Tesla’s Model Y has everything enthusiasts liked in the Model 3 in a bigger shape, including interior design, range, performance, and charging network. However, it has an SUV appearance compared to the Model 3, which it was modeled after.
In retrospect, the Tesla Model Y debuted in the US market in March 2020 as the leading American automaker aimed to offer a more potent and spacious offering version of its existing Model 3. Meanwhile, its UK deliveries only started in late February 2022, with only five-seat versions. Nonetheless, the EV giant plans to launch the seven-seat option for the Model Y there soon.
In case you are not aware, the Tesla Model Y currently has two variants: the Long Range AWD and Performance.
Tesla Model Y specifications
Below are the key specifications of the Tesla Model displayed on the company’s online configurator.
| Specs | Long Range AWD | Performance |
| Battery | 81 kWh | 81 kWh |
| Acceleration | 4.8 s 0-60 mph | 3.5 s 0-60 mph with rollout subtracted |
| Range | 330 miles (EPA est.) | 303 miles (EPA est.) |
| Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Seating | Up to 7 | Up to 5 |
| Wheels | 19″ or 20″ | 21″ |
| Weight | 4,363 lbs | 4,398 lbs |
| Max Cargo Volume | 76 cu ft | 76 cu ft |
| Top Speed | 135 mph | 155 mph |
| Displays | 15″ Center Touchscreen | 15″ Center Touchscreen |
| Supercharging Max/Payment Type | 250 kW Max; Pay Per Use | 250 kW Max; Pay Per Use |
| Warranty | Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first | Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 mi, whichever comes first |
| Price | $54,990 | $58,990 |
Notably, Tesla’s Model Y portfolio now excluded the Standard RWD cost-leader trim. Nonetheless, Tesla will launch a new base model with the same dual-motor AWD configuration as the current two variants in 2023, with a range of 279 miles.
Driving
The Tesla Model Y does not match the acceleration of its sibling Model 3, given that it has a heavier weight than the latter. The table above shows that the Model Y Long Range AWD variant can accelerate 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the Performance can do so in just 3.5 seconds.
Still, that acceleration is slower than the Model 3’s Long Range and Performance versions, which can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Meanwhile, its entry-level variant can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD variant has an EPA estimated range of 330 miles and a top speed of 135 mph. Meanwhile, the Performance has 303 miles and 155 mph maximum speed.
As for drive comfort, the Tesla Model Y has larger wheels from 19 to 21 inches rim than the Model 3, making it shaky over bumps and potholes. Furthermore, the Model Y features the same high-speed steering that is so effective on the Model 3. However, the Model Y seems a little uneasy since it reacts with somewhat more of the slowness of an SUV.
Due to the lack of a parcel shelf and the glass roof’s poor sound absorption, the Model Y’s interior tends to echo, producing unwanted sounds and vibrations. While driving, you may hear some road noise and the suspension’s boom. However, the brakes on the Model Y are excellent. Compared to most electric cars, it is much smoother and more advanced.
Interior and cargo
The Model Y’s interior seems to be primarily influenced by the Model 3 sedan. It has a “too-digital” interior as it significantly relies on its large 15-inch infotainment display. It offers numerous features such as navigation, browsing, climate control, and entertainment (like the Model 3).
Another attractive feature of the Model Y is that it has a fully tinted glass roof that offers an airy feel to the cabin.
However, the seating design is the Tesla Model Y’s most remarkable difference from the Model 3. You sit notably higher in the seats since they are positioned on stilts, practically looking down at the dashboard. The seats are made of “vegan” leather, and it has a soft but plastic steering wheel.
The steering wheel and pedals are perfectly aligned with the driver’s seat. However, the wheel requires a lot of effort to adjust for reach and height. To do that, you first instruct the vehicle via the infotainment display and then fiddle with a few small controls on the steering wheel.
Nonetheless, the front space of the electric SUV is exceptional. Apart from the large interior, it has a lidded compartment between the front seats and a sizable storage space under the center armrest. Furthermore, it has a modest advantage in terms of rear space over the Tesla Model 3 due to its flat floor.
It is also standardly equipped with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which can offer you the required space depending on your needs.
Most notably, the Tesla Model Y has seating options of up to 7. The Long Range AWD variant has seven seats while the Performance has 5, per Tesla’s website. As for the cargo space, both versions offer 76 cu ft.
Exterior
Notably, the Model Y is under the Model X in Tesla’s SUV lineup (S/E/X/Y). However, it is not equipped with the Model X’s complex Wing doors.
The Tesla Model Y has a coupe-like form with muscular lines and a taller roof than the Tesla Model 3. However, it has a smooth front fascia resembling the Model 3.
From the rear appearance, the Tesla Model Y seems to have the Model X’s hatch aesthetics and taillights. The Long Range variant is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and available 20-inch Induction wheels. Meanwhile, the Performance model is fitted with 21-inch Uberturbine wheels.
Remarkably, both variants have power-folding side mirrors, LED fog lamps, and a tinted glass roof, as mentioned.
| Variants | Long Range AWD | Performance |
| Max Width | 75.6 in. | 75.6 in. |
| Length | 187 in. | 187 in. |
| Height | 63.9 in. | 63.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in. | 113.8 in. |
As for the dimensions, the Tesla Model Y features a length of 187 inches and a width of 75.6 inches (mirrors excluded). Meanwhile, its ground clearance measures 6.6 inches, and the wheelbase measures 113.8 inches. That said, the Model Y is undoubtedly not a compact SUV, but its dimensions are more practical than the Model X.
Furthermore, the Performance weighs 4,398 lbs., while the Long Range variant measures 4,363 lbs. at the curb. Meanwhile, its exterior colors offer the Pearl White Multi-Coat and the Midnight Silver Metallic as standard. However, the other paint options cost extra:
- Deep Blue Metallic for +$1,00
- Solid Black for +$1,5000
- Red Multi-Coat for +$2,000
Other features and extras
All Tesla Model Y variants offer numerous luxuries, such as the following:
- climate control
- adaptive cruise control
- faux-leather seats (heated in the front and back)
- electric tailgate
- keyless entry via the Tesla app
- autopilot semi-autonomous driving system
- Over-the-air software updates
As for the additional options, the Tesla Model Y offers the following:
- paint options
- alloy wheel designs
- tow bar package
- self-parking feature
- summon feature
Safety
The Tesla Model Y secured Euro NCAP’s highest 5-star rating. Apart from that, the SUV has also been awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
It is standardly equipped with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, it has a sentry mode that films the surrounding area when it is approached after it has been locked, recording the footage to a USB drive.
Pricing
The price of the Tesla Long Range AWD is $54,990, while the Performance is $58,990. Due to Tesla’s Supercharger network, you would also be enticed to buy the Model Y over electric SUVs from other brands. It is known to be widespread and reliable, allowing a charging capacity of 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
Until March, the Tesla Model Y is qualified for the new federal tax credits of up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act. That said, the $54,990 for the Long Range AWD version can be reduced to $47,490.
All that said, the Tesla Model Y is undoubtedly speedy, with a substantial range between charges. However, it has raucous cruiser manners and a rough, unsettling ride. Nonetheless, the electric SUV remained one of the automaker’s bestselling models. It has even topped California’s most popular car Toyota Camry in 2022.
If you are interested to place an order for the Tesla Model Y, click here.
