The 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD, rated at 120 MPG combined, isn’t just about good gas mileage; it eliminates gasoline completely. It’s an electric vehicle (EV). Its appeal lies in its spacious cabin, ample cargo capacity, impressive range, and the promise of near-silent, emissions-free driving. This Model Y version suits buyers who want maximum range and rear-wheel drive efficiency. They accept (or even prefer) RWD in exchange for more miles per charge, a sensible choice in climates that don’t require all-weather traction.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Model Y Long Range RWD achieves 128 MPG in the city and 112 MPG on the highway. These figures show the efficiency of electric powertrains, especially in stop-and-go conditions where regenerative braking captures energy that would be lost as heat in a regular engine. The slightly lower highway MPG reflects the energy needed to overcome wind resistance at higher speeds. For owners who do extended highway drives, this difference matters, and they’ll likely see slightly less range than the official figures suggest. The city number highlights this vehicle’s strengths.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD at $650. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage split between city and highway driving, using national average electricity prices. The $650 figure assumes the owner primarily charges at home, where electricity rates are generally lower than at public charging stations. For those who mostly rely on Superchargers or other paid charging networks, the annual cost will likely be higher. Even with some public charging, the savings compared to a comparable gasoline-powered SUV are significant.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard estimate, real-world energy consumption varies based on many factors. Driving style, outside temperature, terrain, and cargo weight all matter. Hard acceleration, long high-speed drives, and air conditioning use in hot weather will decrease range. Easier acceleration, slower highway speeds, and preconditioning the cabin while plugged in can extend range. Smart owners will learn to judge these factors and adjust their driving. Many will monitor energy consumption through the Tesla’s onboard energy app, which provides details about energy use.

How it compares

The Model Y Long Range RWD is difficult to compare to gasoline-powered vehicles because it uses a different energy source. But, consider a similar compact SUV like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which gets 37 MPG combined. To match the Model Y’s “fuel” cost, the RAV4 Hybrid owner would spend approximately $1,621 on gasoline annually (calculated using the EPA’s 15,000 miles driven per year and national average fuel prices). Even compared to other EVs, the Model Y Long Range RWD is strong. The all-wheel-drive Model Y Long Range gets a combined EPA rating of 117 MPGe, slightly less than the RWD model. Buyers choosing the RWD model want range and efficiency. Exploring all Tesla fuel economy data reveals that the Model Y RWD stands out in the Tesla lineup. To review MODEL MPG across all years, explore our MPG comparison tool.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Precondition the cabin while the Model Y is plugged in. This warms or cools the interior using grid power, minimizing the energy draw from the battery when driving. Especially in extreme temperatures preconditioning can really preserve range and helps your battery deliver its best available performance.

Use regenerative braking effectively. The “Standard” setting provides a stronger deceleration effect when lifting off the accelerator, maximizing energy recapture. Getting used to single-pedal driving can improve efficiency, particularly in city driving, where frequent stops and starts allow for continuous energy regeneration.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, improving energy efficiency. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the pressure specified on the doorjamb sticker. Even slightly underinflated tires can noticeably impact range over time.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove unnecessary items from the roof rack or trailer hitch when not in use. These accessories increase drag, especially at highway speeds. Consider the optional aero wheel covers, which are designed to improve airflow, contributing to better efficiency.

Plan your routes accordingly. Use the Tesla’s navigation system, which factors in terrain, traffic conditions, and charging locations to optimize your route for maximum range. If possible, choose routes with lower speeds and fewer elevation changes, as these conditions generally require less energy.