-size SUV pricing. The strategy targets families who occasionally need the added seating, but don’t want the daily size and bulk of a larger vehicle.
As with prior versions of the legacy Model Y equipped with seven seats, the third row is best suited for families with growing children.
Dark Mode Now Standard
One of the most requested design changes has arrived: the grey headliner has been eliminated. Tesla has standardized a black headliner on all Premium and Performance trims.
Before this update, non-Performance trims only offered a light grey headliner, which was frequently 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
Paired with newly standard matte black exterior badging (replacing the chrome Tesla “T” and model lettering), the default Model Y now has a noticeably stealthier, more upscale appearance from the factory.
16” Screen and Darker Wheels
Premium AWD and Premium RWD are also receiving a notable hardware carryover. The center display has been upgraded to the same 16-inch screen used in the Model Y Performance. This moves the display from 15.4 inches to 16 inches, and it uses a QHD panel rather than Full HD.
Finishing off the update are the new 20” Helix 2.0 wheels, offered as a $2,000 option. These dark grey, turbine-style wheels complete the stealth look and provide a factory appearance that previously required aftermarket changes.
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