Video summary

Tesla Model YL or X: What's the Better Family SUV?

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Tesla Model Y “YL” (Juniper refresh / new 3-row variant), compared primarily against a used Tesla Model X (not sold new anymore, but available used).

Key takeaways / verdict

  • If you’re cross-shopping a 3-row Tesla for a family, the video suggests the Model Y L is the better buy for most people, especially if you can get it new versus a used Model X.
  • The Model X has advantages, especially:
    • Easier third-row access/controls from the back
    • A more premium “entry/egress” experience
  • However, the Model Y L delivers most of the functionality at a much lower price, with standout practicality from:
    • Its doors
    • Cargo/storage setup
    • 2nd-row/3-row comfort and convenience
  • Overall recommendation from the narrator: Choose the Model Y L unless you strongly value the Model X’s premium experience and “flagship” feel.

Unique points mentioned about the Model Y L (features + pros)

Exterior / practicality

  • Looks more like a Model Y from most angles, with a spoiler some say resembles the Model X.
  • 6-inch longer wheelbase, described as ~7 inches longer than the standard.
  • Wider liftgate improves loading and reduces the awkward/tapered look.
  • Color mention:
    • Cosmic Silver praised
    • Narrator’s demo car is black

Doors + family usability (major selling point)

The narrator calls the door/entry experience “game-changing” for a parent:

  • Easier loading of kids without the door getting in the way (compared to Model Y/X door/entry feel).
  • Narrator estimates the improvement is worth about $10,000 for family use.

Seating / comfort / convenience

  • Automatic fold-flat middle and second-row seats are highlighted as a major improvement:
    • Narrator says this option didn’t exist in the prior Model Y
    • Narrator also says it’s not available in the Model X
  • Third-row + second-row configuration is described as useful for:
    • Car camping / mattresses (with a possible future accessory)
    • Moving furniture and larger loads
  • Captain’s chairs in the middle row are praised versus a bench setup.
  • Adjustable headrests are noted as a new addition.
  • Bolster seats with adjustable thigh supports:
    • For shorter passengers, supports can be pulled out for extra leg/thigh support.
    • Narrator personally doesn’t feel it helps much (about 5’9.5”).
  • Ventilated + heated seats across rows:
    • First/second row: heated + ventilated
    • Third row: heated only (no ventilation)

Climate / airflow

  • Vents in all three rows with separate airflow paths.
  • Narrator claims the system helps avoid “sharing air” and improves cooling efficiency—especially helpful when kids are in the back.

Screens / entertainment / controls

  • Large center screen (~16 inches) plus a rear screen for:
    • Theater/apps
    • Arcade games
  • Bluetooth support so kids can use headphones.
  • Rear passengers can control climate and entertainment; narrator notes they usually control from the front for their kids, but it’s useful for older kids or other passengers.

Power + connectivity

  • USB-C ports:
    • Two in the second row
    • Two in the third row
  • Cup holders included in the second/third-row area (as described).

Storage + cargo numbers

  • 89 cubic feet of storage (with the third row up, as implied).
  • Frunk is noted as useful when the trunk is full; it can handle an “average Whole Foods/Vons order,” but not full Costco-sized loads.
  • Standout feature: a magnetic “cargo shelf” in the back
    • Narrator removed theirs because they always carry a stroller (and it gets in the way)
    • Still useful for quick tasks like diaper changes / changing a baby

Pros highlighted vs. Model X (what Model Y L does better)

  • Easier to live with as a family vehicle due to the loading/door experience
  • Fold-flat 2nd-row/middle seats for more flexibility
  • A third row that feels more meaningfully usable than older 7-seat Model Y variants
  • Better value proposition:
    • Narrator frames it as ~95% of what the Model X offers for about half the price (especially versus buying new)

Cons / negatives mentioned (Model Y L)

