See All 97 Photos Range or performance? It used to be that electric car buyers had to choose between efficiency and fun. The 2020 Tesla Model Y proves that those days are long gone. Tesla currently offers up two trims for the Model Y Dual Motor: the Model Y Long Range and the Model Y Performance, the latter of which is also available with a higher-performance upgrade package at no extra charge. (Single motor and other variants will follow.) We've driven both the Model Y Long Range and Model Y Performance with the Performance Upgrade Package (PUP) extensively back-to-back. Although we like both, it's safe to say that right now, the sweet spot right now is the Model Y Long Range. In order to understand why, it's a worthwhile endeavor to quickly look at the specs. The Model Y Long Range is the current entry-level model in the Model Y lineup (a less expensive "standard range" variant is expected late this year). Starting at $54,190, it sports a front and rear motor that combine to make 384 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. The combo is good for an EPA-estimated 316 miles of range and an impressive 4.6 second 0-60 mph time. See All 97 Photos To transform the Long Range into the Model Y Performance, Tesla adds a new spoiler and performs a rear motor swap and some tuning changes. Starting at $62,190, it gets a combined 456 hp and 497 lb-ft of torque and has a 315-mile EPA-estimated range. Yep, you lose one mile of range for all that added power, which isn't utilized on the EPA test cycle. Available at no extra cost, the Performance Upgrade Package lowers the Model Y's suspension, fits it with 21-inch wheels and high-performance tires (other Model Ys ride on 19- or 20-inch wheels), and upgrades the brakes. The wider, stickier rubber sacrifices some range—Tesla's estimate is 280 miles between charges for the Model Y PUP—but then again, you can zip from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Despite the 72 horsepower (and 0.9 seconds) split between the Model Y Long Range and the PUP, the two versions drive remarkably similar. Both benefit from a low center of gravity, quick steering, and instantaneous throttle response. The starkest difference between the two Model Ys is in ride quality: Although both ride surprisingly stiff, the lowered Model Y PUP is the slightly harsher of the two. Inside, both Model Y variants are identical, sporting the same seats, interior color schemes, 15-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and spacious passenger and cargo accommodations. See All 97 Photos Most buyers will not notice the performance advantages of the Performance or PUP variants. Given that the typical SUV traded in by Tesla shoppers will be much slower off the line, the difference between a 3.7-second and 4.6-second 0-60 run by your new Model Y is how many vowels you put in your gleefully shouted expletive of choice. As such, the decision of which is the better buy, for most, will come down to price. The Model Y PUP undoubtably offers up more sporting potential when you look at the numbers, but with an $8,000 difference between the two, the slightly longer legs, noticeably softer ride, and 13 percent lower price of the Model Y Long Range win out. 2020 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor (Long Range AWD) 2020 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor (Performance AWD w/PUP*) DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT