Last Updated on May 8, 2023 by Victor A
When it comes to wheel options, Tesla is not keen on offering a lot of variety compared to other automakers. This happens in all its models, including the Model X, as they like to keep things simple. We have prepared this article to show you what wheel options are available when choosing a Tesla Model Y SUV, so let’s get going on the Tesla Model Y 19 vs 20 vs 21 inch wheels comparison.
The Model Y, has three wheels available, 19″ Gemini Wheels which comes as standard for the Long Range version, 20″ Induction Wheels which can be bought as an option, and 21″ Überturbine Wheels which are available as standard for the Performance version.
In Europe there is a more basic entry-level RWD Model Y that like the US standard AWD version, comes standard with 19″ Gemini Wheels and optional 20″ Induction Wheels for 2,200€.
19 inch Gemini Wheels
Currently, Tesla offers the 19″ Gemini Wheels standard on the Model Y Long Range.
The Gemini Wheels come with aerodynamic caps that cover the wheel and improve aerodynamics; they look good in a white or silver Model Y, however, they don’t look as good when you combine them with one painted in red or blue.
The 19-inches Gemini Wheels come as standard for the standard and Long Range version of the Model Y in the US and Europe.
20 inch Induction Wheels
The 20″ Induction Wheels are optional for the Tesla Model Y, if you want this rims you will have to spend an extra $2,000 in the US (€2,200 in Europe) for them.
Yet, they might be well worth it since they look better than the Gemini Wheels. No matter what color you chose, they fit well in the Model Y.
The only drawback of these wheels is the range reduction that they provide, once fitted you will lose between 10-12 miles in the US-spec Model Y, and between 25-32 km in the European spec.
21 inch Überturbine Wheels
The 21″ Überturbine Wheels are more exclusive, as you cannot order them in the Long Range version.
For these wheels you will have to buy a Tesla Model Y Performance, where these come standard.
Note, that the 2023 Performance version price starts at $54,240 (€60,990 in Europe), while the Long Range version costs $50,240 (€54,990 in Europe).
That means that you will have to pay $4,000 (€6,000 more in Europe) more over the Long Range version for the Performance trim.
Tesla Model Y Gemini vs Induction wheels
When it comes to deciding between the Tesla Model Y Gemini vs Induction wheels, there are a few factors to consider.
The Gemini wheels come as standard on the Model Y standard and Long Range version, are 19 inches in diameter, and feature a simple aerodynamic design.
On the other hand, the Induction wheels are an optional upgrade costing an extra $2,000 (€2,200 in Europe) that come in at 20 inches in diameter, however they feature a more complex design with a bolder and more eye-catching look.
One important consideration when choosing between these two wheel options is the range.
The Induction wheels can indeed cause a slight reduction in range, as they create more drag on the road than the Gemini wheels.
In the US-spec standard Model Y, the Gemini wheels can achieve a range of 279 miles, while the Induction will reduce the range to 269 miles.
The Induction wheels in the Model Y Long Range version come with 330 miles, and the Induction reduces it to 318 miles.
For the European spec standard Model Y, the Gemini wheels give 455 km, and the Induction reduces the range to 430 km.
The Model Y Long Range’s Gemini wheels achieve 565 km, while the Induction will get you 533 km.
In our opinion, the 20″ Induction wheels are better just because of aesthetics, they look way better, and the difference in range is not that significant.
Which one is best? 19 vs 20 vs 21 Tesla Model Y wheels
The best looking are the 21″ Überturbine Wheels, yet, to get them you need to buy a Performance version as mentioned above, and that will mean paying $4,000 more just to get the 21 inch wheels.
However, not only 21-inch wheels come with the Performance version, as you also get more power, 456 hp against the 384 hp the Long Range produces.
You also get better acceleration, 0-60 mph in 3,5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3,7 seconds) against the 4,8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5 seconds) the Long Range has, and a higher top speed, 155 mph (250 km/h) versus the 135 mph (217 km/h) of the Long Range.
But the Performance is not better at everything, as it has less range, 303 miles EPA estimated (514 km WLTP) than the Long Range version, 330 miles EPA estimated (533 WLTP).
If you don’t want to spend an extra $4,000 for the Performance, you can settle for the 20″ Induction Wheels option in the Model Y Long Range, which actually look pretty good, and pretty close to the Überturbine Wheels.
Source: Tesla Configurator
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