  • Third-row access is harder than Model X:
    • Third-row passengers must reach seat controls located up front/side
    • Narrator says it’s often not reachable without a helper
    • Narrator mentions a foot catching around tracks, especially while wearing boots
  • Limited second-row seat adjustability when you’re in the third row
  • Third-row comfort is “similar but not identical”:
    • Narrator can’t claim a major superiority
  • No third-row ventilation:
    • Third row is heated only
  • Cargo flexibility limits:
    • Double stroller fit depends heavily on stroller model
  • Interior material note:
    • No suede headliner (premium)
    • Narrator isn’t the biggest fan of the fabric, though it’s still fine
  • Rear climate/TV note:
    • Some controls behave differently depending on physical buttons/placement; minor confusion is mentioned

Model X comparison (unique points mentioned about the Model X)

Price / positioning

  • Model Y L demo value: ~$62,000
  • Narrator states that for about $10,000 more, a shopper can buy a used Model X with “Hardware 4.”
  • Video focus: choosing new Model Y L vs used Model X

Third-row entry + adjustability (Model X advantage)

Model X doors and accessibility are described as dramatically better:

  • Door opens with automatic shading
  • Narrator says seat folding/movement is button-driven and easier to manage
  • Controls are more reachable so passengers can adjust with less hassle
  • Narrator explicitly: from the back/third row, Model X is better “for doing things on your own.”

Comfort / ambience

  • Narrator feels the back can be more claustrophobic (or at least different), with less “glass openness” compared to front views.
  • Seats: comfortable but with slightly different styling; narrator doesn’t find them uncomfortable like some others claim.

Safety / equipment

  • Model Y L has third-row side airbags (narrator calls them “super awesome”).
  • Implication stated: Model X does not have third-row airbags.

Cargo comparison

  • Model X trunk has slightly more wiggle room and overall a bit more cargo capability, including:
    • Larger frunk (narrator tested with a car seat base and cooler/cargo setup and concluded the X frunk is bigger)
  • Narrator says the practical difference isn’t massive in what really fits, especially compared to the Y L’s overall usability.

Numerical scores / ratings

  • No formal star rating or numeric review score is given (e.g., no “8/10”).
  • Only explicit numeric comparisons:
    • Model Y L ~ $62,000
    • About $10,000 more for a used Model X (Hardware 4)

“User experience” summary from the video (day-to-day feel)

  • Narrator tests 3-row usability with a car seat and real family items, notably a travel double stroller.
  • Model Y L is presented as highly workable for parents because:
    • Doors make kid-loading easier
    • 2nd-row fold features improve hauling flexibility
    • Rear has climate + entertainment
  • Model X is more “luxury/effortless” for third-row occupants because:
    • Getting in/out and seat adjustments are easier from the back

Unique points mentioned about cargo/strollers (real-world practicality)

  • 89 cu ft storage is claimed.
  • Double stroller fit:
    • Works if the stroller is a compact travel double model
    • Narrator’s Nuna travel double fits; larger mainstream doubles may not
  • Narrator uses storage in side pockets and the footwell for diaper/diaper-caddy logic.
  • On Model X, narrator notes fewer practical storage areas (e.g., no backseat pockets), so there’s more reliance on footwell storage.

Comparison conclusion stated in the video

  • Model Y L vs. Model X (used):
    • Narrator’s cross-shop logic favors Model Y L for most families because it’s new, has features parity, and the door advantage plus storage flexibility matter more daily.
    • Model X remains better for third-row ingress/egress and ease of seat adjustment for passengers.

Speakers / perspectives

  • Primary narrator: electric car reviewer (Model X owner, prior Model Y owner) who drives most comparisons and family-use testing
  • Second voice (briefly): likely during the cargo shelf explanation; identifies the magnetic shelf / cargo storage feature

Overall recommendation (concise)

Buy the Tesla Model Y L if you want the best family value and care most about daily practicality, especially:

  • kid-loading doors
  • rear airflow/heat
  • folding seat flexibility
  • stroller/trunk usability (strong, but not unlimited)

Choose the used Model X mainly if you prioritize:

  • the best third-row access/seat controls experience
  • a slightly more premium/flagship feel (accepting higher cost and some loss of the Y L’s family-friendly layout advantages)

Original video