The Price of Popularity
The Tesla Model Y continues to be the best-selling EV in the U.S. by a large margin, even after the EV market took a tumble in late 2025. During the first half of this year, Cox Automotive estimates that Tesla sold 163,454 Model Ys in the U.S., up about 8.8% year over year and representing roughly 35% of all EV sales. There isn’t an imminent sign of a slowdown, especially with the new Model Y L expanding the lineup and elevated gas prices increasing interest in EVs.
CarsDirect reported that high demand for the Model Y has pushed delivery windows up to five months. The good news is that not all trims have extended wait times. But for shoppers considering the likes of the Model Y L – a three-row version that can be seen as an alternative to the now-discontinued Model X – they may need to reassess whether the later deliveries work with their timeline.
Tesla
Get in Line
The Model Y L Premium – which comes with AWD as standard – has the longest wait time, estimated between January and February 2027, followed by the base model in RWD and AWD layouts, which has a listed delivery window between December 2026 and January 2027.
Both the Model Y Premium and Performance trims have shorter estimated wait times between October and November 2026. The latter can be the go-to for shoppers wanting more oomph out of the EV, as it is capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Range, however, is compromised a bit at an EPA-estimated 306 miles, about 21 miles fewer than the Model Y Premium AWD.
The report noted that the Model Y “isn’t a great buy” because lease prices “have gotten worse,” with lease prices for the Model Y Premium rising by 4.5% in May. It is also no longer eligible for California’s MyFirstEV Rebate, which offers $3,500 to eligible first-time EV buyers in the state.
Tesla
Still in Charge
Aside from the Model Y, its sedan counterpart, the Model 3, is also seeing longer wait times, including a delivery window stretching to March 2027 for the base trim.
Tesla’s upcoming Q3 production and delivery figures could provide more context on the longer waits, particularly whether production is keeping pace with deliveries. For now, buyers cross-shopping the Model Y can consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 – which was the third-best-selling EV in Q2 2026 behind the Model Y and Model 3.
