Jay Leno Takes Tesla’s Six-Seat Model Y L for an FSD Ride

Image: Tesla

Jay Leno is back with Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen and engineering chief Lars Moravy, this time exploring the six-seat Model Y L and taking Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for a spin.

The 33-minute Jay Leno’s Garage episode follows the trio’s earlier look at the redesigned Model Y. This visit focuses on what Tesla changed to make its longer SUV work for families, before putting Leno in the driver’s seat for an assisted drive.

One standout moment comes when an ambulance approaches from the opposite direction and the Model Y L pulls over. Leno praises the response, while the discussion repeatedly returns to who is responsible behind the wheel.

That distinction matters: this is FSD (Supervised), not a driverless consumer vehicle. Tesla says drivers must remain attentive at all times, and the system does not make the car autonomous. Hands-free operation should not be confused with permission to look away or leave the driver’s seat.

The family-car changes are substantial, too. Moravy says the wheelbase grows by roughly six inches, with about seven inches added to overall length. Second-row captain’s chairs and a roomier third row give the Model Y L its six-seat layout.

Tesla also explains its adaptive damping’s rear-comfort mode, which shifts the vehicle’s pitch centre rearward to reduce disturbance for passengers. Other changes include additional rear ventilation and heat-management improvements for the larger cabin. The executives put its drag coefficient at 0.216, crediting aerodynamic work that includes the rear spoiler.

The Model Y L launched in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in July. Tesla’s current U.S. specifications list 332 miles of EPA-estimated range, a 4.4-second 0–60 mph time and 89 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Starting price is US$61,990 before destination and order fees, taxes and other charges.

For buyers comparing the lineup, the episode offers a useful look at the trade-off: more room and passenger comfort while retaining the Model Y’s familiar shape.

Would the Model Y L’s six seats and extra space make you choose it over a regular Model Y?