Model S from 2022 and the 2026 Model Y from Tesla showcase differences that highlight the innovative aspects of the yoke steering and the larger front screen, features previously absent in the Model Y.
Comparing the 2022 Tesla Model S and 2026 Tesla Model Y: Evolution Over Horsepower
The 2022 Tesla Model S and the 2026 Tesla Model Y have evolved differently in design, performance, and technology, reflecting their distinct roles and generation gaps. The Model S emphasises refinement and a driver-focused luxury experience, while the Model Y prioritises practicality and cost-efficiency with updated technology and variants.
Design
The 2022 Tesla Model S features a sleek, iconic liftback sedan design with a very low drag coefficient for efficiency. Its exterior is aerodynamic, with flush door handles and a sporty stance, about 197.7 inches long and 78.2 inches wide. The interior is minimalist, dominated by a 17-inch swiveling touchscreen and a yoke-style steering wheel that enhances driver focus by clearing the forward view.
On the other hand, the 2026 Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV with family utility in mind. It offers flexibility with up to 7 seats, a more upright design, and a larger cargo space. The Model Y design remains practical but more modest compared to the luxury sedan’s emphasis on style and driver engagement.
Performance
The 2022 Model S Long Range AWD is built for extended range and high performance, with a large 95 kWh usable battery delivering about 360 miles real-world range, adaptive air suspension, and powerful Matrix LED headlights for superior night visibility.
The 2026 Model Y, while built on a newer platform, focuses on cost-effective efficiency with variants like rear-wheel drive entry models having longest range, and a Performance variant offering sportier suspension and acceleration. The Model Y also offers towing capacity (~3,500 lb) and improvements in acceleration and cabin quietness compared to older versions.
Technology
The 2022 Model S runs Tesla’s custom interface on a large swiveling 17-inch touchscreen, includes Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer, and advanced driver assistance with software-updatable adaptive air suspension. The yoke steering and forward display add a unique driver experience element.
The 2026 Model Y integrates Tesla’s latest Hardware 4 computing, bringing enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities closer to those of the Model S, though lacking some features like park-to-drive autonomy and a dedicated instrument screen. Tesla's approach to the Model Y stresses pragmatic manufacturing and feature rationalization to manage costs.
Key Differences in Driving Experience and Efficiency
| Aspect | 2022 Tesla Model S | 2026 Tesla Model Y | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Driving Experience | Driver-centric with yoke steering, dedicated forward display enhancing immediacy and visibility, sportier sedan feel. | More conventional steering, no dedicated forward instrument display; SUV feel with quiet cabin and comfort; less “soulful” drive but improved tech. | | Efficiency | Longer range (~360 miles), low drag design, efficient large battery pack. | Competitive range, especially in rear-wheel-drive variant; newer platform brings improved efficiency but higher drag typical of SUVs; towing capability added. | | Cabin Space & Practicality | Large sedan trunk and frunk, spacious cabin but focused on luxury and driver immersion. | Larger total cargo with folding seats, 7-seat option, more family/flexibility focused. |
In summary, the 2022 Model S remains a benchmark luxury EV with a driver-focused cockpit, longer direct range, and sedan dynamics. The 2026 Model Y benefits from newer tech and manufacturing efficiencies prioritising practicality, cost, and expanded family utility, with a quieter, refined ride but a more conventional driving interface. Both vehicles demonstrate Tesla’s progression in technology and software-defined features, with the Model Y reflecting Tesla's strategy toward broader market reach amid economic challenges.
The Tesla Model Y's EPA estimated range is approximately 320 miles, and it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 4.1 seconds (depending on trim and launch). The updated Model Y has been reported to have quicker acceleration and a quieter cabin versus earlier builds.
Hardware 3 in the 2022 Tesla Model S is compared to Hardware 4 in the 2026 Tesla Model Y, with the older model impressing its driver in terms of merges and lane changes. The Model S and Model Y share more similarities than differences in noise, storage, and software experience due to Tesla's refinements.
The Model S and Model Y have traded some sharp edges for comfort and efficiency, similar to people growing into their middle years. The Model Y's factory tow package is rated to 3,500 lb on all wheel configurations. The Redditor found the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in the 2022 Tesla Model S impressive, but it lacked certain features compared to the 2026 Model Y.
The Model Y's factory figures show ~71.4 cu ft max with 2nd row folded, ~29.0 cu ft behind the 2nd row, plus a ~4.1 cu ft frunk. The Redditor believes the yoke and front screen on the 2022 Tesla Model S are game-changers that the 2026 Model Y needs.
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia who enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites.
Tesla advertises up to 182 miles of additional range in approximately 15 minutes on a high-power DC fast charger for the Model Y. The Model Y is produced at multiple locations, including Fremont (CA), Giga Texas (Austin), Giga Shanghai in China, and Giga Berlin-Brandenburg in Germany.
The Model Y finished first worldwide in 2023, becoming the first electric vehicle to do so, and is likely to repeat in 2024. The 2022 Tesla Model Y has earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ (2024). The space in the front trunk and rear trunk of the 2022 Tesla Model S is similar to that of the 2026 Model Y. The 2022 Tesla Model S features a yoke and forward display that create a driver-centric experience.
The 2026 Tesla Model Y, while prioritizing practicality and cost-efficiency, disrupts the electric vehicle market with the integration of cutting-edge technology, as seen in its adoption of Tesla's Hardware 4 computing.
As the Model Y emphasizes a balance between technology and affordability, it also showcases electric-vehicle innovations in its design, with features like a factory tow package and an extended range in rear-wheel drive variants.
