Tesla's Three-Row Model Y Is Coming Back, But Is It Worth It?
But for some families, this could be welcome news.
Does Cramming Extra Seats In The Model Y Make Sense?
The updated Tesla Model Y Juniper was revealed earlier this year, with changes including Cybertruck-inspired styling and a refined interior, all aimed at helping this electric crossover maintain its best-seller status. What the Model Y Juniper did not offer was the option of a third seating row, as had been available on the pre-facelift version. Well, a new Tesla customer email shared on Twitter shows that this option is returning, but this is one box we'd leave unticked if we were buying a Model Y.
Oops! We're unable to load this content right now.
View directly on 𝕏
A Third Row Unfit For Adults
Source: Tesla
The Juniper isn't an all-new model, so shares the same exterior dimensions with the pre-facelift Model Y. That means it shares the same amount of interior space, too.
Looking at the data, the three-row Model Y has only 26.5 inches of third-row legroom and 34.6 inches of headroom. For some perspective, the Toyota GR86 – which is technically a small 2+2 sports car – has more legroom at the back than this Model Y does in its third row. You can free up more third-row legroom if those in the second row are willing to move their seats forward, but this impacts their comfort levels.
While smaller adults and teens can technically fit in there, the space is unbelievably cramped and claustrophobic. Most will find their heads pressed up against the back window, and if the car stops suddenly, it's easy to bash your forehead into the low roof panel.
The only real use we can see for this third row is if you will often be transporting two smaller young kids.
Third Row Eats Into Cargo Space, Too
Source: Tesla
Whereas the five-seater Model Y Juniper has 29 cubic feet of trunk space behind the second row, the pre-facelift seven-seater model has 26.6 cubes. Admittedly, this is still an acceptable size for what isn't a large vehicle. If the third row of seats are in use, the cargo capacity shrinks to 12.8 cubes.
How Much Will The Three-Row Option Be?
Tesla Model Y Juniper —
Source: Tesla
Previously, pricing for the three-row Model Y added $2,000 to $2,500 more to the MSRP, depending on exactly when the car was purchased. Looking at the current Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive variant, it costs $44,990, so will be closer to $47k with the option installed, assuming similar pricing for the Juniper.
Ultimately, unless you have a very specific use case – regularly transporting two kids in the third row – we'd suggest buying a more spacious three-row SUV. Then again, if you want to stay in the Tesla family, need three rows, and don't want to spend way more on a Model X, the Model Y with three rows is your only option.
It's not known exactly when the three-row option will become available again, but we expect it to arrive soon.
About the Author
Karl Furlong View Profile
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
8 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Counterfeit EV Battery Modules: Risks & How to Avoid Them
Fake EV Parts Are Flooding the Market (And They Could Cost You Your Life) In 2025, the second-hand electric vehicle (EV) market is booming—and so is a shadow industry of questionable and even deadly replacement parts. Online marketplaces like eBay have seen continuing increases in listings for 'OEM Compatible' EV battery modules, many priced well below manufacturer-direct offerings. notes a 58.5% increase in used battery electric car sales in Q1 2025 versus the previous year. But as any experienced mechanic will tell you, today's garage is increasingly a battleground between authentic engineering and a flood of dubious imports. And what you don't want is a dubious import that causes a fire so hot that even the fire department can't put out. A Costly Gamble for EV Owners Let's say the owner of an out-of-warranty Tesla Model Y, hoping to save money, takes their car to an independent garage. The shop sources a replacement battery module online, advertised as 'authentic.' After installation, the vehicle runs fine—until a 'check battery' warning appears within 50 miles. The issue? Counterfeit EV battery modules—often assembled with mismatched cells and unstable firmware—are prone to early failures and 'check battery' warnings within a short distance after installation. The Rise of Counterfeit EV Parts Counterfeit battery modules and ECUs (Electronic Control Units) are a growing concern in the aftermarket repair ecosystem. Genuine Tesla battery modules, for instance, a Model 3 battery pack can cost $20-28,000 ( 2025). On platforms like eBay and Alibaba, however, 'OEM Compatible' modules have been seen for $1,200–$1,500, appealing to cost-conscious garages and DIY-ers alike. While some listings may involve refurbished OEM parts, many are knock-offs assembled with unvetted lithium-ion cells. Low-cost counterfeit batteries often use substandard cells lacking safety features (such as CID, a device that prevent those 1,000° C thermal runaway fires), poor assembly quality, and no assured firmware integrity. The Fallout for Garages and Consumers Independent garages, many of which operate on thin margins, are particularly vulnerable. Tempted by low prices and fast availability, some install these modules without realizing the hidden risks: shorted cells, BMS (battery management system) errors, or safety-critical software bugs. The consequences are predictable—failed repairs, unhappy customers, dangerous results, and reputational damage (Automotive Service Association, 2024). Some garages now invest in battery module diagnostic tools and electronic authentication systems, but these technologies often cost upwards of a thousand dollars and require upskilling staff to use effectively. The authentication systems alone often require subscriptions or specialized hardware costing thousands. So, many garages just don't. