Tesla’s all-electric crossover Model Y advanced as the world’s top-selling vehicle in 2023, Driving reports, citing JATO’s preliminary data compilation.
“The increase in global sales of the Model Y is unprecedented, particularly for a vehicle in the top ten best-sellers. What Tesla has been able to achieve with the Model Y in such a short space of time is simply remarkable.”
Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics
Tesla Model Y’s sales performance in 2023
According to the data, Tesla sold a total of 1.23 million units in the global market from January to December 2023. It represented a year-on-year growth of a whopping 64%.
As expected, the Tesla Model Y was the top-selling vehicle in the European and Chinese markets. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) revealed that Tesla’s Model Y sales sold over 456,000 units in the world’s largest auto market, up 45% YoY.
Moreover, the Tesla Model Y surpassed 255,000 registrations throughout 30 European markets. It indicated a 19,000-unit advantage over the region’s second-top-selling vehicle, Dacia Sandero.
“The average retail price of a Tesla Model Y in November 2023 was 18% and 23% lower than the average cost of an EV in Germany and USA respectively. The price cuts over the course of the year combined with Tesla’s reputation as a reliable and competitive EV manufacturer, helped to fuel already high demand. As a result, Tesla is front of mind for many consumers looking to purchase an EV.”
Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics
Toyota loses its crown
Long-time global market leader Toyota saw its popular RAV4 and Corolla slip from the highest spots to just behind Tesla’s Model Y.
According to the data, the Toyota RAV4 landed second with 1.07 million sales in 2023. It indicated a notable increase from 1.02 million records in the prior year. Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla sold 1.01 million units and claimed the third spot in the rankings.
“Toyota has a strong presence worldwide, with the RAV4 (an SUV) and the Corolla (a compact car) making the brand attractive with a diverse offering. However, both models lack pure electric options, with only offer hybrid alternatives.
While Toyota still experienced a strong year in 2023, the RAV4 and Corolla are simply unable to compete in the electric car market, which is becoming increasingly established and important across Europe and China.”
Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics
Tesla Model Y key specs
Presented below are the key specifications of the Tesla Model Y:
| Tesla Model Y | Performance | Long Range AWD | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | Long Range | Long Range | Standard Range |
| Range (est.) | 285 mi | 310 mi | 260 mi |
| ‡Acceleration 0-60 mph | 3.5 s with rollout subtracted | 4.8 s 0-60 mph | 6.6 s 0-60 mph |
| Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Weight | 4,398 lbs | 4,363 lbs | 4,154 lbs |
| Cargo | 76 cu ft | 76 cu ft | 76 cu ft |
| Wheels | 21″ | 19″ or 20″ | 19″ or 20″ |
| Seating | 5 Adults | Up to 7 Adults | 5 Adults |
| Displays | 15″ Center Touchscreen | 15″ Center Touchscreen | 15″ Center Touchscreen |
| Ground Clearance | 6.2″ | 6.8″ | 6.8″ |
| Overall Width | Folded mirrors: 77.9″ Extended mirrors: 83.8″ | Folded mirrors: 77.9″ Extended mirrors: 83.8″ | Folded mirrors: 77.9″ Extended mirrors: 83.8″ |
| Overall Height | 64″ | 64″ | 64″ |
| Overall Length | 187″ | 187″ | 187″ |
| Track – Front & Rear | 64.8″ & 64.2″ | 64.4″ & 64.4″ | 64.4″ & 64.4″ |
| Supercharging Max/Payment Type | 250 kW Max; Pay Per Use | 250 kW Max; Pay Per Use | 170 kW Max; Pay Per Use |
| Charging Speed | Up to 160 miles added in 15 minutes† | Up to 160 miles added in 15 minutes† | Up to 160 miles added in 15 minutes† |
| Basic Vehicle | 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first | 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first | 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first |
| Battery & Drive Unit | 8 years or 120,000 mi, whichever comes first | 8 years or 120,000 mi, whichever comes first | 8 years or 100,000 mi, whichever comes first |
The 2024 Tesla Model Y is also eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 in the US. Eligible customers can benefit from the IRA’s clean vehicle tax credit at the time of delivery, an accelerated process from the previous guidelines that required buyers to wait for the following year’s tax season.
