Are you curious to know if your Tesla is all-wheel drive (AWD)? Well, you've come to the right place! Determining if your Tesla has AWD, often referred to as "Dual Motor," is quite straightforward. Let's dive in and find out!
Step 1: Check Your Tesla's Touchscreen Display
This is often the easiest and most direct way to confirm if your Tesla is AWD.
Sub-heading: Navigating the On-Screen Menus
Tap the Tesla "T" logo: On your car's large central touchscreen, look for the Tesla "T" logo. It's usually located at the top center of the display.
Access the Software Menu: Tapping this logo will typically bring up a screen with various vehicle information, including the "Software" section.
Look for "Dual Motor" or AWD Designation: Within this menu, or on the main car information screen that pops up, you should see your vehicle's configuration. If your Tesla is AWD, it will often explicitly state "Dual Motor" next to the model name (e.g., "Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor" or "Model Y Performance Dual Motor"). If it only says "Rear-Wheel Drive" (RWD), then it's not AWD.
This method is generally foolproof as the car's own system will accurately report its configuration.
Step 2: Examine the Exterior Badging
While not always definitive, exterior badging can provide a quick visual cue.
Sub-heading: The "Dual Motor" Badge
Rear of the Car: Many Tesla AWD models come with a "DUAL MOTOR" badge on the rear of the vehicle, usually located below the model designation.
Performance Models: Performance variants of AWD Teslas often have a red underline beneath the "DUAL MOTOR" text, indicating a higher-performance dual-motor setup.
However, keep in mind that early AWD Teslas sometimes didn't come with this badge from the factory, or owners may have chosen to remove it. So, if you don't see the badge, don't immediately assume it's not AWD.
Step 3: Utilize Your Tesla Mobile App
Your Tesla mobile app is a valuable resource for vehicle information.
Sub-heading: App Information
Open the Tesla App: Launch the official Tesla app on your smartphone.
Select Your Vehicle: Ensure you've selected the correct vehicle if you have multiple Teslas linked to your account.
Scroll to the Bottom: On the main screen for your vehicle within the app, scroll down. You should see the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and often the vehicle's configuration, which may include the "Dual Motor" or AWD designation.
Step 4: Decode Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
The VIN is a unique 17-character code that contains a wealth of information about your vehicle, including its drivetrain configuration.
Sub-heading: Locating Your VIN
The VIN can be found in several places:
Dash: Look through the windshield on the driver's side, near the dashboard.
Driver's Door Jamb: Open the driver's side door and look at the sticker on the door pillar.
Tesla App: As mentioned in Step 3, it's listed at the bottom of your car's page.
Vehicle's Touchscreen: Go to
Controls > Software.
Sub-heading: Using a VIN Decoder
Once you have your VIN, you can use an online VIN decoder. Several websites offer free Tesla VIN decoding services. Pay close attention to the 8th digit of your VIN. For many Teslas, this digit indicates the motor/drive unit configuration:
D or E: Often indicates a Dual Motor (AWD) standard configuration.
P (for older models) or S (for newer models): Can indicate a Dual Motor Performance (AWD) configuration.
A, B, J, K, R, T: These might indicate single motor (RWD) or other specific configurations, depending on the model and year.
It's important to cross-reference with a reliable and up-to-date Tesla-specific VIN decoder, as VIN decoding can be nuanced and vary slightly by model year.
Step 5: Physical Inspection (For the More Mechanically Inclined)
While less practical for the average owner, a quick peek underneath can also confirm.
Sub-heading: Spotting the Front Motor
Look Under the Front: If you have the means and comfort to safely look under the front of your Tesla, an AWD model will have a front electric motor/drive unit visible. Rear-wheel drive models will only have a motor at the rear. This is a definitive sign of AWD.
Always ensure your vehicle is safely supported if attempting this. If unsure, stick to the other, safer methods.
Step 6: Consider the Model and Trim Level
Certain Tesla models and trim levels are always AWD, while others offer both RWD and AWD options.
Sub-heading: Model-Specific Drivetrains
Model S and Model X: Generally, all newer Model S and Model X vehicles come standard with dual motors (AWD). Older base models might have been RWD, but for recent years, they are primarily AWD.
Model 3 and Model Y: These models offer more variety. You'll find RWD, Long Range AWD (Dual Motor), and Performance AWD (Dual Motor) variants.
Knowing the specific model and year of your Tesla can significantly narrow down the possibilities.
By following these steps, you should be able to confidently determine whether your Tesla is all-wheel drive!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Model 3 is AWD?
You can check your Model 3's touchscreen under Controls > Software for "Dual Motor," look for a "DUAL MOTOR" badge on the rear, or use a VIN decoder.
How to tell if a Tesla has "Dual Motor" badging?
Look on the rear of the Tesla, typically below the model name. Performance models often have a red underline beneath "DUAL MOTOR."
How to find my Tesla's VIN?
Your VIN is located on the dash (visible through the windshield), on the driver's door jamb sticker, or within the Tesla app under your vehicle details.
How to use an online VIN decoder for my Tesla?
Enter your 17-digit VIN into a reputable online VIN decoder (like those from Tesla service pages or third-party sites), and it will provide detailed specifications, including drivetrain.
How to differentiate between RWD and AWD Tesla Model Y?
The easiest way is to check the touchscreen display under Controls > Software. It will explicitly state if it's "Rear-Wheel Drive" or "Dual Motor" (AWD).
How to identify a Tesla Performance model with AWD?
Performance AWD Teslas usually have the "DUAL MOTOR" badge with a red underline on the rear. They also have higher acceleration figures displayed in the car's software.
How to know if all Tesla Model S are AWD?
Most newer Model S vehicles are AWD ("Dual Motor") as standard. For older models, you would need to confirm via the touchscreen, VIN, or original purchase details.
How to determine Tesla drivetrain without looking under the car?
The most convenient ways are through the car's touchscreen (Controls > Software), the Tesla mobile app, or by decoding the VIN online.
How to check the 8th digit of my Tesla VIN for AWD information?
Locate your VIN, then count to the eighth character. This digit, combined with the model year and specific decoder charts, can indicate the drivetrain (e.g., 'D' or 'E' often mean Dual Motor).
How to confirm Tesla drivetrain if I bought it used?
The most reliable methods are checking the car's touchscreen display for "Dual Motor" status, using a VIN decoder, or requesting the original purchase specifications from Tesla with the VIN.
For more information on the different trims and their distinctions, you can watch this video:
