Living in Buena Park, it's harder to go a day without seeing a Tesla Y.

Whether picking up kids from school, going to the grocery store, or driving on the freeway, there are so many Model Ys around.

Recently unveiled, the Model Y L is a long-wheelbase version of the existing Model Y, and it has started selling in the U.S.

The most noticeable change is definitely the space.

The existing 2023 Model Y was highly rated as a 5-seater, but the 7-seater option honestly had limited usability for the third row.

The third-row seats were so cramped that only pets or small children could fit.

However, the newly released Model Y L has a wheelbase that is 150mm longer at 3,040mm, and the overall length has increased by about 186mm, with a slight increase in height as well.

As a result, the knee and headroom in the third row have noticeably improved. This is especially welcome for families with more than two kids.

In the past, the long bench seat meant that installing two car seats would almost eliminate the middle seat.

But now, the independent captain's seats in a 2+2+2 configuration have been introduced.

This reduces the chances of kids bumping into each other, and it's much more comfortable for family travel. The center aisle makes getting into the third row feel more natural for an SUV.

The interior convenience features have also changed significantly.

Not only the front row but also the second row now has ventilated seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen has been added to the back seat.

You can control the air conditioning separately and use it for videos or simple entertainment.

This might reduce the number of times kids ask, "Are we there yet?" on long trips.

For those driving from Buena Park to San Diego or Las Vegas, the improvement in ride comfort is also a big concern.

The 2023 Model Y was praised for its driving performance, but many noted it felt a bit stiff on rough roads.

This model aims for a much smoother ride with adaptive suspension and improved soundproofing design.

According to Tesla, they have also reduced wind noise with expanded double-glazed soundproof glass.

The interior design has also been updated to the latest Tesla style.

The gear operation has been centralized on the screen, and physical buttons have been further reduced.

The audio system has been upgraded to a 19-speaker system, which should satisfy those who enjoy listening to music.

Many people worry, "With the car getting bigger, will the driving range decrease?" but the difference is not as significant as expected.

For the U.S. release model, the EPA estimated driving range is about 325 miles.

It's quite impressive that even with a larger body and the addition of a third row, it hasn't suffered much compared to the existing long-range model.

So, is it worth it for existing Y owners to switch?

If you're commuting alone or just using it as a couple, there doesn't seem to be an urgent need to change.

The existing model is still quite competitive.

However, for families with two or more kids or those who frequently transport parents or go camping and on long trips, the story changes.

Considering the usability of the third row, the captain's seats in the second row, improved rear seat comfort, and enhanced soundproofing, it feels like a significantly upgraded model.

In areas like Buena Park, where many Korean families reside, I think the number of people choosing this 6-seater model will likely increase in the future.