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Is The Tesla Model Y Performance Upgrade Worth It?


Tesla Model Y is a fantastic fully electric vehicle with all of the bells and whistles you would expect from a Tesla vehicle. So that their vehicles can fit the wants and needs of more people, there are different versions of this model such as the Tesla Model Y Performance, the Tesla Model Y Long-Range, and the standard Tesla Model Y. Of course, a Tesla Model Y Performance or Tesla Model Y Long-Range is going to cost you more than the standard version. If you are considering getting the Model Y Performance upgrade, you are likely wondering if it offers enough to justify the cost. The following will overview if the Tesla Model Y Performance Upgrade is worth it:

What Is Included?

With the Tesla Model Y Performance Upgrade Package, also known as PUP for short, you will have no reason to look into how much it costs to drive a supercar since this upgrade will really enhance your Tesla’s performance. The time it takes for a Tesla Model Y Performance to go from 0 mph to 60 mph is just 3.5 seconds and accelerating from 0 mph to 100 mph takes only 9.1 seconds. Not only is acceleration improved, but top speed is also increased to 155 mph with this update. This is a 10-mph difference from the original 145 mph top speed. Additionally, the Tesla Model Y Performance has a skid pad grip of 0.94 g which is appreciable since it is a 4439-pound vehicle.

The Performance Upgrade Package includes things other than acceleration and speed enhancements. For example, the Tesla Model Y Performance has its suspension lowered by 0.6 inches, performance brakes installed, and larger tires installed. With 21-inch wheels, in comparison to the standard Model Y’s 19-inch wheels, the PUP upgrade improves handling and high-speed performance. Braking is also improved with both the front and back rotors being 2mm wider than those on the standard Model Y. Bigger rotors means better control.

You can also add the aluminum pedals included with this update to your list of ways to improve the interior of your vehicle along with the 5 ways to make your car interior look luxurious. Between the cosmetic upgrades like the aluminum pedals and spoiler, and the nearly instantaneous power delivery and throttle response with improved acceleration and top speed, the benefit of this upgrade is substantial.

What Are the Downsides?

There are some trade-offs if you go for the Tesla Model Y Performance Upgrade Package. To be able to provide improved performance, speed, and acceleration, fuel efficiency and battery range diminishes slightly. Once the powertrain software is modified as part of the Performance Upgrade Package, the fuel efficiency is reduced to 114 MPGe for stop and go traffic and driving around the city, and 106 MPGe for highway driving. After upgrading, the combined fuel efficiency is 111 MPGe which is still fantastic but less than the standard Tesla Model Y.

Another downside has to do with the range of your Model Y’s battery if you get the Performance Upgrade Package. Luckily, the difference in range is only 12 miles, going from having a 303-mile range to a 291-mile range. This is still impressive, with a Hyundai Kona Electric having a 259-mile range and a Jaguar I-Pace having a 253-mile range. This is made possible by the Model Y’s large 75 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery.

What’s the Price?

The Tesla Model Y Performance Upgrade Package costs a substantial amount. For increased top speed and acceleration stats, plus bigger tires, better brakes, and the other upgrades included, a Tesla Model Y Performance starts at around $57,000. This is in comparison to the 2021 Tesla Model Y Long-Range which starts at around $52,500. On average, it is going to cost you about $10,000 more to get the Performance Upgrade Package on your Tesla Model Y.

Model Y Acceleration Boost

If this upgrade is a bit out of your price range or you don’t think that it is worth it, there is another option to get a performance enhancement on your Tesla Model Y. For $8,000 less, you can get the Acceleration Boost. This is a great option for those who were looking at the 5 tools you need to tune your own car and where to get them before realizing that those options are not really viable with a Tesla.

Tesla sells their vehicles with capabilities that are locked by software so that they can be upgraded later. Right from the comfort of your home you can unlock your vehicle’s acceleration rate through the Tesla phone app. Meant for Model Y dual motor all-wheel drive vehicles, you can remove a half of a second from the 0 mph to 60 mph time, going from 4.8 seconds to 4.3 seconds, for only $2,000. Keep in mind, though, that the Acceleration Boost for your Tesla Model Y will not increase its top speed, it will just help you hit the top speed sooner rather than later. Of course, it will also not include things like bigger brake rotors or 21-inch tires.

Is the Performance Upgrade Package Worth It?

If you have a Model Y, getting the Performance Upgrade Package will be worth it for some people but not worth it for others. It all depends on what you want from your Tesla Model Y. If you are concerned with having the longest range on your battery before having to charge up again, or if you are trying to have the best fuel efficiency and do not want to compromise, this may not be the option for you. Similarly, if you do not care about performance stats and just use your Tesla to get from point A to point B, the Performance Upgrade Package probably is not worth it.

On the other hand, if top of the line performance, speed, and control is very important to you, the Tesla Model Y Performance Upgrade Package might be the best option over the standard version and the Long-Range version. The Acceleration Boost Upgrade might also be something to look into as well if the price tag of the Performance Upgrade Package is a bit too much for you. 

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