Tesla has finally released an optional tow hook for the Model Y and made it official that the U.S.-spec Model Y is rated for towing. In the owner’s manual, the automaker mentioned that the crossover had no provision for towing, even though there was an outlet at the back of the car which suggested otherwise.

However, now Tesla has added the tow hitch to its online configurator. The hitch is priced at $1,000 and is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is good news, but why didn't Tesla announce this from the offset?

Finally Tesla Has Made It Official

Tesla has finally added the much-debated ‘accessory’ to the online configurator. There’s a panel on the rear bumper where the tow hitch will be fit.

The tow hitch was talked about by a lot of people when the Model Y was launched. There was information leaked from what seemed to be the manual for a Canada-spec Model Y and it mentioned the Trailer Towing.

In that Model Y bible, the towing capacity was rated at 3,200 pounds. Here, however, Tesla lists the rating at 3,500 pounds.

This is on par with its internal combustion engine rivals like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 and will tempt people to cross-shop. A much bigger electric SUV, the Audi e-Tron, can tow 4,000 pounds. So, in comparison, this is a fairly good capacity and should be good to tow lightweight campers.

Why Didn’t Tesla Announce It At The Time Of Launch?

Right around the Model Y’s launch, a leak came to light that mentioned about the Trailer Mode on the Model Y. The image of the owner’s manual posted by Tesmanian.com read:

“Regulations require all trailers to be equipped with tail lights, brake lights, side marker lights, and turn signals. To provide power for trailer lighting, a built-in 7 pins wiring connector is provided near hitch support's wiring plugs for most types of trailers. Plugging in trailer wiring into the Model Y electrical connector automatically engages Trailer Mode.”

Now that the tow hitch is available, the Trailer Mode could be offered as an over-the-air update.

The towing capacity was rated at 3,200 pounds and tongue weight at 2,000 pounds, Provided there shouldn’t be over five occupants in the car and it should be riding on 20-inch wheels, amongst many other conditions.

Here Are A Few Salient Features Of The Tesla Model Y

-* The crossover is available in two trims: Long Range and Performance

-* Long Range – 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds

-* Top Speed: 135 mph

-* EPA-estimated range of 316 miles

-* Performance – 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds

-* Top Speed: 145 mph

-* EPA-estimated range of 315 miles

-* Both trims come with a dual motor setup and all-wheel-drive configuration

-* Long Range priced at $52,990

-* Performance priced at $60,990

-* 20-inch induction wheels and 21-inch Uberturbine wheels available as an option

-* No chrome on the body!

-* 75-percent part sharing with Model 3

-* In terms of dimensions, it is slightly larger than the Model 3

-* Optional third-row makes it a seven-seater

-* Reclining back seats

-* 40:20:40 split rear bench split

-* A lot more spacious, more storage spaces than the Model 3

-* Spacious cargo area with compartments underneath it, big frunk

-* Power tailgate

-* Same 15-inch infotainment touchscreen as the Model 3’s

-* Massive glass roof

-* Wireless charger, USB C-type ports standard on both the trims

-* Model Y-exclusive off-road assist offered

Final Thoughts

This news will make a lot of prospective customers happy. Most of the crossovers these days are rated for towing, and it was quite surprising that the owner’s manual mentioned Model Y could not tow.

This is such an important feature these days that even the Model 3 is rated for towing in European countries. However, $1,000 for an accessory that should’ve been offered as a standard fitment seems a little extra. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Tesla Model Y specifications