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Why the Problem Persists This crisis persists largely because regulation has yet to catch up with the pace of EV adoption. Right-to-repair laws in many U.S. states remain narrow in scope, and proprietary software remains tightly controlled by OEMs. Tesla, for example, encrypts most of its BMS and drivetrain software, blocking third-party access without official licensing, and VIN-locks its part so you can only use new Tesla parts. Contravening both warranty and anti-trust laws, this imbalance limits the ability of independent garages to source and verify authentic parts, creating fertile ground for black-market sellers. A Market at a Crossroads As EVs age and warranties expire, the temptation to cut corners will grow. Without urgent action to expand parts access, enforce marketplace accountability, and educate consumers, counterfeit components will increasingly undermine EV safety and reliability at scale. Until then, the best advice remains timeless: if a part's price seems too good to be true, it probably is. In the whirlwind world of EV repairs, authenticity should not be a luxury. It's a prerequisite for safety, performance, and peace of mind. Make sure your mechanic can guarantee authentic parts; stay involved. The very best way to counter counterfeiters, of course, is make sure brands don't do things like VIN-lock parts, or void warranties for using spare parts. Brands need to get on board, free up control, to push the counterfeiters out of business. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
Auto Blog
8 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Tesla Drops Killer Cybertruck Lease Offer for June
Thinking about driving a Tesla Cybertruck? Check out this electric pickup's lease offers available right now for June 2025. The Tesla Cybertruck has a spec sheet made to impress Tesla's Cybertruck is among the market's highest-performing and most durable electric pickups. Drivers behind the wheel of the Cybertruck's peak trim, the Cyberbeast, receive up to 845 horsepower, a maximum torque rating of 864 lb-ft, and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Cyberbeast's robust powertrain doesn't force drivers to sacrifice excess range, as a full charge provides up to 301 miles, and a Supercharger supplies a maximum of 135 miles in 15 minutes. This trim also boasts impressive acceleration for its size, traveling from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds. 0:06 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Tesla Cybertruck — Source: Tesla The Cybertruck's other trims include the mid-level AWD version and the base Long Range variant. The AWD trim has a slightly longer range of 325 miles, and although it is lower in horsepower and torque, at 600 hp and 521 lb-ft, respectively, it matches its counterpart's 11,000-lb. towing capacity. Drivers prioritizing range and savings can look toward the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Cybertruck Long Range trim with 354 miles per charge, 315 horsepower, and 320 lb-ft of torque. You'll receive three motors within a Cyberbeast, two in an AWD Cybertruck trim, and a single motor within the base Long Range. The Cybertruck's 6×4-ft. bed holds its own against full-size competitors with 56.2 cu. ft. of cargo space, a powered frunk, an under-bed storage compartment, and 54 cu. ft. of interior storage volume with the rear seats up. With starting prices of $62,490, $72,490, and $99,990 for the Long Range, AWD, and Cyberbeast trims, the Cybertruck's higher average costs might lead some to favor leasing over a cash or finance purchase. Let's take a closer look at where Tesla Cybertruck lease offers stand. The Tesla Cybertruck lease deal for June 2025 Tesla offers the Long Range Cybertruck for $779 per month for 36 months, with a 10,000-mile allowance and a $5,000 down payment. However, you can upgrade to the mid-level AWD Cybertruck trim for just $20 more at $799 monthly, with the same contract length, mileage limit, and down payment. The peak Cyberbeast trim costs $1,078 per month over 36 months, with 10,000 annual miles and a $5,000 down payment. Consider the monthly payment cost, taxes, and fees before signing a lease. Lease offers may vary by metro market. Check your local Cybertruck lease pricing here. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Prefer $0 down? Some lessees prefer to put $0 down to lower upfront costs. In this case, you'd pay about $918 monthly for a base Long Range Cybertruck, $938 monthly for the mid-level AWD Cybertruck, and $1,217 monthly for the Cyberbeast. Tesla Cybertruck — Source: Tesla Final thoughts Leasing a Cybertruck may be a better fit than a cash or finance purchase, since you have more flexibility in deciding whether the model's unique design is right for you. Additionally, Tesla ended its lease buyout ban in November, so Cybertruck lessees pleased with their experience can transition into ownership gradually vs. immediately. While the Cybertruck isn't your typical pickup, it offers a standout design, daily practicality, and its steel exoskeleton provides durability for more peace of mind. Those considering a Cybertruck lease also have access to the Long Range RWD trim that wasn't initially available. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Cody Carlson View Profile
North Wales Live
9 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Live A55 updates as crash causes long delays in Flintshire
A crash on the A55 is causing long delays in Flintshire. It has happened Westbound between J32 A5026 (Holywell) to J31 A5151 (Caerwys). A Traffic Wales statement said: "A55 westbound J32 Holywell - J31 Caerwys. Lane 2 - Closed due to collision. Traffic officers en route. Delays are expected." This is a breaking news story. We will bring you all the latest as we get it via the live blog below. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here.
