As Tesla expands its Model Y lineup in the U.S. with the longer-wheelbase Model Y L, attention to cabin comfort is reaching a whole new level. The three-row, six-seat crossover comes packed with interior features designed to keep every occupant comfortable across long road trips.
SawyerMerritt recently shared a hands-on look at the updated climate controls while test-driving a North American unit, posting on X:
“The Model Y L has a little row of icons on the right side of the climate screen so the front passenger can more quickly jump to whatever row they want to control.”
Three-Zone Layout with Specialized Seat Controls
While the core layout of the climate control screen will look familiar to anyone who has driven a modern Tesla, the Model Y L is the first vehicle in the lineup to split settings into three distinct zones. Even the three-row Model X and Model Y grouped rear controls together, but the Model Y L gives the third row its own dedicated interface.
Drivers and front passengers can tap on the front, middle, or rear sections at the top of the touchscreen to pull up specific options for that area. To make jumping between zones even faster, a vertical row of intuitive seat layout icons sits on the right edge of the climate card.
The Model Y L has a little row of icons on the right side of the climate screen so the front passenger can more quickly jump to whatever row they want to control. pic.twitter.com/uJS44mgCvk
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) July 30, 2026
The front row features the same air swing system introduced on the new (Juniper refresh) Model Y. Moving to the middle row, passengers get the ability to aim air coming from screen-level vents or the embedded vents in the B-pillar. You can also choose whether the second row ventilation comes from the screen-level vents or from underneath. More importantly, the Model Y L introduces ventilated second-row seats. While the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and standard Model Y only offer heated second-row seating, the Model Y L is the very first Tesla to offer actively cooled second-row captain’s chairs.
Third-Row Air Vents and Regional Upgrades
For the third row, passengers get heated seats (no cooling) alongside dedicated air vents built directly into the C-pillars. While the now-discontinued Model X offered third-row vents, those were non-powered and had to be adjusted manually. In contrast, the Model Y L integrates power controls directly into the central touchscreen.
Middle-row occupants can also adjust climate settings using the rear touchscreen. However, passengers sitting in the way back will need to ask someone in the front two rows to adjust their fan speed or seat heat.
This expanded climate control system arrives as Tesla launches the 6-seat Model Y L in the U.S. with an exclusive Launch Series trim. Display units are already landing in Tesla stores and showrooms across the U.S., giving buyers a first-hand look at the cabin as Tesla prepares to kick off customer deliveries in September.
Alongside features unique to North American Model Y L builds, this detailed climate setup makes the crossover Tesla’s most comfortable family mover to date.
