Compare Tesla Model Y AWD vs Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive

In this technical comparison between the Tesla Model Y AWD and the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive, we analyze the key features to help you choose. In terms of performance, the Model Y AWD offers ~378 kW (514 hp), while the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive delivers ~220 kW (299 hp). For range and battery life, we find 533 km to 586 km (Depending on wheels) on the Tesla compared to 455 km (Standard) / Up to 500 km (Optimized) for the Tesla.

Specifications Tesla
Model Y AWD
Tesla
Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive
Tesla Model Y AWD Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive
Launch
Release 2026 January 2025
Identity
Version / Trim Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Body Style 5-Door Compact Crossover SUV 5-Door Compact Crossover SUV
Seating Capacity 5 Adults (Standard); 7-seat option (Limited availability) 5 Adults (Standard)
Drive Type Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Rear-Wheel Drive (Single Motor)
Design & Build
Body Dimensions Length: 4790 mm | Width: 1921 mm | Height: 1624 mm Length: 4790 mm | Width: 1921 mm | Height: 1624 mm
Wheelbase 2890 mm 2890 mm
Curb Weight ~1,997 kg (4,402 lbs) ~1,921 kg (4,235 lbs)
Cargo Volume Rear: 854 L (max 2,138 L) | Frunk: 117 L Rear: 854 L (max 2,138 L) | Frunk: 117 L
Towing Capacity 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) Braked 750 kg (Unbraked) / 1,600 kg (Braked)
Wheel Size 19" Gemini (Standard); 20" Induction (Optional) 19" Gemini (Standard) / 20" Induction (Optional)
Motor & Performance
Motor Type Front: Induction (ACIM) | Rear: Permanent Magnet (PSM) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (Rear)
Total Power ~378 kW (514 hp) ~220 kW (299 hp)
Total Torque 493 Nm (363 lb-ft) 420 Nm (310 lb-ft)
Top Speed 201 km/h (125 mph) 217 km/h (135 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 4.8 Seconds (4.4s with "Acceleration Boost") 6.9 Seconds (6.6s for 0-60 mph)
Regenerative Braking 2 Levels (Standard/Low); optimized for smoother stops Standard (One-pedal driving supported)
Battery & Efficiency
Battery Capacity 78.1 kWh (Total) / ~75 kWh (Usable) 60 kWh (Usable) / 64 kWh (Nominal)
Battery Chemistry NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
Architecture 400V Architecture 400V Architecture
WLTP Range 533 km to 586 km (Depending on wheels) 455 km (Standard) / Up to 500 km (Optimized)
Efficiency ~15.3 kWh/100 km ~15.7 kWh/100 km
Thermal Management Liquid-cooled; Next-gen Heat Pump for cold weather Liquid-cooled; Integrated Heat Pump standard
Charging
AC Charging (Level 2) 11.5 kW (3-phase) / ~8 hours to full 11 kW (3-phase) / ~6.5 hours to full
DC Fast Charging 250 kW Max (V3/V4 Supercharger) 175 kW Max (Supercharger)
10% to 80% Charge Time 250 kW Max (V3/V4 Supercharger) ~24 - 25 Minutes
Charging Port Type NACS (North America) / CCS Combo 2 (Global) NACS (NA) / CCS Combo 2 (Global)
V2L Support No (V2H/V2G expected in future firmware) No (Currently only on Cybertruck)
Interior & Infotainment
Display Size 15.4" Main Screen + NEW 8.0" Rear Passenger Screen 15.4" Center Screen + 8.0" Rear Passenger Screen
Operating System Tesla OS (AMD Ryzen chip) Tesla OS (AMD Ryzen Powered)
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto No (Native apps: Apple Music, YouTube, Zoom, etc.) No (Native Apps: Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
Sound System 15-Speaker Premium Audio with Dual Subwoofers 7-Speaker Premium Audio (Standard RWD)
Climate Control Dual-zone; Ventilated/Cooled Front Seats standard Dual-zone with Bioweapon Defense Mode (HEPA)
Connectivity & Smart Features
OTA Updates Yes (Full vehicle capability) Yes (Full vehicle software support)
Mobile App Support Yes (Includes Digital Key, Sentry, and Climate control) Remote access, climate, dog mode, sentry mode
Connectivity LTE/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/UWB (Ultra-Wideband) LTE / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Digital Key Phone Key, Key Card, Apple Watch Support Phone Key (BLE), Key Card (NFC)
Autonomous Hardware Hardware 4 (AI 4) with 8 High-Res Cameras Hardware 4 (AI 4) with 8 Vision Cameras
Safety & ADAS
Safety Rating 5-Star (Euro NCAP / IIHS Top Safety Pick+) 5-Star (Euro NCAP / IIHS)
Airbags 8 Airbags (Including Front-Center Airbag) 8 Airbags (including far-side center airbag)
ADAS Features Autopilot Standard; Enhanced Autopilot/FSD Optional Autopilot (Standard); FSD (Optional)
Parking Sensors Tesla Vision (Camera-based 3D Reconstruction) Vision-based (No Ultrasonic Sensors)
Misc
Interior Materials Vegan Leather; Wrap-around Ambient Lighting Vegan Leather (Black or Black/White)
Exterior Colors Stealth Grey, Quicksilver, Ultra Red, Deep Blue, White Stealth Grey (Standard), Pearl White, Deep Blue, Ultra Red
Base Price ~$48,990 USD / €53,000 EU ~$39,990 USD / €44,990 EU
Full Details Model Y AWD - Full Specifications Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive - Full Specifications