Cadillac LYRIQ Vs. Tesla Model Y: In-Depth EV Comparison
Quick EV Comparison
- Design: The Cadillac LYRIQ has an iconic, timeless design, while the Model Y leans toward modern simplicity to a fault.
- Interior & Tech: An expansive display, intuitive analog controls, and immersive sound come together in the LYRIQ; the Model Y relegates most controls to a tablet-style center touchscreen.
- Specs: More powertrain choices and higher overall output give the LYRIQ an edge in specs over the Model Y.
- Range & Battery: While the Model Y has slightly more range overall, the LYRIQ adds more miles to charge per hour with a Level 2 connection.
- Dimensions: Tall drivers adore the Cadillac LYRIQ, thanks to 44.3 inches of front-row legroom.
Tesla Model Y vs. Cadillac LYRIQ: Which Should You Choose?
Iconic American auto luxury with a modern, electrified twist goes up against the new kid on the block in our Cadillac LYRIQ vs. Tesla Model Y midsize all-electric comparison. Where the Model Y takes an ultra-contemporary approach and an overreliance on a single tablet-style screen for controls, the Cadillac LYRIQ blends timeless style with advanced technology. Join Paul Conte Cadillac as we take a digital tour of these EVs' specs, appointments, and other key categories to help you decide which deserves your attention.
Design
Cadillac LYRIQ: A sleek, memorable exterior draws your eyes to sharp, muscular angles leading to an illuminated grille with laser-etched graphics that's flanked by slim-line, auto-leveling vertical headlights. Standard illuminating door handles add a touch of class, while cornering lamps make the exterior as practical as it is stylish.
Tesla Model Y: In contrast, the Model Y looks basic. Overt curves, slim horizontal headlights, and the lack of a grille make for a simplistic, almost sci-fi appearance rather than a luxury automotive design.
Conclusion: Ultimately, this category is subjective, so we can't declare a winner. What we can do is tell you that we prefer the design of the new Cadillac LYRIQ for sale, which is the culmination of over a century of craftsmanship, to the modernism of the Model Y.
Interior & Tech
Cadillac LYRIQ: Enjoy standard amenities like a 33-inch curved display, wireless device charging, and Super Cruise™ hands-free driving.1 Even more premium appointments are easily accessible with our Cadillac LYRIQ specials, such as a 23-speaker AKG® Studio audio system, ventilated and massaging front seats, an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, and tri-zone automatic climate control, to name a few.
Tesla Model Y: The Model Y also has decent luxury offerings, like its 16-inch touchscreen, 15-speaker sound system, and wireless device charging. However, rather than having a semi-autonomous driving system augment an impressive list of safety offerings, almost all of the sensor technology in the Model Y is relegated to the Full Self-Driving software.2
Conclusion: While the Model Y can be impressive, it lacks the depth of elegant comfort and advanced tech that LYRIQ drivers revel in.
Specs
Cadillac LYRIQ: Choose from three battery-and-motor configurations:
- Single-Motor RWD: 365 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque
- Dual-Motor AWD: 515 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque
- Performance-Tuned Dual-Motor AWD: 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque
Both dual-motor setups can tow up to 3,500 pounds,3 while the performance powertrain races to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
Tesla Model Y: Tesla engineers advertise acceleration and towing, indicating that the Model Y can match the LYRIQ with a 3.3-second 0-60 mph time and a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.4 However, according to independent parties like Car and Driver, it tops out at 460 horsepower5 – that means it needs to do more work to maintain speed.
Conclusion: The Tesla Model Y matches the Cadillac LYRIQ in acceleration and towing. However, with a significantly lower horsepower output (indicated by third parties), the Model Y likely won't be able to maintain high speeds with as much ease as the LYRIQ.
Range & Battery
Cadillac LYRIQ: The Cadillac LYRIQ boasts a standard range of 326 miles.6 It can charge 50 miles per hour using a Level 2 charger at home or on the go.7
Tesla Model Y: The Model Y is behind in standard range, at 321 miles,8 though it does have a slightly higher maximum range than the Cadillac. Similarly, the Tesla EV has an advantage with Level 3 public charging, but only adds about 44 miles per hour with Level 2 connections.9
Conclusion: You'll find wins for either model when reviewing range and charging specs, but we don't think you'll have range anxiety with either option.
Dimensions
Cadillac LYRIQ: The 196.7-inch Cadillac LYRIQ is longer than the Tesla SUV. It prioritizes the front row, where the driver and front-row passenger can relax with 44.3 inches of legroom and 58.9 inches of shoulder room.
Tesla Model Y: As you can see in the chart below, the Model Y is under 190 inches long. Though it does have less than an inch of extra rear-seat legroom and up to 1.5 cubic feet of additional trunk space, front legroom is significantly less, as is shoulder room in both rows.
Conclusion: While you may be able to bring along a bit more gear behind the second row of the Tesla Model Y, chances are everyone in the cabin will be much more comfortable on the ride inside the Cadillac LYRIQ.
Comparison Chart
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| Cadillac LYRIQ | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrains |
|
|
| Standard Range | 326 mi6 | 321 mi8 |
| Max. Horsepower | 615 | 4605 |
| Fastest 0-60 Time | 3.3 sec | 3.3 sec |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs3 | 3,500 lbs4 |
| Charging Speed (Level 2) | 50 mi / hr7 | 44 mi / hr9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 196.7 - 197 in | 188.6 - 188.8 in |
| Width | 86.9 in | 83.8 in |
| Height | 64.1 - 64.3 in | 63.4 - 63.9 in |
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 2nd Row) | 28 cu ft | 29 - 29.5 cu ft |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 44.3 / 39.6 in | 41.7 / 40.5 in |
| Max. Shoulder Room (Front / Rear) | 58.9 / 58.6 in | 56.5 / 54.6 in |
Model Y vs. LYRIQ: Which Midsize EV SUV Reigns Supreme?
So, who wins this LYRIQ vs. Model Y clash? We think premium cabin appointments, refined style, and powerful EV performance of the Cadillac SUV speak for themselves. The Model Y has its own appeal, but the LYRIQ elevates driving to new luxurious heights. At the end of the day, though, the debate comes down to your preferences.
What Our Happy Customers Say About The Cadillac LYRIQ
About The Author
Paul Conte Cadillac is a family-owned dealership in Freeport, NY, proudly serving Cadillac drivers since 1979. A two-time winner of the prestigious Cadillac Dealer of the Year award (2023 & 2024) and recognized as a Cadillac Master Dealer, Paul Conte Cadillac is a trusted authority on all things Cadillac.
1Turn Signal-Initiated Lane Change and Automatic Lane Change not available while trailering. Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit cadillac.com/supercruise for compatible roads and full details.
2This available feature requires active driver supervision and does not make the vehicle autonomous. The activation and use of these features are dependent on achieving reliability far in excess of human drivers as demonstrated by billions of miles of experience, as well as regulatory approval, which may take longer in some jurisdictions. As these self-driving features evolve, your car will be continuously upgraded through over-the-air software updates.
3Trailering provisions included with AWD dual motor. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo, and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
4When properly equipped with optional Towing Package. Required accessories for towing vary by model. See Owner's Manual for details.
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/tesla/model-y/
6EPA estimated. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
7Actual charge times will vary based on battery starting state of charge, battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and battery temperature. See the Owner's Manual for your vehicle and charger for additional details & limitations.
8Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.
9Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.
