| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Vehicle Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Trim | EV |
| Start-Stop | No |
| EPA Vehicle ID | 48474 |
The 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD-I gets 118 MPG combined. This number showcases a vehicle designed for minimal energy consumption and maximum utility. It’s not just an efficient car, it’s a fast, spacious, technologically advanced crossover. It’s designed for families who value efficiency and expect modern features. Model Y buyers typically aren’t considering gas-powered SUVs. They’re often drawn to a lifestyle, a commitment to sustainable transportation, and a move away from gasoline. The fuel economy figures confirm the ability to have practicality, performance, and a smaller environmental footprint.
City and highway performance
The EPA further specifies the Model Y’s efficiency: 123 MPG in the city and 112 MPG on the highway. This small difference shows how electric vehicles work. City driving uses regenerative braking to recapture energy and increase efficiency. Highway driving, while consistent, doesn’t have those opportunities, which results in a slightly lower MPG equivalent. The Model Y’s aerodynamic design helps its highway performance, and advancements in battery technology allow for consistent performance in different conditions. Note the AWD-I in the trim name, which means all-wheel drive and an improved inverter. The improved inverter slightly improves responsiveness in cold weather conditions, even though it doesn’t drastically affect overall MPG.
Annual fuel cost
The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD-I at $650. This is based on 15,000 miles per year and the national average electricity cost. This number is a helpful comparison. However, the actual cost changes based on local electricity rates, driving habits, and charging. Charging at home during off-peak hours could lower costs, while relying on public charging during peak demand could increase costs. You will likely save a significant amount compared to a similar luxury SUV.
Real-world expectations
The official rating is 118 MPG. However, real-world mileage changes. Fast acceleration, frequent climate control, and cold weather all lower efficiency. Conversely, smooth driving, preconditioning the battery, and regenerative braking can help achieve or surpass the official numbers. Many Model Y owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on shorter trips. Tesla’s trip energy prediction tool is very helpful for long trips. It learns over time and accurately predicts total energy needs. This lets drivers plan charging stops.
How it compares
The Model Y’s fuel economy is significantly better than gasoline-powered competitors. A BMW X3 xDrive30i achieves about 25 MPG combined, and the Acura RDX SH-AWD gets about 23 MPG. Even hybrid SUVs, such as the Lexus NX 350h with 39 MPG combined, don’t come close to the Model Y’s efficiency. This comparison is important for the Model Y’s target buyer. They want a luxury crossover and an alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles. They may give up engine sounds for the financial and lower fuel costs of EV ownership. See all Tesla fuel economy data here.
Tips to maximize efficiency
Preconditioning the battery is important, particularly in cold weather. Warm up the battery using the Tesla app before driving. This lowers the energy needed to heat the battery during your drive, which then saves energy.
Take advantage of regenerative braking. Tesla lets you adjust the amount of regenerative braking. Try different settings to find the best balance between deceleration and energy recapture. With one-pedal driving, the car slows quickly when you lift off the accelerator pedal, and this can strongly improve efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
Check tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, harm efficiency. See the sticker on the driver’s side door for the right tire pressure. You can also see MODEL MPG across all years on our site.
Reduce fast acceleration and high speeds. While the Model Y’s torque is appealing, accelerating quickly uses much energy. Driving at high speeds raises wind resistance, which reduces efficiency. Predict traffic flow and drive with a smooth, steady speed.
Plan trips carefully, especially long ones. Use Tesla’s navigation to optimize your route for charging stops. Think strategically about charging locations, considering charging speed and nearby services. Good planning can prevent range anxiety and improve efficiency.