From Cleanerwatt.
The 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance costs $8,000 more than the Premium AWD, but is it worth it? For the first time, the Performance gets a bigger battery pack, so it now matches or beats the Premium AWD on 20-inch wheels for range instead of giving up range. Meanwhile, Tesla quietly upgraded the Premium with the 16-inch screen and Vehicle-to-Load, which shrinks the list of Performance-only features. In this head-to-head, I compare the motors, suspension, and brakes, EPA efficiency and energy costs at different electricity rates, tire replacement costs, and real-world range and braking tests from Out of Spec Reviews, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend.
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*** All video and pictures are used with permission or in accordance with the copyright owner’s stated policies and use allowance, or applicable fair use laws. ***
Image & Video Clip Sources:
1. Tesla video clips/images used in the video courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (where noted in the video).
Data Sources:
SOURCES
Pricing, specs & features
Tesla Model Y: https://www.tesla.com/modely
Tesla Model Y configurator: https://www.tesla.com/modely/design
Tesla – Introducing New Model Y Performance: https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/blog/introducing-new-model-y-performance
EPA efficiency, range & energy cost
fueleconomy.gov side-by-side (2026 Model Y): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=49744&id=50253&id=49743
EPA 2026 Fuel Economy Guide: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/guides/FEG2026.pdf
Instrumented tests (acceleration, braking, skidpad, range)
Car and Driver – 2026 Model Y Performance: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a69496119/2026-tesla-model-y-performance-drive/
MotorTrend – 2026 Model Y Performance First Test: https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/first-test-2026-tesla-model-y-performance
Edmunds – Model Y Performance vs. Model 3 Performance: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/tesla-model-y-model-3-comparison-test.html
Edmunds – 2026 Model Y Performance First Drive: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2026-tesla-model-y-performance-first-drive-review.html
Real-world 70 mph range tests (Out of Spec Reviews)
Model Y Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ar417CfeuA
Model Y Premium AWD (20"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PzOuH-e1u0
Test method: https://outofspecstudios.com/70-mph-range
Tires
19" OE tires & pricing: https://rimlist.com/guides/tesla/model-y/juniper/tires-19
20" OE tires & pricing: https://rimlist.com/guides/tesla/model-y/juniper/tires-20
21" OE tires: https://rimlist.com/guides/tesla/model-y/juniper/tires-21
21" Hankook iON evo AS SUV pricing: https://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Hankook/iON+evo+AS+SUV
Premium upgrades (V2L & 16" screen)
V2L added to Model Y Premium: https://electrek.co/2026/08/15/tesla-model-y-premium-vehicle-to-load-2-4-kw-adapter/
V2L compatibility: https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/4583/tesla-adds-vehicle-to-load-v2l-to-model-y-premium-check-if-yours-is-compatible
16" screen on all Model Y trims: https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/4254/all-tesla-model-ys-now-get-black-headliner-16-inch-screen
DISCLAIMER
The content in this video is for informational and educational purposes only and should NOT be regarded as financial or purchasing advice. I am NOT a financial advisor, and this is NOT a recommendation to buy, lease, or finance any vehicle.
Prices, incentives, interest rates, specifications, and test results change often. While the information in this video is believed to be accurate at the time of recording, no guarantees are made. Always verify current details with Tesla, your lender, and your insurer before you buy.
As of the recording of this video, I am NOT invested in Tesla stock or securities, nor any other company mentioned in this video.