Best Air Suspension for Tesla Model Y

There are many luxurious features available on the Tesla Model Y, from the plush seats to the wide expanse of glass roof overhead. But when it comes to ride quality and the ability to adapt to your surroundings such as road conditions, the Tesla Model Y is lacking in some aspects.

Many Tesla Model Y owners choose to upgrade their suspension in order to achieve a better ride, along with all the other benefits of an air suspension system. The stock system works well enough given it’s not the top of the line for Tesla, but there is room for improvement.

That’s why we’ve taken the best air suspension packages and reviewed them for you below. If you’re looking to upgrade the suspension in your Tesla Model Y, this is the place to start. We’ll show you why you’d want to invest in such a system, as well as what benefits you can expect after installation. No matter which of the aftermarket air suspension packages you choose, you can bet on a better driving experience that you’ll love to show off.

Why Invest in Air Suspension for Your Tesla Model Y

Investing in air suspension for your Tesla Model Y begins and ends with comfort. The Tesla Model Y doesn’t come with the desirable air suspension features found on the Model S, though there are rumors it might be in the works for this electric SUV model.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to invest in air suspension for your Tesla Model Y:

• Smooth ride
• Increased driving quality
• Less wear-and-tear on suspension components as a whole
• Reduction of road noise and associated discomforts
• Better performance in cornering and gripping the road
• Adjustability
• Off-road capabilities and performance
• Overall improved riding feel, from daily driving to cross-country trekking

Many people invest in air suspension specifically for various benefits, depending on the application. Outside of the Tesla Model Y, pickup trucks and semis use air suspension to help distribute the load they’re carrying so that one side of the truck versus the other doesn’t get more wear and tear.

There are also many other drivers who choose to invest in air suspension to lower their vehicles for show, style, or performance. A lower center of gravity, which the Tesla Model Y is known for, allows for better traction and a certain nimbleness on the track, which is why many performance car owners choose air suspension upgrades.

What to Look for in Air Suspension for Your Tesla Model Y

Not all air suspension components for the Tesla Model Y are alike. As you browse through products, keep an eye on these features in order to get the best system for your money.

Ease of Installation

The best air suspension systems are those that don’t take a whole lot of time to install and are worth the effort you put in. While it might seem like a hassle, having to route lines and mount hardware, it can be worth it if the manufacturer makes the process easy to understand and accomplish.

Air suspension systems that are easy to use include the hardware you need for installation. They include components that are not easily broken and instructions that make sense. There’s nothing like getting under your Tesla Model Y to begin the installation procedure and then having to sit and study the instructions for hours to figure out how it all goes together.

Bellows Material

One of the biggest issues with air suspension systems is that they are prone to leaks from weathered bellows. The material in the bellows should be durable and strong, able to adapt to many climates and environments without breaking down.

The best bellows material is typically a rubber substance that is soft and can flex, but is still strong enough to be durable. This type of material is still susceptible to rips and tears, however, so while you might invest in a quality set of bellows, it can be a good idea to have a few extra on-hand in case an issue occurs.

Controller Type

There are three controller types: wireless, mounted, and automatic. Each controller type corresponds to how the air is controlled within the bellows and throughout the air suspension system. The pros and cons of each type should help you decide which you’d like to purchase.

Wireless controllers allow you to easily inflate and deflate the suspension components. Typically these controllers are mounted inside the car on the dash, but they can also be operated from outside of the vehicle as well. Most wireless controllers will have or allow you to configure presets for ease of use. Finally, because there are no wires present, these controllers can be much easier to install.

Mounted controllers are less expensive than wireless ones, but they perform the same actions. Installing a mounted controller takes a bit more time, since you will have to route air lines and wiring. You also won’t be able to move the controller once you’ve placed it. However, these systems can be better for folks who don’t want to worry about too much customizability, instead opting for air suspension that’s simply better than stock.

Automatic controllers take the guesswork out of the equation and can be the best option for those who want to stay hands-off. Leaf springs and automatic controllers work in tandem to automatically level the vehicle without you having to manually adjust it. These systems are low-maintenance and can be similarly priced to other controller options depending on which model you choose.

Compressor

The compressor moves air from the air suspension system to the bellows and remains the sole power source for this setup. Investing in a quality compressor pays dividends, especially when it comes to replacing a bad unit down the road. It’s better to invest in one with high-quality components and connections than to have to replace it time and again later on.

