The Tesla Model Y L has proven that size doesn’t always come at the expense of agility. The long-wheelbase, three-row electric SUV, recently sailed through the notoriously difficult moose test at an impressive 72 mph (116 km/h) — and it did so with six adults onboard.
The moose test, something which he have covered here at Drive Tesla numerous times before, replicates an emergency swerve to avoid a sudden obstacle. Many SUVs struggle to complete it cleanly at speeds above 50 mph (80km/h), with some even tipping or plowing through cones.
The Model Y L, however, managed the maneuver at highway speeds while fully loaded, a rare achievement in its class. Testers noted that despite its extra length and weight compared to the standard Model Y, the SUV held its line with confidence.
The feat is largely credited to Tesla’s adaptive suspension system, refined steering, and chassis tuning. While the suspension leans toward comfort — smoothing out bumps and isolating passengers from vibrations — the electronic dampers quickly adjusted to keep the SUV balanced during sharp evasive movements. There was slightly more body roll than the standard Model Y, but the vehicle never lost composure, bouncing back into stability after each aggressive maneuver.
What Is The Moose Test?
Originating in Sweden during the 1970s, the moose test was designed to evaluate vehicle stability after a series of rollover crashes. Passing at high speeds is considered a mark of engineering excellence, particularly for family-oriented vehicles. In this case, Tesla’s Model Y L exceeded expectations, performing at a level many rivals would struggle to match.
Tesla’s other vehicles have also all aced the moose test, including the Model S, Model Y, and Model 3.
What Is The Model Y L?
The Model Y L is more than a stretched version of Tesla’s best-selling crossover. It adds three rows of seating, upgraded climate controls for rear passengers, a revamped audio system, and continuously variable dampers that prioritize ride comfort on long trips. Yet this latest test shows that Tesla has balanced those family-friendly features with impressive emergency handling.
The Model Y L is currently exclusively sold in China, but is expected to be available globally, with the next expansion expected to be in Europe and Asia-Pacific markets supplied by Giga Shanghai.
For those of us in North America, it is not expected to enter production until late 2026. However, CEO Elon Musk suggested it may never make its way here, as he believes autonomous driving is just around the corner.
