When it comes to a clear favorite in the EV marketplace, no company outperforms Tesla. This electrified automotive giant hit the streets in 2008 with its first electric car, the Tesla Roadster. The Tesla Model 3 would make the luxury electric Tesla lineup accessible by offering one of the most affordable EVs in the world. The Telsa Model Y, however, is simply a crossover SUV based on the Model 3’s design. So what makes the Tesla Model Y more popular than the rest of the Tesla lineup? Here is everything you need to know about the Tesla Model Y’s sales numbers and what makes it so popular among drivers worldwide.

What you should know about the Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable vehicle in the Tesla lineup. The Model 3 got its start in 2017, according to Auto Evolution. Tesla used the momentum found in the Model S and the Roadster to springboard the Model 3, Tesla’s first affordable mass-market vehicle, to the top of the EV sales charts. While the Model 3 wasn’t as fast as other Tesla vehicles, it was still very fast, enough to be a serious contender in the mainstream performance marketplace.

The interior of the Model 3 carried the same Tesla tech-forward heritage as previous models, with a large center touchscreen and a large interior that could fit five occupants. The Model 3 currently sells for around $40,240 MSRP without any federal tax incentives or potential fuel savings factored in. All things considered, the Tesla Model 3 offers a tech-forward luxury experience for a very affordable price, despite not rivaling the Tesla Model Y’s sales.

How the Tesla Model Y pushed the brand forward

The Tesla Model Y is a crossover SUV that first hit the streets during the 2020 model year. The Model Y was a no-brainer for the Tesla brand. By the 2020 model year, the automotive marketplace quickly shifted away from sedans as the traditional family car of choice. Families all around the globe were looking for larger crossover SUVs that offered the same footprint as a traditional car with exponentially more space on the inside. The Model Y is based on the design of the Model 3 sedan, and this is easily seen in the front fascia and rear taillights.

The Tesla Model Y is a true Tesla vehicle in that just about every vehicle function is controlled through the center 15-inch infotainment screen. Other than this center screen, the Tesla Model Y’s interior is classic Tesla, with a minimalist design that is equally luxurious and clean, without any jarring interior design choices. In its Long Range model, the Model Y can travel 330 miles on a single charge, and in its Performance model, the Model Y can reach a top speed of 155 miles per hour, according to Tesla. In its base form, you can get a Tesla Model Y for around $47,740 MSRP.

Why are Tesla Model Y sales so much higher than Model 3 sales?

On paper, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are nearly identical. Other than the Model Y being a bit larger due to it being a crossover SUV, you’d be hard-pressed to find a whole lot of difference between these two vehicles. Despite these similarities, the Model Y is leaving the Model 3 in the dust in sales. According to GoodCarBadCar, Tesla Model Y sales nearly lapped the Model 3 during the second quarter of 2023. During this time, the Model Y sold 105,499 units, and the Model 3 sold 58,500 units.

The overwhelming success of the Model Y can be chalked up to a few different reasons. First, the Model Y is effectively based on the bones of the Model 3. Yes, there are differences, but all in all, the Model 3 is already a great vehicle that the Model Y simply expanded on. Second, the Model Y is a crossover SUV, which is a very popular vehicle configuration in the modern era. These SUVs offer a great amount of room without a huge price tag.

This also means the Tesla Model Y can hold more people with its optional seven-passenger setup. Finally, the Model Y is a great value compared to other luxury crossover SUVs. It is an affordable vehicle for someone looking for a luxury SUV and for someone who wants to enter the Tesla family of vehicles. As a bigger version of the already successful Tesla Model 3, it’s no surprise why the Model Y is as popular as it is.