Single vs. Dual Path Systems

Air suspension systems are typically classified by a single or dual path configuration. This simply describes how many axles you’re going to include in the air suspension system. Single path systems can be front or rear, depending on where you place them. Dual path systems, on the other hand, include both axles in their setup.

The 3 Best Air Suspension for Your Tesla Model Y

We’ve picked out these air suspension systems specifically for the Tesla Model Y.

Best Overall

Tesla Model Y 2018+ Solution Series 2 Sleeve 2 AH2

WHERE TO BUY

Buy online

REASONS TO BUY

• Machine tested components
• Bolt-in installation
• Available for RWD and AWD
• High-quality brand-name products
• Extended travel bellows

REASONS TO AVOID

• Air management system must be purchased separately

SPECIFICATIONS

• Materials: Strut mount and bellow caps made from 6061-T6 aluminum
• Rubber: Synthetic rubber bellows from Trusted Airhouse mounted to Air House 2 spring
• Bearing: Sealed rotary bearing
• Assemble: Length-adjustable complete assemblies
• Engine’s drive power: RWD and AWD available

Purchasing an aftermarket air suspension system for your Tesla Model Y doesn’t have to cost a whole lot, but our choice for the best overall includes a lot of value for the price, especially considering the benefits you’ll receive from such a system.

Included in this system are proprietary dampers, extended travel single synthetic rubber bellows from Trusted Airhouse, a thin upper strut mount, sealed bearings, length-adjustable complete assemblies, all from high-quality brand names. This air suspension is bolt-in installation, meaning you won’t have to reinvent the wheel. The best part is that this air suspension system maintains tire clearance so you can adjust the length of your dampers without having to worry about additional issues.

Best Premium

AccuAir e-Level+ Air Ride Kit

WHERE TO BUY

Buy Online

REASONS TO BUY

• Includes 4 gallon air tank
• Viair 444C compressor
• Single and dual path kits available
• Digital pressure sensor
• Wireless controller connects to ePlus smartphone app
• Lifetime warranty on manifold

REASONS TO AVOID

• Expensive
• Customizations can add to already steep price

SPECIFICATIONS

• Suspension: Includes front and rear Bag Riders suspension components
• Compressor: Viair 444C compressor
• Wireless controller: Wireless controller connects with ePlus smartphone app
• Pressure sensor: Digital pressure sensor
• Kits: Single and dual path kits available
• E-Level+ system: E-Level+ system with presets for 4-corner control

For Tesla Model Y owners who want to go all-in on their air suspension, this kit from Bag Riders includes everything you could possibly want to play with. The features are too many to include all of them here, but the highlights include a digital pressure sensor, front and rear suspension components from Bag Rider, the Viair 444C compressor, and a whole lot of customization available for the right price.

This particular Bag Rider setup is named for the e-Level+ system from AccuAir that allows you to take advantage of presets to adjust height in each of the 4 corners. This system will also communicate with the free ePlus smartphone app to allow you to see the percent of travel for each of the height sensors. This wireless control is one of the best if you’re looking to set your air suspension and forget it.

Best Value

Air Lift Performance PerformanceSeries Tesla Model Y 20-22

WHERE TO BUY

Buy online

REASONS TO BUY

• Threaded-body monotube struts
• 30-way damping adjustability
• Allows for a maximum 4.4-inch drop
• Double bellows progressive rate springs
• Rubber upper mounts
• Braided stainless steel leader air hose

REASONS TO AVOID

• Suspension components and management kit must be purchased separately

SPECIFICATIONS

• Rubber: Rubber upper mounts
• Size: 4.4-inch available drop
• Monotube struts: Monotube struts are threaded for high performance
• Customization: 30-way adjustability damping power
• Air management kit: Air management kit purchased separately (choose from 3H, 3S, 3P)

Air suspension is all about customizing your ride to add comfort to your drive. With the PerformanceSeries air suspension kits available from Air Lift Performance, there’s a wealth of options to choose from to customize a kit just for your needs.

Highlights of this particular air suspension kit include high-performance threaded monotube struts, rubber upper mounts, braided stainless steel leader hoses, and the ability to drop your Tesla Model Y up to 4.4 inches. With a 30-way adjustability when it comes to damping, there’s not much you can’t tackle.

To complete this ensemble, you will have to choose an air management system, which consists mainly of a compressor, along with the line size and manifold you prefer. You can also choose between 3H, 3S, and 3P.

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